Month: June 2012

Asia

Guest Post: Gluten-Free in the Philippines

Erin Smith

When I put out my request for guest travel posts, I got an interesting email from a woman named Jessica in the Philippines. I have to be honest and say that the Philippines wasn’t really on my travel radar, although I am sure it is a beautiful country. Here is an edited copy of Jessica’s post about eating gluten-free in the Philippines. Please remember, these are Jessica’s opinions and experiences so I cannot vouch for this information. 

Photo from Wow Philippines

Gluten-free in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the government recognizes the importance of having readily available gluten-free foods in the local market that will cater to the needs of both the locals and the international tourists. In fact, a handful of congressmen has taken the initiative to ensure that the gluten-free foods sold in the country adhere to international standards. Through the “Gluten-Free Labeling Standard Act,” gluten-free food sellers and distributors are required to limit the gluten contents of their food products in accordance with the standards of Codex Alimentarius, an international organization handled by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)of the United Nations.

[Ed. Note: I could not find any updated information about the Philippine Congress House Bill 03345. The most recent information is from 2007. If anyone has updated information about the Philippine GF Labeling Standard Act, I would love to read it!]

Furthermore, the Philippines is naturally abundant in gluten-free foods, making it a convenient place for people under the gluten-free diet to live and travel in. The local cuisine itself already offers a wide array of choices from delicious appetizers to mouth-watering desserts. Some of the more popular gluten-free local dishes are lumpia (a local adaptation of spring rolls), pancit (rice noodles)[Ed. Note: Use GF rice noodles and GF soy sauce], and desserts like champorado (chocolate rice porridge), puto (steamed rice muffins) [Ed. Note: be sure to use GF rice flour!], and biko (rice cake).

Specialty stores in different malls across the country also sell gluten-free foods. A popular destination among those under the gluten-free diet is the Healthy Options store, which sells gluten-free cakes, cereals, and other delicacies. Local markets and groceries also sell a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. As an archipelago, the country is surrounded by expansive bodies of water that provide it with a regular and steady supply of different kinds of seafoods such as fishes, shells, shrimps, crabs, etc, which are commonly sold in the local wet markets.

Having celiac disease and being under a gluten-free diet does not necessarily entail a person to sacrifice his gastronomic experience. The modern market offers a wide variety of alternative choices for everyone. As for travelers under the gluten-free diet, you might want to consider the Philippines as your next destination for leisure and vacation. Blessed with abundant natural resources and beautiful tourist spots, you will surely have a wonderful time with friends and family without having to worry about your next gluten-free meal!

About the Author
Jessica Francisco is a cheerful 25-year-old with an odd sense of fun. The least of her broad range of hobbies include swimming, hiking and listening to the music of Michael Jackson. Jessica is also one of the editors of the Luke Roxas blog site.

Chicago, general, New York, USA

Guest Post: Gluten-Free with Charlotte (Part 2)

Erin Smith

Charlotte, of Mommy and the City, is a witty blogger that I have been following for about a year now. Last week, Charlotte shared her gluten-free pre-travel tips. Now she gives some tips about her favorite and most accommodating gluten-free restaurants in Santa Fe, New York City, and Chicago. Please remember, these are Charlotte’s opinions and experiences so I cannot vouch for any of these restaurants personally. 

Santa Fe

  • The Shed (http://www.sfshed.com/home.html) – I would have eaten here every day.  The entire menu – except the bread and mole sauces – is gluten free.  They quickly offer up alternatives to the mole sauces.

    GF Bean Burrito at The Shed
  • El Farol (http://www.elfarolsf.com/gluten-free) – I dream about their mussles regularly.  I visited Santa Fe about 9 years ago (long before my diagnosis).  I had to go back when we visited recently and was thrilled when I called to check on the restaurant’s GF options that a lot of the tapas I recalled were safe.  They take great care to let you know what has potential cross contamination and to keep you clear of it.
  • Rooftop Pizzeria (http://www.rooftoppizzeria.com/index.php) – While there is no GF option listed on this menu, I did find it based on the findmeglutenfree app.  I called and was well cared for there.  I was boarding on a breakdown, having just left a restaurant for the first time because I was uncomfortable.  I hadn’t eaten since lunch.  They could tell I was nervous and upset.  They took great care of me and my food.  The pizza was amazing.  Their topping options are great and the have good practices in place to avoid cross contamination.

New York

  • Again, I go with any Mario Batali restaurant, though they can be pricey.
  • Nizza on 9th and 45th (http://nizzanyc.com/menu#gluten-free)  — fantastic.  GIG reviewed menu a great reco from @gfreefun.  I cannot wait to go back again.  I had the Socco with caramelized onion.  It was so good.  Who knew Chickpeas could make such a great crust.
  • Eolo 7th Ave at 21st ( http://eolonewyork.com/menus/) they had a GF pasta option and I could pick any sauce.  I chose the cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, peas, spring onions, asparagus & string beans.  It was so fresh and very yummy.

Chicago
I am going to be honest, I have a steady rotation of Joe’s Chicago , Prasino and Chicago q going on and I am working hard to broaden my options but these are two of my favorites.

  • Joe’s Steak and Stone Crab – Grand & Rush (http://www.joes.net/).  I love them.  They take very good care of me there. I dine there regularly and when someone is in from out of town this is likely my #1 recommendation.  We go for every special occasion/celebration in our family.

    Stone Crabs at Joe's
    Stone Crabs at Joe’s
  • Prasino (2 locations but I have only been to the Wicker Park one) (http://www.prasino.com/home.php) – I am fortunate to have this as our local GF option in walking distance from our house.  The kids love it, my husband and I love it.  It is super “hip” if you want it to be and super “approachable” if you want it to be.  We have celebrated New Years’ Eve there and we have just popped by on a Tuesday to sit on the patio in the summer or in the winter by the fireplace.  My kids and the host, Reggie, are on a first name basis.  My favorite lunch/dinner dish is the Lobster stuffed avocado (yes, it looks this good in real life too http://www.prasino.com/gallery_food.html) and for breakfast I love the omelet with the feta and red peppers and you can ask for GF bread.
  • Salpicon (Old Town) (http://www.salpicon.com/) – I just went on Saturday night.  It was some of the most fun we have had in recent history.  This great upscale Mexican restaurant was ready for me.  Anything with an * by it has Gluten.  Other than that enjoy.  The chef participated in the Spring Flours benefit (supporting @cureceliac at University of Chicago) this year.  I met her, she was lovely, and she told me all about the precautions they take in the kitchen to assure no cross-contamination.   I cannot wait to go back again and try more.  Four days later and my husband and I are still talking about it.
  • The lovely Charlotte enjoying Easter at Chicago q

    Chicago q (Old Town) http://chicagoqrestaurant.com/menus/gluten_free.php) – few things make me happier than BBQ.  I am originally from Kansas City, where for my money the best BBQ exists.  For the over 15 years I have lived in Chicago, I have searched desperately for BBQ.  My standards over the years had slipped, I used to search for GOOD BBQ, then it was acceptable and then it was a place that at least recognized that Ketchup is a different condiment than BBQ Sauce; forget about understanding that BBQ is more of a skill set to cooking and seasoning than sauce alone.  So imagine my joy when learning about Chicago q.  Chef Lee Ann Whippen is a pitmaster and a certified BBQ judge for the Kansas City Barbecue Society.  AHHH music to my ears!  I discovered Chicago q shortly after it opened and am grateful that the team there understands my Gluten Free needs because it is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago.  Just order the competition ribs and enjoy and don’t be shy about those chips and pickles when they are brought out.  They fry the chips in a clean fryer at the beginning of every day for the whole day.

  • Hub 51 (Shockingly at 51 W Hubbard, http://www.hub51chicago.com/)  – We are regulars on the HUB51 lunch scene.  They have a great GF menu and save room for the Butterscotch Pot de Crème, you will be so glad you did! (My mouth is watering right now).
  • FoodLife – the Chef & Team that run Mity Nice Grill ( a great GF option) also run the stations at FoodLife in the WaterTower Shopping area.  There is a large variety and it is very budget friendly.  If you are tourist looking for a quick, good, GF option to satisfy every craving, FoodLife is perfect.
  • At this point I am going to refer you to the Lettuce Entertain You Gluten Free Menu list.  It is extensive and I would trust it.  But always ask your server; ask for a manager if you need re-assurance and leave if you don’t feel your needs will be met.  It is inconceivable to me to have anything but a great, gluten free experience at any Lettuce spot.  (http://www.leye.com/gluten-free-menus)

I would also like to give a cocktail shout out to one of the hottest new restaurants in the city:

  • NellCote – (http://nellcoterestaurant.com/) They mill their own flour there and for cross contamination reasons I will never eat there.  However, they were transparent with me, telling me all about how it would be impossible to not cross contaminate due to the milling.  They encouraged me to come in for cocktails instead.  I appreciate their straightforwardness and the space and the drinks were amazing.  So I support restaurants like this, I like it when places are honest and kept me healthy instead of trying to tell me that they can make me something without gluten.  Cheers NellCote.

While, my list could go on and on and on, for now this will suffice.  I will just say, I am relieved, relieved to have so many options, relieved to have so many resources, relieved to be empowered to make my life better through diet and not medicine, relieved that when I am on the road, for work or for fun, I still have adventures.  They are just Gluten Free adventures now.

About Charlotte
I live in Chicago and travel for work all the time. I am obsessed with wine, mostly California wines. I have two kids (3 &5) an amazing husband and we all love Chicago! We live in the city and love all that it offers my family. I am trying GF menus where I find them one daring bite at a time. Keep up with my adventures at http://glutenfreemommyandthecity.blogspot.com/ or more regularly via twitter @MommyAndTheCity

Mexico

Gluten Free Arts and Culture Tour in Mexico

Erin Smith

Gluten Free Arts & Culture Tour: August 4-11, 2012 
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico featuring guest chef David Ferguson
$2800 per person (double occupancy)

Colibri Culinary Travel is offering a gluten free arts and culture tour to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Travel + Leisure Magazine’s #4 pick for top ten world destinations. For eight days and seven nights, travelers will enjoy farm-to-table, organic cuisine and classes from resident chef Alicia Rivero, and guest chef David Ferguson. Chef David combined a love of BBQ with a passion for strong Mexican spicing and applied his fine-dining training (he earned his stripes at Toqué! and Au Pied de Cochon) to create one of Montreal’s most idiosyncratic and best loved dining establishments, roadhouse-style restaurant Le Jolifou.

Casa de la Noche, a former bordello turned stylish inn offers rooms with private baths, spacious dining and peaceful courtyard areas. It features a water purification system and offers wireless Internet and free US telephone service. And, centrally located in San Miguel’s historic center, it is only three blocks from the main garden square of San Miguel, home of the famous pink cathedral, the Paroquia.

Included:
All meals, lodging, airport transfers, activities, classes, gratuities, tequila tasting, entrance fees, Colibri’s own self guided tour handbook.

Group Activity Highlights

Payment

Immediate deposit of 50% confirmed upon clearance of payment secures space. 100% balance due July 10. Email Cate Lazen at colibriculinarytravel@gmail.comfor payment instructions and questions about anything. Interested in this trip? Email Cate and don’t forget to mention Gluten-Free Globetrotter!

Refunds:

100% by June 23
50% by July 14
25% by July 21
After July 21 none

Travel Insurance:
Colibri strongly recommends http://www.insuremytrip.com at your own cost.

Colibri’s self guided tours (instructions, maps included):

  • Markets: organic produce, artisan/crafts, etc
  • Mariachi and salsa music performance
  • Botanical Gardens

Trip Does not include:
Round trip airfare to Mexico, personal alcohol, personal expenses (prescriptions, toiletries, etc.) and activities/cabs/tips outside of Colibri agenda (e.g. spa services, excursions classes).

Interested in this trip? Email Cate and mention Gluten-Free Globetrotter!

 

About Colibri founder, Catherine Lazen

Since my diagnosis of celiac disease in 2008, I’ve enjoyed the best health of my entire life on a strict gluten free diet. But I sure do miss my korean barbeque– and I’d give anything for an empanada or a spicy hot pot curry. After several accidental gluten exposures in hometown and New York City restaurants made me sick, I came to a painful conclusion. I cannot eat outside my own kitchen without serious risk.

In 2011, I  launched Colibri, my custom catered travel solution designed to set me and my community of special dieters free. I’ve vetted villas and haciendas, trained chefs and from bedding thread counts to dessert plates– I’ve touched, slept on, tasted and experienced everything we offer through Colibri. I’ve brought my personal aesthetic of causal elegance, taste for farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to the sustainable travel together in one-of-kind experiences designed to nourish mind, body and spirit. For anyone who has ever played it safe ordering the side salad, eaten out of ziplock bags, gone hungry, gotten sick or stayed home, Colibri offers once-in-a-lifetime foodie tours in Mexico and El Salvador. (I’ll add destinations in Costa Rica, Brazil and Chile in the months to come!)

USA

Gluten-Free Delaware Dining Guide

Erin Smith

December 2013 update: Unfortunately, this guide is no longer available. If you are looking for gluten-free information for Delaware, download the Gluten-Free Philly app from iTunes which covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South New Jersey.

 

If you aren’t reading Gluten-Free Philly, you should be. My friend Michael impresses me each week with his extensive listings of gluten-free friendly restaurants throughout mid-Atlantic states including Philadelphia, south New Jersey, and beyond. He also gets to try the latest gluten-free products and share his reviews with his readers. Michael doesn’t have Celiac, but he is the very devoted father of an 11-year-old boy living with Celiac for more than 8 years. He’s an attorney, Business Advisory Board member for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, and a very member of the gluten-free online community.  Needless to say, Gluten-Free Philly stays busy!

Just in time for summer, Gluten-Free Philly put together a gluten-free dining guide for Delaware. With miles of beaches and boardwalks, Delaware is a great location for a summer getaway. Michael’s new e-book will help you navigate your gluten-free vacation in Delaware and is available now in PDF format for only $3.99.

Gluten-Free Philly Delaware Dining Guide

The ‘Gluten Free Philly’ Delaware Dining Guide (PDF format) is a resource for diners with celiac disease and others on a gluten-free diet, providing hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.

Click here to order your PDF today!