Off the Menu: Flix Brewhouse

Everyone knows I'm a huge fan of dining, drinking and watching movies at the same time. Flix Brewhouse is located in Round Rock and really embraces this awesome experience. Not only do they brew their own beer and boast a cocktail area but they have gluten-free items noted on their menu!

I suggest checking it out for your next movie!

Starters:
- Chips & Salsa
- Carnita Tapas

Salads:
- Cran-Apple Chicken Salad

Entrees:
- Herb Marinated Chicken
- Blackened Tilapia

Desserts:
- Chocolate Torte

Austin Food Blogger Alliance

I am so excited to announce that I am a new member of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance! The Alliance allows for individuals of various backgrounds and interests to rally around food and Austin - two of our favorite things. While myself and a few others are focused on special diets, there are many others that include recipe blogs, event blogs and more. The Alliance also hosts events throughout the year including the upcoming Cookbook Potluck and the recent Cupcakes & Cocktails.

This group is a support network for all of us and I encourage you to follow all of the updates, membership news and events that come up:

Twitter: @atxfoodblogs
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/austinfoodbloggeralliance

I look forward to contributing to the group and bringing more awareness to Austin food bloggers!

Off the Menu: Gusto Italian Kitchen

For my friend Maha's birthday bash she chose Gusto Italian Kitchen off Burnet Road - and of course made sure they had some gluten-free for me (such a great friend!).

As usual I called ahead to make sure and got an overwhelmingly confident response about their offerings and understanding of the diet. Upon arrival, I felt the same confidence from our waiter and the manager so I successfully ordered a VERY yummy pizza!

They let me know that the following items (all toppings and sauces included) can be made gluten-free so I will definitely be back - I miss Italian food and the more places I can get it the better :)

Please let your waiter know when you are ordering gluten-free and be sure to ask and make sure none of the menu options have changed.





Pastas:
Gemelli Pollo
Spinach & Three Cheese Lasagna
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Pappardelle Bolognese
Spaghetti Carbonara
Linguine & Mussels

Pizzas:
The Italian Job
Margherita
Four Cheese
Mushroom
Soppressata
Bacon

Then of course - there are salad, cheese and side options upon request. Bon Appetit!

UPDATED Off the Menu: Third Base Sports Bar

Hey all! It has been awhile since I posted up about Third Base, and I've been there many times since. However, when I went in on Saturday I was presented with a fancy new gluten-free menu that I wanted to be sure to share with you! The options are much more extensive than the original...and they have multiple locations!

Go Team!


BAR SNACKS

CHIPS & SALSA
GUACAMOLE
TRUFFLED POPCORN
QUESO
+ black beans, guacamole or ground beef  .5 each
STUFFED TOTS  
crawfish, andouille sausage, cheese

SOUPS & SALADS

TORTILLA SOUP
chicken, peppers, onions, corn, tortilla strips, avocado,
cheese
THIRD BASE SALAD
butter leaf, romaine, iceberg, and arugula, with carrots,
tomatoes, oregano, parmesan, Third Base vinaigrette
+ grilled chicken
+ smoked steak, seared ahi, BBQ salmon, grilled shrimp
BEEFY BLUES ON THE GREENS
smoked tenderloin, red potatoes, green beans, house
lettuce mix, pickled red onions, red wine blue cheese
vinaigrette
COBB SALAD
romaine, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, egg,
creamy blue cheese dressing
+ chicken
+ smoked steak, seared ahi, BBQ salmon, grilled shrimp
SOUTH AUSTIN CAESAR
romaine, jalapeño caesar dressing, tortilla strips, corn
+ chicken
+ smoked steak, seared ahi, BBQ salmon, grilled shrimp
CAPRESE  
fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, sundried tomato pesto

SIDES

Garlic Cheese Grits
Crushed Red Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries
Creole Potato Salad
Lemon Pepper Grilled Asparagus
Fresh Fruit Salad
Blue Cheese Slaw
Sautéed Vegetables
Chips |  Fries
Chili Spiced Pineapple + Strawberry

STARTERS

CHICKEN DIABLOS  chicken, peppadew chiles, bacon, sweet chile sauce
WINGS  6 wings   |  12 wings   |  24 wings
sweet chile, smokey BBQ, spicy ranch, teriyaki, jalapeño lime, spicy garlic,
hoisin-honey mustard, lemon pepper, cajun, mild, medium, hot or habanero
with ranch or blue cheese
CHICKEN KABOBS  chicken, zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, sweet chile sauce
TRES BASE
+ HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE to any item
NACHOS  tostadas, cheese, beans, sour cream, jalapeños, pico, queso fresco  
+ chicken or beef
TILAPIA TACOS  cabbage, jalapeño cilantro ranch, escabeche carrots, grilled  
AHI TACOS  seared ahi tuna, cabbage, jalapeño cilantro ranch, escabeche carrots
CARNITAS TACOS  slow roasted pork carnitas, salsa doña pickled red onions,
queso fresco, cilantro
SHRIMP TACOS  cabbage, jalapeño cilantro ranch, escabeche carrots, grilled
tacos include rice and black beans, corn tortillas

ENTREES

BBQ SALMON  Atlantic salmon, garlic cheese grits, lemon pepper grilled asparagus
RIBS  applewood smoked St. Louis pork ribs, blue cheese slaw, fries
PORK CHOP  applewood smoked, bone-in, creole potato salad, apricot chipotle glaze
TUSCAN CHICKEN  organic chickenbreast, lemon, garlic, oregano, crushed red potatoes,
wilted spinach

SANDWICHES
house pickle, blue cheese slaw, and choice of chips or fries

SMOKEY BLU  smoked steak, arugula, pickled red onions, blue cheese, Udi’s roll
GAUCHO’S POLLO  chimichurri chicken breast, avocado aioli, Udi’s roll
BUFFALO CHICKEN  grilled chicken, medium wing sauce, lettuce,
tomato, blue cheese dressing, Udi’s roll
TURKEY BLT  smoked turkey breast, peppered bacon,
lettuce, tomato, mayo, Udi’s whole grain bread
CAPRESE SANDWICH  grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes,
sundried tomato pesto, Udi’s roll

BURGERS

+ PEPPER BACON to any burger
CLASSIC CHEESE BURGER  cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion
MUSHROOM SWISS RANCH BURGER  sautéed mushrooms, ranch dressing, swiss
S.O.B.  garlicky black bean puree, guacamole, jack, cheddar, jalapeños, lettuce

BEERS

Red Bridge      $4.50
Greens Discovery Amber  16.9oz  $8.00

Off the Menu: J. Black's

SO excited that one of the west 6th locations has jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon! Since starting my work with Smart Flour Foods I've been thrilled at some of the locations coming through the pipeline that are choosing to carry g-free pizzas and more. Find the menu items below!

Added bonus - they have fantastic happy hours and all toppings are gluten-free too! I know what I'm suggesting next time :)

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:

• Alamo Drafthouse Lakecreek
• Austin's Pizza
• Brick Oven Restaurants (all locations)
• Cannoli Joe's
• East Side Pies
• Four Seasons Trio Restaurant
• Mangia Pizza (not all locations)
• Mangiari's Pizza Cafe
• Marye's Gourmet Pizza
• Mercury Pizza Shop
• Milto's Mediterranean Cafe
• Mr. Gatti's Pizza
• Promise Pizza
• Red House Pizzaria
• Saccone's Pizza
• The Grove Wine Bar & Good To Go
• Thundercloud Subs
• Via 313 (Food Trailer)

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

My G-Free Future...?

This week we have finals for the full-time MBA program, which is the unspoken signal that we should start to think about summer internships and future careers. Most of the individuals in my class are switching careers, industries and even discovering brand-new opportunities, which leave us all feeling a little lost and overwhelmed by the potential we've got. They tell us a top 20 program will get us in the door, but first we need to decide what door we wish to knock on.

When I started my MBA application I was dedicated to going back into higher education (I was working for www.myedu.com) but then I got diagnosed, right before completing my essays. After a month I realized that this is what would now drive my life, I switched all of my essays around, and I not only dealt with it but became truly passionate about learning and teaching others how to make the best of this crappy diagnosis. At that time I started my blog and have been pondering how to make gluten-free a "career" ever since.

In a world dominated by doctors and dieticians I feel as if an MBA could make an impact that wasn't originally foreseen by the people who run Living Without and Celiac.com so I've made it my mission to get into lifestyle marketing for the gluten-free community. The question is...how? I've had the opportunity to speak with and conduct informational interviews with individuals such as Kim Koeller with GlutenFreePassport.com, individuals from Enjoy Life Foods and Mary's Gone Crackers and even dietitians in the Austin area.

What I've realized is that I have the personal experience, a lot of marketing background and about .25 of an MBA so I could provide a lot to this industry in some way or another. Ideally, I'd love to take G-Free in the City to the next level (and am in the works) but I've decided that my summer internship should be dedicated to learning the business and market side of things from within the walls. So my goal is to find one of the special dietary CPG companies, a large conglomerate who has a goal of expanding their product line, a local business or an amazing publication that serves the community and convince them to take me under their wing for the summer.

That being said, I've got an uphill battle. Such a niche industry takes a lot of hard work to break into, but I'm dedicated and determined so wish me luck!

Off the Menu: Torchy's Tacos

Thanks to Brittany Neighbors, Director of Communication at Torchy's Tacos, I got their full gluten-free list. Torchy's is well-known in Austin for being amazing so I'm thrilled that I can eat at one of their multiple locations around the city. If you come visit or read because you live here, check them out!


GLUTEN FREE ITEMS

TORTILLAS
Corn Tortillas

MEATS
Jalapeno Sausage, Bacon, Pork, Barbacoa, Brisket

SEAFOOD
Tuna, Grilled Shrimp

SALSA
Red Salsa, Green Salsa, Diablo

DAIRY
All cheeses, Queso, Egg

SIDES & TOPPINGS
Rice, Beans, Escabeche, Pickled Onions, Guacamole, Pickled Jalapenos, Fajita Veggies, Pico, Fresh Avocados, Green Chilies, Potatoes, Mangos
___________________________________________________________________________
www.torchystacos.com

Off the Menu: Z'Tejas

Today for lunch I met a great friend of mine at Z'Tejas and found a very good gluten-free menu! If you look at the link above I've taken you to the gluten-free menus for the Arboretum location where I dined today. I've been to the 6th street location and the gluten-free menu was not as extensive, so please keep this in mind when you are choosing where to go!

G-Free Lunch Menu:
- Z'Salad (with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp)
- Grilled Fish Salad
- Smoked Chicken and Black Bean Salad
- Wild Mushroom Enchiladas
- Grilled Salmon
- Pesto Rubbed Chicken
- Sides: green chile rice, black beans and vegetable of the day
- Drinks: 6th street frozen margarita, Redbridge beer and Republic of Tea (many varieties)

I had the Pesto Rubbed Chicken with the green chile rice and vegetables and was very satisfied!

Here are the remaining menus:

Arboretum: http://austinarboretum.ztejas.com/menus/Austin-menu.html
Downtown: http://austin6thstreet.ztejas.com/menus/Austin-menu.html
Avery Ranch: http://averyranch.ztejas.com/menus/AveryRanch-menu.html

Please note you need to have updated software to see the java menus. Enjoy!

The Soup Peddler: Local Austin

The Soup Peddler is located in Austin and was started as a bike service, delivering soups to local residents and businesses. Now they have a store front and weekly menus outlining which soups will be available. The store is known as the JuiceBox and they sell daily soup specials along with everyday lunch items.


How it works
- Order online (or you can go to their store) then either...
- Pick up in store: 2801 S. Lamar Blvd
- Get delivery: at home or at the office

I have not come across many soup options that are gluten-free, but the Soup Peddler puts any special dietary information on each week's menu listed under each soup. In addition to listing "gluten-free" they also share information on vegan/vegetarian options as well as allergens such as nuts/cheeses. There are SO many great options that are gluten-free!! These include (from next week's menu):

- Chicken Soup w/Rice
- Cioppino
- Summer Squash Soup
- Tomato Basil
- Zimbabwe Peanut Stew
- Ratatouille


And more...

- Red Beans & Rice
- Greek Salad



Check out their calendar each week by clicking HERE

They boast that many of the soups can be frozen as well, and if you are Celiac that is common practice. So clean them out, it's worth it!

Off the Menu: Mellow Mushroom (on Guadalupe)

If you read my post yesterday you'll know that I'm heading back to school soon and will spend lots of hours on campus. I had heard Mellow Mushroom on the Drag had gluten-free options but didn't have a menu. Luckily, I reached out to and heard back from Paul Canderozzi, General Manager, and now have a menu! See below:

All with gluten-free crust from Still Riding Pizza - who is certified GF

Cheese Pizza

Create Your Own Pizza:
Bases/Sauces: red sauce, olive oil/garlic, pesto, bbq, ranch, jerk sauce, Texas Pete hot sauce, Texas Pete mild sauce
Veggies: artichoke hearts, avocado, banana peppers, black olives, broccoli, garlic, green olives, green peppers, jalapenos, kalamata olives, button mushrooms, onions, pepperoncini, pineapple, portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roma tomatoes
Cheeses: mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, grated/shaved Parmesan, bleu cheese crumbles, fresh mozzarella, feta, ricotta, vegan cheese
Proteins: anchovies, bacon, chicken, ground beef, ham, italian sausage, link sausage, pepperoni, salami, steak, tofu, turkey

Specialty Pizzas:
House Special - red base, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, roma tomatoes, ham, bacon, extra cheese
Gourmet White - olive oil and garlic with sun-dried tomatoes, provolone, mozzarella, feta, roma tomatoes and onions
Mighty Meaty - red base, piled high with pepperoni, italian sausage, ground beef, ham and bacon
Mega-Veggie - red base, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, black olives, roma tomatoes, broccoli, feta, banana peppers, artichoke hearts and tofu
Kosmic Karma - red base, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, fresh roma tomatoes and a pesto swirl
Red Skin Potato Pie - garlic and olive oil base loaded with red potato, bacon, caramelized onions, sour cream, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sprinkled with chives and drizzled with spicy ranch dressing
Magical Mystery Tour - besto, button and portobello mushrooms, spinach, feta and jalapenos
Philosopher's Pie - oil and garlic base with steak, portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, provolone, feta and mozzarella cheeses
Buffalo Chicken - mozzarella, buffalo chicken, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon and a swirl of buffalo sauce and your choice of bleu cheese or ranch dressing
Hawaiian - red base, mozzarella cheese topped with ham and pineapple
Funky Q. Chicken - bbq chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon and bbq sauce swirl

AND gluten-free beer

Betty's Glutenless Gluttony

A friend of mine recommended that I venture up to the Lakeline Farmer's Market to check out a gluten-free bakery. Of course I'm always looking to find new food options so we trekked up there to get some goods! Betty's Glutenless Gluttony shows only a Farmer's Markets at this time but they do attend a few different ones in the area: http://www.glutenlessgluttony.com/Find_Us_New. Their website needs a little work but you can navigate around pretty well.

I learned that the owner was a long-time baker until she found out she had Celiac Disease. At that point she gave up baking thinking that it was all over now...but came back to it and now makes many desserts, including beautiful wedding cakes (she had an album sitting out)! I decided to pick up a cookie and quiche, and she gave me a free muffin on top of it.

The cookie was amazing, I warmed it up in the microwave and it softened just right. It was large and yummy. I had the muffin for breakfast this morning and plan on tasting the quiche for lunch today (although I snuck a bit when I was cutting it up last night). Everything tastes great, like you wouldn't even know it was gluten-free.

I'd definitely check them out, and she did let me know that they will deliver in the area. Enjoy :)

Off the Menu: Galaxy Cafe

Galaxy Cafe has a couple of Austin locations...closest to us is the original on West Lynn (see map in sidebar). They have a decent gluten-free menu and everything I've had off of it is pretty good except the rice wrap of which I was not a huge fan.

Just a side note...you will see on their website that they have a sister restaurant, Zocalo. I've contacted them a few times to see if I could get some solid answers on gluten-free options and they really don't have any. Their tortillas are warmed on the same surfaces, etc. so I would avoid until they create a menu and make some changes to the kitchen.

Breakfast:
American Breakfast - scrambled eggs, bacon and rice bread
Mediterranean Breafast - scrambled eggs, tomato, feta cheese and basil - served with rice bread and cup of fruit

Wraps (served on rice tortillas):
Grilled Fish Wrap with a Side
Veggie Wrap with a Side
Club Wrap with a Side

Sandwiches on Rice Bread:
Mozzarella Sandwich with a Side
Turkey and Brie Sandwich with a Side

Salads:
Greek Salad
Hot Shrimp Salad with Baby Spinach

Kid's Menu:
Grilled Chicken with a Side
G-Free Pasta (only during dinner)

Sides:
Fresh Fruit
Seasonal Veggies
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Soup Cup
Side Salad

Dinner (ONLY during dinner hours):
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Roasted Tomato and Prosciutto Grilled Chicken
G-Free Pasta with Homemade Marinara
G-Free Pasta with Lemon-Cilantro Butter

Dessert:
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Creme Brulee

Enjoy!! Dinner menu is best :)

Is Celiac a deal-breaker?

Urban Dictionary definition of a "deal-breaker"-

A word used to describe the eligibility of a friendship or relationship based on one trait or preference of the other person. Can also be used if you don't agree with someones views.  _________________________________ As you see, a lifelong illness such as Celiac could fall into such a category. Not only is it challenging in a physical way but there is a lot more to think about. I am not married at 27 (and in no hurry) but hope to be someday and it worries me that my special dietary needs will cause a bit of a problem, think of the following... First Dates: Say someone asks you on a first date, or not limit it a second or third date...first off if they want to go to dinner that means that the first thing out of your mouth must be an explanation of your need to eat gluten-free, and come on no one wants to lead off with that; I guess this can be avoided by offering to go for drinks or coffee. Let's say it is dinner though...they can't pick the restaurant but must consult my blog to choose one off of my list. On top of that they must be OK with an assertive girl who is straight up with the waitstaff, may need to discuss her meal with the manager, and will have to cause a bit of a stir if they screw something up. If you are gluten-free you know that picking the place gets old, fast. Some think it's great, you get to pick the restaurant all of the time...but when food and thinking about it consumes your life it's not that fun. Therefore, your date must be prepared for the back and forth that is choosing, calling ahead and waiting the hour after you eat to ensure things went just fine. Want to cook a meal? Be prepared for me to be watching over your shoulder... Kissing: All dating comes to this eventually; if it's after a happy hour or a nice meal, eventually you'll want to make-out with your new man. This was something I didn't give two thoughts about until someone asked me about it. Say he just ate a nice big sandwich or piece of pie and has some crumbs lingering on or around his mouth (gross, sorry bear with me), you couldn't kiss him! Or, if he just drank a huge beer...you have to wait until it's washed out to get at it. Either way, gluten definitely ruins the moment. Tummy Troubles: Men don't believe that women do anything gross (well most of them at least) but this is practically unavoidable with a Celiac. Eventually something will go wrong...cross-contamination, slipped ingredient, drunken make-out session...whatever. This means that you are uncomfortably spending some time in the restroom; you don't want to explain why you can't come back to bed, or make him feel strangely that you ask for some water because you can't get away long enough to get it yourself. It's a reality that you will have to face together, and he's going to have to be willing to suck it up from the get-go. Family Life: Finally...let's say we made it through a couple years of dating, now it's time to get married and add to the family. How do we feed our kids? Do I need to cook separate meals for myself and then the rest of the family eats something else? Will my husband have to take a hit for the team and eat consistently gluten-free with me when he'd rather have a large pizza on Friday night? How do we politely attend family get-togethers and make it less obvious that I'm not eating the food? I know this all sounds a little dramatic, but being only one-year into my diagnosis it's still top of mind. I'm not saying that there are no sensitive men out there, but it is, and will be, a challenge. Some of you are probably reading this and thinking, this girl is crazy and dwelling way to much on what "could happen", and I agree. However, it is my future and I am wondering if on that first date it becomes a deal-breaker. If so, that man is not worth my time anyway! Sure, my winning personality, smarts and genuine awesome-ness helps ;)..at least enough to get me through the door. Then, hopefully, someone becomes SO smitten with me that they would gladly email every restaurant in our honeymoon location to ask about gluten-free menu options.

Gluten-Free Pizza Coming to California Pizza Kitchen!

June 29th - who's up for lunch with me that day??
http://glutenfreeworks.com/blog/2011/05/12/gluten-free-pizza-coming-to-california-pizza-kitchen/

Gluten-Free Works: By Jennifer Harris

Yes, you read that title right.  California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) will add gluten-free crust to its June 29th new menu roll out. The chain already has a gluten-free menu, but it has not included pizza until now.
 
“The new menu will introduce nine new items, as well as a new focus on identifying options for better health and wellness,” said CPK’s co-chief executive Rick Rosenfield.  The new menu will identify the chain’s use of natural chicken, turkey, pork and sausage products, and will add salads with fewer than 600 calories for the full serving.

This Examiner has not been to a California Pizza Kitchen since being diagnosed, so it will be interesting to see how the crust is received.  There is no mention of the pizza crust supplier, or what safe handling procedures will be introduced to ensure the gluten-free pizzas will be prepared without cross contamination.

Because this Examiner works locally at a gluten-free consultant and has been in kitchen’s where pizzas are prepared, it is very important to establish safe handling procedures and to verify the gluten-status of each topping/ingredient used to prepare the pizzas.  It is quite easy to prevent cross contamination in this type of an environment, but all of the staff has to be well trained and committed to providing safe, yummy, gluten-free pizza.

Article: The Demand for Gluten-Free - RestaurantBriefing.com

Check it out...awareness, whoo!
http://restaurantbriefing.com/2011/04/the-demand-for-gluten-free/

An increasing number of restaurateurs are responding to 18+ million Americans with a gluten intolerance and another three million who actually have been diagnosed with celiac disease (the only autoimmune disorder with a known trigger: gluten).

This number is likely to grow – according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), only 3-5% of those with the disease have been diagnosed to date. The Wall Street Journal estimated the market for gluten-free foods at $2.6 billion in 2010 alone. From featuring gluten-free options to separate menus and customized preparations, more chefs are paying attention to this market. In fact, 1,500 chefs participating in the NRA’s Hottest Menu Trends survey named gluten-free/food-allergy-conscious meals in the top ten for 2011.

When the owner of Zpizza, headquartered in Irvine, CA, discovered he had a gluten intolerance, a gluten-free pizza was added to the menu. Now, in addition to gluten-free dough, all dough is rolled out in rice flour to eliminate cross contamination. “We don’t advertise gluten-free pizza, but we’ve discovered many of our Facebook fans and Twitter followers do that for us,” says Brandi Babb, VP training/franchise relations. She says they’ve discovered that many allergies are linked, and quite often those who are intolerant of gluten also have dairy and soy allergies, so Zpizza hired a company to verify that the gluten-free crust and some toppings are gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free. Employees go through extensive training, available in English and Spanish, and managers go through an NFCA-certification process. Mitchell’s Fish Market, headquartered in Orlando, FL, decided to create a separate menu with 20+ gluten-free items four years ago after receiving numerous requests. “All items on this menu have been confirmed gluten-free by an outside company,” reports Will Wadsworth, executive development chef. “Plus, our ordering system allows waitstaff to mark gluten-free orders clearly.” At Maggiano’s Little Italy, based in Dallas, TX, when guests say that they have an allergy or are gluten-intolerant, the server asks the chef to speak with the guest. “The chef discusses items on the menu that are gluten-free and also offers to create gluten-free dishes for them,” says Jeff Mann, senior culinary manager. “We want these guests to feel special and comfortable and to know they can trust us.” Jeff adds that to increase the number of gluten-free dishes on the menu, they’ve removed flour as a thickening agent from most sauces, using cornstarch or reducing sauces. They also use a gluten-free fusilli. Chefs report 5% of visits each day are by guests with gluten issues.

All restaurants that offer gluten-free items must use separate pans, utensils, and designated prep areas to avoid cross-contamination. “Before developing gluten-free options, look at where wheat, rye, and barley are in your kitchen,” advises Peter Pollay, owner, Posana Cafe, Asheville, NC. “Nothing that touches these things – grill grates, fryer oil, etc. – can come in contact with food that needs to be gluten-free. This is not a fad; people with celiac disease have zero tolerance.” Because his wife has celiac disease when he opened the cafe, he made a point of offering a number of gluten-free dishes. “I really wanted a safe place for my family to eat,” says Peter, who adds that 20-25% of his business is from customers who have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten. Through a customer Peter found out about the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America and the cafe has recently completed the Gluten- Free Accreditation program and audit by the Gluten Intolerance Group. “We’ve started working with the Asheville and Charlotte GIG chapters and have a table at their events, plus I’m on a panel at their annual convention this year, which is great word of mouth for us.” Brandi adds, “Don’t promise big and deliver small, especially when it comes to the gluten-free community. This is a serious issue for many guests, including children, and your business must commit to keeping them safe. They are the most gracious, grateful, and loyal group of guests.”

To advise those who are gluten intolerant and restaurants that want to appeal to this group, there are many organizations around the country, some of which offer specific guidance and accreditation for restaurants. 

The NFCA’s GREAT foodservice program, approved by the American Dietetic Association and American Culinary Federation, equips chefs, restaurants, and cafeterias with the knowledge and tools to safely provide customers with gluten-free meal options. A systematic curriculum provides specific protocols for preparing gluten-free foods. The online program includes a toolkit containing training for managers and a bi-lingual (English/Spanish) training DVD for staff. Cost: $200/kitchen with sliding scale for chains and those with multiple kitchens.

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) has two programs for food services restaurants created by registered dietitians: Gluten-Free Food Service Accreditation program helping restaurants set up policies and procedures, identify core best practices and changes that are reasonable to do at little or no cost. Staff training is customized to the location and auditors are sent in periodically to conduct GF safety audits. The Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness program provides restaurants with menu review, training manuals and ongoing support and includes 1600 restaurants.

On the Menu LLC provides gluten and allergin identification, including a detailed review of ingredients used in recipes along with a kitchen inspection to determine areas where cross-contact is a concern. Staff training materials and training sessions are also provided.

Article: Infertility, pre-term birth and miscarriage all linked to gluten intolerance

Gluten-Free Works Article: http://glutenfreeworks.com/blog/2010/03/15/infertility-pre-term-birth-and-miscarriage-all-linked-to-gluten-intolerance/

In a recent New York Times article, Can Foods Contribute To Infertility?, Dr. Sheila Crowe, a professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology in the department of medicine at the University of Virginia, brings to light a lesser-known contributor to infertility in both men and women: Celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA). Celiac disease, and even gluten allergies, that go undiagnosed are known to be responsible for many people’s inability to conceive. These couples may also be at risk for other complications like pre-term births, growth retardation, and miscarriage.

 

Dr. Crowe writes, “Women with celiac disease are reported to start having periods later and stop menstruating earlier than average. They also suffer more often from secondary amenorrhea, a condition in which menses start but then stop. Together, these menstrual disorders lead to fewer ovulations, which results in less of a chance to get pregnant. Hormonal factors and poor nutrition are thought to play a role in causing these problems.” Such nutritional factors are important to consider — the gut of a person with untreated gluten intolerance is often unable to absorb nutrients, due to damaged and blunted villi (which can be confirmed via intestinal biopsy). If a woman’s gut is not acquiring enough nutrition for her own body, she will not also be able to support and nourish a growing fetus.

Male fertility problems are often under-recognized, but in men, gluten intolerance can equate to abnormal sperm, which includes lower sperm numbers, altered shape, and even reduced function. Additionally, men with untreated CDA may have lowered testosterone levels.

Also according to Dr. Crowe, if a woman with untreated Celiac disease (or, even a gluten allergy) is able to conceive, her chances of miscarriage are increased, as well as pre-term labor. Fetal growth retardation is also a risk.

In order to increase your odds of conceiving and birthing a healthy baby, eliminate food allergens — gluten being one of the most common in the United States.

Off the Menu: Eddie V's

Thanks Stefanie for alerting me! I found out that Eddie V's had just release a gluten-free menu :) You can find it here: http://www.eddiev.com/menu/EddieV5thStreetGlutenFree.pdf

Or...see below!


Ice Cold Shellfish


Louisiana Oysters  On Ice with Lemon & Mignonette Sauce  6.95
Market Oysters  Half Dozen, on Ice with Lemon & Mignonette Sauce  Mkt
Colossal Shrimp  Cocktail Style with Atomic Horseradish  13.95
Jonah Crab Claws  Fully Cracked, on Ice with Cocktail Sauce  14.95
Shellfish Tower  8 Gulf Shrimp, 4 Jonah Crab Claws and 8 Louisiana Oysters  Mkt


Starters


Chowder  Sweet Corn and Crab with Chives & Smoked Bacon   7.95
Fuji Apple Salad  Green Beans, Candied Walnuts & Orange Vinaigrette  6.95
Caesar Salad  Parmigiano-Reggiano & White Anchovies  6.95
Wild Mushroom Salad  Hot Goat Cheese, Arugula & Champagne Vinaigrette  10.95
Heirloom Tomato Salad  Bufala Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO & Balsamic Vinegar  10.95
Tartare of Ahi Tuna  Curry & Sesame Oils, Sliced Avocado, Mango & Citrus  12.95


Prime Seafood


Seafood Chopped Salad Crab, Shrimp, Avocado, Candied Walnuts & Remoulade  17.95
Atlantic Salmon Lightly Smoked, Herb Crust and Pommery Mustard Vinaigrette  24.95
Chilean Sea Bass Broiled or Steamed with Lemon and Garlic  Mkt
Gulf Snapper Broiled with Fresh Lump Crab and Lemon Butter  25.95
Swordfish Steak Fresh Jonah Crab, Avocado and Red Chile Vinaigrette  25.95
North Atlantic Scallops Wrapped in Bacon with a Tomato-Basil Butter Sauce  26.95
Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Stuffed with Jonah Crab and Herbs, Creole Vinaigrette  27.95
Cold Water Lobster Two 8oz Tails, Broiled or Steamed with Drawn Butter  Mkt
Market Fresh Fish Any Fish, Simply Broiled with Lemon, EVOO & Sea Salt  Mkt


Premium Black Angus Steaks


Filet Mignon 8oz   33.95  Filet Mignon 12oz   38.95
USDA Prime NY Strip 16oz   41.95  USDA Prime Bone-In Ribeye 22oz   41.95
Roasted, Double Breast of Chicken with Roasted Mushrooms & Natural Jus   19.95


Additions to Your Steak


Oscar Style, Fresh Jonah Crab, Asparagus & Hollandaise   7.95
Broiled Cold Water Lobster Tail with Drawn Butter & Lemon   33.95


Side Dishes 
Serves Two or More


Brabant Potatoes   6.95  Sautéed Steak Mushrooms   7.95
Twice Baked Potato   7.95 Sautéed Spinach with Garlic   7.95
Steamed Broccoli with Hollandaise   6.95 Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise   8.95
Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic and Sesame   7.95

AMAZING Find: Serious Sourdough Bakery

My mom came in town this weekend so we decided to hit up Austin in all it's glory. Thinking that of course the Downtown Farmer's Market (Saturdays) would have fresh produce and possibly some gluten-free offerings, that was on our to-do. I cannot believe that I came across Serious Sourdough Bakery based out of Lampasas.

Jean Brooks, the baker, has many family members that have Celiac Disease and gluten-intolerance, most influential was her daughter who once diagnosed urged her mom to try and recreate all of her yummy baked goods with gluten-free ingredients...this is no easy feat.  So, she now has a full menu "Seriously Good Gluten Free".

Even though the bakery is based in Lampasas (about an hour outside of Austin) Jean comes to the Farmer's Market every Saturday with half of her table full of gluten-free. We got there a little later and she had already been wiped out! I decided on some peanut butter cookies (to die for) and buttermilk bread that came in packaging that was meant for freezing...they had samples and let me say it is by far the best g-free bread I've had, hands down.

After probing her a little more she let me know that she ships nationwide AND you can email her Monday or Tuesday of the current week and she'll bring your order to her tent at the market, which is located on the Guadalupe side. If you are gluten-intolerant please check her out and give her goods a try...you won't be disappointed.

Jean Brooks
jean.brooks@att.net
512.564.1075

Off the Menu: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Everyone loves a great movie...and of course that is made even better at Alamo Drafthouse by food and drink. Being an Austin-based company I was completely shocked when I found out they just re-worked their menu and gluten-free options, but was very pleasantly surprised! It's not an extensive list...but you can definitely order along with the rest :)

Appetizers:
Red Pepper Hummus (just veggies no pita chips)
POPCORN!
Chips and Salsa

Salads (All but three dressings are gluten-free and they are listed on the menu):
Cobb Salad
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
House Salad
Caesar Salad
Greek Salad
Side Salad

Dessert:
Creme Brulee

So, sit back and enjoy the movie!