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.