Triangle Raw Foodists

I was recently contacted by Jane Howard Crutchfield and Matthew Daniels who are the owners of Triangle Raw Foodists.  Finally an option in the food truck world that works for someone on a gluten free diet!  They wanted to inform readers of gluten free Durham of this raw food option where all ingredients are gluten free. The following is their description:

Triangle Raw Foodists make raw food meals, that are also totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and meat-free.  We have a delivery service, where we deliver 3-4 days worth of prepared foods to people's homes each Monday.  We also have a food truck that can be found every Wednesday from 12-3pm at Ad Spice on Broad St in Durham.  We also have it at other random locations for events (you can see the current schedule on our website. 

For further details, menu items and contact information, you can access the website here.
Any gluten free, raw foods readers out there who have sampled some of the menu items?  Please leave a review of your experience.

Writing Contest for FREE GLUTEN FREE PRUDUCTS

I was recently contacted by the folks at French Meadow Bakery concerning an essay contest they are sponsoring via their facebook page.  To celebrate the bountiful fall harvest, and the delicious dishes created from it, French Meadow Bakery is offering one lucky winner the chance to receive a one-year supply of organic, Gluten-Free goodies including breads, tortillas, cookie dough and brownies.

French Meadow Bakery is internationally recognized as a leading provider of naturally delicious and nutritious bakery products that suit a variety of dietary needs. Whether a person has specific dietary restrictions or is trying to develop healthy eating habits, individuals can take comfort in the assortment of Gluten-Free products. The Gluten-Free product line-up fits into a wide variety of recipes and dishes, and, in a culture where food is a cornerstone, French Meadow Bakery provides hearty and delicious favorites.




To enter the contest, simply visit French Meadow Bakery’s Facebook page and share your Gluten-Free story. In 250 words or less, we would love to hear your experience with living Gluten-Free and how French Meadow Bakery makes life more delicious.



The contest will run until midnight on Monday, November 14. The top 10 story submissions will be selected by a panel of French Meadow Bakery experts and then the public will be invited to select the winner between November 18 through November 24.

More Gluten Free Options at the Rice Diet Store

I first wrote about the gluten free products available at the Rice Diet Store in March of 2010.  I was recently contacted by one of their dietitians, Anna, who asked me to update readers to new products and information regarding the Rice Diet Store.  The store has a new manager:  Jeanette Gulledge. Updated store hours are M-W-F  9:00-2:00. 

Anna listed some of the gluten free-favorites:

Brown rice crackers


Quinoa and rice pastas (Notta Pasta)

7 Mr. Spice Organic, No Salt Added Sauces—from Thai Peanut to Honey BBQ

Curry powder mix and mango chutney from Kerala Curry, a local company in Pittsboro, NC

Several varieties of Eden Organic no salt added canned beans

Desert Pepper White Bean Dip

A number of salsas—from traditional to Mango Gingersnap, Pineapple Mojito and Southwest Sunset

The Ginger People’s Sweet Ginger Chili Sauce—a favorite and bestseller among Ricers. It’s great on spring rolls, drizzled over a stir-fry or as a glaze on fish or meat. We have the spring roll wrappers too!

The 2010 dietary guidelines encourage individuals to watch their sodium levels.  Recommended ranges are from 1500mg-2300mg daily.  The Rice Diet Program focuses on a low sodium diet, so the above products will be gluten free and low in sodium!

The Rice Diet Store
1644 Cole Mill Road
Durham,NC 27705
http://www.ricedietstore.com/
919-383-7276 ext 2

Options for a Gluten Free Diet-Community Lecture

Duke's community education center, Teer House, will be offering a free lecture entitled "Options for a Gluten Free Diet".  The speaker is Lesley Stanford, MS,RD,CSP who is a dietitan that has worked with families and the gluten free diet for years through her position with Duke's pediatric gastroenterology clinic.  I have heard Lesley speak several times, and she offers sound, practical advice to help navigate the gluten free diet.

The program objective is listed as: Learn what's new with the gluten free diet and how to tailor your needs.

The class is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, 2011 6:30-8:00 and registration is required.  You can access more information and register  here.   http://www.durhamregional.org/events/20110225112221289?event_location=20050825140000044

Teer House
4019 North Roxboro Rd
Durham, NC 27704
919-477-2644

California Pizza Kitchen, Restaurant Review Update

I first posted about California Pizza Kitchen's gluten free menu back in January, see earlier review here. If you have been following blogging news you are aware that CPK has launched a new gluten free menu this summer that includes an offering of gluten free pizza crust. There have been many questions raised about the possibility of cross contamination in the food preparation area prior to one actually receiving their "gluten free menu item". In fact California Pizza Kitchen protects itself by stating the following information on it's menu

“Gluten-Free” designations are based on information provided
by our ingredient suppliers. Warning: Ingredients or production
methods used by our suppliers may change, or there may be
product differences among regional suppliers. Additionally,
normal kitchen operations involve shared cooking and preparation
areas, or we may need to substitute ingredients in menu items.
We are therefore unable to guarantee that any menu item
is free from gluten or any other allergen, and we assume no
responsibility for guests with food allergies or sensitivities.

I would like to suggest that really any time a gluten free diner chooses to eat out side of one's own home, there are risks of cross contamination. So how do you reduce this risk?
1. Do your homework before going to the restaurant, gluten free menus help with menu selection
2. Visit the restaurant at non busy times. Friday night 7:30 pm at a pizza restaurant really increases the chance of cross contamination.
3. Talk to your wait staff and the manager. If you have Celiac Disease or severe gluten sensitivity explain your condition as a medical necessary diet. With gluten free diets being somewhat of a fad these days, it is difficult for restaurants to understand how a patron can order a gluten free meal but perhaps still eat a piece of bread from the bread basket!
4. Thank those establishments that follow sound procedures for reducing the chance of cross contamination: different preparation areas, changing gloves, different marked plates for gluten free items, gluten free testing of products, etc.

So my family decided to go check out this gluten free pizza offering one non-busy evening last week. We visited the California Pizza Location at South Point. We ordered two different gluten free pizzas and thought the taste and quality were excellent. As far as we know we were not "glutenized", we had no reactions after enjoying our pizza. So what is a gluten free diner to do? Do you take risks on eating out? How do you minimize these risks? I would love to hear comments on how other gluten free folks approach this dining dilemma?

UPDATE 9/17/2011:  California Pizza Kitchen has pulled the gluten-free crust option from its menu at all locations. CPK says that it is reviewing the pizza prep methods with an eye toward bringing it back in the future.

Bravo to CPK for taking responsibility to correct their prepartion practices so that a gluten free pizza order, has a chance to arrive at your table as really gluten free!

Stay tuned....

Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe'-restaurant review

A highlight for me this weekend included a visit to Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe' to enjoy some delicious Indian Food with good friends. Now I have been hearing raves about this special place but this was the first opportunity I had to taste the cuisine. My experience was beyond my expectations. Vimala's is located in the courtyard area of West Franklin Street. It has a small indoor dining area and outdoor seating in the courtyard. It was difficult to decide what to order because there were so many gluten free options to choose from!!! The clearly marked gluten free items included: Pakoras, Rice and dal, Tandori chicken,Beef curry, Kofta curry and several others. I enjoyed the Tandoori chicken entree, which came with basamati rice and a salad, reasonably priced at $9.00.

The service and hospitality at this restaurant were outstanding. The staff are accomodating to food allergies and gluten free dining. Vimala personally visited with us at our table and even treated us to samplings of their delicious fish stew, gluten free brownie, and these yummy carrot cookies called Gaajar Halwa.

This restaurant has received great reviews since it's opening in June 2010. They are committed to the farm to fork process, use local foods when possible and embrace the community. To Read more details visit their website here.

Vimala also shares her talent through cooking classes and I learned that she is hosting a Gluten and Vegan Cooking Class Soon! Described on her website

On Sunday September 18th 2-5pm join Vimala for a cooking class: Gluten-free and Vegan cooking. Space is limited to 12 people per class. Please reserve space(s) in the class(es) by emailing vimala@curryblossom.com. Cost is $65 payable at the time of the class. Work trade is available for a few who can not afford to pay the entire price. Hope to see you there!

So whether you are a UNC student, Chapel Hill resident, or other Triangle area foodie who ventures to Vimala's Restaurant you will enjoy the food and the experience.

Vimala's does not take reservations and can get crowded so plan ahead!

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday
Hours 11:30-2 and 5-9
Catering
431 W. Franklin St
Chapel Hill 27516
Parking off S. roberson St
919-929-3833
www.curryblossom.com

NFCA SPONSORED WEBINAR FOR PARENTS OF GLUTEN FREE KIDS:

Thursday, August 25th is back to school for most Durham Public School students. For those parents that might be sending their gluten free child off to school, it can feel a little scary . Does your school nurse or administration need more information on the gluten free diet? Consider the following resource. As a parent you may want to participate in the live webinar on Thursday and then send a note to school personnel about listening to the recorded webinar at a later time. Be a postive influence in the school and an advocate for your child.

Importance of School Nurse Education &

How-To Strategies for Parents of Gluten-Free Kids

Thursday, August 25th, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Topics included in Thursday's Webinar include:

Explain the 504 Plan and its impact on the child's rights in the school environment.
• Advise why school nurses should be educated on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, including a review of their role in the classroom setting.
• Provide a list of school support staff and their appropriate roles in accommodating a celiac child's needs.
• Share strategies on how parents can maneuver the school year with their gluten-free child.
• Offer tips and suggestions on how parents can create a safe and healthy gluten-free school environment, including recipes and common challenges in the classroom's social setting, such as lunch and snack time, birthday parties and field trips.

Registration information is available at NFCA' site.

FDA reopens comment period on Gluten Free Labeling

I listened to a very informative conference call from FDA discussing the current status of Gluten Free Labeling and the reopening of the comment period on the Gluten Free Labeling of foods today. The comment period is set to reopen August 3, 2011 and remain open for 60 days. The federal registry notice is available to the public, those with Celiac Disease, gluten sensitvity, care givers and health care professionals to comment on the proposed definition of Gluten Free. The current proposal is to identify gluten free as foods that measure less than 20ppm (parts per million)and supported by most health care professionals as safe for those with Celiac Disease. This is the lowest level of detectable gluten that is measurable at this time. Be mindful that all gluten free labeling is voluntary and currently is not regulated at this time. If you would like to read more about this update and gluten free labeling see the FDA News Release.
Questions and Answers Regarding Gluten Free Labeling of Foods.
If you would like to make a comment on gluten free labeling click here
What to comment on?? Your thoughts on uniform labeling, scientific information, food shopping experience, concerns about cross contamination of products, etc.

Final ruling is now expected to be by the third quarter of 2012.

Zen Cat Bakery back in Durham

I was contacted by Angie, owner of Zen Cat Bakery and asked to let readers know she will be back in Durham on Sunday July 31 12-5 at the Motorco's Marketplace in Durham (MotorCo Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham).Directions to the market are on the MotorCo website. She features gluten free and vegan baked goods. See my earlier June post about this Greensboro bakery,here.

MEZ Contemporary Mexican, Restaurant Review

MEZ Contemporary Mexican Restaurant offers a gluten free lunch and dinner menu! This a favorite spot for busy lunch time traffic and a fun place to meet for dinner. Mez is located on Page Road in Durham, so very convenient from various RTP sites. A creature of habit, I have enjoyed the chicken soft tacos for lunch several times. Their food is very fresh tasting, not your typical fast food Mexican fare. They make their own guacamole on site and my server offered to bring me toasted corn tortillas to use for dipping. Their corn chips are not listed on the gluten free menu. I have been told by two different wait staff that the chips are gluten free but they are fried with gluten containing items, so if one is really sensitive to gluten they should be avoided. If you are thinking of trying MEZ out for lunch, I recommend you call ahead for reservations,919-941-IMEZ (1630) as they get really crowded during typical lunch hours. You can also go to their website and make a reservation through the Open Table link. Each visit my server has been very accommodating and quickly brought our meals and check so that we were able to head back to work in a timely fashion.

MEZ
5410 Page Road
Durham, NC 27703

Lunch M-F: 11-4
Dinner M-F: 4-9:30/10:00; Sat/Sun: 5-10:00/9:30

Gluten Free Rice Krispies Arrive

SNAP! CRACKLE! POP! I had read about Kellog's releasing their GF Rice Krispies a few months ago. Yesterday I found them at the Kroger on Hillsborough Road in Durham. Beware, regular Rice Krispies are still on the market and still contain malt, so be sure to look for the Gluten Free option. The ingredients include: whole grain brown rice, sugar, salt, and BHT for freshness. Fortified with the following vitamins and minerals: iron, Vitamins C, E, A, D, B6, B2, B1, B12, and folic acid. A low sugar cereal choice, there is less than 1 gram of sugar per 1 cup serving. According to their website: kellog's Rice Krispies are produced in a gluten free facility and each batch is tested to ensure it's gluten free status.

Of course I had to grab some marshmallows too so we could make Rice Krispie treats for the Fourth of July. See picture of my red and blue treats. This made my family happy.

The box of cereal cost around $4.39, not cheap. The good thing is Kellogs offers lots of coupons for cereal, so this can bring the cost per box down to a more affordable price. I checked the price for bulk ordering on Amazon grocery which listed the cereal at 4 boxes for $15.90, so not that much of a savings there.

So whether you like your Rice Krispies in a bowl with milk or made into a bar, it is nice to have a gluten free option readily available.

Harris Teeter Provides Gluten Free list

Harris Teeter continues to increase gluten free items in their store. The Harris Teeter website provides an 11 page handout of gluten free items shoppers can find in the store. Note the following disclaimer:

Product ingredients are subject to change, so always read the label and/or check with the manufacturer. We will update this list quarterly as our products continue to grow and change.

Recently I have noticed an expanded offering of the Crunch Master brand gluten free cracker. The Sea Salt flavor is My daughter's new favorite cracker. You will find these located in the deli area of the store. Get your $1.00 off coupon here.

Zen Cat Bakery visits Durham

I was contacted by Angie Kenny,owner of Zen Cat Bakery, who asked me to share some news with Durham readers. Zen Cat Bakery is a gluten-free and vegan bakery in Greensboro, NC that opened in early 2010 as a wholesale bakery. They send GF and vegan goodies to local markets, cafes and coffee shops. The bakery also completes special orders, and just opened an Etsy online/mail order storefront. Shelby, over at Gluten Free Greensboro wrote about this bakery in a post dated August 8, 2010.

Zen Cat Bakery will make its debut in Durham Sunday, June 12, at Motorco's Marketplace in Durham (MotorCo Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham). They will have a booth from 12 - 5pm. This "handmade market" just started a few weeks ago.

I asked Angie about the ingredients and preparation of her products and this is her response:

Zen Cat Bakery produces only gluten-free and vegan products, and its noted on my website that I currently bake in a facility (catering kitchen) that is not gluten-free. However, I do not work at the same time with this other business, and Zen Cat bakery has its own mixing/ baking equipment. This year I am planning to move into a dedicated kitchen that is completely gluten-free.

To read more about the bakery you can visit the Zen Cat website.

The Cake Mix Doctor bakes Gluten Free

I wanted to share with my readers a recent find I have added to my book shelf:
The Cake mix Doctor Bakes gluten-Free by Anne Byrn This author has published various baking books in the past to help busy individuals speed up their cooking and baking time with yummy results. This is her first cookbook dedicated to gluten free baking. All recipes are based on the 15 oz size gluten free cake mixes, now readily available in most grocery stores. She "doctors up" these basic cake mixes in various ways to provide a variety of results. Chapter topics include:
How to Bake a Cake and Eat it, Too
Gluten Free Layers
Make Your Own Wedding Cake
Gluten-Free Bundts
Straight From the Pan
Gluten-Free Cupcakes and Muffins
Brownies, Bars and Cookies
Gluten-Free Frostings
The pictures on this post are examples of the "Darn Good Chocolate Cake" recipe. The cake tasted very good and had an excellent rise and texture. I have also made the "toasted coconut cake" with equally good results. I look forward to trying many other recipes. I purchased my book from Barnes and Nobel, I have also seen it available at Sam's Club locally.

Durham Man who sold "gluten free bread" goes to prison!

Because Zach over at GF Raleigh has done such an awesome job covering this story I want to point readers over to the GF Raleigh page for all the details of this amazing story. This is a huge verdict for those of us suffering with Celiac disease and trying to navigate a gluten free diet safely. Hajo's blog at Custom Choice Cereal has also done a nice job of writing up the events in this story. To see the News and Observer's article from April 12, 2011 click here.

Gluten Free Food Labeling Summit

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It is estimated that 21 million Americans suffer from Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Yet, the FDA has continued to drag it's feet in implementing the standards for gluten free labeling. This labeling is part of the 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).

FALCPA requires FDA to issue a proposed rule that will define and permit the voluntary use of the term "gluten free" on the labeling of foods by August 2006 and a final rule no later than August 2008.

Some leaders in the gluten free community are teaming up to create a news worthy event in Washington DC during May which is Celiac Awareness Month. On May 4th baking guru Jules Shepard,and others will present a 12 foot gluten free, dairy free cake at a reception for federal law makers, gluten free food manufacturers, members of the gluten free community and the media.

So how can you get involved? Sign a petition, donate money, write a letter to the FDA,or travel to Washington DC. For more information and details you can access the
"1 in 133 site".

Martin's Curry Rice in Morrisville/Cary Area

I recently found a gem of a place for lunch. Martin's Curry Rice, has been open just 6 months and the majority of the menu is gluten free!

Owner and Chef, Martin Sreshta, greets diners as they enter and explains the restaurants concept: guests pick their vegetable and meat choice, and then choose one of three sauces. Selections are either boiled or steamed. The sauces are based on a stop light and are all gluten free!

Green: mild peppery taste with fresh accent of mint and cilantro
Yellow: mild curry sauce with sweet honey
Red: spicy sauce with cayenne pepper
The meal comes with a choice of brown or white rice.

I chose chicken, kale, onion, mushrooms,tomatoes, with the spicy red sauce and brown rice. It was delicious, very fresh tasting. The portions were generous and my meal cost $7.56. Daily lunch specials are offered for 5.99 and include a drink.

The restaurant is not only gluten free friendly but also a great option for vegetarians and those trying to make a healthy choices or follow the Weight Watchers program. In addition it is easy to incorporate the National Nutrition Month Theme of "Eat Right With Color" by choosing a variety of vegetables!

I recommend you give this place a try, let Martin know you read about the review on Gluten Free Durham.


Martin's Curry Rice
9549 Chapel Hill Rd.
Morrisville, NC 27650
919-380-7780

located at the intersection of Chapel Hill Rd(Hwy54) and Cary Pkwy

Hours:
Monday-Saturday
Lunch: 11-2:30
Dinner: 5:30-9:00

"Eat Right With Color" is Easy to do on a Gluten Free Diet

March is National Nutrition Month® and this year’s theme is “Eat Right with Color”Just as a painter uses a variety of colors to produce an artistic masterpiece, choosing colorful foods can lead to a masterful diet! Although a gluten free option, I am not talking about sprinkling multi-color M & Ms® on your plate. For a healthy diet, it is recommended that half of your lunch and dinner plate be filled with fruits and vegetables. This is easy to accomplish following a gluten free diet, since fruit and vegetables in their natural state are gluten free!

Eating right with color increase both nutrient and eye appeal. Colorful foods are generally a nutrient dense choice.

Green Foods: such as kiwi, avocado, grapes, broccoli, asparagus and spinach provide antioxidants and folate.

Purple/Blue Foods: such as blackberries, blueberries, eggplant and purple cabbage provides antioxidants and may have some anti aging benefits.

Red Foods: such as pomegranate, cherries, red grapes, red peppers and tomatoes are sources of lycopene and anthocyanins and may help maintain a healthy heart and reduce cancer risks.

Orange and Deep Yellow Foods: such as apricot, mango, peach, carrots and sweet potatoes promote healthy vision and immunity by providing vitamin A and vitamin C.

Add some color to your diet! To access some gluten free recipes and other resources click the National Nutrition Month's site here.
Debbie Jongkind, RD, LDN Registered Dietitian

Celiac Disease in Mature Adults

Did you know that according to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America that 30% of those diagnosed with Celiac Disease are over the age of 60? Imagine living 60+ years and suddenly being told you need to follow a gluten free diet. It can be quite overwhelming. Be encouraged; it can also increase one's quality of life by improving health! There is a free publication geared toward the mature adult made available through the joint efforts of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North American and The National Foundation For Celiac Awareness. You can access this 4 page guide here.

Gluten- Free Cooking Class at Southern Season

A Southern Season in Chapel Hill is hosting a gluten free cooking class at 1 pm, on Saturday, Feb 26. The instructor is Lai Breana who is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu and a registered dietitian at UNC-Chapel Hill. The class costs $35.00 and will feature the following menu:

Parmesan crisps with edamame hummus
Beef and potato stew with cocoa
Maple frosted pumpkin fingers

To register call 919-929-7133 or click here for the Southern Season Web page.

Moe's Southwest Grill, Restaurant Review

Moe's Southwest Grill, has recently updated their gluten free information now dated 1/ 17/ 2011. This quick Mexican restaurant boasts of over 20 gluten free ingredients. In fact a recent commercial (see it here) portrays a customer making a request for a gluten free item. Note the commercial is comical in a few ways: Of course the picky customer makes one smile, BUT further she orders "gluten free, hormone free chicken" on a whole wheat tortilla and accepts the free chips and salsa. The chicken may be gluten free, BUT THE WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLA AND CHIPS ARE NOT! Their updated website reads:

No Gluten? No Problem: Our menu proudly features over 20 gluten free ingredients. With the growing number of Americans affected by gluten allergies, more and more people are subscribing to a gluten free diet.

The rice bowls are gluten free, you can see further allergen information and gluten free ingredient listingshere.


You can visit Moe's in the Durham Area:
Southpoint Area
6807-122 Fayetteville Road
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 544-6637

Brier Creek Area
7850 Alexander Promenade Place
Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 957-9075

California Pizza Kitchen, Restaurant Review

Recently at Southpoint Mall in Durham with some friends, I ended up at California Pizza Kitchen to talk about the movie we had just seen. I figured I would just order something to drink, knowing that they did not offer gluten free pizza. I was surprised to learn that they are now offering a New Gluten Free Menu! While there still is no gluten free pizza, I was pleased to find a nice offering of soups, salads, fish, chicken and ice cream sundaes for dessert. I tried the white corn guacamole and chips listed under their "Small Cravings" section. This was a nice post movie snack!

Note: the menu does contain the following disclaimer:

Due
to these circumstances, we are unable to guarantee that any menu item can
be completely free of allergens, and we do not assume responsibility for
a particular allergy or sensitivity to any food provided in our restaurants.

These statements seem to becoming common place in restaurants that want to capture the gluten free market, yet limit their responsibility to gluten free diners.....

Puffins Multigrain Cereal, Product Review

Kroger continues to expand its gluten free offerings. While stocking up on my usual supplies in the Nature's Market area of the store, I noticed an end cap with Puffins Multi Grain Cereal. Puffins Multi Grain cereal is labeled Gluten Free and is verified to contain less than 20 ppm gluten. In addition to being gluten free, each 3/4 cup serving also provides 3 g of fiber, is low sodium 80 mg, and only has 6 g of sugar (which is 1 1/2 teaspoons). And the price was nice too, only $2.49 per box; I do think the usual price is $4.49 and not sure how long the promotion is available. Note: The Barbara's cereal line contains three gluten free offerings: Multigrain, Honey Rice, Brown Rice Crisps. They also have other cereals, so be sure to read the label and choose a GF option. You can download a coupon for $1.00 off at Barbara's website.

Jason's Deli-Disclaimer Label

I have previously posted a restaurant review on the gluten free sandwich option at Jason's Deli, see this post here. I wanted to bring attention to the fact that it now seems like Jason's Deli is "protecting itself" by the labeling placed on my order yesterday. In case you cannot read the label clearly it says: "Please note your gluten free menu choice may come in contact with ingredients containing gluten on your sandwich. Our management teams and service staff are not trained on the intricacies of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance and cannot be expected to provide recommendations or other advise on this issue."
The issue of law suits and responding to market demand of gluten free items seems to be a tough issue for restaurants. I personally wish large chains like Jason's Deli would find it worthwhile to connect with the Gluten Intolerance Groups, Restaurant Awareness Programs that would help provide the information needed to adequately train staff.

The Brunch Box, Restaurant Review

Although I live in Durham, my office is located in the Morrisville area. I'd like to give a a quick review of the family owned restaurant: The Brunch Box They specialize in "Fresh and Fast Favorites" to include deli sandwiches, salads, eggs, hummus, and homemade soups. While the restaurant does not have a gluten free menu they are very accommodating to my questions and requests during my lunch orders. I have enjoyed some delicious salads and sides and look forward to trying one of their gluten free soup options. Note: ask about the ingredients in the soup when ordering. The small family business offers excellent customer service. They also provide corporate catering.

At times I have found myself at a catered event without any good options. Be proactive if you know your company will be catering an event and call and ask what options they can provide for someone on a gluten free diet. This is a request that is becoming more common and many restaurants are happy to provide a healthy alternative for someone on a special diet.


The Brunch Box
www.thebrunchbox.net
contactbbx@gmail.com
919-380-7276
10970 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 120
Morrisville, NC 27560

Hours: M-F 6:30 am-3:00 pm

Evalutating Your Gluten Free Diet in the New Year

As the New Year begins it is always a great time to evaluate your health and your gluten free diet. Speaking from my perspective as a dietitan and nutrition coach I encourage readers to ask yourself the following questions:

Am I satisfied with my current diet?
Are there areas in my eating patterns that I should improve?
What foods do I miss from my previous diet? Have I found adequate substitutes? Do I need to find a new recipe?
How did I feel about eating during the holiday season? What could I do now that would make me more prepared for holidays 2011?
Am I satisfied with my current weight, is it within a healthy BMI (body mass index range)?
Besides being gluten free how nutritious is my diet? Do I consume enough calcium? What about fiber? Other nutrients?
How many servings of fruits and vegetables do I eat each day? What are some ways to increase the amount?
What new foods would I like to try?
What resources do I need to better equip me in navigating the gluten free diet?
When is the last time I had a physical? If I have Celiac Disease does my doctor check my celiac labs on an annual basis?
In addition to following a gluten free diet, what other steps do I need to take to maximize my health?
What is the one thing I can do today that will help me improve my overall health and gluten free diet?

Happy New Year, Debbie