Month: May 2012

Chicago, general, USA

Guest Post: Gluten-Free with Charlotte (Part 1)

Erin Smith

The Internet is a wild, weird world. Every day, I communicate with people from around the globe. Sometimes I think “I want to be friends with that person” especially if they are witty, funny, and smart. Charlotte, of Mommy and the City, is one of those people. 

I can’t remember the first time we actually started Tweeting to each other, but Charlotte was someone that I clicked with online. I quickly realized we shared the same sense of humor and we kept in touch with over the past few months. Tweets progressed to emails and then we finally met a few weeks ago when Charlotte was in NYC on business from her hometown of Chicago. It is so funny when I meet a gluten-free blogger/friend/fan in person; I feel like I am going on a blind date with an online connection. Here you are arranging to meet a complete stranger that you only know  about due to social media. It is just a strange experience that I can’t get quite used to no matter how many times I do it.

Over a few glasses of wine, Charlotte and I met and talked for a few hours during her trip to NYC. We clicked in person as much as we did on the Internet. Charlotte is honest and tells it like it is, which I find really uncommon in the gluten-free community. She recognizes being gluten-free sometimes sucks (especially since she has been really sick in the past) yet she continues to travel, dine out, drink wine, and socialize without having a pity party. This is my type of Celiac. 

I know Charlotte travels all the time for work, so I asked her to guest blog for Gluten-Free Globetrotter. She jumped at the opportunity since her personal blog fell by the wayside in recent months due to work, kids, health, and life in general. You can always find her on Twitter, but her is here blog. Here’s her first post for my blog. 

Gluten-Free with Charlotte, Part 1

I am relieved!

I have Celiac, and I am relieved. I am relieved that I am not crazy, something was wrong.  I am relieved that all I have to do is avoid Gluten.  I am relieved that it is easier these days than it ever has been before.  I am relieved to be diagnosed properly after over 20 years of problems.  I remember at 4 years old getting sick from brownies and not eating chocolate for the next 30+ years.  It wasn’t the chocolate’s fault it was the FLOUR!  So I am relieved.

I have found a close and small network of Gluten Free friends on Twitter that are positive and supportive. So I am relieved.

I have found solutions for traveling and re-instating my foodie nature.  Say it with me now, I am relieved.

I work full-time, travel a LOT for work and for fun, and have 2 amazing kids and a great husband.  That alone is a lot to handle.  Now, I have to avoid gluten on top of that…ok, bring on the adventures, I say.

Pre Trip Tips:

  • Go Picnic – read the labels on each individually wrapped part of the Go Picnic but there are 2 gluten free ones I like.  I prefer the Go Picnic with Mary’s Crackers & Sunbutter.
  • Make a sandwich – sandwiches always get thru TSA.  I do Sunbutter & Jelly on Udi’s bread regularly (Udi’s is my preference).  Sometimes I make a wrap w/Applegate Farms meats (always read the label) I have found them to typically be gluten and casin free.
  • Apps – my favorite app is Find Me Gluten Free (http://www.findmeglutenfree.com/) it recently saved me in Santa Fe when a restaurant I thought I had vetted made me so uncomfortable I got up and left.  This app found me a great pizza place three doors away and the hostess there was phenomenal and the food was fantastic.  They went the extra mile to help me relax and assure me I was at a safe restaurant.  Dish Freely is another great app that is still rolling out nationally (http://www.dishfreely.com/).  When you find great places please add them to these apps, please rate places you have tried.  It helps us all

Twitter– When in a pinch I reach out to some of my favorite #GF tweeters and Chefs.

  • @gfreefun – You probably already know her (Editor note: that’s me!) 
  • @GlutenFreeTri – John has helped me on more than one occasion using his network to help me find restaurant options out East.
  • @Lettuce Eats — a Chicago based restaurant group with restaurants nationally, all have GF menus and I have always had a successful experience. (http://www.leye.com/gluten-free-menus)
  • @Mariobatali – Chef Batali most recently of the TV Show The Chew has tons of restaurants in NYC, LA, Vegas and more.  He is an active tweeter and has saved me on more than one occasion when I find myself stuck somewhere with no good options. Every restaurant has a GF option and a very savvy staff.  I was at one of his places in Vegas and they started by asking if I planned on ordering the pasta, as they wanted to get a clean pot of water started for me so my order would come at the same time as everyone elses. (http://www.mariobatali.com/restaurants.cfm)
  • @MommyAndTheCity – that’s me.  I travel across the country and have a good list of GF menus and restaurants to pick from and am a bit of a foodie.

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

general

Guest Post: Gluten-Free with Courtney

Erin Smith

A few weeks ago, I read a post on my gluten-free/travel RSS feed about a gluten intolerant student named Courtney spending a semester abroad in Prague. I was a bit frustrated at first when I read that this student had a hard time eating gluten-free in Prague since I had such wonderful experiences when I was there last April. When I put a call out for gluten-free traveler guest posts, Courtney happened to email me about the same blog posting. After reading her post and corresponding via email, I soon realized that traveling and eating gluten-free for a week can often be different than actually living in a gluten-filled country. While I had good experiences eating gluten-free for a week, Courtney lived in Prague for five months and have different experiences from me. Read on for Courtney’s experiences in Prague, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Italy and more.

Gluten-Free Traveler
by Courtney of Our Nature Lies in Movement

I am gluten intolerant. Usually, I get the response “oh, that is unfortunate, it seems so hard.” It can be extremely difficult when all I want is to to order a pizza from the joint down the street or a eat a cookie that my friends just baked.

Initially, gluten intolerance and travel do not seem like a good pairing. They can actually seem like a nightmare if you think of all the things you cannot eat. Often times, they require more planning, reading labels, printing out cards in various languages explaining your condition, and attempting to ask the waiter in their native language if there is anything without gluten in their restaurant. However, the more places you travel the better you become at finding options that are  satisfying and allow you to experience some of the local flavor.

Some cuisines are better than other. I have to say that in my four months in Prague I was unable to eat about 90 percent of  Czech food because they love their wheat flour. I was able to eat most of the meat they prepared and their potatoes. However, most of their sauces were thickened with wheat so I would often have to ask for them to hold the sauce. Their most famous dishes knedliky (bread dumplings),  smazeny syr (fried cheese), bramboraky (fried potato pancakes), kolache (sweet fruit pastry) and of course beer are needless to say not gluten intolerant friendly. I struggled in Prague when I went to restaurants.  I was able to cook my food fairly easily. The local Billa had gluten free pasta, bread, deserts, chips, etc. I eventually found a gluten free beer and an entirely gluten free restaurant. Plus, my favorite food of all time is Mexican. Mexican is very easy for gluten intolerant people because of good old corn tortillas. I managed to find the one restaurant and it became my favorite place in the city.

Paris was particularly difficult as well because all I wanted to do was grab a baguette at a bakery and smear brie cheese all over it.  Every morning I met my friends in Montmartre and they would pick out their pastries, crepes, and croissants. I’ll be honest, it nearly killed me.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, I ate my fair share of frites. They were naturally gluten free as long as they did not use the same oil to fry them and other bread products. I ate a modified version of Wiener Schnitzel in Austria. I had the best spicy goulash in Hungary. In Germany, due to their diversity I had Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese food.

Surprisingly, Italy was the best country for gluten intolerances. Because their diet consists almost exclusively of wheat products, young children are tested for gluten intolerances and celiacs disease. There are tons of restaurants that offer wonderful gluten free options. Rome was my best food location and I felt like I gained 10 pounds in 4 days being there. I visited with my friend studying in Rome who is also gluten intolerant. I had an amazing time eating pasta, pizza, gelato in gluten free cones, cakes, and biscotti. It was gluten free heaven.

Due to my initial struggle in Prague whenever I met an Australian backpacker, I immediately hounded them if they know about gluten intolerances and the accessibility of gluten free food in Australia. I met one girl in Krakow, that was actually gluten free too. Although she was from Perth and not Melbourne, she insisted that it was fairly easy to be gluten free in Australia. Hallelujah!!

When I arrived in Melbourne, I went to the local grocery store, Cole’s, and found half an aisle of gluten free products from brownies to crackers. At least I knew I could cook gluten free foods, but how about the restaurants. Nearly every restaurant has at least one gluten free option. It is fantastic. Even fast food pizza chains Dominos and Pizza Hut have gluten free crust. WIth the exception of one cafe, I have been able to eat anywhere my friends wanted to go.

I reently got back from a road trip in the countryside. I stopped a a tiny local grocery store, not expecting to find anything. Much to my surprise, they had a tiny but mighty gluten free section. Australia is wonderful for individuals with gluten intolerances.

With that being said, being gluten free is not cheap. While there are many options here, restaurants usually charge anywhere from 3 to 6 dollars extra for the meal to be gluten free. Thus, on a student budget I opt to cook the majority of my food at home.  Even in stores the products can be a bit of steep. I was craving brownies last week so I purchased a mix for a whopping 6 dollars. It really killed me to buy it, but I had such a chocolate craving, I caved. I made them and while at home I have made many GF mixes, the final product was awful. Not only was my chocolate craving not satisfied but I was irritated that I had spend a bloody fortune on them. I complained for about a minute before I googled the company online and sent them a email politely notifying them of their less than stellar product. Now, I am not usually a complainer, but what can I say? Do not mess with me and chocolate. I received a prompt email asking for my home address and within 2 days I had a package of gluten free products to make up for my dissatisfaction. Lesson learned: do not be afraid to give the company feedback on their product. They will send you more free things to keep you satisfied and happy.

I made a quick list of the countries that were good/bad/ok for people with gluten intolerances. These are just based on my opinions and experiences so some people may have different ideas and disagree.

Fantastic: Australia, Italy

Good: Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany (Schar is a German Gluten Free company that sells their products all across Europe), Spain

Just All right (had some difficulty with traditional dishes): France, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro,Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary

Poor: Czech Republic, Poland (hard when eating out, ok in stores), Slovakia

To all of my fellow GF travelers: I wish you the best of luck. Happy eating!!

About Courtney
Originally from Milwaukee, Courtney is a student at Loyola Univerisity Chicago. Her fall semester was spent in Prague, Czech Republic and in Melbourne, Australia for the spring.  Courtney has dreamed of spending a year abroad since she was 3 years old.  She’s feisty, passionate, opinionated, a little too hopeful, politically astute, and overall an individual who fights for what she believes in and loves life. Her blog “Our Nature Lies in Movement” captures her thoughts, hopes, experiences, reflections and photographs.

general, New York, USA

Photo Friday: 1st Annual Mid-Hudson Walk for Celiac

Erin Smith
Signs along the Walkway
Our beautiful view from the 1st Annual Mid-Hudson Walk for Celiac

Click here for more photos

USA

Premier boutique retreat destination announces Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend

Erin Smith

Want a free massage??? Book by May 31, 2012 and tell them Erin Smith of Gluten-Free Globetrotter sent you!

PREMIER BOUTIQUE RETREAT DESTINATION ANNOUNCES “GLUTEN-FREE GOURMET WEEKEND”, AN AFFORDABLY INDULGENT AND WORRY-FREE CULINARY EXPERIENCE.

May 17, 2012 — Plymouth, VT — Good Commons, a boutique retreat destination located in the beautiful green mountains of Plymouth, Vermont, presents a Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend, June 21 – 24, 2012. This all-inclusive culinary weekend is a welcome option for the many people who are affected by Celiac disease (approximately one in every 133 U.S. residents) or choose to follow a gluten-free diet.

The weekend is co-hosted by the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group. Whether somebody has dietary restrictions or is traveling with a loved one, the on-site chefs and health and wellness experts will ensure delicious meals, culinary adventures, and a chance to experience the bounty of the Green Mountain State during the course of this worry-free, decadent getaway.

Good Commons Founder and Proprietor Tesha Buss says, “Since I opened the doors to Good Commons nearly four years ago, it has been my dream to host a variety of weekend experiences in this beautifully restored country home. From food and wine weekends to health and wellness, we were noticing a consistent presence of people who had dietary restrictions. Because of our commitment to providing an ‘uncommonly good’ experience, we have always accommodated dietary needs and I thought why not create an entire weekend where people could travel and not worry about special requests at every meal? Our team of co-hosts for this weekend is informative, yet relaxed, to create the perfect weekend for our guests.”

On board for the weekend is Celiac disease advocate and organizer of the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group (currently with more than 1,450 members) Erin Smith. “I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1981 so I have been gluten-free for more than 30 years. I love to travel and could never imagine letting my gluten-free lifestyle prevent from exploring the world,” shares Smith, “Being gluten-free does require some additional planning when booking a trip. Finding safe gluten-free food during my travels adds to my level of excitement when exploring someplace new and I love to share my discoveries with my Gluten-Free Globetrotter readers.”

“When I became the leader of the NYC Celiac Meetup group in 2006, my goal was to provide normal social experiences for people on the gluten-free diet. The Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend at Good Commons combines my two passions: being gluten-free and travel. This weekend takes the worry out of being away from home. I have worked closely with the chefs to ensure that the weekend is safe for all of the attendees. I am also excited about all of our co-hosts. Four of our key participants have Celiac Disease so we are not only looking to support the gluten-free lifestyle but we are all living it as well.”

The Details:

• 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
• 2 gluten-free baking classes by Olivia Dupin
• Optional yoga classes, Thai massage workshop with Elyse Sparkes
• Local excursions• Massage by on-site certified massage therapist Jessica Ruth Shepard (additional charge)

Pricing:

Bedroom prices per person, based on double occupancy

$700 – Deluxe Shared Bedroom, includes steam shower
$675 – Standard Shared Bedroom
$575 – Farmhouse Style Loft — charming shared sleeping quarters

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.

About Good Commons:

Good Commons was originally built in the 1840’s and operated as a general store. It has been lovingly renovated and 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.

Lead Product Sponsor:

Founded as a joint project of local Innsbruck doctor Dr. A. Schar and Bozen-based entrepreneur Untertfrifaller in 1922, the company began to focus on the production of gluten-free foods in 1981 under the leadership of Ulrich Ladurner. This specialization laid the groundwork for becoming Europe’s market leader in gluten-free. Today, Dr. Schar is on its way to become the leading food specialist for special dietary and nutritional needs in Europe and North America.

Additional Product Sponsors:

RP’s Pasta Company is an artisan food manufacturer to its core, strictly adhering to small batch production runs. In keeping with this artisan mission, RP’s founder Peter Robertson worked tirelessly to develop RP’s unique gluten-free pasta recipe, which utilizes brown rice flour as a primary ingredient. RP’s fresh gluten-free pasta has the same taste and al’dente texture as traditional fresh pasta, and was recently featured in Oprah Magazine’s “O” List. RP’s fresh gluten-free pasta is certified gluten-free by GFCO.

What you’ll find in every bag of El’s gluten-free snacks is a big taste. Taste you’ll crave, whether you care about gluten or not. And if you do care, El’s samples and tests every production run to make sure that gluten levels don’t exceed 5 PPM. El’s Medleys have no preservatives or fake colors, no nasty trans-fats or hydrogenated oils, but they do have good whole grains and Omega-3s, along with that great flavor and a satisfying crunch that is baked into each batch.e

Europe

Guest Post: Gluten-Free Mrs D in Europe

Erin Smith

The Celiac Awareness Month guest posts continue with the amazing Gluten-Free Mrs. D. Based in the UK, Gluten-Free Mrs D. is usually hopping around Europe on a wonderful gluten-free adventure. Here is a round up of some of her gluten-free tips for traveling around Europe. 

Are you planning a European vacation but worrying about how to eat gluten free while on your travels? Let these gluten free highlights be your guide to gluten free dining while travelling through Europe.

London is celebrating two major events this year with both the Queen’s 60th Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic games. Why not celebrate just being in one of the world’s most exciting cities by treating yourself to that quintessentially English tradition of Afternoon Tea? Forget the stuffy Ritz, take gluten free afternoon tea at glamorous Brown’s Hotel, The Lanesborough or even at the British Museum.

http://www.glutenfreemrsd.com/2011/01/gluten-free-afternoon-tea-at-browns-hotel-london.html

Italy may seem an unlikely place for Celiacs with all the pizza, pasta and Peroni it’s famous for but Italy genuinely is a paradise for those unable to eat gluten. A screening programme for young children has helped create a high level of understanding amongst the general population for Celiac disease and the requirements of a gluten free diet. From gluten free pizza to gluten free gelato cones and even shops which cater specifically for Celiacs, Italy truly has it all. For a selection of posts on the wonders Italy has to offer the Celiac / gluten intolerant, please click here.

http://www.glutenfreemrsd.com/category/gluten-free-travel-international/gluten-free-italy-gluten-free-travel-international

One thing which particularly struck me in Vienna – after admiring the city’s impressive architecture – was just how many coffee shops and cafés the city has. Each corner of this wonderful city seemed to be blessed with a place to indulge in a very sweet treat. With many Viennese cafés able to offer gluten free cakes every bit as good as their gluten containing cousins, you really can have your cake and eat it here.

http://www.glutenfreemrsd.com/2012/04/gluten-free-vienna-cake.html

Sometimes all kids want is to be the same as other kids, Happy Meal and all. In Sweden, you could take your Celiac child to McDonalds and they can be just like anybody else eating out. In several European countries (including Sweden, Norway, Finland and Spain) the Golden Arches caters to Celiac customers with gluten free buns.

http://www.glutenfreemrsd.com/2012/01/sweden-gluten-free-mcdonalds.html

Although eating gluten free in France is often not as easy as it is in other European countries, it is absolutely possible. For example, markets all over France are interesting and colourful places to visit to check out the multitude of naturally gluten free goods on offer, much of it grown in the locality. From beautiful vegetables and fragrant fruits to fabulously stinky and delicious cheeses, every day you can enjoy a naturally gluten free picnic without feeling as though you’re missing out. Here are some tips to help you eat safely in France.

http://www.glutenfreemrsd.com/2011/11/eating-gluten-free-france.html

About Gluten-Free Mrs. D
Adventures of a gluten free globetrekker chronicles the life of a London girl with very itchy feet who never lets her dietary restrictions (Coeliac and almond/hazelnut allergies) prevent her from exploring. Having visited 60 countries all around the world, she’s on a mission to show that in travel, nothing is impossible with advance research and preparation.

“Life is too short to let dietary restrictions hold you back from having exciting travel adventures.”

You can also find Mrs. D on Twitter at  @GlutenFreeMrsD