gluten-free dining out and holiday socials

Tis the season to be eating out more frequently - holidays mean gatherings of groups from the office, associations, teams… it's a time when larger groups book dinner out in restaurants you've never eaten at before. 

Today with so much hoopla about gluten-free… there are options. What frightens me, is that in many cases the establishment hasn't actually learned what gluten-free really means. Serving rice pasta that's cooked in the same pasta water as the wheat pasta (beware!), risotto made with the same pasta water (yes, this is common practise!), or fries cooked in the same oil as the battered onion rings, samosas etc. is par for the course. That's just for starters. There's the soy sauce in the marinade or the dressing, the bouillon used in the soup or sauce…. Those of us who live on a strict gluten-free diet know. Those serving a population that they believe to be following the latest trend - typically, do not. 

Don't get me wrong - I'm delighted that gluten-free living is being embraced and is helping more than just those with celiac disease. I'm very happy to live in a society that is starting to take healthcare to the level of diet before chronic illness requires stronger remedies. I love my gluten-free diet. It's just that today, I'm less trusting of the cavalier use of the term gluten free. I feel the need to throw around "celiac" in a restaurant while looking the server in the eye that pleas for them to take me seriously.  

A couple of weeks ago I ate in a restaurant for the first time and asked if the burger was gluten-free. The waiter responded by saying that it was provided I didn't have the bun. When I asked about fries, he said that they were made in the same oil as other gluten items. I immediately felt safer about the burger I'd just ordered (with a side salad). 

This weekend we were out in another new establishment which largely served pizza and pasta. They had risotto, so I asked about how it was made. The girl looked confused when I asked about the pasta water. When she came back she told me not to order it - not because of the water, but because even the kitchen didn't know what was in the bouillon. In the end I ordered the chicken - it was the only option on the menu. When in doubt, opt for simple (grilled or broiled, no sauce and clarify that something isn't dredged in flour first when it comes to meat and fish). Scare them with the thought that you might be ill right in the restaurant if you must :)

In the next two weeks I have at least 3 events that I can think of where I'll be dining with a large group in a restaurant I've never eaten at before. I will be perusing the menu on-line in advance and making a call before going to save getting lost in the shuffle of a big group. No one wants to get sick over the holidays… and this is one time of year where you're bound to find yourself outside of your comfort zone. I've written more extensively on holiday socializing HERE. 

Wishing you a safe and Happy Holidays!!

Sackville New Brunswick: Gluten-free

We have a place out on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia on the Bay of Fundy. We have no problem eating gluten-free here. In fact, there isn't a place to buy anything to eat unless you get in your car and drive to the Co-op in a neighbouring village.

While the view is glorious, we occasionally need to venture. This summer I made my second visit to Sackville, New Brunswick. Home of Mount Allison University. If you were a celiac kid going off to school, this place looks pretty ideal. Tiny school. Tiny town. Only a handful of places to eat if you include the coffee shops. 

This might actually sound more like a celiac nightmare... but here one of these places is an entirely gluten-free bakery and shop called The Cackling Goose Market. 

They make the most amazing gf carrot cake. Like, so good that Bill suggested we stop again on our way home to Toronto so we could have more for breakfast. 

For dinner, you walk half a block to Joey's, an old Italian restaurant that serves up gluten-free pizza and pasta and takes your concerns pretty seriously. The owner sat us down and made sure we understood he got it, followed by the server who re-iterated that she was aware I needed safe food.

Not too many readers are going to head to Sackville specifically for this purpose, but I thought that a number of anxious parents searching the net when sending their kids off to school might be comforted knowing that there has never been a better time to be gluten free. Having done this for more than 40 years, I still cannot believe how lucky I am every time I find GOOD safe food. 

Click on Cackling Goose and Joey's for links to more info. 
I hope that this summer you had equally wonderful gluten-free surprises. 

New York, Anna & the gluten-free adventure

My cousin Anna and I have been writing to each other from distant lands for more than 20 years.  Our mothers are sisters who both left England in the 1960's and head in very different directions. Anna's mum emigrated to Australia and my mum came to Canada. Last week we met for the very first time in New York City. Within minutes of meeting our pen pal status was elevated to great friends. 

Anna was a serious trooper when it came to trekking around the city to try famed gluten-free bakeries. Being a vegetarian she was quite empathetic to how restaurants were chosen, and was open to shopping in the Chelsea Market near our guest house (where we had a kitchenette) so that we could have some fresh foods at home and to pack for days of hiking the cityscape. A new adventurous food friend - this was sheer bliss!

First stop: Tulu's Bakery. I've linked all of the names of the establishments to their websites so that you can find out what you need. 

 

Despite the late hour, Tu-lu's door was constantly swinging open with people coming in for an end of day cupcake fix. 

We met a bloke named Benny here - who referred to himself as a "Glutard", much to Anna's amusement.  When she asked if he'd been to La Risotteria he was quick to share he'd been picked up not once but twice, by girls who were looking for a gluten-free boy toy. When we left, Anna wondered aloud if this might be Benny's best selling point.  

On to the grub - I ordered the cinnamon coffee cake loaf, a brownie and a chocolate cupcake. Anna opted for a selection of mini cupcakes (image above). In an unusual state of self control we actually made it back to our hotel with our loot in tow.  That loaf was gobbled up for breakfast the next morning with tea. We conferred that Tu-lu's had been worth the trek.

Babycakes is probably the most famous of the gluten-free bakeries in NYC. The owner Erin, has been on many TV shows and has published a beautiful cookbook. On our last night we made this our pilgrimage. 

  

Yowza. I just didn't know where to start! While this bakery is known for their cupcakes - I thought I'd try a donut and a madeleine as I'd never had either before. Worth. Every. Penny. Can't believe I showed such self control.. and a part of me is relieved that this place isn't too close or I'd be needing to run more often!        

One of the best things about food - is how it bonds us. In our gleeful perusal of goodies we got to know Hanna, who sat in the window enjoying a cupcake. Hanna kindly offered up a couple of her favourite gluten-free restaurants in the city. As our NYC visit was winding down, we didn't get a chance to try them this time - but I've linked to Nizza and Fiorello so that you can check them out. 

 

We ate at La Risotteria, which is without a doubt a "must do". According to Benny - you might even get a date out of it! This was my third visit to the establishment, and I can't imagine a trip to NYC without a stop here. Even Anna commented that her risotto was the best she'd ever eaten. I normally opt for pizza, but this round had the spinach and sausage risotto. SO GOOD!

There is something incredible about arriving at a restaurant where gluten-free bread sticks are greeting you! This place only seats 20 and doesn't take reservations, so unless you are willing to hang out for a bit - I recommend you go early. A special thanks to my Auntie Thea for treating us to this special night out on the town! 

Finally, a shout out to Benny's Burritos (nope, not the same Benny)...where we had yummy Mexican food - notations on the menu clarified the gluten-free factor, and there was a huge selection. The place is packed in the evenings (a good sign) so we did lunch. Bill and I have eaten here on previous visits and I always have a hugely satisfying meal. 

Looking forward to checking out Hanna's suggestions on our next visit to NYC.... but will miss having my dear cousin, the lovely Sunshine Anna by my side. 

If you're heading to NYC anytime soon be sure to bookmark this post. If you have other great options to share - please do so in the comments or on this blog's Facebook fan page HERE. If you come from a place where gf treats are hard to find... I recommend that you bring an extra suitcase to cart home some goodies... and bring some stretchy pants for the ride home :)

 

gluten-free Indian food.... yes please!!

While I have great affection for all things Italian - I have to say the best food in my books when it comes to dining out or ordering in has to be Indian. Don't take my word for it (yep, you still have to check with the kitchen), but there are many delicious dishes that are naturally gluten free providing they are prepared safely.

my candlelit photo is not the best representation!

Rice - most of us will agree we feel pretty confident about rice. Basmati with oil and spices, sometimes vegetables... shake it up and try them all. (Yes Dad, I still pick out the peas). 

Pakora is hands down my favourite dish. They are essentially spicy, fritter appetizers made of chickpea flour, spices and veggies (usually potato, onions, spinach). Make sure that they are not fried with other gluten-ridden items on the menu.

Butter Chicken (chicken in a rich and creamy tomato-style sauce), Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower), Chana Masala (chickpeas in spicy sauce).... oh my!! (Click on the names which are linked to more information on each dish.)

Ideally, you can find an Indian take-out close to home with an owner that is available to have a chat. Every few times I order I check in on my ingredients intelligence to make sure that dishes continue to be safe. In some places Saag Paneer (Indian cheese with spinach) is made gluten-free, but not everywhere.

Skip the Naan bread, have the Papadum crackers. Finally, I'd suggest that you move slowly, adding new dishes over time. I've been doing this for awhile, and like to explore dishes beyond the "classics" highlighted here. 

I'm getting to know the gentleman who owns the Indian restaurant down the street. Making friends with the people who make your food - feels good. You'll also feel more confident that they will take good care of you!

arepa... another gluten-free gift

Tonight I stopped by a lovely event held at an amazing Venezuelan cafe in downtown Toronto called arepa. This spot is an absolute gluten-free delight.

An arepa is made of corn flour. The "bread" has a very slight crispness on the grilled exterior and is soft and warm inside. The fillings can be made of pulled meat, and or cheese and or vegetables.  

I had my very first arepa in San Francisco a couple of years ago - and I thought I'd have to travel great distances to have another... until Angela introduced me to this amazing place in our own city. I was giddy the first time I walked in.

The ambiance of arepa cafe is contemporary yet cozy. Rows of packaged PAN cornmeal are on display... such a comforting sight! The  menu indicates which dishes (most!) are free from gluten. A haven for celiacs :)

photo credit: vince talotta/toronto star

Tonight I was there for the exhibition opening of Michele Guevara - a very talented fibre artist whose work will be on display at arepa cafe through January 12. 

The combination of warm people, creative expression and abundance of delicious foods we can indulge in... reminded me once again that life is full of gifts. I can't wait to go back.

brunch - gluten free style

gluten-free bread served with eggs, bacon and home fries at little fish

The gluten-free stars really have aligned for me - a year ago a bakery called littlefish opened in my neighborhood directly across the street from my home on Dundas Street West. This is essentially an all day brunch establishment - that is NOT gluten free. However, when you order your gluten-free toast they actually offer you a selection of white or brown. My typical classic breakfast is pictured above. Delish.

Last December, a totally gluten-free (and vegan) bakery opened up less than a block from my home. Bunners makes a cupcake so rich that it should only be eaten in two sittings - and the red velvet birthday cake? Divine. 

The Beet (a mere 3 blocks away) has a number of healthy, tasty, local, organic & gluten-free entres clearly marked on the menu. I particularly like the bbq chicken rice wraps.

My neighborhood in Toronto is known as the Junction. Ten years ago there was literally nothing to draw people here - today, it has certainly made me feel very much at home. 

Finally on the topic of local baked goods... a shout out to my dear friend Angela, who showed up at my door with a gift of homemade gluten free carrot muffins last weekend. The universe is keeping the baked goods coming!
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