Tag Archive for 'gluten-free'

Rice Chex Going Gluten-Free

Published
by
Bill Banks
on March 26, 2008
in News and Products
. 0 Comments

Rice ChexNancy Lapid over at About.com is reporting that Rice Chex, a cereal that comes oh-so-close to being gluten-free if it weren’t for the barley malt, is changing its recipe. General Mills has tweaked the recipe and will be introducing the new GF version in the coming weeks. The new boxes will declare “Gluten-Free” under the Chex logo (see my circle on the box).

It’s worth reiterating Nancy’s warning; make sure you’re buying the GF version, as the older recipe will still be on the shelves for some time I’m sure.

Rice Chex Going Gluten-Free [About.com]

Rice Chex page on GeneralMills.com

Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free List

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 23, 2008
in Products
. 1 Comment

A list of gluten-free foods I found in a Trader Joe’s last week has shown up on the company’s web site as part of an overall labeling initiative. As a private label store, selling more than 80% of its products under the store brand, Trader Joe’s is in a unique position to help its customers find appropriate items for special diets, including vegan, kosher, low-sodium, even 15min quick meals.

tj_icons.jpg

According to the grocer:

Our dedication to you as a valued Trader Joe’s customer is to provide you with helpful information to make informed buying decisions because we know that you have specific dietary concerns.

While not what I would call reader-friendly, the list is a long one, which should be exciting for anyone tired of the treasure hunt.

Gluten-free foods at Trader Joe’s Trader Joe’s labeling system

Amazon Fresh is Gluten-Free

Published
by
Bill Banks
on March 8, 2008
in News
. 1 Comment

Amazon FreshWhile looking at Amazon’s various sub companies for some start-up research, I ran into Amazon Fresh. Those of you in the Pacific Northwest may have heard of it, but this is news to me here in Chicago. At first swipe, it’s a Peapod competitor that, for now, serves only the Seattle/Tacoma area.

“That’s great Bill, but what does this have to do with the task at hand?”

Glad you asked. Hopefully, it’s a glimpse into the future of gluten-free shopping:

Amazon Fresh goes Gluten-Free

From the get-go, Amazon Fresh lets you filter products based on its nutritional characteristics. Unlike other eCommerce sites I’ve used, this filter can be applied at any time. Meaning, if you check that little gluten-free box when you first arrive to the site, you are presented with gluten-free items (774 items if you’re counting). This effectively makes Amazon Fresh a boutique gluten-free grocer. A quick glance at Peapod and I see no such feature.

Even though it’s virtual - not to mention only serving Seattle for the time being - it was a great feeling to peruse the site knowing everything on the shelf was OK for me to eat. Now if I could only say the same for my local Dominick’s.

Get a slice in Salt Lake City

Published
by
Bill Banks
on March 5, 2008
in Restaurants
. 0 Comments

This in from the Salt Lake Tribune; one of the more elusive finds for a celiac, a pizza joint offering wheat free crust. As a celiac myself, pizza has been one of the more difficult items to give up when I’m out with friends - not to mention the beer that compliments it. From this excerpt, it’s obvious I’m not alone.

“On several different occasions people have started crying,” said Herrera, who decided to offer the wheat-free crust nine months ago after a family member was diagnosed with celiac disease, the most severe form of intolerance.
“One woman gave me a big hug and said, ‘I haven’t had pizza for 20 years,’ ” said Herrera. “She was thrilled to be able to enjoy pizza again.”
Herrera’s gluten-free offering is part of a growing dining trend, both in Utah and nationwide.

A gluten-free slice of heaven [Salt Lake Tribune]

Unique Gluten-Free Menu

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 4, 2008
in Restaurants
. 0 Comments

Founded on the raw foods philosophy, Cousins Incredible Vitality is a restaurant where you won’t find any gluten on the menu, because you won’t find a single processed food in the place. According to the owner and chef, 50% of the ingredients are green, 25% fruits and 25% nuts. What does that get you? Cousins’ restaurant, on Irving near Sacramento in Chicago, provides a unique food experience that retains all the nutrients usually lost in the cooking process.

Cousins

Even their crackers are made from flax seed, ground vegetables and nuts, then formed and dehydrated into a crispy crust for many menu items. The owner has a medical background and is used to patrons coming in with a long list of allergies and dietary restrictions. According to her, many actually find that after following her eating plans and frequenting the restaurant, many sensitivities disappear.

Cousins I.V. also offers many unique drinks, smoothie-like concoctions, that will inspire you to explore their menu further each time you visit.

Whole Foods - Gluten-Free Tea Party

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 4, 2008
in Events
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Chef Sunshine of Rise & Shine Desserts will be hosting a tea party at the Whole Foods on North Ave in Chicago, where she will be demonstrating how to make gluten-free goodies. The free event aims to raise awareness of gluten-free cooking methods, and remind all those who are living gluten-free that you can still get your just desserts.

rise & shine

Gluten Free Tea Party with Chef Sunshine of Rise & Shine Desserts
4:00–6:00 p.m. Free, Registration Required

New Grist - Spreading the Gluten-Free Love

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 4, 2008
in Products
. 0 Comments

Benjamin Franklin once said that “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is making sure that’s true for Celiacs as well. New Grist, made from Sorghum and Rice Extract is the first gluten-free beer recognized by the U.S. government.

New Grist

But they aren’t satisfied just making the beer. They want to get to know Celiacs everywhere. The New Grist Web site features a social network where New Grist lovers and people living gluten-free can create profiles, share information, start message threads, and more. You can even start your own New Grist blog.

We’re members ourselves, so come say hello and toast to New Grist!

Gluten-Free Cooking Expo

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 3, 2008
in Events
. 0 Comments

Learn how to create great-tasting, gluten-free meals for yourself, or friend and family at the Gluten-Free Cooking Expo 2008 in Oakbrook, Illinois.

The two-day gluten free cooking conference includes:

  • Two full days of cooking demonstrations by notable chefs, cookbook authors and nutritionists
  • A Gluten Free Vendor Showcase highlighting the best of the gluten free products available, including gluten-free liquors and beers
  • Gourmet gluten-free breakfasts and lunches for attendee

And if you just can’t bring yourself to cook, at least you leave with a free bag of gluten-free goodies. Register here.

Weber Grill - Gluten-Free Certified

Published
by
Michael Kiser
on March 3, 2008
in Restaurants
. 4 Comments

On the forefront of gluten awareness (and other allergies) in restaurants, Weber Grill in Chicago has taken steps to ensure every eater a safe meal, regardless of particular dietary needs.

What they’ve done:

1. Trained Staff
The entire staff, from host to server, seems knowledgeable about gluten allergies and can point out menu items that are safe for particular allergies as well as other special dietary needs.

Weber’s Gluten-Free Menu

2. Pink Slip Protocol
When a guest alerts the server to an allergy, they note the special request on a pink slip. That slip goes directly to the general manager and the chef for approval. If they can’t make it happen, they let you know. But if they can, such as gluten-free potatoes or a bun-less burger, that confirm the meal order with the server. The pink slip accompanies your order the entire way, from order, to kitchen, and back to table.

3. Certification
According to host Sean Moody of Weber Grill Chicago, the restaurant has also received gluten-free certification from a Chicago-based gluten-free society, which requires food testing by the University of Illinois and facility inspection. Certification for gluten-free also requires staff education and continuing participation in gluten awareness programs.

4. Looking to the Future of Gluten-Free
Weber Grill Chicago’s Assistant General Manager, Robyn (a Celiac herself), is actually a board member of the local Celiac awareness society. Her personal stake in gluten awareness will likely ensure that Weber Grill in Chicago, as well as other restaurants, will continue to push for more certifications and general gluten awareness in the area.