Sunday, April 29, 2012

Great Article: Gluten-Free Grilling Prep!

With summer approaching and pool-side grilling ramping up, it's always good to reminder ourselves of the tips and tricks for attending such gatherings. If you are Celiac or gluten-free it is of utmost importance to ensure that food is gluten-free, there is no cross-contamination and that you prepare before arrival!

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Great Gluten-Free Grilling

MISSION, KS, Apr 26, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- (Family Features) Cookouts, picnics and barbecues mean sharing food and good fun with family and friends. For those living gluten-free, whether due to dietary restrictions or personal choice, these gatherings can cause added stress, as finding foods they can eat may prove difficult. Likewise, gluten-free eaters may worry they'll be perceived as picky or difficult.
But with today's great tasting gluten-free options, such as cookies and brownies, hotdog and hamburger buns, and even pizza crusts, gluten-free individuals can now join in the hot-off-the-grill goodness.
Gluten-free breads, including hamburger and hotdog buns, have come a long way over the past few years. In fact, makers like Udi's Gluten Free Foods are leading the way in making gluten-free products that taste just as good, if not better, than their gluten-filled counterparts. That means whether you're noshing on a hamburger or a hotdog, you'll have the freedom to choose a delicious gluten-free bun to wrap around your favorite cookout fare.
Hosting your own backyard barbeque? Here are some simple tips to make gluten-free grilling deliciously easy and safe for all your guests:
        
        --  Always check the labels. Gluten shows up in some surprising places,
            including marinades, condiments and even some processed meats.
        --  Many grilling side dishes are naturally gluten-free, so set out plenty
            of potato salad, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, melon and other
            fruits, and baked beans.
        --  Grill any gluten-free foods first -- that way you'll avoid the
            possibility of cross-contamination with foods that do contain gluten.
            You can also grill individual meals inside foil or parchment packets
            and prevent cross-contamination that way, too.
        --  If you're going to someone else's party, bring your own crackers and
            snacks, and even your own gluten-free buns.
        
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Off the Menu: Franklin Barbeque

Franklin Barbecue has become an Austin legend. It currently rivals the Salt Lick BBQ as the best in Austin according to recent "reports". Even the New York Times has discussed its break-out success. My classmates have been asking for months that I accompany them to Franklin's but I was unable to find information online regarding gluten-free options. Within minutes of emailing them I received the following back:


Hi Jaime,

All of our meats and sides are gluten free.
Our espresso barbecue sauce (the darkest on the tables) does contain gluten, so be sure to avoid that, bread and our chopped beef (has espresso sauce in it.)
Thanks,
Stacy

Stacy Franklin
Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th St.
Austin, Tx 78702


I am SO excited to give it a try this Friday. I have no doubt that I'll be pleased :) Thank you Stacy for your help and everyone enjoy!
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Update! Ate at Frankin's today and it was awesome. I got the ribs and sausage as well as potato salad and coleslaw here is a pic of the menu:


Make sure to ask the guys at the counter to change their gloves for you before putting your food together!! They touch buns and bread at the same time as other things so there is cross-contamination if you forget to ask. They knew exactly what to do :)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Off the Menu: Hickory Street


Hickory Street logo

I must talk about gluten-free dining too much (well, I know I do) because my classmates are starting to notice gluten-free menus for me. This week I was made aware that Hickory Street has got a gluten-free menu, which they change with the seasons! I had no idea that they would cater to  me, so I am definitely heading there this weekend to check it out. Enjoy!! A special thanks to Nathan Howry, owner, for helping get this into my hands electronically!


Gulf Shrimp Crab Cake
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Beer Battered Onion Rings (made with Red Bridge gluten-free beer batter)
Charred Sweet Corn Guacamole
Heirloom Tomato Salsa & Mozzarella

Chopped Salad
Duck Egg Salad
Arugula Caesar
Carrot Quinoa Salad

Gluten Free Fried Chicken (house hot sauce, basil and apple salad with yogurt dressing)
Short Rib Mac & Cheese
Chickpea Chili
Ribeye Meatloaf
Texas Fried Catfish Tacos (you can order with Corn Tortillas)

As always, make sure to let your waiter know that you are ordering gluten-free :)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Gluten Free Kneads is now Smart Flour Foods

You may not know directly of Smart Flour Foods but I guarantee if you eat gluten-free in Austin that you know their products. Previously named Gluten Free Kneads, their goal is to provide mixes to local restaurants for their gluten-free pizza, buns, desserts and more. The company is growing quickly and I know I'm looking forward to added all of their new clients to G-Free in the City once it goes live in cities outside of Austin. You can find their customer by state here: http://www.smartflourfoods.com/?q=restaurants

In Austin, the following locations work with Smart Flour Foods to give us piece of mind and making dining out a great experience:

You can also order their mixes online. Thank you SFF!