Notes from Gluten Free Newbies Meeting (2-13-2012)
* Storybook Chocolate was contacted and asked if any of
their products are gluten free.
Here is the response received:
“Not officially. We have
dark chocolate blocks that have no actual gluten but may have shared equipment
during processing that contains gluten.”
Also, Chocolaterie Stam was contacted and asked about their
products being gluten free, but no answer was received.
*There was a hand-out on gluten free valentine candies....the link is: celiacfamily.com/gluten-free-valentine-candy....this was written on Feb. 2, 2011....just keep that in mind that some things might have changed in the past year....
Resources:
*We talked about good websites, iTunes apps and magazines for gluten free info. All the info that was on the hand-out is already located on this website.
Deli Meat:
*We discussed deli meat....Most of us buy it pre-packaged, often times it's labeled on the package, or you can check your Cecelia's Marketplace or Triumph Dining Grocery Guides to see what is gluten-free.
When purchasing deli meat from behind the deli counter there are risks involved that need to be considered: the gluten free deli meat might be on display next to/touching the deli meat containing gluten; and also the slicer is a concern for cross contamination from other meats or items....however someone thought some Hy-Vee's had dedicated slicers for dedicated gluten-free DiLusso deli meats....if I find out more info on this, I will post it, otherwise, you can always ask at your local HyVee....but until then, pre-packaged is your safest bet.
Regular Meat:
*Be cautious on regular meat from behind the meat counter. Oftentimes the meat itself is gluten free (assuming it's plain and not seasoned, marinated or breaded)--however be aware of the other meat items that are next to it in the display case....if the regular pork chops are right next to the breaded ones, it's safest not to purchase them because of the risk of cross-contamination. I know a few people ask for fresh meat from the back instead of the meat counter, and almost always, the employees are more than accommodating and helpful.
When Eating at a Restaurant with no gluten-free menu:
*It is helpful to have dining cards that you can get from triumphdining.com or ceceliasmarketplace.com. These explain in greater detail what it is you can and cannot have and is helpful to give to your server/manager/chef.
*It is a good idea when eating at a restaurant that does not have a gluten free menu to ask for the manager to discuss your dietary needs. Make sure they understand "No cross-contamination" --that knives/utensils/plates/food prep area is free from gluten when preparing your plate.
*If ordering a salad, make sure there are no croutons on it, and also remember to inquire about the salad dressings.
*And remember, if you don't feel comfortable eating there or don't feel that the manager or chef understands your needs, it's OK to leave and find somewhere else to eat!
We shared some of our favorite restaurants to eat at: (These either have gluten free menus or are accommodating for gluten free; always be sure to discuss your dietary needs with the wait staff)
*Red Bistro
*Cool Basil: some favorites off the menu include Pad Thai and Drunken Noodle
*Biaggi's
*Red Robin
Some Misc. notes that were discussed:
*grilled chicken nuggets (I believe they are on the kid's menu) at Chick-Fil-A are gluten free
*Champ's Restaurant: Someone had gone there and they had a gluten free menu, but upon further questioning, it was learned that their "gluten free fries" are cooked in the same oil/baskets as their other items.....making it not officially "gluten free". It sounded like overall the restaurant was not aware of cross contamination issues and a bit confused on what it meant to be "gluten free".....so needless to say our friends did not eat there....A good reminder to always ask questions and/or call ahead to talk with a manager or chef if possible.
*Jethro's: All sauces are gluten free
*Palmer's: Accommodating for gluten free
*Sam & Louie's: They have separate bins for their pizza ingredients when making a gluten free pizza. :)
*Dahl's and Fareway have gluten free listings of their name brand products on their websites.
*HyVee's website: you can sign up to get updates on their gluten-free product list, in case a product changes.
Pasta:
*Don't overcook; gluten free pasta tends to cook faster
*Re-heating is questionable....only make as much as you plan to eat for the one meal!
* Try different brands if you have a bad experience with one brand...Some good ones to try are: Tinkyada, Schar's, and DeBole's corn pasta.
Our next meeting will be Monday, March 12 at Lutheran Church of Hope at 7:00pm. Hope to see you then!
When Eating at a Restaurant with no gluten-free menu:
*It is helpful to have dining cards that you can get from triumphdining.com or ceceliasmarketplace.com. These explain in greater detail what it is you can and cannot have and is helpful to give to your server/manager/chef.
*It is a good idea when eating at a restaurant that does not have a gluten free menu to ask for the manager to discuss your dietary needs. Make sure they understand "No cross-contamination" --that knives/utensils/plates/food prep area is free from gluten when preparing your plate.
*If ordering a salad, make sure there are no croutons on it, and also remember to inquire about the salad dressings.
*And remember, if you don't feel comfortable eating there or don't feel that the manager or chef understands your needs, it's OK to leave and find somewhere else to eat!
We shared some of our favorite restaurants to eat at: (These either have gluten free menus or are accommodating for gluten free; always be sure to discuss your dietary needs with the wait staff)
*Red Bistro
*Cool Basil: some favorites off the menu include Pad Thai and Drunken Noodle
*Biaggi's
*Red Robin
Some Misc. notes that were discussed:
*grilled chicken nuggets (I believe they are on the kid's menu) at Chick-Fil-A are gluten free
*Champ's Restaurant: Someone had gone there and they had a gluten free menu, but upon further questioning, it was learned that their "gluten free fries" are cooked in the same oil/baskets as their other items.....making it not officially "gluten free". It sounded like overall the restaurant was not aware of cross contamination issues and a bit confused on what it meant to be "gluten free".....so needless to say our friends did not eat there....A good reminder to always ask questions and/or call ahead to talk with a manager or chef if possible.
*Jethro's: All sauces are gluten free
*Palmer's: Accommodating for gluten free
*Sam & Louie's: They have separate bins for their pizza ingredients when making a gluten free pizza. :)
*Dahl's and Fareway have gluten free listings of their name brand products on their websites.
*HyVee's website: you can sign up to get updates on their gluten-free product list, in case a product changes.
Pasta:
*Don't overcook; gluten free pasta tends to cook faster
*Re-heating is questionable....only make as much as you plan to eat for the one meal!
* Try different brands if you have a bad experience with one brand...Some good ones to try are: Tinkyada, Schar's, and DeBole's corn pasta.
Our next meeting will be Monday, March 12 at Lutheran Church of Hope at 7:00pm. Hope to see you then!
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