We're a decade into the growth of the gluten free "marketplace," thanks to increased awareness of Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity -- and improving rates of diagnosis. Not only has "gluten free" become a household term, in many cases it's become a dietary "trend." For those of us personally affected by Celiac or gluten sensitivity, this is a mixed blessing -- as many have discussed in recent years. While demand for gluten free meals in restaurants eventually gives us more choice, the situation does come with pitfalls. First and foremost is the need to ensure that any restaurant with a gluten free menu knows not just what ingredients are used in their recipes...but how to safely prepare the meal without putting you at risk from gluten cross contamination. Another less serious -- but still frustrating -- challenge is being able to separate those restaurants that make the most basic (and often less-than-appetizing) substitutions or omissions to claim that a menu item is gluten free from restaurants that work hard to surprise and delight their gluten free diners with well-thought-out, flavorful offerings. (Check out the creative layered Beet Salad, with goat cheese, candied walnuts, and caramelized onions from Burtons Grill, below.)... Read more →
April 2017
Well, we have another amazing travel adventure to entice you with...a visit to Iceland, the land of extreme contrasts. You'll have a chance to visit all the unique natural wonders of this island country, from geothermal baths to icy glaciers. It's another itinerary put together -- with all the gluten free details researched for you -- by Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us. She is constantly on the lookout for ways to combine the most popular travel destinations with a safe gluten free experience. This time, she worked with the owner of a travel company in Iceland who also happens to be gluten free. All breakfasts are included at the hotel she will recommend, and the vetting has been done to ensure you'll be food-safe. In addition, she has restaurants she will recommend for your other meals. With all the work done for you, you can relax and enjoy the journey, experiencing the warm hospitality of the Icelandic people and all their country has to offer. Iceland affords such a rich and unique experience, with sights you won't find elsewhere...at least not all in one place! Its stunning topography includes geothermal hot spots, lava fields, volcanic craters, black sand beaches,... Read more →