Month: January 2012

Europe, Italy

Gluten-Free Apartment in Venice

Erin Smith
One of my favorite photos I took in Venice

I had an amazing trip to Italy in October 2009. My mom and I spent 10 busy days in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Although I loved Rome the best, Venice is one of those magical places that you just have to see for yourself. The canals, the gondolas, the dead-end alleyways. There is just something so mysterious about Venice. Although I ate very well in Rome and Florence, I couldn’t find as many gluten-free options in Venice. I was only there for about 2 days, so I didn’t go hungry and I brought treats with me from the other cities.

Just last week, a very interesting email came to me from a woman named Veronica in Italy. She has a 13-year-old daughter with Celiac Disease so Veronica understands the sometimes daunting task of traveling while maintaining a gluten-free diet. Veronica is the caretaker of an apartment with a gluten-free, non-contaminated kitchen in Lido, a short vaparetto ride away from Venice. The apartment is available for short-term rental and would be the perfect base for your Venetian vacation.

Here’s some additional information about the apartment in Lido from Veronica:

This apartment is furnished with elegance, praticality and taste. In all its details, note the constant attention of the owner had to create a welcoming and equipped with all amenities to make guests feel at home.

The apartment is on first floor of a typical 1900 villa. The apartment can accommodate up to 4 people and has a living room with small kitchen where you can find a comfortable sofa into a bed, a matrimonial bedroom, and a bathroom. This apartment is ideal for a family who want to spend a vacation in Venice or a group of friends who want to spend a weekend of fun at the beach.

It has: air-conditioning, heating, television , microwave, washing-machine, iron and hairdryer.

This apartment is located in the heart of Lido, 100 meters by foot from the vaporetto that take you to Venice and to the beautiful Piazza San Marco.

In Venice, there is one one restaurant especially gluten-free. Then you can eat at Hard Rock cafe and in any places you can have salad, meat, fish. On the Lido which is an isle in front of Venice, there is a fish restaurant where if you advise inn time they can make you pasta, risotto and also pizza.

The rates are all inclusive from 120 to 200 euro per day per apartment.

Now, since I have not been to this apartment I cannot vouch for it myself but I thought this would be an interesting option to explore when traveling to Italy. If you end up inquiring and traveling to this apartment in Lido , I would love your feedback!

For more information about this gluten-free apartment in Lido, Venice, Italy please contact Veronica directly at fabrisveronica@yahoo.it

Apartment living room
Kitchen
Dining Area

Asia, general

No Grain, No Pain: South China Morning Post

Erin Smith

Although I don’t have much information about being gluten-free in Asia, I was excited to be interviewed for the South China Morning Post last year about being gluten-free. Click the links below to read the article.

South China Morning Post: No Grain, No Pain (1 of 2)

South China Morning Post: No Grain, No Pain (2 of 2)

Have you been to Asia? Did you have any good or bad gluten-free experiences? Please share in the comments section below.

general

Gluten-Free Travel Snacks

Erin Smith

A big worry for many gluten-free travelers is what they are going to eat in transit. Although some airports are getting better at providing gluten-free options, many people still travel with a huge back of gluten-free snacks. I admit, I am one of those people. From snacks for the airplane to food in case I can’t find any gluten-free food at my destination I usually carry on more food than most travelers. As a gluten-free traveler, I am sure you do too!

Here are some of my favorite carry-on travel foods that are gluten-free as well as healthy:

  • Frozen grapes. Not only a great snack, but a great way to keep other food cold too. Since you can’t bring any type of liquids on the plane, this is a great alternative.
  • Hard-boiled eggs. Eggs might be a little too stinky for the close-quarters of an airplane, but they are a great food to eat in the airport or once you land.
  • Crackers and pretzels. My favorite snacks are Glutino cheddar crackers and their pretzel sticks. Put these in a hard-sided plastic container to avoid crushing in your bag.
  • Trail mix. This can include Chex cereal, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, sunflower seeds, and basically anything else you would like to add. Make a big bag and bring smaller snack-sized bags to eat throughout your trip.
  • Sandwiches. Make a few sandwiches ahead of time and wrap in foil to keep cold next to those frozen grapes.
  • Fruit. Fruit is a no brainer to me, especially apples, since they don’t require packaging or cutting. Just be careful when traveling internationally because many countries will make you throw your fruit away before going through customs.

Do you have any favorite gluten-free travel snacks? Leave your notes in the comments below.

This post is written in conjunction with the launch of a new website called The Balanced Platter. All throughout January, TBP has asked gluten-free bloggers to put together their thoughts on healthy, gluten-free living for the new year and beyond. I am thrilled to be a part of this month long blogging project. Please visit www.BalancedPlatter.com for more information.

The Balanced Platter is a one-stop shop for balanced, healthy gluten-free living. With their recent January 1st launch, they have different perspectives about living well on a gluten-free diet from top bloggers in the gluten-free arena. This will encompass recipes, tips, how-to’s, and product reviews.

Central America

Gluten-Free in Panama

Erin Smith

Panama is suddenly on my vacation radar. I had been searching for a warm trip for this winter and came across a dual-country tour to Costa Rica and Panama. Then, I met a new friend who spoke really highly of Panama saying it’s less touristy country-side was much more appealing to him than Costa Rica. Then, the NY Times put out The 45 Places to Go in 2012 and guess what was #1? PANAMA. The travel stars were quickly aligning and I started my research.

If you know me, you know my research started with cheap flights and gluten-free eats. This is how I start planning all of my trips. Through a little bit of a cumbersome search (too many Panama City Beach, FL results!) I found a link through Celiac.com to the Fundación de Celiacos de Panamá. The entire site is in Spanish, but with the help of Google translate I was able to navigate around and learn more about being gluten-free in Panama. I also found an email address and immediately emailed the group.

Valeria Lara, of the Fundación de Celiacos de Panamá wrote me back in less than a couple of hours. I am always excited to hear back from global gluten-free folks and was thrilled at this quick response. Here are some of the tips from Valeria about being gluten-free in Panama.

  • Panama does not have gluten-free restaurants, so you might want to think about cooking your own food while traveling.
  • The Gamboa Rain Forest Resort in Gamboa that can offer a gluten-free menu when ordered in advance.
  • In the city, it will be easier to find gluten-free products especially at the Organica Store.  (There are two Organica Stores in Panama and two in Guatemala. Good to know!)
  • The Riba Smith supermarket and the Super 99 might have gluten-free products, although not always.

For those of you visiting, living, or staying long term in Panama, please bookmark the Fundación de Celiacos de Panamá website and attend their future events.

As I do more research, I will post more links. For now, I think this is a very helpful start. Thank you Valeria!

general, USA

Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend in Vermont

Erin Smith

I am so excited to announce that I am co-hosting this Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend at Good Commons in Plymouth, VT. Please read on for more information and to sign up today!

Gluten-Free* Gourmet Weekend
in Partnership with the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group
Join Good Commons and The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group for a worry-free decadent getaway.  Whether you have dietary restrictions or are traveling with a loved one, our on-site chefs and health & wellness experts will ensure delicious meals, culinary adventures, and a chance to experience the bounty of the Green Mountain State.Weekend includes:

  • Round-trip transportation on The Good Bus  (NYC only)
  • 3 nights lodging at Good Commons
  • All meals, snacks & beverages as outlined in itinerary, prepared by on-site private chef
  • 4-course dinner with wine pairings featuring sommelier Kristen Siebecker 
  •  Optional yoga classes, gluten-free cooking workshops, and local excursions
  • Massage by on-site certified massage therapist Jessica Ruth Shepard (additional charge)
Itinerary* 
We encourage you to participate in as much or as little as you’d like to create your own “uncommonly good” getaway.  This is your time to rest, retreat, and revitalize!
Thursday, June 21
  • 6:15pm   Depart NYC on the Good bus — includes light dinner & beverages                      
  • Arrival at Good Commons
Friday, June 22
  • Continental breakfast
  • Opening Circle
  • Yoga class
  • Picnic at Quechee Gorge and a leisurely afternoon to explore what you love most.  Choose to take a light hike down the gorge to the river, meander through the antique shops, taste some of Vermont’s artisan products, or visit the famed blown and pottery work of Simon Pearce
  • Dinner — 4 Course Dinner with chef Matthew Wexler, featuring wine pairings from sommelier Kristen Siebecker 
  • Optional Gluten-Free cookie baking workshop
Saturday, June 23
Sunday, June 24
  • Continental breakfast
  • Yoga class
  • Brunch
  • Group photo
  • Departure

*Only gluten-free products will be used throughout the weekend, but this retreat is not intended for those with severe food allergies, as Good Commons is not an exclusively gluten-free facility.
Itinerary subject to change
ABOUT US:
Good Commons was originally built in the 1840’s and operated as a general store. It has been lovingly renovated ans restored and now features six bedrooms and a sleeping loft, six bathrooms, two living rooms, and a multi-purpose studio.  The property features all of the modern amenities of one’s own home, while still creating a warm and inviting environment that honors the historical traditions that have characterized the house for more than 160 years.CLICK HERE for a virtual tour.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:
The Good Bus leaves promptly at 6:15pm on Thursday, June 21 from 45th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Manhattan.  Drop-off will be at the same location on Sunday, June 24th, approximately 5:30pm depending upon traffic.  Providing your own transportation? Inquire about our discount.  Please contact: tesha@goodcommons.com 
PRICING:
http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html
$75 Early registration discount through March 31st, 2012
Bedroom prices per person, based on double occupancy
$700 – discount = $625 Deluxe Shared Bedroom, includes steam shower
$675 – discount = $600 Standard Shared Bedroom
$575 – discount = $500 Farmhouse Style Loft — charming shared sleeping quarters
Gratuity not included.
To register and receive and early bird discount, please click here for your initial $225 deposit/per person to hold your spot!

All deposits are non-refundable. Deposits are transferable to another retreat or vacation rental pending availability if cancellation is received by May 31, 2012. Absolutely no refund, deposit, or payment transfers will be made if cancellation is received after the above cancellation deadline of May 31, 2012. Balance must be paid in full by June 14, 2012.

YOUR HOSTS
Tesha Buss is the owner/creator of Good Commons and a partner in The Good Retreat Company. Raised on a dairy farm and doing back flips by the age of three, Tesha reached her childhood dream of becoming a Broadway performer, only to discover that a new dream–a retreat center to rest and revitalize–would soon reveal itself. She welcomes the revolving door of health and wellness professionals, artists and vacationers.  She is a member of the Okemo Valley and Killington Chamber of Commerce as well as Rotary International.

Erin Smith (Co-Host) was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1981 and “grew up on a gluten-free diet in a gluten-filled world.”  As an adult, she has become extremely involved with the Celiac community, both online and in person.  Erin started the blog Gluten-Free Fun in 2007 as a way to show the world that being gluten-free should not stop you from living your life.  In 2011 she launched the blogGluten-Free Globetrotter to encourage others on a gluten-free diet to travel the world.  In addition to her blogs, Erin oversees the NYC Celiac Disease Meetup Group.  This is a social group where members can get together to enjoy gluten-free meals, share food recommendations and recipes as well as learn from one another.  Through her blogs, leadership of the Meetup group, and community advocacy, Erin encourages others to not allow their lives to be limited by Celiac Disease but to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Matthew Wexler (Chef) is a regular in the Good Commons kitchen, as well as a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. He is proud to share the bounty of the Northeast with all those who visit Good Commons through fresh, vibrant and accessible cuisine. His culinary training includes years at his mother’s side, along with coursework at the French Culinary Institute.  Matthew has written about everything from barbecue to bed and breakfasts for Hemispheres, Go Magazine, Passport, ATOUT France and Out There as well as online for EDGE Media Network, The Daily Meal, offManhattan,Endless Simmer and his own blog, roodeloo.com.  He is currently writing and recipe-testing the Good Commons food memoir, Uncommonly Good.

Kristen Siebecker (Sommelier) has been a great fan of viticulture and vinification since her first illicit sip of Boone’s Farm wine beverage many years ago.  More recently, she became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, completed the Advanced Certification program from the WSET with distinction and is certified in Advanced Blind Tasting by the American Sommelier Association.  You’ll find Kristen at the NYC East Side Best Cellars wine shop, advising customers and assisting in the store’s Sommelier for an Evening program.  Diagnosed with Celiac Disease since 2007, Kristen is a co-organizer of the NYC Celiac Meetup group and has hosted numerous wine tastings. She is also a beverage consultant for Good Commons. Follow Kristen’s wine adventures at www.WinewithKristen.com 
Jessica Ruth Shepard (Massage Therapist/Facilitator) received her professional training as a Holistic health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, where she studied and became an expert in over one hundred dietary theories and practical lifestyle-coaching methods.  Prior to her study in holistic health counseling, Jessica participated in a concentrative bodywork program at Antioch College, managed a yoga and Pilates studio in Denver, Colorado, wile simultaneously running her own successful massage practice, and worked with hundreds of athletes on numerous cycling tours, in addition to privately.  Jessica has studied several alternative healing methods, including: The Rosen Method, Polarity Therapy, and stress reduction techniques.


http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html