general, Gluten-Free Travel News

Ultimate Guide to the Best Gluten-Free Bagels

This post is a bit of a departure from my normal travel content but it is one of the TOP questions I get when people ask me about eating gluten-free in New York City.

Where can I get a good gluten-free bagel in NYC?

Continue reading “Ultimate Guide to the Best Gluten-Free Bagels”
Portland

Gluten-Free Globetrotting Your Way Through Portland with Bikabout

BIKABOUT
http://www.bikabout.com

All of my gluten-free fueled business trips to Portland, Oregon in 2012-14 paid off!

I recently curated a delicious itinerary for Bikabout.com with gluten-free destinations in Portland. Bikabout is a really cool website that puts together bicycle routes in cities across the country. The website provides self-guided bike tours, a lodging directory, a bike rental directory, and transportation tips for your travel.

I am an avid bike rider (and an avid gluten-free eater), so I loved Bikabout from the minute I connected with founder Megan Ramey, at the New York Times Travel Show. She heard me shout-out that I was a gluten-free travel blogger during an industry session and the collaboration began! Megan is also gluten-free and loved sharing niche travel ideas. Not to mention she was walking around the expo with the cutest portable bike ever!

When I wasn’t working in Portland, I was eating as you know from all of my posts about gluten-free food! When I wasn’t working or eating, I was riding a rented bicycle. The city is such a bike-friendly city and I wanted to take advantage of my downtime by exploring! I loved biking up and down the Willamette Riverfront, seeing the city from a different point of view. I cannot recommend enough hopping on a bike when you go to Portland. It’s so much fun and a great way to get around.

I put together this “Gluten-Free Globetrotting Your Way Through Portland” self-guided itinerary for Bikabout. The Bikabout tour includes where to rent a bicycle, where to eat gluten-free pizza, cupcakes, and bread, where to enjoy nature and so much more. Putting this together made me so nostalgic for Portland. As if 12 work trips in less than 2 years wasn’t enough, I am ready to go back for more!

Download my Bikabout itinerary, rent a bike, and start eating your way through the gluten-free friendly city of Portland! Burn those calories between gluten-free bites.

Gluten-Free Globetrotting Your Way Through Portland
Gluten-Free Globetrotting Your Way Through Portland

 

general

Five Memorable Gluten-Free Travel Dining Destinations

Will you go out of your way to try a new restaurant because it has a gluten-free menu and you heard great things? Or will you take a detour on a road trip because there is a gluten-free bakery in the middle of nowhere? To you check Trip Advisor for restaurant reviews just as often as you do for hotel reviews? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you might be a “destination diner.”

I wholeheartedly consider myself a “destination diner.” I do a ton of research before each time I travel and have specifically arranged stops along the way for gluten-free meals. I have planned for detours on road trips, have changed itineraries in foreign lands for days I knew restaurants would be open, and even took local bicycle trips to try a gluten-free dish to far to get to by foot. In some locations, a safe, gluten-free meal of any kind was a welcome sight (Thailand, I am looking at you!) and a nice surprise. In other locations, there were places I just knew from gluten-free friends online that I could not miss. Whatever the excuse, I will travel for food!

Here are five of my most memorable gluten-free travel dining destinations:

1. Restaurace Na Zlaté křižovatce in Prague, Czech Republic (Now closed!) 
I went here in 2011 as part of my Gluten-Free Globetrotter website launch vacation, but sadly this place is now closed. It was a 100% gluten-free restaurant right outside the center of Prague in the Czech Republic. The neighborhood was off the beaten path, but this completely gluten-free restaurant was totally worth the trek. It’s too bad that it is closed because I raved about it to all of the gluten-free travelers to Prague that would listen.

Restaurace Na Zlaté křižovatce, 100% gluten-free restaurant in Prague, Czech Republic now closed. 

2. Butter is Better Bakery in Chiang Mai, Thailand
In my second week of Thailand, I was really hoping for some non-rice dishes. I stuck to plain white rice or rice-based noodles at most meals because rice was “safe” on my translation cards. When I read about a restaurant in the middle of Chiang Mai, Thailand having gluten-free options, I knew I had to go. I did see some mixed reviews of safety of gluten-free food at this restaurant, but I ate here twice and had no gluten problems. As a hyper sensitive celiac, I can usually tell in less than one hour if I was “glutened.” No problems here.

In a very foreign country such as Thailand, even seeing the words “gluten-free” on a menu was such a relief. The Thai owner was married to an American man and she said that more and more Westerners had started asking for gluten-free food. I had pancakes and gluten-free sausage on both of my visits and also bought a loaf of bread before I moved on to Koh Phangan, Thailand. Sadly, the Thai ants devoured my bread before I could even get through half the loaf. These buggers could get in anywhere. I highly recommend ziplock bags in Thailand and a trip to Butter is Better.

Menu at Butter is Better Bakery
Gluten-free menu items at Butter is Better Bakery

3.  Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery in Pewaukee, Wisconsin
As I drove from the Milwaukee Airport to Madison, Wisconsin for Thanksgiving at my sister’s house last fall, I took a detour to Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery. I have only two words for this place: APPLE PIE. This was by far the best gluten-free apple pie I ever had and very reasonably price. The staff at Molly’s was very friendly and I wanted to buy one of everything in this bakery. I will definitely go back here the next time I am driving to Madison, Wisconsin! Good news, Molly’s is also available at local stores and they ship nationally!

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My gluten-free treats from Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery 

4. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizza in Aruba
When you are on an island surrounded by water, the majority of the local restaurants serve seafood. When you don’t eat fish, you can often go hungry. I am allergic to shellfish and don’t like the taste of most seafood, so I found eating in Aruba to be difficult. That’s why I trekked over to Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizza twice during my brief stay in Aruba. I was thrilled to find a place on the island that didn’t think asking if things were gluten-free was a crazy request. The owner was very accommodating and even linked back to me after I reviewed them here on my website! Go here for gluten-free pancakes and pizzas. Try Nutella with bananas, you will NOT be disappointed.

Nutella and banana gluten-free pancake
Nutella and banana gluten-free pancake 

5. Gluten-free everything at Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
One of my 2014 gluten-free travel highlights was my trip to Arenas Del Mar. I went specifically to meet the staff and try all of the gluten-free food. I was thrilled with the menu. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and most importantly, gluten-free. It helped that I ate every meal al fresco with the jungle on one side and the beach on the other, but seriously the food was that good. I cannot pick just one dish, although I see a trend in this post and I am going with the pancakes!

Gluten-free pancakes served with almonds, mango and coconut.
Gluten-free pancakes served with almonds, mango and coconut.

Do you plan your travels around gluten-free menus? I would love to hear if you are also a destination diner!

New York

Gluten-Free at Broadway Bites in New York City

Urban Space NYC continues to bring awesome markets to public spaces in New York City. The latest opening is Broadway Bites at the intersections of 33rd Street and Broadway, a hugely busy location in the heart of Manhattan. Just steps away from Macy’s and the Empire State Building, Broadway Bites is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and a rest.

As with all of my excursions, I am always on the look out for gluten-free food. Broadway Bites pleasantly surprised me when they reopened on October 6th. There are many options throughout the open-air market that were gluten-free friendly.

Palenque Homemade Colombian Food
Fryer is used for only yuca empanadas and yuca fries. Arepas are also gluten-free, except for the vegan option.

Onigiri by Tampopo
Sushi-like rice balls with gluten-free marked on the menu. Ask about sauces

Bangkok Bar
Server said everything but the Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl was gluten-free.

Two Tablespoons
Gluten-free chili and mac-and-cheese!

Bar Suzette
Gluten-free crepes available, but the griddle is shared! Must be cleaned between preparation.

Macaron Parlour
All macarons are gluten-free.

Broadway Bites is open daily from 11am to 9pm. I suggest going after 2pm and avoiding the midtown lunch rush. This market is only open until November 14th, so don’t delay stopping by for some gluten-free food.

 

As with any gluten-free dining, it is your responsibility to ask about the gluten-free options and other allergens at each vendor. 

general, New York

Gluten-Free at NYC Street Fairs: LIC Flea and Astoria Flea

Going to summer street fairs in New York City are one of my absolute favorite things to do. Starting in late April and running straight through October, there is a street fair somewhere in the five boroughs of New York City* every single weekend. This summer, I am making it my goal to go to as many street fairs as possible. While many of the vendors at the NYC street fairs are hawking the same goods such as magnets, cheap clothing, and jewlery, there are also lots of food vendors and amazing artisans. Usually the food is crappy, deep-fried, non-gluten-free food but not always. There are more local vendors providing gourmet food and sometimes you can even find delicious, gluten-free friendly grub at these fairs.

As part of my street fair mission this summer, I will scope out all of the gluten-free food I find and report back to my Gluten-Free Globetrotter readers. If you are visiting New York City this summer, I highly suggest you find a street fair and check it out!

Astoria Flea & Food and LIC Flea & Food
Astoria Flea & Food and LIC Flea & Food

The first fairs I am featuring are the Astoria Flea and the LICFlea. I am grouping these together because they share many of the same vendors. Now in it’s second year, the Long Island City Flea has become a popular Saturday market in the ever-changing Long Island City (LIC). Long Island City is a neighborhood within Queens, one of New York City’s five boroughs. With amazing views from Gantry Plaza State Park and Manhattan only one subway stop away, LIC is more popular than ever. I ride my bike to Long Island City from Astoria almost every single weekend and often stop by the LIC Flea. I highly recommend a trip to Long Island City the next time you are in Manhattan. The neighborhood has lots of fun, new restaurants, gorgeous views of Manhattan, and interesting vendors and entertainment at the LIC Flea. Did I mention the view?!

View from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, NYC
View from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, NYC, just around the corner from LIC Flea!

In it’s first year, I am so excited the Astoria Flea is now in my ‘hood! Located on the backlot of the famous Kaufman Astoria Studios (home to TV shows like Law and Order and Sesame Street!)), the Astoria Flea is a very welcome edition to the neighborhood. Organized by the same founders of the LIC Flea, the Sunday Astoria Flea has food, jewelry, and interesting home crafts. One of my favorite vendors sells the cutest little cork vases I have ever seen. Astoria Flea is also right next door to the Museum of the Moving Image, a popular museum that focuses on movie and television history. There are frequent movie viewings at the museum and I noticed a 2-for-1 entry fee postcard at the Astoria Flea. I’ve been in Astoria for 10 years and have yet to go to the MOMI. Tragic, I know. But I hope to take advantage of one of their free Friday afternoons later this summer.

Entrance to the back lot of Kaufman Astoria Studios
Entrance to the back lot of Kaufman Astoria Studios

Food plays an integral part of both the LIC and Astoria Fleas. Obviously, I am always looking for the gluten-free vendors and happy to support the local people who feed me well. I’ve gotten to know some of the GF vendors and I am happy to give them my business. Vendors sometimes vary from week to week and at each location, so be sure to check out their websites beforehand if you are looking for a specific gluten-free product.

 

Gluten-Free Finds at LIC Flea and Astoria Flea

Bibingka-esk is a traditional Philippine dessert made from sweet rice flour and coconut milk topped with coconut shavings. These come in flavors such as cinnamon sugar, blueberry, and chocolate strawberry. The flavor selection varies at each fair so try a few different flavors. They come in fun sizes from bibingka (large), to bingky (medium), and the bite-sized bibites. Arrive early, they often sell out!

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Bibingka-esk are gluten-free!

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Which do you prefer: bibingka, bingky, or mega bingky?!?

Cheesebread Co., a gluten-free pao de queijo, aka cheese bread, is a popular item at the fleas. These are naturally gluten-free, made with no preservatives, and are non-GMO.

Cheesebread Co.
Cheesebread Co.

Jicama NYC is a “California Street Food” stand that sells gluten-free treats such as kale sausage wraps, jicama carnita tacos, etole (Mexican corn on the cob), and tamales. I have become a tamale freak lately, trying tamales all over the city. I haven’t tried the Jicama tamales yet, but I plan on it the next time I see them at the LIC or Astoria Flea.

Jicama with some gluten-free tacos
Jicama selling some gluten-free tacos

Chocotoy is a cold-pressed juice company that has featured flavors such as Green Goodness, Energy, Rejuventate, and Tropical. These juices aren’t cheap, but as with any cold-pressed juice they are fresh and delicious. I highly recommend Green Goodness. You just feel healthy after drinking this juice.

Chocotoy Cold-Pressed Juice
Chocotoy Cold-Pressed Juice

Drink More Good makes handcrafted soda syrup, tea, and bitters. At both the LIC and Astoria Flea, More Good was sampling their sodas. I didn’t get a chance to try the soda yet, but I loved their booth. According to their Twitter response, “They are not processed in a certified gluten free kitchen, but the recipes themselves are gluten free.” Good answer, Drink More Good! 

Drink More Good hand-crafted soda syrup
Drink More Good hand-crafted soda syrup

TheCheeseGuy.com had me at cheese. I am cheese freak and eat samples whenever I can. I tried mellow yellow cheddar at the Astoria Flea and really enjoyed it. TheCheeseGuy.com sells soft cheese, Kosher cheese, feta, cheddar, swiss, and more. Give me more cheese!

TheCheeseGuy.com
TheCheeseGuy.com gourmet gouda and mellow yellow cheddar

This Pie is Nuts is a cool pie product that I found at the Astoria Flea with an interesting back story. The chef for this company was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis many years ago and as part of her treatment she started eating differently and took control of her diet. These pies are vegan and gluten-free and made primarily from nuts so they are naturally gluten-free. They are currently made in a shared facility, but they are trying to move to a 100% GF kitchen soon. The pumpkin pie was awesome!

This Pie is Nuts
This Pie is Nuts

Ollie’s Bites are a bite-sized, kid-friendly snack made from buckwheat groats (yes, these are GF!), chia, hemp seeds, and dried fruit. While they are advertised as “wholesome bites for awesome kids”, this awesome adult really enjoyed the samples at the Astoria Flea!

Ollie's Bites
Ollie’s Bites

Did I miss anyone? Are you a vendor at the LIC Flea or Astoria Flea selling a gluten-free product? I would love to hear from you and will be sure to stop by soon!

 

LIC Flea
Day: Saturdays through September
Location: In a parking lot at the corner of 46th Avenue and 5th Street in Long Island City.
Address: Nearest Google Maps address: 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Directions: Take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd. and walk north (street numbers will go down) to 46th Ave. Turn left and walk until you see the LIC Flea on your right-hand side.

Astoria Flea
Day: Sundays through June
Location: Inside the world-famous Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot on 36th Street between 34th and 35th Avenues.
Address: 35-23 35th Avenue, Astoria, New York
Directions: Option A: Take the R train to Steinway Street. Walk south on Steinway (street numbers will go up) until 35th Ave. Turn right and walk to the back lot of Kaufman Astoria Studios. Option B: Take the Q or R train to 36th Ave. Walk north under the train (street numbers will go down) to 35th Ave. Turn right and walk to 35th Street.

Learn more: http://www.licflea.com/

 

* New York City five boroughs = Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island

Note: People find streets in Queens confusing with all of the roads, avenues, streets, etc. It is easy once you get the hang of it, or get a really good map! Good luck!