Tag: guest post

Europe, general

Guest Post: Gluten-Free Travel with Maria Roglieri, Ph.D.

Erin Smith

I first met Maria Roglieri, PhD. when we spoke together on a panel about gluten-free travel at a Westchester County Celiac Sprue Support Group meeting in December 2011. Maria is an avid traveler who has taken her passion and created guidebooks for gluten-free globetrotters such as myself. This guest post is full of tips for gluten-free travel.

 

Celiacs on the Go
 by Maria Roglieri, Ph.D.

We live in a world today where we are always traveling, either for business or for pleasure. Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful, especially when we need to be very careful about everything that we eat. Here are some general things to consider before you travel next:

How does our GF diet affect our travel?

  • It can affect our choice of destination — I recently decided not to travel to Japan but to go to France instead because I speak French but not Japanese. I knew that it would be much easier for me to ask for gluten-free food in France.
  • There is more planning required as we do research to try and find restaurants recommended by the local celiac society and or fellow celiac travelers.
  • Our suitcases weigh more as we pack emergency food in them.
  • Our food experiences affect our outlook on the country we are traveling in.

What is the incidence of celiac disease in different countries? In other words, are there countries that have more celiacs and so are better set up to offer gluten-free services? Actually the incidence of celiac disease is presumed to be the same all over the world, one in 130 people. According to Dr. Alessio Fasano (Medical Director, The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Disease Research), celiac disease is even showing up in China as the Chinese are beginning to eat a Western diet which is not rice-based. And yet, he also relates that 95% of celiacs worldwide are undiagnosed! So where do we go to find celiac paradise? The numbers will not tell us; only experience will. As we experience the gluten-free scene in different countries we need to pass on to each other any information we have!

What are some of the best European countries to visit in terms of the gluten-free scene? We asked the leaders of the French celiac society in Paris (AFDIAG) and they ranked the countries in order, starting with the best. The best European countries for celiacs are the Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, and Sweden) where gluten-free offerings are clearly indicated on the menu, everyone is well-informed, there is ample and good variety of gluten-free bread, and many gluten-free prepackaged products are readily available in stores. Next were Italy and Spain, Belgium and Switzerland, Hungary and then France.

How can we make our gluten-free travel easier?

  • Go with a cruise-line: this is certainly the easiest thing to do and there are many options: the major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises, Star Cruises, Capt. Cook Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Discovery Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Mediterranean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Orient Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Windstar Cruises all offer gluten-free dining options.
  • Go to an all-inclusive resort that will, with advance notice, serve gluten-free meals. For example, you can ski in Chamonix (France) and enjoy the fine GF cuisine at the Club Med Chamonix Hotel Le Savoy or you can ski in the Bolzano (Italy) region and enjoy GF dining at the Albergo Villa Madonna.
  • Go to a specialized B&B: The people who run the B&B’s are often celiacs themselves. They frequently offer dinner as well as breakfast and some of them even offer GF cooking classes. And most importantly, they know the area and where to get the best GF food! Some examples are: www.labelledemure.com (in Périgord Noir, France), and www.lamattonaia.it (in Genova, Italy).
  • Call/e-mail ahead to request gluten-free meals Many hotels will provide gluten-free breakfasts and you can find them at www.glutenfreehotelsguide.com. In Italy most hotels provide complimentary breakfast well in France breakfast in the hotel is often 10 euros/day. If you request GF breakfast, you will be enjoy delicious GF breads, croissants, and galettes.
  • Bring tools: use language cards (a card to give to the chef or waiter about what you can and can’t eat in the language of the country you are traveling in), and specialized travel books. You can get language cards at www.celiactravel.com/cards or www.triumphdining.com. If you’re going to Italy, France, Washington D.C. or New York, you can get our specialized GF guidebooks at www.theglutenfreeguides.com. (We also have a Spain guide coming out this spring).

Share your experiences with others: pass it on! Post your comments on any celiac travel site you frequent, and/or send your comments to us at www.theglutenfreeguides.com so we can include them in our next GF travel book.

Tips for GF tourists
• Go in the off-season.
• Bring snack bars (for your peace of mind or for the airport).
• Plan your day carefully.
• Use Google maps to figure out where the sites are that you want to visit, and where the nearby restaurants are that serve gluten-free food.
are that serve gluten-free food.
• Call ahead to the restaurants to make reservations, request a gluten-free meal, and ensure that they are actually open! This last part may seem a little silly, but for example, when I was in Bari (Italy) on a Sunday and Lecce (Italy) on a Saturday at lunch there weren’t many restaurants open, for various reasons, especially because of private parties being held in the restaurants.
• Use the word “allergic” rather than “celiac”
• Bring a dictionary
• Look up menus online before you go
• Instead of stressing about food, make it fun

BON VOYAGE ET BON APPETIT!

BUON VIAGGIO E BUON APPETITO!

logo3251436_medium

About the author:
Maria Ann Roglieri, Ph.D. is Professor of Italian at St. Thomas Aquinas
College. She holds a B.A. from Columbia University, and an M.A.,
Ph.D. in Italian literature from Harvard University. In addition to
The Gluten-Free Guides, she has authored numerous articles and a book
on Dante and music (Ashgate, 2001). She is very active in the
American celiac community, giving lectures and counseling the newly-
diagnosed, and she is a member of the Gluten Intolerance Group of
North America, the Celiac Sprue Association USA, and the Westchester
Celiac Sprue Support Group.

For more information about any of the Guides, see www.theglutenfreeguides.com.

general

Being Your Own Emissary: Tales from a Celiac Ambassador

Erin Smith

This guest post comes from Kathleen Davis, a wonderful blog supporter and friend of mine. Kathleen and I are distant relatives through a family marriage, but our email friendship blossomed with her diagnosis of Celiac Disease in 2006. Although the only time Kathleen and I met in person was 10 years before her diagnosis, we have continued to grow our online friendship over the years. It is people like Kathleen that help keep me growing my blog every day. 

Kathleen loves “seeing how things are done in other regions of the globe and encourages others to fully experience wondrous things.” Her gluten-free travels over the years include Amsterdam, Iceland most recently, just about all of Europe, Canada, USA, and beyond. Kathleen is always 100% proactive in planning her global travels and she has kindly shared part of her most recent gluten-free vacation preparation. 

Being Your Own Emissary: Tales from a Celiac Ambassador

You’ve had a wonderful day, leaving for, getting to or visiting where you want to be. You’re tired and you’ve had supper and plan an early start for another fun adventure. You ready for bed and anticipate another adventurous day that starts the next morning. Only now you wonder if you will find anything gluten-free for your breakfast at a hotel chain. Breakfast doesn’t have to be a quandary for the gluten-free.

Yesterday, I called a location of big chain hotel. You know them; they are ubiquitous. They invite you to participate with Honors, Rewards, Privileges, and the like. They are for hotel usage but similar to frequent flyer miles with the airlines, except in my opinion, a lot more traveler friendly.

A call to the manager of the hotel we were staying was just right to learn how this particular hotel might accommodate Gluten-Free. I inquired about their breakfast buffet, asking what do they offer that is safe for Gluten Intolerance and told him I am gluten Intolerant. With ever-increasing gluten awareness, I hoped he might have heard of it. He had.

Promptly, he replied the breads are not safe but maybe the cereals and eggs are okay. Addressing his statement, I offered that most cereals are not gluten-free unless it has a clear statement on the packaging. Even yogurts and prepared egg dishes often add gluten. Was there a list within the hotel that clearly lists what they know for sure is Gluten-Free? Kindly he offered to compile a list of suitable gluten-free foods available for me. He asked if he could call me back within 2 days. I expressed my pleasure and am waiting to hear from him.

This reception is unusual. I have heard answers ranging from “What?” to “Yes. Please ask the morning Kitchen Attendant for the Gluten-Free cereal. We keep it secured in the kitchen so it remains safe for our guest.” And there can be a range of comments in between these extremes. It is so helpful to know that the cost of a room for all guests includes a pleasant first meal of the day, whether one is Gluten-Free or not.

I will let you know what develops as soon as I hear from the manager.

3 days later, I received his call. The manager introduced himself formally to me. Over the past few days he said he read through all their food labels to determine what foods offerings are indicated Gluten-Free. Not seeing the word “Gluten” on any labeling contents, he took the initiative to call their food provider. He said their food provider knew nothing and could not help regarding gluten content of foods they bring to the hotel. He ventured to say the fruits might be Gluten-Free but he wasn’t certain. He gave me the name of the yogurts (Dannon NB at end products) they offer but said he didn’t know if they were okay for me either.

He commiserated with a guest who had few choices from their gracious buffet. So many Gluten-Freers (GFeers) go through this multiple times daily, whether experienced, newly diagnosed or in unfamiliar waters. Some GFeers won’t even try traveling as the task of determining what’s for breakfast, or any eating away from home, can be daunting.

The manager and I discussed Gluten-Free briefly. He sounded genuinely interested in understanding and helping his guests. It was a true awakening for him, it seemed. This is what those with Gluten awareness for health and quality of life must do for every product we consume. Point made.

I asked if he could provide a sealed box of General Mills Rice Chex for my stay. He was happy to do so. I offered a solution for his efforts, a big plus in resolving his problem for his guest. It’s a win-win.

This experience is with but one hotel in a chain. This venture had a positive outcome. I’ve experienced a wide range of results in my travels. A little positive encouragement yields a favorable action on behalf of the hotel, more often than not. If one doesn’t try, the result is always negative, though. I encourage Gluten-Free, -Sensitive, -Allergic, and supportive people to at least make the inquiry. When the question arises frequently enough, hotel and restaurant chains recognize Gluten-Free needs to be a standard in food fare, with coffees, teas, cereals, eggs dishes, yogurts. We Gluten-Freers pay, just like other guests, so we should have a decent breakfast. Make it happen by taking the first step. If only one chain speaks Gluten-Free fluently, there is a very good chance that most hotel chains will want to be competitive and Gluten-Free foods will be available more widely when traveling.

As a Gluten Intolerant traveler since 2006, a hotel representative has not offered to compile their Gluten-Free offerings in anticipation of my arrival. More often, they either have a list or booklet of Gluten-Free or they do not. Most places want to welcome guests. If we GFeers ask, the hotel has a chance to shine. If we do not ask, we’ve missed our opportunity to mainstream GF.

Traveling within and outside of the US, I have never felt food denied since my diagnosis of Gluten Intolerance in 2006. We must speak up. This manager gets an “A” for his efforts. He learned firsthand how frustrating it can be to determine gluten status in foods. What a job, was his sentiment conveyed. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he were able to convey this to the bigger powers that be in his organization to affect a major change in hotel breakfast offerings? I found that most chains’ breakfasts have nearly exclusively foods with gluten, which, of course, those with varying stages of gluten sensitivities, intolerance, or allergies cannot partake.

The result: This venue was successful in welcoming their Gluten-Free guest. Upon arrival, behind the front desk was a sealed box of Rice Chex with my name on it. How very nice! My breakfast was most enjoyable. After breakfast, I brought the cereal box to the front desk and asked for a clip to seal the inside bag. Rolling the inside bag down, I explained that if sealed well, the cereal will stay fresh and be a welcome breakfast for other Gluten-Free guests. I thanked the staff for their efforts, in particular the manager. How delightful not to worry about what many travelers take for granted – breakfast. Success!

NB: I called Dannon as they have no disclosures about gluten on their website when I looked. I was informed by Ahmed, a customer service person over the phone, that only the PLAIN Activia, PLAIN Oikos and Dannon PLAIN yogurts are considered gluten safe. They do not use the term Gluten-Free.

~KD

an agent or messenger sent on a mission, especially one who represents a government or head of state; an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy.
Ambassador

an authorized messenger or representative; an unofficial representative: ambassadors of goodwill
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

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