The Tav

 We went to Ellensburg last week to celebrate our 9 year anniversary (it's where we met) and Kevin was dying to go to The Tav, on old college favorite. I assumed I'd be having some lemonade and watching him eat one of their famously amazing burgers. MUCH to my surprise they had gluten free buns, fries (made in a dedicated fryer) and gluten free beer (and they make them in a dedicated part of the kitchen to avoid cross contamination). To say I was in heaven was an understatment. It was hands down the best gf bun/burger I'd ever had. We will be going back to eat here for sure! 

Gluten Free at Disneyland!

 We just got back from a few days at Disneyland so I thought I'd give a little report on their Gluten Free Friendliness. Overall, I was super impressed. If you stop at City Hall on Main Street you can get a 5 page print out of all the restaurants and stands that have gluten free items. It was very detailed and had a good amount of options, and it listed places in Disneyland, California Adventure, and all the Disney hotels. Downtown Disney also had restaurants with gluten free options on their menus (we ate at Naples and they had gf pasta). I was especially impressed with the fact that they had this yummy homemade gf rolls for the sandwiches. We had one each day and they were so tasty. My only complaint was that there weren't any gluten free baked goods. Lauren would've loved to have been able to have a Mickey cookie with her brother but we found a cotton candy stand and that made her happy:) 

Gluten free pasta at Ariel's Grotto

All in all I was super impressed that Disneyland was so prepared and knowledgable about eating gluten free. It's so nice to see so many places getting on board! LOVE IT!! 

Yummy GF Dessert at BJ's

Last week we were down by the airport at South Center Mall and had dinner at BJ's. We'd never been there before but were thrilled to see they had GF pizza & a GF dessert. They were both SO good, a huge hit! The dessert was a giant chocolate chip cookie cooked in a deep dish and then topped with vanilla ice cream. Obviously not dairy free but a super fun splurge! I am loving all the gluten free menus that are popping up all over lately. 

American Girl Cafe

Lauren & I went to lunch at the American Girl Cafe yesterday and I was SO SO impressed with how gluten free friendly they were. They had gluten free pizza, gluten free hamburger buns and gluten free pasta! It's not on the menu but when you check in they ask if you have any allergies or dietary needs and when I said yes they sent the chef out to talk with me. Lauren had the hamburger and was so thrilled! Yay for American Girl! 

Gluten Free Alcohol

Ever since going Gluten Free I've been confused about what alcohol is safe and what isn't. Some things I've read say it is all safe because of the distilling process, others say that is not so. I ordered a margarita once and felt so sick afterwards (I only had one, so no, it wasn't a hangover!) so I've kind of just stayed clear of the stuff because I never could find a clear answer. While on vacation I really wanted a margarita so I started doing a little research and I found this list- so fabulous! So happy to finally know what is safe and what isn't.

Here is a copy of the list I found:

• Anisette - Hiram Walker
  
• *Bacardi Silver products NOT gluten-free
  
• Beer - Redbridge, Bard's Tale Dragon's Gold, Bard's Tale Tavern Ale - coming soon,New Grist, Schlafly Gluten-free Ale, Green's (many flavors), Shakparo Ale (Sprecher Brewery), Mbege (Sprecher Brewery), Honey Beer (Ramapo Valley Brewery), La Messagère & Messagere Red Ale (Canada), Birra 76 Bi-Aglut (Italy), O’Brien Premium Lager, Pale Ale & Brown Ale (O'Brien Brewing, Australia), Glutaner (Mongozo BV - sold
  

          in 15 countries - not yet sold in the U.S.)

• Blue Curacao - Hiram Walker
  
• Brandy -  Hiram Walker
  
• Cafe Aztec - Hiram Walker
  
• Champagne, Wine, and Sparkling Wines
  
• Cognac - Martell (email 8/22/08)
  
• Cointreau
  
• Diageo - "Diageo products, which have been distilled, do not contain glutens or gluten residues, Captain Morgan Rums are gluten free but not the Flavored Malt Beverages..." (email 01/28//09)
  
• Dr. McGillicuddy - "the alcohol is sourced from corn products" -"We do not knowingly add any gluten-containing products, but can not certify that they are gluten free." (01/30/09)
  
• Gin - Beefeater Gin (gluten-free but made from wheat, email 8/11/08)
  
• Grand Marnier
  
• Hiram Walker no gluten present in Hiram Walker products (website FAQ 1/26/09)
  
• Jägermeister "On basis of current analyses Jägermeister can be considered free from gluten, starch and lactose." (email 12/15/09)
  
• Kahlua
  
• Kirschwasser - Hiram Walker
  
• Rum - Bacardi (*Bacardi Silver products NOT gluten-free), Captain Morgan, Havana Club (all varieties, email 1/14/10), Cacique Rum, Malibu Rum (email 8/31/10)
  
• Sambuca - Hiram Walker
  
• Schnapps - all Hiram Walker
  
• Scotch
  
• Sparkling Wine
  
• Tequila - Cazadores Reposado, *Jose Cuervo Tradicional,  Sauza Tequilas (email 6/9/08), Cabo Wabo, any 100% Agave, Including White Tequila by Albertson's, Acme, Jewel, Equaline Good Day Labels (mail 5/21/08)  
  

        *Jose Cuervo website states that all Jose Cuervo tequilas, Authentic       
         Cuervo Margaritas, Margarita Minis, and Golden Margaritas are gluten-free.        *Don Julio products are NOT gluten-free - email 6/26/08

• Triple Sec - Hiram Walker
  
• Vermouth
  
• Vodka - Smirnoff (made from corn), Smirnoff Citrus Twist, UV Vodka (corn), Rain Organics Vodka (made from 100% organic white corn), Ciroc (grapes), Chopin, Luksusowa, Teton Glacier, Zodiac, Bushman's, Hampton's, Kamchatka, Popov Citrus & Popov Tangerine, Reisk, Monopolowa, Ketel One (gluten-free but is made from 100% wheat)
  
• Wine - all except wine coolers made with malt
  
• Woodchuck Draft Ciders - all varieties  

Found this info at:http://www.glutenfree-lifestyle.com/gluten-free-alcohol-beverages.html

New Favorite Restaurant

A few nights ago Kevin & I went to Sages Restaurant in Redmond for dinner and I had the very best gluten free dinner I've EVER had at a restaurant. It was AMAZING. They had a great selection of entrees, which all looked fabulous. I chose the Gorgonzola Chicken which was TO DIE FOR! I seriously could've licked the plate. One of the owner's has Celiac so they are very aware of what it takes to make the food safely, which I think makes a huge difference. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a restaurant to eat and tell them I need to make sure it's gluten free and they start talking about how none of their meals have sugar in them or something totally random like that. For me the ultimate test to eating out is how I feel later that night. Usually I can count on a little discomfort whenever I eat in a restaurant which I usually attribute to small amounts of cross contamination. But after eating at Sages I felt 100% fabulous all night! I give Sages an A+ and plan to return soon! 

(Oh and Kevin ate off the regular menu and said it was equally as fabulous!) 

Make sure to check them out! 

http://www.sagesrestaurant.com/index.html

Great Experience at Salty's on Alki

I went to brunch today at Salty's on Alki Beach. I was really nervous to attend a brunch because I figured it'd be a bunch of food I couldn't have and that I'd be over charged for the few items I could have that would probably be cross contaminated anyway. Boy was I wrong! I called the night before just to check in and see what they had to say about accommodating food allergies. The lady who answered the phone was so helpful and told me that they had someone who would walk me through the buffet line and tell me what I could and couldn't eat. 

When I got to Salty's today I was beyond impressed with how many options I had. There was tons of fresh seafood, delicious veggies, fresh fruit, and even a few gluten free desserts! And since all the buffet salads had croutons tossed in them they made me my own personal salad and delivered it to our table. 

I had a fabulous time, felt wonderful afterwards, and will definitely be returning to Salty's! 

Colophon Cafe in Bellingham, WA

We went up to Bellingham this weekend and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Colophon Cafe serves some yummy gluten free treats! I had a really amazing chocolate peanut butter cookie that completely hit the spot. They also had a peanut butter and chocolate pie that looked to die for. Next time we go I'll be trying that for sure.  If you find yourself in Bellingham make your way to Fairhaven and stop in this cute little place. 

http://www.colophoncafe.com/index.htm

Kind of Impressed

About a month ago I wrote a post about my thoughts on Great Harvest Bread and their lack of attention to cross contamination. I assumed a few people would read it and that would be that. I was quite surprised when I received a comment on Friday from a person that works for the Great Harvest Franchise Corporation. Apparently they read it and talked to the owners about the importance of avoiding cross contamination. Kind of cool to know that my little blog actually gets read:) Bravo to Great Harvest Franchise for caring. I will be going back to try it again. 

The Sweet Basil

We just got back from a family vacation in Cannon Beach, OR. I love going on vacation but it always causes a bit of anxiety as well. I never know where we are going to eat and how we will feel afterwards. Before the trip I looked up the gluten free menu for Subway & Wendy's because I knew we'd have to stop at fast food along the way. They both had decent choices and I'm happy to report that we felt great after both meals. But I wasn't about to eat that food for the 3 whole days. I was beyond thrilled to find this little treasure of a place- the Sweet Basil Cafe! Their sign said that they are mostly organic & locally grown and have a lot of vegan options so I decided to head in and see what they had to say about gluten free options. They knew all about them and actually had gluten free bread that they served their sandwiches on that was AMAZING! Lauren kept saying, "Mom this is the best restaurant ever, can we come back?" We ate dinner and lunch there and would've had dinner again but they were closed! If you are ever in the Cannon Beach area I highly suggest the Sweet Basil Cafe. 

My thoughts on Great Harvest's Gluten free bread...

I was so excited about it but unfortunately I have to give it a thumbs down:( The consistency of the bread was great, but other than that we didn't really like it. The flavor was lacking and I didn't feel so good after eating it (I tried it on two different days to make sure it was indeed the bread that made me feel icky and it seemed to be). The one I bought did have egg & milk in it so maybe that is why, but usually I can tolerate it if it is baked in something like that. 

The real reason I give it a thumbs down was the lack of attention to cross contamination. When I went in the guy behind the counter pointed out the gluten free scones to me. I looked on the shelf and they were displayed on the SAME cookie sheet as some crumbly muffins that were NOT gluten free. They were literally touching! I told him I didn't feel comfortable eating something that was displayed on the same tray with gluten containing items. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Well you know we bake everything in the same oven." I decided not to get into it with him but I felt like he had no idea about cross contamination. I was hesitant to even buy the bread but since I had the Groupon and drove all the way there I took my chances. It was at least wrapped in a bag but who knows what kind of surface it was created on! Oh well, glad I tried it but I won't be going back.

*in their defense, Great Harvest's are franchised so they might not all be this way. I went to the one in Lake Forest Park. Let me know if you have better luck at another location:) 

Great Harvest Bread Co. Makes Gluten Free Bread- buy Groupon today!

Today's "Groupon" is $5 for $10 worth of bread at Great Harvest. (If you haven't heard of Groupon you should check it out, you can get good deals!). I just looked up some of the Great Harvest menus (they vary by location) and the one in Lake Forest Park has gluten free bread a few days a week. On Thursdays they even have Gluten Free Cinnamon Chip break- I've missed that bread! So I bought my Groupon and we will be heading their tomorrow.

Here is the menu to the Great Harvest in Lake Forest Park, make sure to check ahead at each individual place. It even looks like one day they make a gluten & dairy free bread! Way to go Great Harvest!

Daily	Monday	Tuesday
Country French      $4.95	Asiago Pesto       $6.65	Apple Cinnamon Raisin  $6.60
French Baguette     $4.50	Caramel Apple    $7.15	Cheddar Jalapeno Sourdough $4.75
Golden Honey Wheat(Th & Sa)        $5.50	Cinnamon Twister      $5.95	Gluten Free Bread   $8.00
Honey Wheat (M Tu W F Su)              $5.50	Dakota                       $5.95	High Five Fiber  $6.25
Old Fashioned White        $5.5	Sourdough          $4.75	Apricot Swirl  $6.75
Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Asiago Sourdough      $6.10	Apple Cinnamon Raisin   $6.60	Apple Rhubarb Swirl  $7.90
Cinnamon Chip $6.20	Dakota    $5.95	Asiago Pesto         $6.65
Lentz Organic Spelt  $7.40	Gluten Free Cinnamon Chip   $8.50	Bruschetta Twist  $6.50
Popeye        $5.60	Red, White & Blueberry $7.90	Challah                    $5.95
Whole Grain Goodness $5.95	Swedish Rye      $6.15	Sourdough Olive   $6.10
	Wholegrain Sourdough  $5.50	Whole Grain Goodness$5.95
Saturday	Sunday
Cheddar Jalapeño Sourdough              $6.10	Caramel Apple  $7.10
Gluten Free     $8.00	Cinnamon Chip      $6.20
High Five Fiber     $6.25	Gluten & Dairy Free $8.50
Low Carb Wheat $5.50	Mediterranean Sourdough $6.10
Monkey Bread   $7.75	Spinach Feta     $7.00
Red, White & Blueberry $7.90	Whole Grain Goodness     $5.95
Trail Crunch $6.15	Whole Grain Kamut     $7.40

Deal at Garlic Jim's- Today Only!

Today is Celiac Awareness Day and in honor of that Garlic Jim's has a special: 

Any Large Gluten-Free Pizza for $16.99

Today only, in honor of National Celiac Awareness Day, receive a large gluten-free pizza for $16.99! We appreciate our gluten-free customers! (remember to choose the GF crust option when ordering)

SELECT: Large Gluten-Free Pizza $16.99

The Ultimate
The Hercules
Chicken Bacon Ranch
Smokin’ Sweet BBQ
Jim’s Veggie
Jim’s Gourmet Garlic
Gourmet Hawaiian
Spinach Artichoke Pie
Queen Margherita
Southwestern Chicken
Nutty Chipotle

Special prices are for thin or hand-thrown crusts

Gluten Free dough may be substituted for an additional $3.00 per pizza whenever a large pizza is ordered.

(I know I haven't posted in awhile- been so busy! But I have something cooking in the oven that I'm posting the recipe for later tonight!)

Boston's

Last weekend we went to Bellingham and they had a Boston's at the mall. I'd read that Boston's had gluten free pizza so we had to try it out for lunch. Their crust was my favorite gluten free crust I've tried so far! The menu was very thorough, it listed all the pizzas that are gluten free and made note of items that are not (ie, meatballs). Lauren & I stuck with plain old cheese since that is our favorite. Since we both rarely eat cheese, it is quite a treat in of itself! I'd highly recommend the pizza at Boston's to anyone looking for a yummy gluten free crust! 

Blackbird Bakery

Last weekend we went to Bainbridge Island for the day and stopped at Blackbird Bakery. It is a darling little small town bakery right off the main drive on Winslow Way that happens to have some gluten free baked goods! This little band was sitting out front playing and it totally fit the vibe of the place.

Lauren & I got a slice of the MOST AMAZING CAKE I've ever had. Kevin (my husband who is not gluten free) even loved it!

The gluten free lemon poppyseed muffins were so good. The kids devoured them!

they couldn't get enough!

If you ever find yourself in Bainbridge Island I highly recommend stopping by this place. The service is a bit slow & maybe not the friendliest I've ever had, but the food was fabulous. They only accept cash so be sure to bring some with. Rumor has it if you call ahead by a day or two they will make you a loaf of gluten free bread but I've never tried it.

Blackbird Bakery

210 Winslow Way East

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

206.780.1322

The Old Spaghetti Factory

On Friday we were downtown and decided to stop in the Spaghetti Factory to check out their gluten free menu. They had a decent selection and the menu was very simple yet comprehensive (listed the salad dressings that were gluten free, which was nice!).

It is a great family restaurant and I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a fun, simple Italian meal with the kids.

Cold Stone!

I LOVE Cold Stone. We rarely eat it these days because of the dairy. However, they do have some items that are dairy & gluten free. Here is a list of all their products and the allergens they contain. Since they scrape everything on the stones it is REALLY important to ask them to make sure to clean the stone really well to be sure it has no traces of gluten on it. I've always found them to be very willing to do this for me. Enjoy!

http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/assets/pdf/nutrition/allergen_chart_072110.pdf

Sweet Cakes

After dinner tonight Ben, Lauren, & I headed to Kirkland to our favorite little bakery called Sweet Cakes.

We got this delicious gluten free cupcake that was Pina Colada flavor. The umbrella made it taste even better, as umbrellas always do!

They also have yummy gluten free sugar cookies which are Lauren's very favorite.

We are lucky to have this little treasure so close to our house. If you live in the Seattle area you MUST stop by!

http://www.sweetcakeskirkland.com/

Places I like to eat

Going out to eat is still a bit tricky, but I'm getting better at it. This is a pretty good website that is really helpful in finding places to eat that have gluten free menus:http://www.glutenfreeregistry.com/

Some places I've enjoyed recently are:

• Qdoba- they don't have a gluten free menu but if you go to their website ahead of time you can see what foods don't contain wheat. I know that isn't full proof but I choose my items carefully & stick to the same foods every time & I haven't had a problem. Our standard order is a veggie burrito bowl (rice instead of tortilla) with guacamole but no sour cream or cheese. We also get a side of chips & pinto beans. I talked to the manager about how they make the chips and I was told they are the only thing that go in the fryer. I've had great experiences there.
• Scotty Browns- a fun trendy place in Bellingham- they have a gluten free menu upon request and their food was fabulous!
• Piatti- an Italian place in University Village. They have a gluten free menu with a lot of choices. The wait staff seemed really knowledgeable and was super accommodating.
• Bone Fish Grill- a very yummy gluten free menu and they are also very accommodating.
• Red Robin- They have a gluten free menu upon request. It is very minimal, but none the less, they have one. The one in Woodinville has a designated fryer for their fries so their fries are actually gluten free (the only place I've found so far!). I always make sure to tell them they have to be gluten free so they make sure they don't have any of the seasoning on them. We also get burgers there wrapped in lettuce and they are delish!
• Anthony's Home Port- a yummy gluten free menu. They don't advertise it but when I started inquiring about my options the server ran and got it for me so make sure to ask for it.
• Claim Jumper- their gluten free menu is included on their regular menu!
• PF Changs- a lot of really good gluten free options that are listed on the back of their regular menu and they even have a gluten free dessert!
• Cactus- The one in Kirkland was very accommodating and the server was able to help me find some gluten free options which were fabulous! They don't have a gluten free menu though.
• Pomegranate- a darling little place in Redmond that has amazing food. No gluten free menu but the staff was very knowledgeable and gave me many options.

I'm sure I'll think of more later:)