Restaurants

Dia Doce

This post may be rather premature; however, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this wonderful new gluten-free find!  For those of you who haven’t heard of Dia Doce, have you ever watched Food Network’s Cupcake Wars? That’s right, Dia Doce was not only on the show, but they were winner of Cupcake Wars!

I had the pleasure of encountering Dia Doce’s cupcake truck at a sporting event. As a hardcore and loyal (well, at least during the summer) Food Network viewer as well as an avid Cupcake Wars fan, I was elated when I saw the “Cupcake Wars: Winner!” sticker on the truck. Usually I walk right past any food trucks offering baked goods, breakfast foods, or any other gluten-filled food groups. However, my friends were eyeing some of the uncommon yet mouth-watering flavors listed on the chalkboard propped up next to the truck. And how could I pass up exploring who the winner of Cupcake Wars was? That would be a betrayal to my allegiance to the Food Network. So I joined my friends. That’s when I spotted the asterisks at the bottom of the list: “*gluten-free/vegan options available!*”. I was ecstatic!! They had two GF flavors on the truck- vanilla berry and chocolate chip banana (or a similar variation of the latter). I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the cupcakes, so I bought a vanilla berry cupcake there and then. The man in the truck was aware and knowledgeable of the restrictions that come with gluten intolerances and allergies. He, of his own, offered to pack the gluten-free cupcake in a separate container from the other cupcakes (I bought my cupcake in the same order as a group of my friends).

Although I haven’t had the chance to visit the gourmet cupcakery, I had to post about my wonderful surprise when running into the cupcake truck! The vanilla berry cupcake was like no other. It was light, fluffy, and moist. Very difficult qualities to find in gluten-free cupcakes. And it tasted like pure happiness. Doesn’t vanilla berry just sound yummy? I am definitely looking forward to visiting Dia Doce in West Chester in the near future or running into the truck again!

Cheers,

Anika

October 2014: Bai 5

It’s almost here. Daylight savings is one of my least favorite times of the fall. When the clocks fall back, that’s a reminder to all of us that the dark, gloomy months are here indeed. There’s no fooling yourself by wearing shorts and tank tops or drinking iced tea while sporting a pair of sunglasses- we’re officially onto the grueling months of winter. So how are you going to fight through these upcoming months?

Bai5.

This month’s product is a little off the beaten path, but it would nearly be a crime if I didn’t write a post about Bai5 sooner or later. Every night when studying and ringing the midnight bell, I need a little caffeine boost. Instead of opting for tea or coffee, I always grab a Bai5. Simple, fruity, sweet, filled with antioxidants, and only 5 calories! Instead of using the coffee bean as a source of caffeine like a good ol’ cup of joe, Bai5 utilizes the outer coffee fruit, or superfruit. These little superfruits are a great source of antioxidants. Fun Fact!: Antioxidants fight cellular damage in your body. So having a boost of antioxidants does;t sound like a terrible idea, right? In addition to its great benefits, it tastes pretty good too! It’s sweet- naturally sweetened, that is- and comes in a variety of tropical flavors including Brasilla Blueberry, Malawi Mango, Ipanema Pomegranate, Molokai Coconut, Costa Rica Clementine, Tanzania Lemonade Tea, Sumatra Dragonfruit, Congo Pear, Peach Panama, and last but not least Limu Lemon. I have tried the majority of these flavors, but always be on the look out- new flavors and products are always on the not too far horizon.

“The little can that can”. Bai’s most recent attraction is a carbonated version of the original called Bai5 Bubbles. New tropically inspired flavors, same low calories, and always a great bold taste. I’ve been wanting to try Bai5 Bubbles to see if it can even compare to the original, which is hands down, my favorite drink. Honestly, just one sip is powerful enough to bring you to your happy place! You’ll be dreaming of those tropical beaches and yearning for those hot summer days.

Not to shatter your picturesque bubble, but there’s one down side- it’s rather pricey. I’d recommend buying it in bulk at Costco or another wholesale store for the best prices. You can also buy bigger variety boxes online at http://www.drinkbai.com. Please give it a try- it’s something everyone should experience! Tea and coffee don’t even begin to compare…

Comment below with your favorite drinks!

Cheers,

Anika

The Bakery House

Hello, October! Although the summer days are escaping beneath my feet, I know the return of the crisp air and mulled apple cider will remind me why I love autumn. Fall has many joys- the warm colors of changing leaves, everything to do with pumpkins, and most importantly, the much awaited return of Starbuck’s fall favorites. However, it also brings about my version of eat, pray, love: eat, sleep, school. All the surreal pleasures of this season are complemented by the rather grueling schedule of students. Finding a balance between can seem to be a daunting task- just don’t forget about the beautiful world around us!

Earlier this week, my friend was celebrating her fall birthday with some scrumptious vanilla cupcakes from The Bakery House. In my town, when it comes to baked goods, all the chatter is about The Bakery House. As they say, “Sweetening Life on the Main Line since 1989”. I had heard all about their famous lemon bars and cupcakes. However, I was quick to assume that they wouldn’t cater to gluten-free eaters. I was elated when my friend casually revealed that the dozen ginormous cupcakes sitting before me were indeed gluten-free! Before I divulge any more details, I want to give a shoutout to all my wonderful friends who never fail to think of me and provide gluten-free options. They have all been an important part in helping me discover the endless spectrum of the gluten-free world.

Vanilla on vanilla. Rich and creamy real cream cheese frosting. Fluffy and moist vanilla sponge cake. Hands down the best texture for a gluten-free cupcake. So darn good! To taste like that… I don’t even want to know the quantity of each ingredient! Let’s just say we all deserve a treat once in a blue moon, right?

As soon as I discovered Bakery House had gluten-free offering, I did a little searching to see what else they offered. In addition to the GF vanilla cupcakes, they have GF vanilla cake, GF chocolate cake, GF Rum Bundt Cake, GF Brownie Trays, Peanut Butter Bars, GF Vanilla Sugar Cookies, GF Chocolate Fudge Cookies, and GF Chocolate Chip Cookies. Wow! so many choices! The next time I’m in that area, I will be sure to try another one of their many gluten-free options. Until then, please comment with your favorite gluten-free bakeries!

Cheers,

Anika

Gluten-free Rum Bundt Cake

Clover

“The Earth is what we all have in common”

Earth. It’s the only home we have. So, why don’t we all do something nice for the Earth and ourselves, shall we? Have you ever heard of “clean flavors”? It’s food that not only tastes good, but it feels good. It’s food that you can savor the aftertaste. But it also refers to food that you don’t need to be a chemist to make. Food that is not factory-made, processed, or enhanced in any way, shape, or form. So where can I get this oh-so-delicious and Earth-friendly food?

Clover Food Lab is the latest addition to the Boston food scene. It’s hip, innovative, and happening. As I described above, the food is “all natural”, largely organic, and always fresh. Your food is cut as close to the time you’re going to eat it as possible. Additionally, the menu changes day-to-day based on the fresh ingredients on hand. Their “no freezer” policy means that the menu is limited and constantly revised. And food runs out. I suppose that’s the price to pay for a happy Earth and a happy you! It’s truly a progressive philosophy.

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When traveling, although presumably convenient, I typically avoid food trucks. Gluten-free and conventional food trucks just don’t go together- the lack of time for a thorough inquisition as well as the increased likelihood of cross contamination just don’t make it a suitable option. However, when I was in Boston this past summer, I was introduced to the Clover food trucks. With trucks and restaurants situated from MIT to Harvard Square, Clover is spread out far and wide across Boston. Each truck is adorned with a whiteboard with a few select food items and drinks. The later in the day you come, the more items will be crossed out. Alright, so onto the gluten-free choices. Any sandwiches can be made gluten-free- it simply has no bread and is called a “boat”. I would highly recommend the chickpea fritter “boat”; it is essentially falafel-based with carrots and purple cabbage with a subtle horseradish-esque sauce. Additionally, the rosemary fries were what I like to call “stick fries” (by shape). They were healthy and well-seasoned. I believe they had a pinch of sea salt, but don’t quote me on that. If only they hadn’t run out of the blueberry lemonade when I was at the truck! It was delicious, and it is real food (and everything was compostable if you must know: +1 for Team Earth!).

Also, check out this little cheat sheet Clover gave me! Oh, how I love gluten-free menus!

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I know this foreword-thinking movement will set off a spark and inspire other eateries. So why wait? There are nearly a dozen Clover locations in Boston, so next time you’re in town, give it a try!

Cheers,

Anika

The Cheesecake Factory

As much as I love originality, there’s something comforting about falling back onto known territory. Although eccentric french cafes and family-run diners may receive acclaim for their truly distinct tastes and flavors, when it comes to eating gluten-free, chain restaurants are a safe haven like no other. This may seem surprising and of course, there are exceptions, but all in all, I stand by that statement.

They are reliable. Earlier this month in Providence, I rediscovered The Cheesecake Factory. Because of their infamous “no reservations” policy, I had kept my distance these last few years. And prior this gap, I had terrible experience with their gluten-free options, but I suppose that was a different era- when people were in the dark as to what “gluten-free” meant. Anyways, I was delightfully surprised to learn that they have an extensive gluten-free menu. From pastas to salads and tacos to burgers, they have nearly anything and everything you could imagine! They even have a gluten-free cheesecake- Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, if memory serves me right. It is by far the biggest gluten-free menu I’ve laid eyes on. I suppose I have to account for the fact that their regular menu is nearly a short novel; however, that doesn’t take away from the fact that I was truly impressed. As for specifics, the next time I return, I will be sure to order their pasta- maybe the shrimp and fusilli or the pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes? And we’ll see if it lives up to Maggiano’s wonderful GF pasta. On to the salads, I did in fact have the pleasure of trying the French Country Salad. If beets, candied pecans, asparagus, and fresh goat cheese is your thing, then this salad is you thing. I promise. Last but not least, burgers. Now, I personally don’t eat beef, so I was pleased to learn that they offered a turkey burger as well as a vegetarian burger option. And yes, when I say burger I don’t mean a pattie with condiments sitting on a white plate, I mean the whole package (gluten-free rolls included!). I can’t exactly vouch for them as I have not tried them, but if any of you do try it before I do, please let me know! There are many dishes that are yet to be eaten at this restaurant and fortunately…

They are ubiquitous. Whether you’re in Pennsylvania, Oregon, or Rhode Island, chances are, you’ll cross paths with The Cheesecake Factory. It’s one of the reasons that chain restaurants really make having a gluten-free lifestyle that much easier. You already know what options they offer and if the staff and kitchen have an awareness of cross contamination and what “gluten-free” means. All in all, it means that there is no need for experimenting. Yes, we all like variety, but it’s great to have a safe option in your back pocket.

And with the inevitable end of summer hurtling towards us, keep in mind, it’s always summer somewhere!

Cheers,

Anika

Uno Pizzeria and Grill

And we’re back. These past two weeks I’ve been road tripping along the east coast hitting the big cities and rekindling childhood memories and friendships. Although I had throughly enjoyed the summer hiatus, it’s time to share with all of you my latest gluten-free discoveries. When exploring the heart of Providence, we stumbled upon an “Unos”, and I was delighted to learn that they have an ample selection of gluten-free dishes. First of all… (drumroll please)… yes, they do in fact serve gluten-free pizza! Wooo! Although it’s becoming increasingly common to find restaurants that serve gluten-free pizza, I still jump with joy like a kid on Christmas morning every single time. I can definitely vouch for the veggie pizza. It may sound a little too conventional, however classic’s never disappoint. The combination of mushrooms, onions, green peppers, mozzarella, and romano on a thin crust was perfection. It was nearly as good as Udi’s Thin Pizza Crust which is hands down my favorite gluten-free pizza crust. In all honesty, I ate five slices of that veggie pizza! I have never eaten so many slices of pizza before in my entire sixteen years of existence! In addition to the veggie, cheese, and pepperoni pizzas, Unos serves burgers on gluten-free rolls (Udi’s rolls to be specific). It’s always nice to see a restaurant that offers a gluten-free bun rather than seeing that oh-so-disappointing asterisk next to the burger saying “without the bun”. And if both burgers and pizzas don’t sound all too appealing to you, Unos offers chicken and seafood dishes, steaks, salads, soups, and a decent variety of side dishes. I am happy to be able to say that the gluten-free menu is extensive. It’s not too often that I can say that and mean it.

Le Pain Quotidien

“Something beautiful is on the horizon.”

It’s a new age. A new time. A new beginning. You are no longer a foreign entity. In fact, you may be considered a trendsetter of sorts. People recognize, accept, and understand what the phrase “gluten-free” means. Restaurants accommodate people who are “gluten-free”. And more and more people are joining the bandwagon and becoming “gluten-free”. It’s a wonderful new world.

Early this month, my friends and I decided to check out the new place in town. Originally, a Cosi’s stood at the intersection in our town, but right before our eyes came a French eatery- Le Pain Quotidien. Although we weren’t all too sentimental over the loss of the Cosi’s, we couldn’t confirm our feeling towards the change until we tried out the new restaurant. Of course before we went, I scoured the menu online looking for gluten-free options. Now I didn’t find a whole separate gluten-free menu; however, I did discover an array of wonderful gluten-free choices. In the “Tartines” or Belgian open-faced sandwiches, you have the option of gluten-free bread that can be topped with curried chicken salad, smoked salmon,  and paris ham & aged gruyère just to name a few. The menu also has a variety of salads that honestly I am dying to try. The smoked salmon and beet salad will most definitely be my next meal at this restaurant! As for what I ate this time, I had a six-vegetable tart. It consisted of artichoke, vegetables, and tofu on a gluten-free buckwheat crust. It was a lighter, more veggie-ful version of a quiche. Similar shape and size, but a completely different dish when it hits your taste pallet. Additionally, this restaurant marks all its vegan options on the menu!

Although I didn’t indulge in the desserts at this restaurant, they had a few gluten-free options. Both their coconut macaroons and almond meringue are gluten-free. However, the menu online is a sample menu, so the menu based on location can vary. The location I dined at only had the macaroons, for example (and coconut just wasn’t sounding all too appealing to me that day), however I was lucky that they did have the six vegetable tart.

In addition to the dining experience, you can also shop their selections of teas, nut butters, spreads, sauces, marinades, pastries, cookies, cakes, etc. Granted, not everything is gluten-free, there is still a decent selection that I think is worth browsing. If you do have a location nearby, I would highly recommend making the trip. I like to call it the new and cozier Cosi’s!

Cheers,

Anika

Jules Thin Crust

“I never met a pizza like you before.”

Pizza. There are no words that quite describe it. Whether it’s a chewy Chicago-style deep dish or a New York thin cracker-crust pizza. Or topped Hawaiian style with ham and pineapple or pepperoni and freshly shaved parmesan. The varieties are endless, so there’s always something for everyone. However, is there something for us? Us gluten-free eaters?

I find that pizza can be a hit or miss situation. The crust can be too dry because of the wrong combination of flours, or it can be too chewy from being undercooked. However, I have found some great pizza mixes and pre made crusts that make the trial and error process of starting from scratch a little easier. As for ordering out pizza, a lot more pizzerias have started to offer gluten-free options. But not all of them make the pizza in a gluten-free facility. In my personal experience, Domino’s pizza is notorious for causing a reaction. Although, Domino’s recently added a disclaimer to their gluten-free pizza crust saying “Domino’s DOES NOT recommend this pizza for customers with celiac disease”. And I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. So what do I do when it comes to ordering out pizza? There is one restaurant I have had great success with: Jules Thin Crust.

Jules is hands down the best pizzeria for those with celiac disease. With you check out their website, you can browse the gluten-free tab to see the myriad of options they offer. Their facilities (the select portion of their facilities used for gluten-free foods) and GF dough have been certified. But my favorite part is their original and exquisite menu. I’m on who likes wander on the adventurous side when it comes to picking an item on the menu. My top three all-time favorite Jules’ pizzas…

1. brie, sliced pears, toasted almonds, rosemary, and mozzarella

2. organic edamame, ricotta, locally-produced organic goat cheese, caramelized onions, fresh mint, drizzle of lemon vinaigrette, and mozzarella

3. kale, lemon vinaigrette, red onions, apples, mandarin oranges, and mozzarella (pictured above)

If you’re up for something new and different, I would definitely recommend trying the third option- it is my personal favorite! Additionally, Jule’s usually had some gluten-free baked goods from the Grain Exchange in stock. I unfortunately have not seized the opportunity to try these delicious-looking treats, but I look forward to doing so in the hopefully near future.

Keep calm and enjoy summer!

Cheers,

Anika

Zaytinya

Summer has been glorious: relaxing and rejuvenating. I spent my Fourth of July weekend amidst the crowds of people celebrating in the nation’s capital. Fireworks haloed the Washington Monument- it was truly a memory for the long run. Over the past few years, Washington DC has become a common destination for last minute trips and vacations in my family. Therefore, it’s essential that I have a list of accommodating restaurants at the back of my hand.

We normally reside in a hotel with close proximity to the mall. This allows us the freedom to walk to the main attractions and center city. Zaytinya is conveniently located on 9th and G Streets, just a few minutes walk away from the mall. The Turkish-Greek cuisine is exquisite- I would go as far as calling it my favorite restaurant in Washington DC. The ambiance is wonderful both inside and outside. If you’re seated inside, do take note of the fascinating shaped olive oil jars. And if you’re outside, while enjoying the fresh air, notice that the umbrellas are upside-down. It may be my lack of exposure or taste for a more modern and sleek setting that I find these nuances so amusing. However, the restaurant, food, and service are simply wonderful.

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I could rave about this restaurant and its originality for days, but let’s get to the exciting part- food. Zaytinya recently started offering a gluten-free menu much to my delight. They serve mezzes which are sort of the Greek or Mediterranean equivalent of tapas, based on my understanding. However, in addition to the gluten-free mezzes listed on the menu, I have typically been able to request other dished to be prepared gluten-free. Over the culmination of all my ventures to Zaytinya, I have found the grape-leave dolmades, seasonal mushrooms, and shish tauok are my favorites. However, dessert is a whole separate matter. The dessert selection at Zaytinya is heavenly. If you don’t have time to enjoy a full meal at this restaurant, it is absolutely worth your time to stop in for a sweet treat. The greek yogurt and apricots and most of the homemade ice creams and sorbets are gluten-free. Additionally, the turkish delight can be modified to those following a gluten-free diet, and the cheeses, of course, are gluten-free! I am a yogurt phanatic. Whether its greek or vanilla, key lime or served with honey, yogurt has always been a favorite snack of mine. But this greek yogurt was the “mother of all Chobanis and Fages” as my dad put it. I honestly couldn’t have said it any better myself. As for the ice creams: if you have a sweet tooth for exotic flavors this one is for you. The flavors consist of vanilla with phyllo dough, rose, olive oil, and walnut. The walnut is the ice cream used in the turkish delight, and I would definitely vouch for it. The olive oil ice cream is just something to taste for the sake of curiosity and adventure. Last but not least, cheese. I have always had the urge to order cheese as a dessert in a restaurant, but my parents typically discouraged it. However, this time they surprised me. They suggested I try a new type of cheese, so I did just that (how obedient, right?). The Tulum Peynir was a rather rich cheese with a bold flavor, but I was in heaven. It was served with honeycomb, which was a new texture for me. Anyhow, the combination of the Turkish cheese and honeycomb was delicious.

So if you’re in DC and looking for some good food, even if it is a trek, I would highly recommend Zaytinya.

Cheers,

Anika

Nectar

“Enjoy the little things”

… And it’s already Memorial Day Weekend! Gosh time flies by. Hope you’re soaking in the sun and getting a little extra vitamin D that the prolonged winter deprived us of. Celiac Awareness Month is coming to an end, so I’m going to try my best to sneak in a few more posts before the month’s over.

Nectar is one of my all time favorite restaurants. I haven’t had the opportunity to dine there as often as I would’ve liked, but I have been there enough to know that the summery contemporary decor + the excellent Asian-inspired food (with a French flair) make it a wonderful place to dine. The venue is perfect for a spring time party- you can use the patio and open the window-paneled doors for a breeze. The buddha statues bring through the Asian theme while the bright orange decor is a nice contrast that gives it a modern edge. For the private event I hosted there recently, we adorned each tableset with sandalwood fans and mini take-out boxes with handmade French chocolates.

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As for the service, we had a terrific server named Bob managed to keep straight a variety of allergies and dietary restrictions. The group had one gluten-free gal (guess who?!) and three pescatarians, one strict vegetarian, one peanut-free, and one nut-free gal. Quite a crew, right? But that just attests to how on top of everything our server was.

Anyways, the food. Absolutely delicious. For an appetizer, they modified their crispy goat cheese salad to a “true leaf organic greens salad with pickled root vegetables.” The crispy goat cheese was lightly fried in a glutinous batter. However, the pickled root vegetables were quite interesting (for the better). I can’t quite think of anything just like it. Maybe the closest thing- which is still a bit of a stretch- would be a spicy Indian pickle called achar. But this was a more of a sweet Japanese version if that makes any sense. For the main course, I ordered a classic: a spicy tuna roll. When there is sushi, you get sushi. Need I say more? And for desert, the chef was extremely accommodating. The private party menu had said dessert was a “fantasy finish.” Now honestly, what does that mean? Well considering we had no idea what to expect, I was delightfully surprised. There was a slice of gltuen-free chocolate hazelnut bread, a vanilla mousse with apricot jam, and a strawberry sorbet.

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Hopefully you’re tempted enough to give this place a try. Enjoy the long weekend!

Cheers,

Anika