Healthline: Favorite Healthy Finds with Gluten-Free Fun

I got to share my favorite gluten-free travel snacks and hacks with Healthline! I picked some of my top gluten-free brands and my must-haves for travel. If you follow Gluten-Free Globetrotter, you will know I just got back from Singapore. I had Bubba's Fine Foods and Krave Jerky and a million other snacks in my carry-on for my 19+ hours of flying. Read on for more details about how and what I pack when I travel

Our Favorite Healthy Finds: Gluten-Free Fun

Traveling with a food allergy can be a tricky puzzle to solve, especially if you have Celiac disease. Gluten is in seemingly everything, and more so when you’re on vacation or looking for a quick bite to eat. But take it from Erin Smith, blogger behind the gluten-free lifestyle website Gluten-Free Fun. You can still go on adventures and see the world without a drop of gluten getting in the way.

From snacks to hacks, Smith curated her favorite picks for gluten-free traveling. And it’s really a must-save for any gluten-free traveler. Read on for more food-friendly ways to turn your fun times, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a camping trip by the lake, into stress-free, treat-filled getaways.

Click here to read the whole article on Healthline!  

100% Gluten-Free in Costa Rica at Arenas del Mar

In only four days, I will be here: 

Photo credit: Arenas del Mar

Pinch me!

Do you ever think "I want to travel, but where can I eat gluten-free so far from home?" I know exactly how you feel. That's why I started my Gluten-Free Globetrotter website in 2011. Living with Celiac since 1981, I don't know anything else but gluten-free travel. I wanted to convince other Celiacs that they also can travel. I have connected with so many nervous Celiacs that ask me for ideas of where to go and now I have an awesome suggestion that I am testing it out next week! Tough job, but someone has to do it for the celiac community! 

About six weeks ago, I learned that Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, was putting its staff through the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness GREAT Kitchens training program. "This comprehensive course teaches the essentials of gluten-free food preparation and cross-contamination avoidance – skills that are critical for serving customers with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity." This is impressive yet puzzling. I wondered why a hotel in Costa Rica was paying attention to the celiac guest.

Well, it turns out that one of the owners of Arenas del Mar has a daughter who has celiac disease and understands first-hand how anxiety about dining out can deter those with special dietary needs from traveling. When she travels, she becomes scared at each mealtime with concern for the ingredients in her food and cross contact in the kitchen. Sound familiar? I bet it does!

Arenas del Mar is a 38-room hotel on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. In 2013, Travel and Leisure magazined voted it the Top Family Hotel in Central and South America. It has also been awarded 5 Stars for Luxury and 5 Leaves for Sustainability by the Government of Costa Rica. This is all nice, but being able to eat gluten-free at this hotel in Costa Rica is really what stands out to me.

Photo credit: Arenas del Mar

In addition to being able to serve their gluten-free guests year-round, Arenas del Mar is featuring two weeks dedicated to the Celiac Community. During these weeks, the resort will go 100% gluten-free!

Here is more information about these extra special weeks:

A Week for the Celiac Community 

http://www.arenasdelmar.com/celiac_weeks.html 

In support of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), Arenas Del Mar will host two Weeks for the Celiac Community. During the weeks beginning September 13th and again on November 8th.  Both restaurants at Arenas Del Mar will go 100% gluten-free for their guests’ safety and comfort. 

A Week for the Celiac Community was inspired by the daughter of one of the owners who has celiac disease and understands first-hand how anxiety bout dining out can deter those with special dietary needs from traveling. When she travels, she becomes scared at each mealtime with concern for the ingredients in her food and cross contact in the kitchen. 

The first week, beginning September 13th 2014, will feature guest Chef Monica Glass, who herself has celiac disease, accompanied by Chef Nicole Petrongolo. Monica has worked as a pastry chef at the acclaimed seafood restaurant Le Bernardin in New York City, 10 Arts in Philadelphia and now Clio in Boston. 

The second week, beginning November 8th 2014, will feature Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook, the owners and chefs of the highly rated Zahav in Philadelphia. This restaurant was named best restaurant in Philadelphia by Philly Magazine. 

All the kitchen staff at Arenas Del Mar will also have completed the NFCA’s Great Kitchens training program which is accredited by the American Culinary Foundation.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the NFCA.

***

In only a few days, I am traveling solo to the jungles of Costa Rica and staying at Arenas Del Mar* for five days! I am beyond excited for this trip. Traveling the globe, searching for gluten-free friendly places, and then sharing that with my readers is exactly what I want to do with my life. It's why I write Gluten-Free Globetrotter. If I can encourage just one reader to step out of their comfort zone and book a gluten-free vacation anywhere in the world, then my mission is complete!

I will be reporting back on my Gluten-Free Globetrotter experiences in Costa Rica throughout the week. Follow my gluten-free travels via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

For further details about Arenas del Mar, please contact Jeremy Allen, Program Director and hotel Partner at AllenAllen@aol.com or 1-610-407-9371. Please tell Jeremy you learned about Arenas del Mar from Erin Smith of Gluten-Free Fun and Gluten-Free Globetrotter!

* Arenas del Mar is hosting my 5-day stay next week. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely and entirely my own.

Gluten-Free British Airways Fail

Can someone please tell me what is wrong with these pictures of my gluten-free meal from British Airways on my flight to the UK last week?

In case you didn't realize, not only do I have a regular, gluten-filled bun but I also have a cheesecake that clearly states "CONTAINS WHEAT". I was told on the flight that they didn't get the proper gluten-free trays and that this should be ok. The flight attendant then proceeded to tell me that she was gluten-free too (probably as a weight loss regimine) and this meal should be fine. I may have exaggerated a little bit and told her I could die if I ate this, but I was livid that I had no dinner for a trans-Atlantic flight except a plain salad and a small fruit bowl. At close to $1,000 a ticket, I deserve better treatment than that! There was chicken in some kind of gravy on the plate too but given the other food clearly containing gluten, I opted not to eat it. I trusted my gut (har har) and didn't eat anything on the tray. Luckily my mom had made me two gluten-free sandwiches to eat on the plane in case of circumstances like this so I didn't go completely hungry. I just worry about other gluten-free travelers who aren't as savvy as I am when it comes to not trusting the airlines, especially when they are trapped and hungry! Also, I am glad I was awake enough and paying attention to what was put in front of me. It would have been a horrible 6+ hours across the Atlantic with many trips to the airplane bathroom if I didn't read the ingredients. That is no way to start a vacation!

Flying home wasn't as bad, except they didn't serve me until they were feeding everyone else dessert and that was only after I asked two flight attendants where my special meal was and them looking at me with blank stares. They also ran out of food for many of the people on my plane and started bringing them meals from first class. How does an airline not know how many people they need to feed?

And the biggest kicker, British Airlines didn't send my bag or my mom's bag home with us. Two people, two bags, three different flights. How does this even make sense?

Needless to say, I WILL NEVER FLY BRITISH AIRWAYS EVER AGAIN. 

GlutenFreeTravelSite Launches “Dine Gluten Free” App

I am very excited to announce that my friend and colleague Karen Broussard, founder of the GlutenFreeTravelSite, just launched a new blog called Dine Gluten Free for both the iPhone and the Android phones. This app lets you access all of the amazing user-generated gluten-free reviews that are on the GlutenFreeTravelSite. I think this is a great tool to have on the go, which I say in my quote in the press release below. The app is free on the iTunes store so I encourage you all to download it today!

GlutenFreeTravelSite Launches Dine Gluten Free iPhone App and Android App for Accessing Site’s Dining & Travel Reviews
Gluten Free Community Can Now Benefit from Website’s Detailed, User-Submitted Reviews of Restaurants and Other Businesses When Using a Smart Phone

South Riding, VA (PRWEB) January 15, 2013

GlutenFreeTravelSite, launched in 2008 to give the gluten free community a place to share reviews of “gluten free friendly” restaurants, other businesses, and travel venues, today announced the release of their Dine Gluten Free apps for both iPhone and Android devices.

Now, fans of GlutenFreeTravelSite will be able to access the site’s thousands of dining and travel reviews when “on the go” using either iOS or Android powered devices. The user-submitted reviews of restaurants, bakeries, markets, hotels, resorts, and B&Bs throughout the U.S. and around the world are searchable by town or zip code and can be mapped and shared with others. A special reminder service within the Dine Gluten Free app also allows users to save “must try” establishments in areas they’ll be visiting – and then receive an alert on their mobile phone when they’re in close proximity.

Karen Broussard, Founder of GlutenFreeTravelSite said, “Whether you’re looking for a new restaurant to try in your area, a safe place to eat on a family vacation, or a venue for dining when traveling on business, you’ll have convenient access to detailed accounts of other people’s gluten free dining experiences. The reliable peer reviews found within the Dine Gluten Free app -- complete with tips on how to make your meals as safe and enjoyable as possible -- help steer you toward the most accommodating places to stay, dine, and shop. You’ll never again feel limited or deprived when eating out."

Blogger Erin Smith, who organizes the NYC Celiac Meetup Group and publishes both the Gluten Free Fun Blog and Gluten Free Globetrotter Blog, added, "The new Dine Gluten Free app from GlutenFreeTravelSite is definitely something I will use when traveling both within NYC (my hometown) as well as when on the road for work and leisure. As a frequent gluten-free traveler, having this app right on my iPhone is very convenient when looking for a place to eat a safe, gluten-free meal on the go."

Other features of the Dine Gluten Free app include:

• A list of many restaurant chains that offer Gluten Free Menus, with dedicated pages for each restaurant containing links to its Gluten Free Menu, locations, website, Facebook page, and coupons if offered
• A Submit Review feature which gives users the ability to submit feedback about a restaurant from their smart phone during or immediately after their meal
• A national Calendar listing upcoming gluten free events, trips, and expos, which users may add to
• A Forum to share news and ask questions of other gluten free users of the app
• Links to articles from the Gluten Free Travel Blog and GlutenFreeTravelSite’s Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages

About GlutenFreeTravelSite:
Karen Broussard launched GlutenFreeTravelSite in 2008, several years after her son Ryan was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at a very young age. She wanted to give the gluten free community a place where they could share their valuable feedback on gluten free dining and travel spots with one another. She has continued to grow the site over the years and unveiled a new design with expanded content last summer. In addition to its focus on dining and travel reviews, GlutenFreeTravelSite also includes a section dedicated to reviews of College Dining Services, a page detailing gluten free policies of the major Cruise Lines and links to gluten free cruise reviews, and a list of Camps accommodating kids following gluten free diets. Karen remains active in the gluten free community and is an Associate Editor of Simply Gluten Free magazine.

Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend

Want a massage??? Book by May 31, 2012 and tell them Erin Smith of Gluten-Free Fun 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 & 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  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 1,400 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)

Full Itinerary at:

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

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

Gluten-Free Paradise?

Hello dear readers from the lovely Portland, OR. I am here for work this week and was totally freaking out all of last week in preparation for this trip. Although I travel extensively for fun, I never had a colleague plan my entire trip for me... meals and all. I have to say I am quite impressed with Portland so far in terms of gluten-free dining. There are gluten-free menus everywhere. Usually I do a lot of research and look for gluten-free restaurant destinations. Here, I don't even have to look hard for menus because I am finding them everywhere. I am still using my map but I am finding gluten-free options in some really unassuming places.

I plan to write up my Portland tales on my Gluten-Free Globetrotter site as soon as I get home. In the meantime, I assure you Portland understands this whole gluten-free thing and I feel quite relieved.

Gluten-Free Fun is heading to Portland

Do you know I write two blogs? My blog Gluten-Free Globetrotter is about embracing a gluten-free lifestyle while traveling the world. I love to travel but hear all too often that people with Celiac Disease on a gluten-free diet are afraid to leave home. While I understand the nervousness, I have NEVER let Celiac stop me from exploring the world. I have been to some really amazing places in my life and if I let my gluten-free lifestyle keep me from traveling I would have never eaten gluten-free spaghetti outside of the Vatican, dined in a gourmet restaurant on the rim of the Grand Canyon, or ridden ATVs in the desert of Aruba.

So if you aren't reading about my gluten-free travels or following them on Facebook and Twitter, I encourage you to do so today!

If you do read my Gluten-Free Globetrotter blog you will know that there are some big changes happening in my professional life. I can't get into too many public details but my day job (yes, I have one completely unrelated to this gluten-free world) is going to require some travel to the West Coast. This will be quite an adventure for this East Coast gal but exciting as well. I love exploring and this will give me the opportunity to check out Portland, OR. Read on for my details:

Yep, it’s true. I am adding a new city and state to my travelogue soon! 

There has been a lot going on in my “real” job lately. Although my passion and my babies are my two blogs and my NYC Celiac Meetup group, I have to pay my bills! When I tell people that I have a day job unrelated to the gluten-free world they are often shocked that I have the time for everything. Trust me, I don’t sleep much! 

My professional world has taken an unexpected turn and I have some regular travel to Portland, OR in my immediate future. I am excited about this for a few reasons. The top reason is that I hear Portland is a great place to be gluten-free. Obviously, this is music to my gluten-free ears. I am slowly adding bookmarks and taking all recommendations for gluten-free in Portland. Also, I love being outdoors. Portland is a very green city and I am excited to explore by foot and bicycle. 

Do you have any gluten-free favorites that I can’t miss in Portland? Please post them in the comments section below. I look forward to your recommendations. Stay tuned for my reviews and summaries soon!

Gluten Free Rafting Trip in Oregon

I don't remember exactly how I learned about this rafting trip, but it sounds like a lot of fun for those of you in the Pacific Northwest.

Gluten Free Rafting Trip

August 21 - 23, 2011

We are delighted to be working with the renowned Gluten Free RN, Nadine Grzeskowiak, on this very special Oregon rafting adventure.

Having a significant food allergy like gluten intolerance can make people wary about eating out or even taking a vacation. Assurances that the food will be gluten free do not always hold up and then the consequences dramatically impact the quality of the vacationer's experience. Nadine and the gluten free chef accompanying her on this unique outdoor adventure, will make sure the foods that you are served are not only gluten free but delicious as well.

This is a vacation where you can have true peace of mind-no worries about the food being served you, just focus on the fun. Nadine is confident that this trip will address almost any food allergy because the food will be fresh, organic, and free of allergy causing substances. So the added benefit is that if you have food allergies other than gluten, this Oregon rafting trip will also be the perfect vacation.

The dates for this gluten free 2011 Oregon rafting and kayaking trip are Sunday, August 21 (starting about 9 a.m.) through Tuesday, August 23 (ending about 5 p.m.). The cost is $1140/adult and $1080/youth (17 years and younger) and is all-inclusive. This cost covers all meals from lunch the first day through lunch the last day, 2 nights lodging, guides, gear, government fees, shuttle back over the mountain at trip's end, Nadine's expertise (she will be on the trip with you), and the gluten free chef's skills at each evening dinner and breakfast meal. Whitewater Warehouse will prepare delicious, gluten free lunches riverside each day.

Interested in joining Nadine on this unique trip? Just give the friendly folks at Whitewater Warehouse a call at 1-800-214-0579 today to reserve your space(s). A $300 per person deposit will secure your spot. Or email us at fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com

GlutenFreeTravelSite Announces Mobile Version of Website

Mobile Version Offers Free and Automatic Access to Gluten Free Restaurant Information and Dining Reviews via Any Smart Phone

South Riding, VA, January 5, 2011 – GlutenFreeTravelSite.com
today announces the launch of a mobile version of the site, automatically available on any smart phone. The mobile version provides visitors with a user-friendly format for accessing the site’s gluten-free dining information when “on the go” or traveling.

GlutenFreeTravelSite is a website that helps people following gluten-free diets find “safe” places to eat, whether they are looking for a restaurant in their town or searching for suitable places to eat or stay when traveling. The site contains a database of thousands of reviews of restaurants, hotels/resorts, cruises, and grocery stores throughout the world -- submitted by people following gluten-free diets.

“The mobile version of GlutenFreeTravelSite is incredibly easy to use, and more importantly, gives you instant access to a wealth of gluten-free information,” said Chad Hines, founder of the Gluten-Free Faces social networking site. “You have the ability to browse through local gluten-free restaurant reviews, view restaurant menus, and even access all your favorite social media sites -- all while on the go!"

Similar to the main site, the free mobile version of GlutenFreeTravelSite allows visitors to search reviews by city/town or zip code, with the search results appearing on a Google map. Users simply click on any establishment listed to link to the review. Most places reviewed are “hidden gems” such as independent restaurants, stores, resorts, and inns/B&B's that Celiacs may not have heard about elsewhere.

The mobile version of the site also incorporates the
Gluten Free Restaurant Menus section, which lists national and regional restaurant chains that offer gluten-free menus – and provides direct links to their gluten-free menus and locations. Users of GlutenFreeTravelSite’s mobile version can even visit the site’s Blog, Facebook and Twitter pages, and read the Featured Review of the Month, a review that is chosen from the prior month’s submissions for special showcasing.

Most people who follow gluten-free diets do so because of Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body is unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Celiac Disease affects 1 in 133 people in the United States and rates are even higher in some other countries. People with “gluten intolerance,” autism, and other health concerns have found that a gluten-free diet can also help reduce their symptoms.

“People following gluten-free diets have somewhat limited options when it comes to dining out and traveling,” said Karen Broussard, founder and president of GlutenFreeTravelSite. “With the mobile version, people can now have the helpful resources of GlutenFreeTravelSite at their fingertips at all times – whether they use an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android-based smart phone.”

About GlutenFreeTravelSite
GlutenFreeTravelSite was launched in April 2008 to help users quickly and easily access peer-written reviews of restaurants, hotels/resorts, cruise ships, and grocery stores around the world that cater to the gluten-free community. Between the database of reviews and the dozens of national and regional restaurant chains with gluten free menus listed on their Gluten Free Restaurant Menus page, visitors to the site can find thousands of safe and delicious dining options. For more information or to learn about advertising opportunities, visit GlutenFreeTravelSite at http://www.glutenfreetravelsite.com or e-mail
kbroussard@ glutenfreetravelsite.com.

Great Holiday Idea: Gluten Free To Go

I was first introduced to Rebecca & Devyn's Gluten Free To Go snack packs at the Appetite for Awareness event in Philadelphia this October. I was instantly drawn to the colorful logo, the resealable bags, and the selection of snacks inside each "To Go" package. I was so impressed that I voted these snack packs as my "Coolest New Travel Product" in my A4A Vendy Awards.  If you are looking for a holiday gift for a busy mom or dad, a frequent traveler, or even for yourself then I highly recommend the Gluten Free To Go snack packs.

These Gluten Free To Go bags are "ready-to-go snack packs that are safe, tasty, gluten-free and available free of the eight most common allergens (wheat, milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.)" These snack packs already contact many familiar brands such as Enjoy Life Foods, Mary's Gone Crackers, Wild Garden, and Sunbutter which is welcoming to those of us who are already comfortable with particular allergen-free products.

There are four Gluten Free To Go packs to choose from including "At the Park", "In the City", "At the Lake", and "On the Trail". Each package has a different selection of snacks and they all come in resealable bags. Right now, the snack packs are available for purchase through the Gluten Free To Go website.

I hope to see these expand into health food markets soon. Or better yet, how awesome would it be if you were in the airport and saw this at one of your favorite news kiosks? Good luck to Rebecca and Devyn with their Gluten Free To Go snack packs.

Buy yours today! Are you a new customer? Get $4 off any 4 snack packs by using promo code BUY4GET4.

Gluten-Free App for you iPhone

How cool is this? The folks at CeliacTravel.com have developed a new application for your iPhone so you can have their gluten-free restaurant cards with you at all times. CeliacTravel.com now provides their restaurant cards in 42 languages! Instead of printing out and carrying all 42 cards, you can now have them all in your phone. This is just another reason to add an iPhone to my gadget wish list. Here is a copy of their English version of their restaurant card.



All of the CeliacTravel.com restaurant cards are free, the site simply asks for a donation via PayPal if you choose to download any or all of their cards. To see all languages and to download cards, visit: http://www.celiactravel.com/restaurant-cards.html

To download the iPhone application, please click here. This link will open in iTunes

Gluten-Free Travel: Cafe Flora (Seattle, WA)

In September, I took my first vacation to the Pacific Northwest. I wanted to far away from NYC and to a place I had never been before. I decided on a week in Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC. As with all of my vacations, I did my research on gluten-free restaurants and stores in the cities I was vising before I left. I had high hopes for Seattle, but was slightly disappointed with the gluten-free places I visited. I was also slightly disappointed with Seattle in general, but that is another story.

My first gluten-free stop in Seattle was dinner at Cafe Flora with my cousin Emily and her boyfriend Chris. They are both vegan and I am gluten-free (obv) so Cafe Flora seemed like the perfect choice.



We started our meal with yam fries, which were gone before I even got to take a picture. For an entree, I had Oaxaca tacos. These were interesting and not really what I was expecting. I knew there were potatoes in the tacos, but I guess I didn't realize it was literally just a rolled taco with potato and not much more. The menu said "Roasted corn tortillas filled with mashed potatoes, Cheddar & smoky Mozzarella cheeses with lime creme fraiche, Cotija cheese, black bean stew, pico de gallo and wilted greens." The tacos weren't bad at all, but I just expected a bit more flavor.

Emily had a vegan black bean burger which was "Chipotle black bean burger with cayenne aioli and pineapple relish on a soft potato bun with wild greens." Chris had a vegan heirloom tomato pizza which consisted of "roasted garlic pesto, local sweet corn, tofu "ricotta", and Billy’s farm heirloom tomatoes tossed with fresh dill & basil." Both Emily and Chris seemed to enjoy their meals, but I think they had similar feelings that I did. We all wanted a bit more flavor.

Dessert is what brought smiles to the table. I had a delicious chocolate tartlet with chocolate “creme” filling and raspberry sauce. This was both vegan and gluten free and looked especially pretty on my plate. Emily and Chris shared vegan raspberry layer cake with limoncello, vanilla bean frosting, and raspberry anglaise.

Although it wasn't the best meal ever, but it was definitely a great welcome to Seattle, WA that both a gluten-free diner and two vegans could enjoy.



Cafe Flora
www.cafeflora.com
2901 E Madison St
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 325-9100

Eating Out Gluten-Free Global Research Study

Share Your Experiences About Eating Out Gluten-Free
in the Unprecedented Global Research Study

This three-dimensional, first-of-its-kind research study: Understanding Gluten and Allergen-Free Experiences of Guests & Hospitality Worldwide bridges the gap between gluten and allergen-free guests and the restaurants who serve them. Focused on eating out and travel experiences, the ground-breaking study surveys guests living with celiac/coeliac, food allergies and intolerances; as well as the food service and hospitality professionals who cater to them.

The primary purpose of the benchmarking study is for guests and hospitality professionals to begin to understand each others' experiences and improve the dialogue between both sides of the table. Safely eating out is cited as one of the top concerns for those managing special diets across the globe.

With guests, hospitality professionals and communities working together- food allergies, celiac/coeliac and special diets can become universally understood and accepted everywhere! By providing a 360 degree view of consumer and business experiences, research results will help drive the changes needed for millions of individuals managing gluten and allergen-free diets worldwide!

How to Share Your Experiences
Guests and hospitality professionals can participate in this global study by completing one of the three unique surveys that best describes their respective point-of-view.

To be a part of the Understanding Gluten and Allergen-Free Experiences of Guests & Hospitality Worldwide study, individuals and businesses can share their insights by visiting:

www.glutenfreeexperiences.com for celiacs/coeliacs and the gluten/wheat intolerant

www.allergenfreeexperiences.com for those managing food allergies

www.glutenfreeguests.com or www.allergenfreeguests.com for hospitality & food service professionals.

Each survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. All feedback is confidential and will not be shared with any third party. Only one submission per e-mail address will be accepted and the survey closes as of 31 August, 2007.

Upon successful submission and if requested; respondents will receive complimentary eating out educational materials and be entered into various prize drawings. In addition, in the fall of 2007, key findings will be sent electronically to participants if requested.

This innovative study will ultimately empower individuals with the knowledge to safely and confidently live a better quality of life anywhere in the world. At the same time, businesses can leverage the empirical data to justify new programs and services addressing this underrepresented portion of the global population. Understanding each others' point-of-view is the key to improving dining and travel experiences for those managing gluten and allergen-free diets worldwide!

The ground-breaking research is sponsored by GlutenFree Passport®, and its affiliate AllergyFree Passport®, global consulting firms focused on health education and creators of the award-winning, internationally acclaimed book series, Let's Eat Out! Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free book series. This innovative series is the winner of the Best Language and 4-time award finalist for Best Health & Diet, Best Health & Wellness, Best Travel Guide and Best First Book Non-Fiction. For more information and free educational materials, please visit www.glutenfreepassport.com or www.allergyfreepassport.com.