Ina's - Not Just My Mom's Name

Ina, aka the Breakfast Queen, in Chicago, Illinois knows all about being gluten-free accommodating.  Yes, my mom's name is also Ina, so I was doubly intrigued to find out if Ina's was all I heard it was cracked up to be. Ina, a leader in the effort to ban artificial trans fats, opened up Ina's Kitchen in 1991.  Ina understands and teaches cross contamination and is a hands on owner.  Her menu has GF all over it to signify those options that are gluten free accommodating.  

Rent or Nobu 57?

 

Nobu has 24 locations world wide.  I was fortunate to dine at Nobu 57, in NYC.  If I had to summarize the experience (and yes, Nobu is an experience) into one word, it'd be WOAH!! Expensive, oh yeah (but, what isn't in New York?)!! Worth it?  Read on!

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Get Um' in an ATM too!

Sprinkles Cupcakes makes a delish' gluten free red velvet cupcake and a plethora of other (unfortunately non gluten free) cupcakes. I was recently in Chicago, and read rave reviews about their gluten free cupcake, so I had to try it for myself, right?!



Here are all the cupcakes, top left is red velvet

Gluten-Free Crepes Available for Catering - Exclusive Interview

From miamicrepes.net

Chef Jonathan Bierley Sr. of Miami Crepes gave me some great news.  Chef Jonathan said:

"more and more customers are asking for gluten free and vegetarian options. It is becoming the new food revolution that other caterers neglect. This is why I have dedicated a section of my website and my business to fill this void and to inform people of the gluten free choices that are out there in the world."

Chef Jonathan was kind enough to let me have ask him some questions about his new Gluten-Free catering - here's the dish:

Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise - 5 Star Itinerary, 2 Star "Free" Food

When booking a vacation, Celiac's have to be extra special careful. I LOVE cruisin' and happened to be going to Europe for work - so why not add some fun time too?!

I decided to try a Mediterranean Cruise. The Norwegian Epic lined up perfectly with my schedule. The itinerary was a dream. Seriously, doesn't this look amazing (the port of call were!)??

Your Signature is Need for Gluten-Free Labeling Laws

The American  Celiac Disease Alliance is working diligently to urge the White House to force the FDA to create much needed Gluten-Free standards.  They created the below message and Petition to the White House, and need 25,000 signatures for the Petition to be heard.  Read below and sign if you agree that Gluten-Free standards are imperative for us Celiacs. 

Cafe Abbracci - AMAZING Gluten Free Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

Cafe Abbracci, in Coral Gables, a popular Italian restaurant, that will always have my business -- because they have the BEST gluten free pasta in the Gables.  I've actually become an addict and have to have my Cafe Abracci gluten free pasta with old School bolognese meat sauce regularly.  For $18, it's not the least expensive pasta - but, it's worth every penny.  Cafe Abbracci carries gluten free pasta on site, and you get to choose your sauce.  There are many pasta options, but I'm hooked on the meat sauce and can't even think of not having it.  I'm always ecstatic when local restaurants step up to the plate and accommodate us Celiac's - I'm thrilled to have Cafe Abbracci as a scrumptious lunch and dinner choice. 

Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats!

Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats!  It's real!  Kellog's has come through.  Beware, not all supermarkets carry this gluten free cereal that you can easily turn into the most delicious gluten free treat.  Make sure you speak with managers, fill out requests for Kellog's gluten free rice crispy cereal, and even write to headquarters offices - it's worth it. 

Most Romantic Gluten Free Pizza & Gelato in the WORLD

In Florence, Italy, of course!  Le Botteghe di Donatello is a godsend. While on a Mediterranean cruise, we had a day stop in Florence - and I had to have Gluten Free Pizza in Italy!!  I am ecstatic to have found this delicious magical place.  They have indoor and outdoor seating - outdoor is more scenic and fun so we sat outside.  What's amazing is on their outside gigantic menu, is a BIG MENU GLUTEN FREE sign!!

Zonin Creates a Magical Italian Culinary Experience

Casa Vinicola Zonin paired up with the Ritz Carlton at Miami Dade's Culinary Institute and created an Italian Culinary Experience.  It was a lot of fun, and a lot of great Prosecco and wine.  All courses were not gluten-free - Celiac's were not the intended audience, it was more about the decadent wine pairings and Ritz showing off their chefs capabilities to the audience. 

Check out this layout, Miami-Dade offered their awesome venue, the kitchen was the main stage, and all attendees had our own sinks and a great view. 

Trapiche Room at JW Marriott - Sensory Overload

The Trapiche Room is an intimate fine dining Mediterranean restaurant at the JW Marriott in Miami.  Luckily, it also participates in Miami Spice from August 1 to September 30, giving diners an appetizer, entree and desert for $19 for lunch and $33 for dinner.  Lunch is offered fro Mon-Fri and dinner is offered from Tues-Sat.  This is not a quick meal - don't expect to be in an out in an hour, not that kinda place.

I was there for lunch. Service is unbelievable.  I advised my server I was gluten-free and recalled JW Marriott being very accommodating.  I asked if there was gluten-free bread.  He immediately checked and brought back warm gluten-free goodness.  It's a rarity to have gluten-free bread at a restaurant, I cherish these moments!!

Rudi's Gluten-Free Tortillas!

Rudi's  gluten-free bakery has outdone itself, again.  Now, Rudi's is making Tortillas!!!  There are 3 delicious flavors: Plain Tortillas, Spinach Tortillas and Fiesta Tortillas, each with 5 grams of fiber per serving, at $5.99.   To get the gluten-free community excited about these Tortillas - Rudi's is giving away awesome prizes - check them out on Rudi's facebook page here - Prizes end on August 31.  And... there's a $2 coupon from Rudi's waiting for you!

Here's how Rudi's describes their delicious Tortillas ...

Gluten Free Spanish Style Tapas on South Beach

Barceloneta, a Spanish tapas restaurant on South Beach is incredibly gluten free friendly and brings a whole new flavor to the Beach.  You'll get a real flavor for Spanish tapas, and lucky you, they are delicious!!  You'll have to get a closer glimpse of the menu.  So many options - many of which I never tried before.

Yardbird, Southern Dining at its Finest!

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, South Beach's new haven for southern comfort cooking, is a new hot spot on the Beach.  For us gluten free folk, most of the menu is off limits, but, for those few items we are able to have, the ambiance may just be worth the trip.

Yardbird is on 16th and Lenox, just a block off of the well known Lincoln Road. 

Outside, the Yardbird sign illuminates and you can typically see a packed house inside.

TTB Issues Interim Policy for Labeling Gluten-Free Spirits

On May 24, 2012, U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued an Interim Policy on Gluten Content Statements in the Labeling and Advertising of Wines, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages (TTB Ruling 2012-2).

Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation that defines the term “gluten-free” (despite the GF communities outcry for one!).  

Mama Fu's asian house - Gluten Free Friendly

Mama Fu's, specializes in Asian inspired, made to order cuisine. The menu is diverse and, most importantly to me, they have an extensive gluten free menu! Mama Fu's is not a strictly gluten free restaurant, but, does advise that it takes precautions to deter cross contamination, and once you advise you are requesting a gluten free meal, your order is notated as such, and in my case, the chef was specifically advised to make extra sure all would be well for me.

Mama Fu's is a great lunch place, order at the front, grab a number and your meal is brought to your table.  For dinner, its a little more formal, you can grab a seat and get table service. It's a great location for a quick, made to order Asian meal.

Nutritionist & Gluten Free Specialist Hits a Home Run with Belly Hugs

Belly Hugs brings 100% organic and 100% gluten free goodness to Hollywood, Florida.  Owned and operated by Dawn Michelle, a nutritionist who wanted to bring nutritional value to her client's and the rest of the world. I'm always thrilled to hear about new gluten free establishments and was extra pleased to meet Dawn Michelle in person and hear how she genuinely cared to help and how excited she was to have a venue to do so.

Gluten Free Hot Dog at the Marlin's Ball Park!

The new Miami Marlin's stadium is a work of art. It wouldn't be Miami if there were not monstrous disagreements in regards to funding and building... But, most importantly, for a person like me who could not give a hoot about baseball, I am now excited to go to a game, and have the option of drinking a gluten free beer and eating a gluten free hot dog to boot!!

Morton's, the Steakhouse - NO LONGER Gluten Free Goodness!

As of February 7, 2011 I was thrilled with Morton's.  I wrote this stunning review below, and spent many a lunch and dinner enjoying Morton's.  Until yesterday.  I am still so incredibly ill from my meal at Morton's.  To be honest I am pissed, disappointed, in incredible pain, and disgusted.  I was at Morton's for a business lunch, had a caesar salad - no croutons, rib eye (specifically asked to verify the sauce and assure it was gluten free) with a baked potato (plain), and berries.  Sounds harmless... But, no.  One hour after leaving Morton's and me and the restroom bonded like I never want to bond with a restroom.  Did I advise the server I needed a gluten free meal? Yes.  Did I ask the server to confirm 100 times over that my meal would be gluten free? Yes.  Was I served a gluten free meal? Who knows?  Was I served food that gave me food poisoning? Who knows.  All I do know is that my meal at Morton's is the cause of my severe pain. I understand Morton's is recently under new management.  But, I still expect great service, including server's exceptionally trained in dealing with guests that have food allergies (which Morton's had in the past) and I expect quality food (when paying a decent price for a meal, you don't expect to be sick afterwards). I expected more from you, Morton's!  I hope Morton's new management steps up and takes a hard look at proper training, the importance of understanding the severity of guests with food allergies and the importance of quality ingredients. Until Morton's shapes up, I don't plan on returning.

THUMBS DOWN!!!

------------------------------

Morton's, the Steakhouse is a great place for Celiacs! Good salad, good steak and great berries = a wonderful meal! Morton's has a great gluten free selection. Best of all, Morton's has a special $109 steak and seafood for TWO menu! We chose this menu and enjoyed it, see our images below. For $109 for two people, you can enjoy a salad, steak, seafood, side and dessert. A lot of food! (I'm also allergic to seafood, so I just had the steak). Makes for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

I enjoyed my meal at Morton's, see the images here:

Caesar salad, sans croutons

Delicious filet!

Perfectly baked, baked potato!

Fresh berries, a perfect ending

THUMBS UP for Morton's!

Red Velvet GF Goodness??

Heartland Gourmet offer's gluten free baked mixes.  I was shocked to find Heartland's "red velvet cupcake mix" at Marshalls for $3.99!  I had to try it.  

Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks!

Pretzels are no longer a snack of the past for Celiac's.  Snyder's of Hanover has 3 certified gluten free products, including pretzel sticks, mini pretzels and tortilla chips. 

Brennan's - My Favorite New Orleans Restaurant

I love Lazone!

New Orleans is a blast.  The French Quarter's Bourbon street is as dirty as can be, garbage cans are on the street in plain site, yet, you still LOVE the place.  It's warm, very friendly, parades happen on random Tuesday's, it's a great place.  For someone like me that's gluten free, with a shellfish allergy and a distaste for seafood - me and New Orleans are not a great culinary combination.

Hands down, Brennan's, off of Royal Street, was my favorite restaurant. Lazone, the chef pictured to your right actually came out and discussed my gluten free options with me after hearing my specific allergies and needs, and created perfection for me.

Well, in full disclosure, perfection for me is chocolate + steak, with the chocolate first.

Best Gluten Free Snack Chip??

  

Lundberg Family Farms^® is a family-owned and operated business that is committed to producing the finest quality rice and rice products since 1937.   Lucky for us Celiac's, many Lundberg products are gluten free!

I went to a friends house for wine and cheese (is there a better combo?!) and was pleasantly surprised when my amazing friend advised she cautiously picked the chips and all were gluten free, especially for me!

Bunnie Cakes Hits a Home Run with My BDAY Cake!

Bunnie Cakes is my go to for fresh gluten free goodness.  Mari, owner of Bunnie Cakes makes outstanding vegan and gluten free cupcakes and thank goodness, cakes.  For my birthday this year, I called Mari and happily put in my order.  You can also order online. I asked for espresso and tons-o-chocolate!  And that's just what I got! Always thankful to Mari for bringing delicious gluten free sweetness to me!  I was able to have a happy chocolate birthday thanks to Bunnie Cakes, and highly recommend Bunnie Cakes to you!

THUMBS UP!!

Chow Down - Gluten Free Accommodating on Miami Beach!

...NOW CLOSED... =(

Brewhouse has taken over Chow Down! 

Another reminder to support those restaurants that accommodate us gluten free folk!

Chow Down Grill on 9th and Alton Road on South Beach is one of my new favorite gluten free friendly spots. During my first visit, I brought my favorite gluten free soy sauce with me and the chef was kind enough to use it, and explain how they would treat my gluten free meal differently to assure it stayed that way.  The chef then advised that Chow Down would carry my gluten free soy sauce, and welcome me back.  Their full menu is here. Since then, I've gone back to Chow Down at least 4 more times, and the promise was kept.

Need Gluten Free in Washington DC?

Chef Geoff's is know for its contemporary American Cuisine, casual sophistication, and generous hospitality, after one trip, you'll know why. I was in DC on a work trip, actually, a pretty cool one.  The Department of Commerce asked me to go to DC to teach a delegation about importing medical devices into the U.S., in compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Alright, this may only be cool to me, but, it was a success nonetheless.  When the seminar was over, I was hungry, of course, and wanted wine and steak! I asked locals for a great spot, and Chef Geoff's was the hands down recommendation. 

I was there right around happy hour, and was pre-advised that the happy hour specials are great.  This was definitely public knoweledge as the bar was packed, not even one empty seat for lil' ol' me!  The hostess was a doll and sat me close to the bar, and advised I could still order the happy hour specials, as long as I also ordered from the menu.  Not hard to do!  Check out the dinner menu here, and guess what? They have a special gluten free menu (with prices) and it's below (although if you want to see it clearly, just click on the gluten free menu above).  I was so impressed that they had a gluten free menu, all knew what gluten free was and took it seriously, so I ordered away!

Gluten Free Water View Dining in Destin

I was with colleagues traveling to Fort Walton Beach, and of course, am always looking for a good gluten free meal.  Marina Cafe was recommended, and I am oh so glad it was!  It is a very warm restaurant and has terrific water views.

Now, for the food...  As you know, I'm a steak lover and will never turn down a filet (unless I'm ill).  I was thrilled to hear the sauce was gluten free and they would happily substitute lyonnaise potatoes for gluten free potatoes.  Check out the full menu. 

Rudi's Gluten Free Giveaway - For Gluten Free Beat Fans!

 

Rudi's is making it's way St. Petersburg's upcoming Gluten-Free for Life Expo on March 24! Rudi's has kindly offered one of my lucky readers a terrific prize!! Two free product coupons and a Rudi’s reusable bag! How are you eligible to win, you ask?!  

Wowbutter! Peanut Butter Minus Peanuts?!

In addition to being a Celiac, I am oh so lucky and have food allergies too!  I've always had allergies, dust, pollen, grass, molds - not for me!  But... after being diagnosed with Celiac disease, I decided to go back to my allergist and ask for a full panel of testing for food allergies.  I was bummed with the results...  Be careful what you ask for!  Turns out I am now also not able to eat nuts (of just about any kind).  I LOVE reeses, it's one of my favorites, and nuts of all kinds, especially chocolate covered nuts, oh so delicious.. so bummed. And peanut butter, I just love peanut butter.  My fantastic boyfriend found WowButter, a peanut butter replacement, and immediately thought of me, so sweet.

Gluten Free Alcohol!! What's Safe??

When seeking information nowadays, where does one turn?  Wikipedia,(and google) of course!  As a Celiac, it's so very important to have a completely gluten free life, but, you're alive and want to have fun too! Important to know, is what you can and cannot drink! 

I turned to Wikipedia, where I found a great breakdown of what alcohols are gluten free.  Specifically, I was very curious if all wines are gluten free, whether the sulfites and corks are an issue, which alcohols besides the obvious beer do us Celiacs have to stay away from and much more...  Keep reading to get the low down!

Gluten Free Beat Quoted in Miami New Times!

Miami New Times reporter, Joni Williams interviewed me and asked all about Gluten Free Beat and my personal story.  I dished it all.  From the amazing accommodating gluten free friendly restaurants, to the unaccommodating restaurants, to the ones that make you so sick...  I even told the tale of when I was contaminated...  Check out the full story here.  I'm SO proud that my love child, Gluten Free Beat is getting noticed!!

THANK YOU to all who follow and appreciate the love that's poured into the Gluten Free Beat!!  Happy Gluten Free Eating!!!

Bite - Miami Beach's BEST Gluten-Free Bakery!!

SAD SAD NEWS.  BITE IS NOW CLOSED, and MARIE IS NOT WORKING FROM HOME... 


Keeping this post up for us as a real reminder... When we have AWESOME stores dedicated to making our lives with food allergies better, we NEED to support them!!!!


=...( 


As an alternative, check out Bunnie Cakes - my post for them is here. 


BITE, a new allergy friendly bakery, tucked away on 41st Street in Miami Beach, opens with the premise that every person with an allergy should still be able to have a bite!
I was debating what state I'd have to order a cake from for my upcoming birthday, not anymore! You name the food allergy, BITE can cater to it! Gluten-free products line the shelves, but, more importantly, BITE takes orders for cupcakes, cakes, etc. Your creativity is the limit to what BITE will make! This is exciting for me, I L-O-V-E chocolate, and terribly miss GREAT cake, cupcakes. With Misha looming everywhere, I feel taunted all the time -- now... I can strike back with BITE!!
Take a peak at what I ordered --

• Chocolate = Devil's Food Cupcakes (with marshmallow in the middle as well!!)


• Chocolate Chips on top = Peanut Butter Cupcakes (with peanut butter and marshmallow in the middle!)


• White Icing on top = Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake (with strawberry in the middle!)

DELICIOUS!!! HUGE THUMBS UP TO BITE!!

I can now look forward to my birthday cake! =)