New York City Gluten-free

Imagine the scene: It's a Wednesday night. I've spent the day deep cleaning the apartment (finally and ewwww) and am exhausted. I'm vegging on the couch when my husband gets home from work, and goes in to change. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for the heart-sy, cute-sy, "I-love-you-and-your-hard-week-at-work-will-be-ok" decorating surprise he's just found on the bathroom mirror. Yes, at that moment I'm pretty sure I'm about the best surpriser this world has ever known. Yes sir, I may be almost thirty (cringe), but I've still got it. In fact, I'm basically a teenage girl... best surpriser EVER. And then... the usurper emerges from the bedroom. He's holding an envelope, and saying something about, "Happy Birthday!". I'm saying, "But it's not my birthday yet. You really want me to open this now?"

Somewhere in the middle of ripping open the envelope, squealing with delight, and being whisked off to an amazing birthday weekend in NYC, I went ahead and handed over my sash and tiara to the new Queen...er...King of Surprise.

He had an adorable "I have a crush on you" card. He had flights departing Friday morning and returning Sunday. He had Wicked tickets. He had a 4 star hotel in Midtown Manhattan. He had plans for shopping sprees. He... had me at "Hello". :)

And the best news? Between Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, gourmet gluten free meals, red velvet cake, designer bag shopping at Century 21 (hello best store and prices ever), finding a birthday outfit at the GIANT Macey's on 34th, walking around town, chilling in Times Square, drooling over the New York vibe of our hotel and the yellow lily bouquets in the lobby (I know they brought them in just for me)... somehow amidst all of that, I was distracted enough to not think about the big 3-0. A birthday miracle. :)

As usual, New York City did not disappoint in the gluten-free department. It is always one of my favorite places to vacation because of the food. I ate delicious meals all day every day, and didn't get sick once. New Yorkers truly get it.

Here are the restaurant reviews:

Bloom's Deli:

It was close to our hotel, and I knew I liked the food, so we visited Blooms again this trip. This time I tried the Turkey Club Triple Decker, which is served on toasted gluten free bread. It was very very tasty, even though there was no sauce (I was told the Russian dressing on the table was gluten-free, but felt weird about it so decided not to risk it. I've learned through hard experience to trust that inner voice). They are pricey for a sandwich ($13.75 without fries), but tasty and filling. This is a great place to go if your loved ones don't have to eat gluten-free too. My husband really enjoyed his very non-gluten-free Reuben Sandwich. All in all, very tasty, and absolutely no negative reaction.

Bistango Ristorante:

Delish. This is where I chose to eat my birthday dinner, and I loved the cozy atmosphere and the scrumptious Italian food. The employees all knew what "gluten free" was, and I saw other guests ordering gluten free as well.

Each gluten-free meal is served with bread and dipping oil (nice touch), and I ended up ordering the pizza with red velvet cake for dessert. I felt very safe, and had no adverse reaction. My husband said the normal food was good too. Try them. Tasty.

Nizza:

Yum. Nizza was a small, quaint restaurant that was absolutely packed (for good reason). Luckily, we'd made reservations. It's located within walking distance of the Majestic Theatre, which is where we were seeing Phantom that night, so it worked out really well.

Each gluten-free meal is served with breadsticks, which were good, and we decided to go crazy and try one of their famous chickpea soccas as well. We weren't blown away; I think you either love them, or hate them. I know plenty of people love them, but not really our cup of tea. The meal more than made up for it, however.

The Ziti Al Forno, a cheesy baked delight, was exactly what I was craving. Top it off with Tortonni (delicious frozen Italian custard) for dessert, and you have perfection.

No negative reaction. Just yummy-ness. With so many options, I'm really glad we gave Nizza's a try.

Peter's Restaurant:

We went here for breakfast our last morning, and were glad we did (even though it was no where near our hotel). The service was super fast, the gluten-free (and non-gluten free) selection was great, and I felt very safe.

I ordered the eggs benedict, and was impressed by how normal they were, and how large the portions were.

Other random finds:

*The NBC Studio store has a Red Mango upstairs. Perfect mid-day, Rockefeller Plaza, gluten-free snack (certified gluten free frozen yogurt).

Virginia Beach Gluten-free

In September of last year (er...a wee bit behind on posting I'd say), my husband and I spent the weekend in Virginia Beach. As you know, traveling to a new place is always a bit scary. I feel like sometimes all the research in the world isn't enough, especially when you're headed to a small city with limited options. But research I did, and I must say... Virginia Beach turned out to be the stuff gluten-free dreams are made of!

Here are my meal reviews. If you're in the area, I hope you make it to VA Beach soon. It was beautiful, oh-so-relaxing and scrumptious.

Breakfasts: I will flat out admit that breakfasts were a wee bit disappointing. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites Oceanfront, and while we loved the hotel (all balcony, oceanfront rooms, a more secluded stretch of beach, good room at a decent price), we didn't love the included breakfast buffet. I was counting on fresh fruit, yogurt and maybe even eggs and bacon. The fruit was disappointing, and there was no yogurt, eggs or bacon. Luckily, we came prepared with paper bowls and gluten free cereal, and I took a bowl down to the buffet to fill with milk each morning.

Lunches: We opted for early dinners and light lunches on the beach in our lounge chairs, so we packed Lays Stax, gluten free Rice Krispie treats, fruit snacks and beverages.

Dinner #1: Cheeseburger in Paradise

I was so stinkin' pee-my-pants nervous about going to Cheeseburger in Paradise. I pictured everything being contaminated by all the buns flying around, and doubted that the gluten free buns would be enjoyable. But my hubbie is a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, so I bucked up and went with it. I was very careful to tell my waitress of my concerns, and she immediately put my mind at ease, telling me that they are very careful with cross contamination, and when a gluten free order comes up, they pull all fresh ingredients out of the fridge. She also told me that I could have the yummy fries from a dedicated fryer, and that the gluten free buns were actually really good. She didn't lie. I loved my Prime Kobe Mushroom Swiss Burger & fries so much, that I almost boycotted our restaurant choice the next night for a repeat. DELICIOUS. And I didn't get glutenated; not one little bit.

Dinner #2: Burton's Grill

(I've search high and low for my photos, and can't find them anywhere! Picture a photo that makes your mouth water, and you've pretty much got the idea...)

I'm so glad we decided not to boycott, because Burton's Grill was the find of a lifetime for me. DELICIOUS food, great service (where everyone is completely aware of what "gluten-free" means and managers serve all allergy and non-gluten meals) and... did I mention DELICIOUS food? I felt so normal eating at Burton's. My Celiac Disease was a non-factor. We enjoyed our experience so much, that we made a little side-trip on our recent trip to Boston, just so we could eat at one of their 7 locations. In a word, delightful. And, again, I didn't get glutenated; not one little bit.

Grilled Stuffed Zucchini appetizer (oh, my... you MUST)

Tuscan Brick Chicken (YUM)

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (didn't even think I liked creme brulee, but just WOW.)

I honestly could have eaten at either of our chosen dinner restaurants every night for a week, and been completely free from sickness and IN HEAVEN.

Morale of the story: If you're thinking of Virginia Beach, go. Just go. It's worth it for the food alone.

Disneyworld Gluten Free

Disney just does gluten free right, as I found out when I visited Disneyland last year. So, when the hubbie and I decided to visit Disneyworld for the first time for our 3rd anniversary, I was excited to spend a week feeling like a normal, non-diet-challenged person!

A month or so before we left, I got on Disneyworld's official website, and found the email address for the special dietary people. I sent them a quick email, and within a day or two had an email waiting in my inbox with all kinds of gluten-free lists for food and snacks throughout the resort. A special reservations form was also attached, with instructions to make any reservations I wanted to at sit-down restaraunts online, and then fill out the form and return it so they could put the dietary information in their computer system. Making reservations online on the Disneyworld website was a breeze, and each reservation form I filled out had a place to check a box for special dietary needs. Between that, and the form I filled out and returned to the Disney dietary department, I didn't enter a single sit-down restaraunt that didn't already have my information in their system. It was awesome, and easy.

Did Disneyworld food live up to my expectations? Yep. Their sit-down restaurants blew my socks off. MOUTH WATERING. Although, I have to admit, the quick-service meals I ate in the park were just so-so. So my summary advice: book sit-down meals for dinner every night (maybe an early dinner), and just use quick service to supplement here and there. The first four days of our trip were by far the yummiest because we did that.

Here's some reviews and photos of the gluten free meals I ate during our May 10th-May 18th, 2011 trip. Enjoy!

Breakfasts: We stayed at the Radisson Lake Buena Vista, and had a good sized mini-fridge, so we did cereal and milk every morning before we went to the park. That means no breakfast food reviews. Sorry! When we vacation, we like to get going early and quickly. Plus...saves a few bucks and is easy to do gluten-free. Triple bonus! :)

TUESDAY-MAGIC KINGDOM

Casey's Corner on Main Street: If you read my Disneyland review, you know that the main street hotdogs were my favorite dining experience of my last Disneyland trip. So I was excited to swing in Casey's for a quick lunch when we arrived at the Magic Kingdom. When we got to the register, I told the cashier I had a food allergy (which I found gets better response than saying Celiac), and she said a manager would be out to take my order. I asked her if the fries were gluten-free, cooked in their own oil. She replied, "Oh yes. We can do them gluten-free. That's why a manager comes out. So he can make sure everything is gluten-free." The manager came out, took my order for a gluten-free hotdog, and when I asked if the fries were gluten-free, he told me yes (before you order them...read my whole review). A few minutes later (allow about 10-15 minutes) I was eating a gluten free hotdog and fries. The bun wasn't warm (a bit disappointing), so the hot dog was just mediocre. The fries were fine...tasted like fries. Now...random (or maybe not-so-random)note:throughout the rest of our trip, I felt weird headaches off and on (thought it was lack of sleep, because I didn't know where I could've gotten gluten), and then stomach issues started creeping in. WELL...the second to last day of our trip, we returned to Casey's, and I went through the song and dance of talking to a manager again, and telling him I would have the hot dog meal. He then said, "As for fries, the fries are gluten-free, but depending on how sensitive you are...we don't have a dedicated fryer, so they get fried with the chicken nuggets." I was so...mad? Upset? Something? So THAT explains why I was feeling a little off and under the weather for the majority of our trip. Moral of the story: beware of Casey's fries. Even if they tell you they are gluten-free. Also, even if you use the word "allergy" to get a manager out there, make sure and use the words "Celiac who can't have ANY gluten at all" with the actual manager. And don't be shy about asking them to heat up the bun. The second go-round my cute hubbie thought to ask, and while they don't have a microwave, the second manager we dealt with put my bun in the oven for a bit (in a little container of course). Made the hotdog much more enjoyable.


Aloha Isle: My husband and I were both addicted to the naturally gluten-free Pineapple Floats (fresh Dole pineapple juice with vanilla ice cream). Yum. Couldn't go a day in the Magic Kingdom without getting one!

Tony's: Such a cute little themed restaurant! It's made to look like the place where Tramp took Lady (random note...look at the sidewalk to the left of the main entrance...you'll see a little love note he left her. Also, look out the right window at the back of the restaurant. You might just see two little love dogs having dinner). It was a fun way to kick off the trip, and the chef (I've unfortunately forgotten him name) was wonderful. He came out immediately, and talked me through everything I could have. I chose Chicken Parmesan over gluten free pasta. He brought me out warmed up gluten-free rolls with butter when they brought my hubbie out bread (pretty yummy), and the food was good. Not amazing...but good. And I felt completely safe. He returned to check on us, and offered gluten-free desserts, but I was feeling full.

WEDNESDAY-EPCOT

Turkey Leg in the America section of the World Showcase: Epcot was the hardest park for me as far as quick service type meals go. But it worked out, because for some reason a turkey leg sounded soooooooooo good. Weird, since I've never tried one, and am usually not into dark meat. But I'm glad I gave in. Delish. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was more than enough for a lunch when we had a pretty early dinner scheduled.

Coral Reef: Very cool experience. My husband loves fish, so it was worth it just to sit right by the wall of a giant aquarium for the whole meal (although, there were actually quite a few tables that weren't right by the aquarium, so I guess we just got lucky!). And my food was delicious. Again, the chef came out and asked what I thought sounded good, saying that the majority of the items on their menu are naturally gluten-free. I ordered the Apricot Pork, and it was very tasty. For dessert, we did a flourless chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry, and it was yummy. Great experience.



THURSDAY-HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

The Brown Derby: AWESOME...awesome...awesome. By far the best food experience of the trip. We were both blown away. It was also our priciest meal, but we don't regret it for a second. We did an early Fantasmic package, and it was soooo worth the delicious food, and the reserved seats to the show. Highly recommend it. Our waiter was actually very knowledgeable about gluten (he probably could've taken care of our order himself), but he still sent the chef out, who was amazing. He walked me through the menu, brought me out warm rolls and butter, and came back later to make sure everything was going well. Our package came with an appetizer, entree and dessert. For the entree, you don't want to miss the Cobb Salad (the chef knew about blue cheese causing a reaction in 9/10 people without me having to say anything). They sub tomatoes for the blue cheese, and it is TO DIE FOR. Apparently the owner of the original Brown Derby in L.A. was Mr. Cobb, and invented the concept of a Cobb Salad (true story). YUM YUM YUM. So good we had to do take-out versions for lunch the next time we were in the park. I had the Beef Fillet over White Truffle potatoes as my main dish. The meat melted in my mouth, and the potatoes...oh-my-yum. As for dessert, more flourless chocolate cake (although a different variety than the Coral Reef). Delicious. Yes, I think the theme of the Brown Derby is delicious. If you're going to Hollywood Studios, don't miss this fun, tasty restaurant!!! (And if you're seeing Fantasmic, you might want to look into the package deal. We loved not having to wait in line 2 hours before the show to have a seat.)

FIRDAY-ANIMAL KINGDOM

Flame Tree BBQ: I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the Flame Tree BBQ, but I think it was my fault. I'd seen online before we went that they had BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and could do them gluten-free, so I was excited to try one. The manager was great, and made my order himself. He also gave me my choice of some gluten free sides, and I chose a bag of grapes. The pork was good, and the gluten-free bun was too...but when he brought it out there was no sauce. He said that the sauce had caramel color and modified food starch, and that most people were fine but if I had any doubts, I shouldn't eat it. Now, if you know me, you know that I do NOT take any risks. I am one strict, strict, strict Celiac. Still, for some reason, I went with the sauce. Dumb? Probably. My tummy wasn't quite right after... although I'm beginning to wonder now if it was all just related to the Casey's fries the first day. Anyway, if you're going to the Flame Tree BBQ, be prepared to go without the sauce. If you're ok with that, go. The manager was knowledgeable and I felt safe (just not safe from myself apparently).

Rainforest Cafe: We requested to talk to the manager, and he came out, assuring me that there were lots of gluten-free options. I was in the mood for a Cobb Salad, so I verified that the dressing was gluten free, and made sure they didn't put blue cheese on it. It was good... nothing to rave about after the Brown Derby Cobb, but good just the same. And of course, a really fun environment. We went early-ish, and it was virtually deserted, which was also nice.

SATURDAY-HOTEL POOL DAY, AND EATING OUTSIDE THE PARK

Outback: As usual, Outback was a tasty, low stress gluten-free experience. Our waiter knew all about gluten-free, and even made sure he made a point of putting the bread on the opposite side of the table. He was almost hilarious in his thoroughness. I always go with the Alice Spring Chicken and Half-Ribs with garlic mashed potatoes on the side, and it never disappoints. I usually go with a Thunder from Down Under too...but wasn't feeling up to it. (Dumb Casey fries!)
SUNDAY-CHURCH, POOL & EATIN-THIS-N-THAT

Because of religious beliefs, we like to try to observe the Sabbath as much as possible while on vacation, which meant a bit of prep work. We headed to the Walmart just down the street from our hotel Saturday night (BEST souvenirs EVER by the way...aisles and aisles), and got salads, dressing, string cheese, gluten-free soup and other gluten-free snacks for our Sunday meals. With the fridge and microwave in our room, and the rain coming down outside, it turned out pretty well (I liked Progresso's Corn Chowder for a canned soup...hadn't tried it before).

MONDAY-MAGIC KINGDOM

Cosmic Ray's: The manager was great, and handled my gluten-free hamburger order from start to finish. She even told me that there was no dedicated fryer, but if I wanted fries she would oven bake them for me. I thought that sounded lovely. The only bad things I can say are that 1-I hit a couple spots of gristle in my burger(which is something that grosses me out) and 2-the toppings are all at a salad bar, and seemed to have contamination potential, so ketchup and some tomatoes from a safe bowl was as far as I could go. That being said, I have a feeling if I was more persistent, they probably would've given me whatever I wanted from the back. They were very helpful and accommodating, and I felt safe. The pre-packaged gluten-free brownie I had for dessert was surprisingly tasty. My husband even had a few bites. :)

Pinocchio Village Haus: We decided on pizza for dinner, so ended up here. Eh. Disappointing. It was an Amy's cheese pizza, which can taste Ok-ish, but not the way they heated it up. The cheese was browned, but not melted...I think they were trying to hurry. They also charge you differently for gluten-free than normal here, which is different than most places we've eaten in Disney parks. While a normal pizza meal, which includes a personal pizza and a salad is $8.50ish, they charged me $9 something for my pizza and another $3 for a "side salad", which given the gluten-free-ness of it was really romaine lettuce in a little bowl with a bit of Parmesan cheese. Funny thing is, I didn't even want the salad, but my husband said, "Your meal comes with it doesn't it?" and the cashier didn't disagree. Not my most fulfilling meal, but it did feel safe...and we were in there shortly before closing, so maybe they were just in a rush.

TUESDAY-PARK HOPPING

*Most delicious orange I've ever eaten from a fruit cart in Hollywood Studios (seriously).

*Take-out Cobb Salads from the Brown Derby (yum and oh-so-filling).

*Popcorn & Mickey Ears Ice Cream from the carts around the parks.

WEDNESDAY-MAGIC KINGDOM BEFORE FLYING OUT

Casey's for lunch, where I found out I'd been contaminated.

Gluten Free in NYC

The hubbie and I headed to NYC for a weekend for our second wedding anniversary, and I have to say...a dream destination for those of us with Celiac. We arrived with a HUGE list of restaurants that not only offer gluten-free options, but are actually members of the Gluten Free Awareness Program (http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/). This generally means that they know about cross-contamination, and all those issues that can make those of us with actual Celiac disease sick. We didn't' make it through even half the list. But here's some places we DID try and love:

Blooms: It was close enough to the theater district that we walked to our show after even though it was a bit of a hike (Wicked at the Gershwin...unrelated, but AWESOME!!). I tried the grilled chicken sandwich, which is served on a gluten-free bun. It was very very tasty, even though there was no sauce. The chicken was seasoned quite scrumptiously. I also ordered the gluten-free fries. Mmmmmm mm. This is a great place to go if your loved ones don't have to eat gluten-free too. My husband enjoyed a delicious salami sandwich so much, that we ended up eating breakfast here one morning too. I had eggs, bacon, potatoes (which are french fries) and gluten free toast (made out of the same buns that the sandwiches are made on). All in all, very tasty, and absolutely no negative reactions...it felt very very safe.

Risoterria: This was my second experience at Risoterria, and again wasn't disappointed. I love the fact that you get gluten-free breadsticks while you wait (chewy breadsticks...not crunchy, typical gluten-free breadsticks). The pizza is yummy (I tried the mushroom one this time with a truffle oil sauce...mmmmmmm....). My husband ordered risotto and really enjoyed it. Be prepared for a really really little environment (you get to know your neighbors), and a moderately pricey menu. Still, I'd suggest it.

Tu-Lu's Gluten Free Bakery: We walked way out of our way one day to try a completely gluten-free bakery. I had a chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and a cranberry white chocolate oatmeal cookie. Both were delicious. There's just something about walking round a big city all day that makes you need a cookie. Not want a cookie...NEED a cookie. This is a great place to get one, although I must admit that I was surprised by how few options they had. For some reason, I expected lots more variety after seeing the website. Still...fun. And one of their walls is soooooooooo cutely painted. :)

Petit Cafe: We went here for breakfast one morning, and I was a bit sad we didn't make it back. I had originally thought I'd get a gluten-free bagel (they looked soooooooo normal), but then I saw the blueberry muffins, and had to have one. The hubbie ordered an omelet, and both were delicious. I believe they also serve gluten free pancakes, french toast, sandwiches, etc. Great little place. Delicious big muffins.

Grom Gelato: After Risotteria, we came across Grom Gelato. They had gluten and non-gluten listed right on their big wall menu, and I was pumped. However, I have to admit, I ended up being really scared eating it (probably shouldn't have eaten it, but for some reason was very un-Amber-like and did). I think there is probably a contamination issue at work here. Each flavor has it's own scoop, which is AWESOME. However, as I watched them dish up the ice cream into the cones (which the majority of people order), I saw them touching the cone with the scoop, and scraping excess ice cream off the side of the cone with the scoops, and then the scoops go back in the ice cream, leaving little cone crumbs. Like I said, I normally wouldn't eat something after observing something like this...but I did. And I had a mild reaction that night as a result (most likely...guess it could've been something else...).

Honestly, if you have Celiac, you have to go to NY just to feel like you're eating like a normal person on vacation. It was so much fun.

Gluten-free in Disneyland

Before we left for our week long trip to Disneyland, I did a lot of research about the food. Ah...the curse of being a Celiac and traveling. Lots of prep. But as I researched Disneyland, I found myself getting really excited. I repeatedly read that it was the happiest place on earth to be gluten-free. Honestly, I didn't want to get my hopes up, but Disneyland did not disappoint. The food was awesome! It was the first trip since being diagnosed that I didn't blow through the gluten-free snacks I always take on vacation to keep me from starving (GF Rice Crispie Treats, Cinnamon Coated Almonds, and Envirokidz Granola Bars). There WAS no starving! I was always fed, and fed well!

Once inside the park, I stopped at City Hall on cute little Main St, and picked up a whole packet listing everything I could eat in the park. The list was pretty long! What did I end up trying?

*GF Pizza at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port: Pretty yummy, and it actually cost less for me to get a GF personal pizza then for my family members to order slices of normal pizza! Not usual in the GF world! The head chef came out and took my order, reassuring me that the pizza was cooked in a separate pan, and I had absolutely no reaction so it was a great trust-building experience as my first Disneyland meal!

*Hot Dog's (with buns!!!) at Coke Corner Main St: MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! Hot dogs are one of those things that I never loved before the diet, but have craved like crazy since. To be able to have a delicious, normal tasting bun...heaven. I probably ate 4 during our 5 days at the park. Couldn't get enough. My husband was even sent on a mission to find out what buns they use: Ener G Tapioca Buns. I will be buying some immediately. The hot dogs are John Morrell 100% beef. The hot dog basket comes with Lays Chips, or apple slices. Yum. Again, I felt very comfortable that I wasn't getting cross-contaminated. Every single person I ordered from knew exactly what I was talking about when I requested GF, and they always sent my order out it a separate bag instead of the usual basket. Just order ahead of time...it takes 20 minutes for them to do a gluten-free bun, but it's so worth the wait.

*Hamburger & French Fries at Taste Pilot's Grill in CA Adventure: Yum again. The bun wasn't as tasty as the hot dog bun, but still pretty normal! And the fries. Yum yum yum. It was the first fries (except homemade) that I've been able to eat since the diet, and it was heavenly. Just heavenly. Again, the people taking my order had obviously been educated on the subject, and assured me a separate fry frier was used.

*Cotton Candy and Dole Pineapple treats from the vendor stands

*Big Thunder Ranch BBQ: The head chef was sent out and told me that I could have everything except the corn bread, desserts and ribs (meaning chicken, coleslaw, beans, corn on the cob and smoked sausage). He assured me that he or his assistant handle all the allergy orders personally, and that through out the park head chefs are on site to do so. Awesome. It was a bit pricey (I think $25-$29 per person), but it was all you could eat and oh-so-scrumptious (except for the coleslaw...not my thing...it was more spicy and vinegary than sweet). The environment was really fun too. I have to add this tidbit, though--the next day, I was sick. It felt like a gluten-attack, but I of course can't be positive.

*Freshly made English Toffee from the candy shop on Main St: This wasn't in our packet, but I saw them making it in the window and couldn't resist. I checked the ingredient label, and the only thing I was worried about was the "Milk Chocolate". I asked a cashier, and she immediately went into the kitchen and talked to the chef. They told her they were using Guittard Milk Chocolate. After googling it on my hubbie's nifty Blackberry, and finding it gluten free, we bought a pack and were in heaven. Yum.

Outside the park, we ate at Outback and PF Changs (did you know they expanded their menu last week!!!! YAY!!!!) and didn't have a problem with either. Delicious food, knowledgeable staff, no reactions. We also tried Zankou Chicken. I didn't have a reaction, but was a bit disappointed with the food. My meal basically turned out to be spit-roasted chicken, because I couldn't eat the hummas, lettuce or tomato without the pita. If you go, order the kabob plates...at least then you get rice too.

Mimi's Cafe was on our list to try. We walked in, and were given the "GF Menu" which was actually a binder listing the items on the menu, with check marks for the different allergens. Pretty much everything had gluten, except for some Vegetable Soup and a salad. That actually sounded really good to me because it was a rainy night, so we prepared to be sat. Then I flipped to the back of the grid page, and saw the ingredient listing for the soup. Being the extra cautious type, I read on, only to find BARELY printed in big ole letters. We gave back the menu and left, fearing Mimi's was one of those places that thinks gluten only includes wheat.

Another thing that helped us out? Our hotel had a mini-fridge, so we went to the Target down the street from Disney and got GF cereal and milk to keep on hand for breakfast.

All in all, the trip was fantastic. I felt like a normal person traveling instead of a "Celiac". Best vacation I've had GF so far. I don't think my family even had to suffer because of my diet! Gooooooooooooooo Disneyland! Now...I just want to go back. :)

Gluten-free Cruise on Carnival

Me and the hubbie just took a week long cruise on the Carnival Glory. One of the reasons we chose Carnival--they say on their website that they can offer a gluten-free menu for their guests! Just thought I'd report on how it went.

Here's how it works: each night in the formal dining room, they would send over a hostess to show me the next night's menu. She would help me pick something that the chef could prepare gluten-free, and put in the order for me. Not too shabby...not a special gluten-free menu, but I found I was able to eat pretty well! Steak (without seasoning), different chickens...they even prepared a yummy gluten-free fettucini for me one night! They offered gluten-free bread, but after the first night, I passed (yucky yuck). For dessert, I mostly had fruit plates, vanilla ice-cream and sherbet, although one night the chef sent out a gluten-free bread pudding. Just make sure to be alert and careful--one of the first nights they brought me out a side of veggies in a cream sauce, and even though they reassured me they were gluten-free the first time I asked, I had a bad feeling. Didn't think they could be gluten-free. After re-checking with the chef, the waiter whisked them away very apologetically and brought me out a clean plate.

Also, be warned that they only provide the gluten-free help for dinner in the formal dining room. Breakfast and lunch I was on my own. Breakfast was a piece of cake. I'd have the omelet station prepare an omelet, and have some bacon, yogurt and fruit on the side. Lunch proved to be more complicated. The buffet had a great salad bar, and there was always fresh fruit, but I found myself ODing on those things after eating them for lunch everyday. The lunch buffet usually included a carving station, and my husband got really good at talking to the head chef to find out exactly how the meat had been prepared. On days where that was safe, it was a lifesaver.

Just a couple of warnings... the first day, before we/they figured out the gluten-free thing (we had to talk to the maitre-d about it before our first dinner), I almost became the first person in the history of the earth to starve to death on a cruise ship! :) Nothing at the buffet seemed safe for lunch after we embarked except for salad, so I lived on that and fresh fruit the first day. IF YOU'RE GOING TO CRUISE, TAKE SNACKS! It was really hard to always be surrounded by yummy looking pizza and burgers and deli sandwiches...even the hot dogs started looking good! Luckily, me and the hubby had brought along lots of gluten-free rice krispie treats, and some cinnamon glazed almonds, and some Butterfingers & Baby Ruth's (soooooooooo great that they are gluten-free). Otherwise, the trip would have been a lot harder.

All in all, a good experience. Tough and tempting at times, but great to be able to at least have a delicious, safe dinner provided each night!