Saturday, January 31, 2009

Right Back At Ya!

As we come to the end of our first month online, I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for all of the incredible support! This month Ms. Celiac Says... has received approximately 300 first-time visitors, with over 100 that have returned back several times for more gluten free news! I am extremely grateful to have been featured on the Gluten Free Health website too!

I am also humbled by the words of praise that I have received from so many in the Celiac Disease community, as well as, many Gluten-Free and Mainstream Food Companies, and others who are just fans of Ms. Celiac Says...

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

I am also proud to have opened Ms. Celiac's Shop where you can buy products to display your gluten-free pride in a fun, thought-provoking way!

In the coming months, I have so many more restaurants and products that I cannot wait to tell you about and I have many new ideas for improving Ms. Celiac Says...to give you all the best gluten free experience possible.

Next month, I am happy to announce that we will have our first International Feature focusing on the bakeries, restaurants, and gluten free products of Northern Italy! Stay tuned...

And thank you to all of the brands featured this month that have provided us living with Celiac Disease amazing gluten free food options! In case you haven't checked them out, please go to the following links (listed below) and explore some of the fantastic gluten free choices!

Best,
Paige

JANUARY'S FEATURES:

16 Handles

365 Brand

Alexia Foods

Angelica Kitchen

Balthazar

Betty Crocker

Cadbury Global

Cherrybrook Kitchen

Cookies...For Me?

Farley's & Sathers Candy Company

Ferrero

Glutino

GOOP

Hale and Hearty Soups

Hershey's

Jelly Belly

Joan's GF Great Bakes

Josef's Gluten Free

Just Born

Le Pain Quotidien

Manischewitz

Mario Batali

Mars

Nobu

Pamela's Products

Perfetti Van Melle

PEZ Candy

Pinisi Bakery

Pinkberry

Red Mango

S'Mac

Schar

Shabtai Gourmet

Starbucks

Still Riding Pizza Company

Sunspire Natural Chocolates

The Health Nuts

The Open Pantry

Tisserie Bakery

Tootsie Roll Industries

Uno Chicago Grill

Wrigley Company

Friday, January 30, 2009

GOOP

This past fall, Gwyneth Paltrow started a free e-newsletter called, GOOP. If you haven't already signed up for it, I recommend you go to the website now and register! Approximately once a month the newsletter features a variety of recipes for you to try and make. These are usually very health-conscious recipes and are often GLUTEN FREE or can easily be made gluten free.

Back in October, Gwyneth wrote about a delicious Buckwheat and Banana Pancake. Not only is this pancake GLUTEN FREE but it is vegan, as well. All you need to make these tasty pancakes are the following ingredients:

1 1/4 cup soy or rice milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup [+ more for serving]
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bananas [thinly sliced]

First, mix the wet ingredients together. Second, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the wet to the dry and combine. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium - high heat. Pour on some pancake batter to get the desired size pancake. Cook until both sides are nicely browned. Serve with sliced bananas and maple syrup.

These directions are also provided at the GOOP website, in Make - Newsletter 5.

Bon appetit!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sticky & Sweet

In the case that you have a major sweet tooth then you can relax because most mainstream candy brands happen to be gluten free! This definitely makes going to the movie theatres and having to avoid the glutinous popcorn so much easier as there is always a huge selection of candies available to snack on as you watch your feature.

I was thrilled when I found out that my two absolute favorite candies were gluten free. Those are Just Born Peeps and Cadbury Creme Eggs! I honestly don't think I could live without my Cadbury! In fact, a large selection of Cadbury chocolate is indeed gluten free. Just go to their website at Cadbury.com for more information.

A short list of some other gluten free candies include:

-M&M's
-Skittles
-Candy Corn [Farley and Jelly Belly brands]
-Hershey's Kisses
-Jelly Belly Jelly Beans [except the buttered toast flavor]
-Manischewitz Milk and Dark Chocolate Coins
-Mike and Ike Candies
-Milky Way Midnight
-Pez Candy
-Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
-Snickers
-Sour Patch Kids
-Starburst Fruit Chews
-Swedish Fish
-Tic Tacs
-Life Savers Hard Candy
-Airheads
-Charms Blow Pops
-Tootsie Rolls

So, go to your local candy store and buy candy galore!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Today Is National Chocolate Cake Day!

Today is January 27th and that means it is National Chocolate Cake Day! If you still haven't enjoyed this tasty treat today, then why not head to your local health food store and pick-up Pamela's Chocolate Cake Mix?

Pamela's Products were established in 1988. All of their products are gluten free and contain absolutely no trans fats. They even make their products in a 100% dedicated gluten free facility. Many of their products are also dairy free, egg free, nut free, corn free, potato free, and soy free. And their products are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union.

Their delicious selection of treats includes:

Traditional Cookies -
*Butter Shortbread
*Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
*Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Ginger Cookies with Sliced Almonds

*Lemon Shortbread
*Peanut Butter Cookies
*Pecan Shortbread
*Shortbread Swirl

Organic Cookies -
*Chocolate Chunk Pecan Shortbread
*Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Chunk Cookies [My #1 FAVORITE COOKIE]

*Espresso Chocolate Chunk Cookies [Another one of my favorites!]
*Old Fashion Raisin Walnut
*Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
*Spicy Ginger with Crystallized Ginger

Simplebites Mini Cookies -
*Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies

*Ginger Mini Snapz
*Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies

Biscotti -
*Almond Anise Biscotti
*Chocolate Walnut Biscotti
*Lemon Almond Biscotti


Baking Mixes -
*Amazing Wheat-Free Bread Mix
*Baking & Pancake Mix
*Chocolate Brownie Mix
*Chocolate Cake Mix

*Classic Vanilla Cake Mix
*Dark Chocolate Frosting Mix
*Vanilla Frosting Mix
*Confetti Frosting Mix
*Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix


So, don't forget to get your chocolate cake and eat it too! And for more information on Pamela's Products, check out the website at www.pamelasproducts.com.

[This is today's 2nd post. There will be no post tomorrow morning as I'll be going to the View. -Paige]


Soup's On!

Do you miss the days of being able to go out to eat and ordering soup? The days when you didn't have to worry about the possibilities of hidden gluten lurking within your bowl? Well, if you are in the NYC area then you are in luck. Hale and Hearty Soups has an extensive gluten free menu. My two favorites are the 10 Vegetable and the Three Lentil Chili.

Hale and Hearty was founded in the summer of 1995 and makes all of its soup from scratch using only the freshest and most high quality ingredients. The soups are available in 4 sizes: Small (8 oz.), Medium (12 oz.), Large (16 oz.), and Quart (32 oz.). At the store you can also look for the symbols, V, L, and D that appear alongside some of the choices. They stand for the soups which are Vegetarian, Low Fat, and Dairy Free respectively.

For a list of all the gluten free options and to order in their soup, visit the Hale and Hearty website at haleandhearty.com.

Or check out one of the following locations:

West Side -
81st and Broadway
56th and 6th Ave.
55th and 8th Ave.
49th and 7th Ave.
42nd and 6th Ave.

East Side -
78th and Lexington
64th and Lexington
54th and Lexington
Rockefeller Center
47th and Madison
45th and Madison
43rd and 3rd Ave.
Grand Central

Midtown -
39th and Broadway
35th and 7th Ave.
23rd and Madison
Chelsea Market

Downtown -
Maiden Lane
Broad Street

Monday, January 26, 2009

French Fries Forever!

As many of you living with Celiac Disease know by now, a lot of french fries (especially those that are frozen) contain gluten. However, if you still crave a delicious french fry and don't have the time to make them from scratch, you must try Alexia.

Alexia products are all natural and contain no trans fats! A selection of their products are certified organic and are Kosher certified. All of their potato products are gluten free!

I am a huge fan of Alexia potatoes as they provide so much flavor that is usually lacking from gluten free food. My favorite Alexia potato products include the Sweet Potato Julienne Fries, the Yukon Gold Julienne Fries with Sea Salt, and the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes & Sea Salt.

You may order Alexia products online through Fresh Direct, Peapod, and the Wellness Grocer.

Also, they are sold at many stores throughout the United States including Whole Foods, Costco Wholesale, Wild Oats, and Target.

*Alexia Foods*
www.alexiafoods.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Weekend Update Time!

Hey Everyone!

I have some exciting news to report! Uno Chicago Grill, a national chain, will now offer Gluten Free Pizza at all of their locations. For more information on this, read their press release.

Also, Elisabeth Hasselbeck of the View will be releasing a survival guide to living gluten free in May 2009. For further details, visit Publishers Weekly.

Today, I did some baking using a Gluten-Free Pantry Mix for Chocolate Chip cookies. I love the Gluten-Free Pantry mixes as the end results are always light and yummy. The Angel Food Cake Mix is one of my favorite gluten free cakes, but more on that at another time. I've provided a photograph of the Chocolate Chip cookies above.

And in case you are new to the site and want to read my press release, you can check it out here. You may also download it at the link to the right. If you want to find out some books I recommend on Celiac Disease and a gluten-free diet, look for the Amazon ad on the bottom right of this page. And I have also included in the right-hand column a list of my favorite Gluten Free blogs.

Don't forget to join my Facebook group too!

Best,
Paige

Friday, January 23, 2009

Eat Some Good Organic Vegan Cuisine!

If you are looking for a healthy, organic vegan restaurant that serves gluten free choices, then you should check out Angelica Kitchen.

Angelica Kitchen is located in Manhattan's East Village on 12th street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. They use absolutely no refined sugars, no preservatives, no dairy, no eggs, and no animal products in their dishes.

The extensive menu has many gluten free options, but make sure you ask for the gluten free menu which will show you which entrees are gluten free and which ones you may have to alter if you still want to eat.

My favorite dish is the 3 Grain Mix that consists of quinoa, wild rice, and amaranth! Delicious and healthy!

For more information:

Angelica Kitchen
300 East 12th street
212-228-2909
www.angelicakitchen.com
*Accepts cash only!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Go Shopping!

Ms. Celiac Says... is proud to open a merchandise store today. We are currently selling 10 different shirts and 1 tote bag with a variety of fun, clever, comical, and provocative slogans.

Check them out at Ms. Celiac's Shop or at the link to the right!

Enjoy!
Paige

Have A Taste Of Italy In The US

For those of you who have never experienced Italy on a gluten free diet, I recommend you get there as soon as possible! It will definitely be worth it! However, if that is not an option you can still enjoy one of Italy's best gluten free products right here at home.

The company is called, Schar and was started way back in 1922 between Dr. Schar and an entrepreneur named Untertrifaller. It was in 1982 when they added a gluten free product line. This included breads, pastas, flours, snacks, biscuits, and sweets. The Schar Company is located in Burgstall / South Tyrol, Italy and is now Europe's #1 Gluten Free Brand.

Up until 2007, Schar products were only available in Europe with a few select products being available to US customers through online retailers. However, in 2007 Schar started its North American line with 15 of its products. Last year, they added even more products to this line. And now they are considering opening a North American factory.

While I was in Italy, I was introduced to some of their products. My favorites were the Cioccolini (biscuits with cocoa cream filling), Savoiardi (savoy biscuits), and Salti (salted crackers).

Recently, I found Schar products in a NYC health food store called, The Health Nuts. I was able to purchase 2 delicious gluten free snacks - a Chocolate Hazelnut Bar and Table Crackers.

For more information on Schar products visit their website: Schar

If you are in the NYC area, check out their products at The Health Nuts located at:

835 2nd Avenue
1208 2nd Avenue
2611 Broadway

*Also, next month I will feature the most exquisite gluten free products and restaurants of Italy. Stay tuned...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Savor Some S'Mac

If you've been craving a delicious gluten free macaroni and cheese dish that you don't have to prepare, why not visit S'Mac in the East Village?

S'Mac (short for Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese) is a macaroni lovers paradise! It provides the most extensive variety of macaroni & cheese dishes that I've ever seen! You can choose from their menu or even create your own combination using a variety of different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and seasonings.

And the best part is that every item on the menu can be made gluten free using breadcrumbs that are composed of corn and brown rice elbow pasta. They have worked with the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) to ensure that their dishes are safe for those on a gluten free diet.

If you don't feel like dining at their location on 12th street between 1st and 2nd avenues then you also have the option of picking-up take-out or ordering delivery at their website, S'Mac.

So, go get your S'Mac!

S'Mac
345 East 12th Street
www.smacnyc.com

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Yes. We. Can.

Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. This is truly a groundbreaking moment for our country as the 1st African-American President will soon take office.

It is a moment of inspiration and hope that positive change will come to our country. It is a time for us to focus on taking responsibility and accountability for our actions and our current life situations.

In celebration of today's historic moment, Starbucks is serving FREE coffee to everyone. If you haven't already, head on over to the Starbuck's Blog, Ideas In Action, and answer a few simple questions about what gluten free products you would like to see at their stores.

Also, I wanted to let everyone know that the Australian-based, Gluten Free Health website, has named my article on Starbucks, Save Me Starbucks!, as one o
f the Best Gluten Free Blog Posts of the Week. Thank You!

And remember as Barack Obama said: "We are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American Story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can."

Snack On Some S'mores

As you watch today's US Presidential inauguration ceremony, why not make yourself a delicious snack?

Below I provide a recipe for a Gluten Free and Dairy Free S'more.

All you need are gluten free graham crackers, gluten free chocolate, and gluten free marshmallows.

Below I list the brands I use to make this tasty treat:

Sunspire Natural Chocolates Tropical Source Chocolate Bar
(I recommend either the Dark Chocolate Bar or the Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bar)

Josef's Gluten Free Graham Crackers - Vanilla

Just Born Marshmallow Peeps

The first 2 ingredients (chocolate and graham crackers) can be found at a large selection of health food stores. While the 3rd ingredient (marshmallow peeps) is available at most grocery stores.

Once you've collected all of the ingredients, take 1 graham cracker and lay it flat on a plate. Then break off 1 square of chocolate and place it on the graham cracker. Next take 1 peep and place on top of the chocolate square. Finally, place another graham cracker on top of the peep. Now, microwave until warm.

Just a word of warning - the peep will expand significantly as microwaved so make sure to watch and stop occasionally as it is heating to re-position the graham cracker on top of the peep.

Now once your Gluten Free and Dairy Free S'more is made - Enjoy!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Pizza Time!

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite gluten free products ever! It is the Still Riding Pizza Company pizza crust. The crust tastes so much like a real pizza crust that the first time I ate it I was continously checking to make sure it really was gluten free.

Another great thing about Still Riding Pizza is that it may even be available at your local pizza parlor! And you don't even have to worry about cross contamination as the Still Riding Pizza Company educates the restaurants they provide products to on how to safely prepare a gluten free pizza. And the Still Riding Pizza crusts are made in a 100% gluten free facility.

If you live in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, or Washington, go to their website at www.stillridingpizza.com and find a location near you that serves this delicious pizza. If not, you can order a crust on their website and find out about how to get your local pizzeria to carry Still Riding Pizza crusts.

In NYC: You can check these out at Bistango (415 Third Ave.) and at Pizza Bolla (102 N. End Ave.).

I've enjoyed these tasty pizzas at both Plum Tomatoes Pizzeria in Mineola and at Villa Milano in Manhasset.

The ingredients that compose this perfect pizza crust include: Bean Flour, Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour and Starch, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Yeast, Egg, Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Canola Oil, and Calcium Propionate.

For more information visit:
Still Riding Pizza Company

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Weekend Update


Hey Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the weekend! I just wanted to take a minute to thank you and to let you know about a few things.


First of all, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I am thrilled to announce that Ms. Celiac Says... has received over 100 unique visitors since it began only 2 weeks ago. I have already received so many positive responses to this site and words of encouragement, and I deeply appreciate all of your support!

Secondly, If you are interested in advertising on this site please contact me at MsCeliacSays at Gmail.com for further information.

Now, for some gluten free news! This weekend I went for brunch in Greenwich Village at Le Pain Quotidien. It is a French cafe that has many locations throughout NYC and throughout the world. However, I was so pleased when I heard one of their current specials. It is a Garden Quiche - Zucchini, Carrots, Spinach, and Parmesan Cheese on a Gluten Free Buckwheat Crust! I very much wanted to order this but, unfortunately, my egg allergy prevented me from doing so. For those of you without an egg allergy, please go to Le Pain Quotidien and try it and report back to me and let me know how it is! For information on a location near you go to their website at www.lepainquotidien.com

I also was elated when I went to The Health Nuts for the first time! I had heard about this health food store with 3 locations in NYC before but I had never been to it. Well, I went there and completely went on a shopping spree buying so much gluten free goodness! They had a huge selection of gluten free products imported from Italy along with a wide variety of Joan's GF Great Bakes products. I definitely recommend you get there and check it out if you haven't been there before. It is a place that no Celiac should be unaware of. There are 3 locations in NYC - one on the Upper West Side on Broadway at 99th Street, another on the Upper East Side on Second Avenue btw. 63rd and 64th and another in Midtown East on Second Ave. at 45th Street.

For those of you that live downtown, you may want to check out this small little health food store in the East Village called, The Open Pantry. It's on 2nd Avenue between 11th and 12th street -right around the corner from where I live and I've only just discovered it. But, it has a good, yet small selection of gluten free products.


And I did some baking this weekend! I made the 365 Brand (Whole Foods Brand) Chocolate Chip cookies. I altered the directions a bit. I melted the butter instead of beating it until fluffy which therefore caused the chocolate chips to melt, creating a chocolate cookie as opposed to a chocolate chip cookie. I'll include a photograph at the end of this post so you can see how they turned out. They taste pretty good.

I love how I made it sound like I purposely messed up the directions. Not exactly...

Ok, well that is all for now!


Ciao,
Paige

*Feel free to join my facebook group. The link is located on the right hand column of this page!


Friday, January 16, 2009

Save Me Starbucks!

As many of you that personally know me can attest, I am a huge fan of Starbucks! Rain, sleet, wind, or snow - I will be there first thing in the morning to get my soy latte. If I'm having a really difficult day, you can bet on the fact that I will be back there again for another pick-me-up. With so many gluten free drinks to choose from one can never get bored!

I must admit that I keep the Starbucks customer service number (1-800-235-2883) on speed-dial, so that every time a new drink is introduced I can call and find out the gluten free status. The latest I've heard is that all beverages are gluten free with the exception of frappucinos that contain vanilla bean powder, malt powder, and/or java chips.

So, now that I have clued you into my Starbucks fanaticism you can understand how happy I was when in the Spring of '07, Starbucks introduced a gluten free brownie called the Ancho Chile Brownie. It was part of a Latin American promotion they were having at the time.

For the 2 short weeks that these brownies were available, I went to Starbucks every chance I got to get one and I must say that the experience brought tears to my eyes. It was so amazing to be able to walk into a mainstream store and get a snack from the pastry shelf and walk out of Starbucks with my little brown bag and feel like any other "normal" Starbucks customer.

Unfortunately, these brownies were only available for a very short time. However, since then there have been many rumors circulating that Starbucks would soon introduce a line of gluten free products.

Last year, Starbucks decided to ask its customers for a "Starbucks Idea." There was an overwhelming response of people who wanted to see gluten free products offered at Starbucks. So, that is exactly what they are planning on giving us - gluten free treats!

However, they want to know exactly what we want. So, please head on over to their blog, Ideas In Action, and answer a few simple questions:

1) What specific gluten free products would you like to see in our stores?
2) Would you prefer to see it individually packaged or unpackaged?
3) How would you like to learn we have gluten free products? For example, would you like to see it on a sign or would you prefer the barista to tell you?
4) Where would you like to see gluten free products in the store; in the pastry case or placed elsewhere?
5) The ingredient costs of gluten free products tend to be higher, so would you understand if we charged more for the gluten free version?

Also, Starbucks is currently offering one gluten free packaged product. If you haven't checked them out yet be sure to try the Amaretti cookie (photographed above).

Thursday, January 15, 2009

I'm A Cookie Monster!

The other day I was at Whole Foods doing my grocery shopping and I came across a gluten free cookie that I had never seen before. As I dug through the basket of treats, I noticed there were also gluten free brownie bites, and decorated sugar cookies!

The brand is Cookies...For Me? and their selection of cookies are gluten free, egg free, and nut free. Also, several of their products are dairy free.

Besides being available at Whole Foods they are also available to order online through their website at www.CookiesForMe.com.

The current list of products includes:
*Dairy Free Ginger Spice Cookies
*Dairy Free Lemon Iced Sugar Cookies
*Dairy Free Snickerdoodles
*Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Dairy Free Decorated Sugar Cookies
*Brownies
*Brownie Bites

Cookies...For Me? Supports the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

One More For Today

I must admit that I have been a bit blog-crazy today but there are so many things that have been going on in our Celiac World.

I just got back from dinner with a group of friends at Mario Batali's Otto Enoteca. Anyway, this post is to let you know that I've updated the 2nd posting - "Mario Batali Is A Gluten Free God" with a photograph of the Pasta alla Norma.

Another great thing about Otto Enoteca that I neglected to mention in the original posting is that in addition to their selection of gluten free pasta dishes, the gelati is gluten free too! And they have an assortment ranging from olive oil to hazelnut. I enjoyed the dark chocolate and coconut gelati tonight and it was delicious!

On a side note, they also have the most amazing bellinis!

And in this economy it is great because they serve good food at a reasonable price - always a nice combination!

Until next time...

Paige

Go Bowling!

THIS JUST IN: The 2nd Annual Bowling Bash for Celiac Disesase is Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

The Event will benefit the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University and is hosted by Randi & Rob Albertelli.

There will be gluten free refreshments, gifts, a silent auction, and of course, bowling!

More Details:
When - Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 from 1 to 4 pm
Where - AMF Syosset Lanes (111 Eileen Way, Syosset NY 11791)
Cost - Adults = $50 / Children (12 and under) = $30

For additional information and on how to register, please contact:

Randi Albertelli at rsquared31 at optonline.net (remember to change formatting in email).

Nothing Fails At Nobu 57

I was thrilled when I found out that my favorite NYC restaurant accommodates those on a gluten free diet!

When dining there, make sure to notify the waiter that you are on a gluten free diet and they will bring over San-J's Wheat Free Tamari soy sauce.

They also do not use malt vinegar to prepare their sushi rolls, so those are gluten free, as well. And if you're not into raw fish, they have plenty of other delicious Japanese dishes that can be made gluten free.

Also, make sure to leave room for dessert. The Bento Box Chocolate Cake is gluten free!

Nobu 57 is in New York City on West 57th street between 5th and 6th Ave. There is another NYC location in Tribeca and many others throughout the world.

Check out their website for more details...

www.noburestaurants.com



Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Balthazar Does It Better

So, I had planned to discuss one of my favorite restaurants today but after dining last night at Balthazar Restaurant in NYC's SoHo neighborhood, I knew I had to write about my experience.

Now, I've been to this restaurant several times before and they have always been very accommodating to my diet but last night I was even more impressed than usual. Normally, after I notify the server of my restricted diet, I have the option of choosing from a selection of fish or meats. It is a very large selection so I can get some variety, but last night I felt like something different. I didn't really feel like a protein based dish. I wanted some carbs!

To my surprise, the Shrimp Risotto with celery root and rosemary is gluten free! It is available to order in an appetizer portion and a regular-sized portion. I had the appetizer size and it was definitely enough - very filling. It was one of the best risotto dishes I have had!

So, if you're in the area you might want to check out Balthazar Restaurant, a traditional french bistro.

Balthazar Restaurant
80 Spring St. (btw. Broadway and Crosby)
212-965-1414
www.balthazarny.com

Monday, January 12, 2009

Let's Shop

Just a quick update to let you all know about a new feature coming to this blog. If you look on the right sidebar you will see a link that leads to a merchandise store.

Ms. Celiac's Shop will be opening within the next few weeks and will sell creative, funny, and inspirational products for you to display your gluten free pride.

Ms. Celiac's Shop - Coming Soon!

Joan's GF Great Bakes Are GREAT!

One of my absolute favorite gluten free foods, are hands down Joan's GF Great Bakes Everything Bagels! When I first started on a gluten free diet, I tried every gluten free bread, bagel, and roll on the market. But nothing tasted anything like the bread I left behind. Everything was so thick and chewy and, honestly, did not taste like it should be edible.

Then I found Joan's GF Great Bakes and I was in heaven. They taste like "real" food! I must say that Joan's GF Great Bakes are the only bread, bagels, rolls I eat on a regular basis. Now, everytime I try something new I end up going back to Joan's products.

So far, I have tried her Plain and Everything Bagels, Plain English Muffins and Plain Sandwich Rolls and have been blown away by all of them.

Joan's GF Great Bakes also makes Egg Onion Poppy, Sesame, and Poppy Bagels (available dairy free as well), Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins, Pumpernickel Raisin Rolls, Onion Sandwich Rolls, NY Style Pizza Crust, and Sicilian Pizza.

All of their products have no additives and preservatives and are free of transfats.

In NYC, Joan's GF Great Bakes are available at:

*Food Liberation Health Market - 1349 Lexington Ave. [btw. 89th and 90th st.]
*Health Nut - 1208 2nd Ave. [btw. 63rd and 64th st.]

They are also available at stores throughout NY state, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

And they are also available to order online at: Joan's GF Great Bakes

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Time For A Weekend Update!

Hey Everyone!

First of all, I want to thank all of our new visitors! This past week, was the first official week of the blog and we are glad to see that many people are interested!

I also wanted to say that this site will be updated on a regular basis Monday - Friday and only on occasion will there be weekend additions.

I've updated my profile with a contact email address if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions or you may feel free to leave a comment on the site as well and I will be sure to read it.

I've also put together a press release and if you want to learn more about myself and/or the goals of this blog, feel free to download it.

Happy Sunday!

Paige

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

Ms. Celiac Says... Press Release

Friday, January 9, 2009

Arepa Arepa!

For a taste of authentic Venezuelan cuisine, check out Tisserie Bakery.

They just recently introduced arepas onto their menu. This delicious gluten free sandwich is made of corn meal, salt, water, and oil.

Tisserie offers a variety of fillings for their arepas from eggs to meats to cheeses to jams, however, make sure to check with them on which ones are gluten free.

For more information on the arepa, click here!

Tisserie Bakery
646-613-8996
info@tisserie.com
www.tisserie.com

*857 Broadway (at 17th st.)
-420 West Broadway (in DKNY)

*Moving soon to 870 7th Avenue at the Park Central Hotel

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Shabtai Gourmet is A-Ok!

Missing some of your favorite childhood snacks? Thinking that you will never be able to enjoy them again? Well, now you can with products from Shabtai Gourmet!

Shabtai Gourmet is a DEDICATED gluten free bakery with products that are also casein free, corn free, dairy free, lactose free, and soy free!

Even better, they are also certified KOSHER for Passover and Kosher Parve and are "dairy free by the OK Kosher Supervision."

Some of their famous products include Ring Ting Cupcakes, Devils Food 7 Layer Cake, Lady
Fingers, Marble Loaf Cake, and my personal favorite, Rainbow Cookie Squares!

In NYC, you can find a selection of their products at:

Morton Williams Supermarkets (various locations throughout Manhattan)
West Side Health Foods (2569 Broadway btw. 96th and 97th st.)

And at an Italian restaurant, Sambuca, located on the upper west side at 20 West 72nd street btw. Central Park West and Columbus Ave. This restaurant also features a gluten free menu.

If you don't live in the area, Shabtai Gourmet offers FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders placed within the continental United States!

For more information you can contact them Sunday thru Friday from 9 am to 6 pm at:
516-652-6571 or
516-374-7976


or visit them on the web at:

www.shabtai-gourmet.com




Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Long Live the Fro-Yo Fad


One of the greatest things to happen to us Celiacs living in New York are the many frozen yogurt places sprouting up on practically every street corner. Although, some of the toppings are not gluten free they are all offering an assortment of fresh fruit to place on top of frozen yogurt flavors such as original, coffee, green tea, and pomegranate, amongst others.

Some places that I've recently checked out are 16 Handles, Pinkberry, and Red Mango. Not only is this a delicious treat but it is relatively healthy too. A great alternative to all of the treats that we consumed too much of over the holidays.

16 Handles

*East Village:
-153 2nd Avenue (btw. 9th and 10th st)

Pinkberry (locations in California too)

*Upper West Side:
-2873 Broadway (btw. 111th and 112th)
-313 Columbus Ave. (btw. 75th and 74th)
-2041 Broadway (btw. 70th and 71st)
-330 West 58th Street (btw. 8th and 9th Ave.)

*Upper East Side:
-1577 2nd Avenue (btw. 81st and 82nd)

*Midtown
-1039 2nd Avenue (btw. 54th and 55th)
-596 9th Avenue (btw. 42nd and 43rd)
-7 West 32nd Street (btw. Broadway and 5th Ave.)
-350 3rd Avenue (btw. 25th and 26th)
-170 8th Avenue (btw. 18th and 19th)

*Downtown:
-523 6th Avenue (btw. 13th and 14th)
-24 St. Marks Place (btw. 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
-177 Bleecker Street (btw. Sullivan and MacDougal)
-41 Spring Street (btw. Mott and Mulberry)

Red Mango (locations on Long Island, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington too.)

*Midtown:
-723 8th Avenue (btw. 45th and 46th)
-507 3rd Avenue (btw. 34th and 35th)
-39 West 32nd Street (btw. Broadway and 5th Ave.)
-688 6th Avenue (btw. 21st and 22nd)

*Downtown:
-63 West 14th Street (btw. 5th and 6th)
-19-23 St. Marks Place (btw. 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
-182 Bleecker Street (btw. MacDougal and Sullivan)

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Let Them Eat (Cup)cake!


As I was walking around the neighborhood, I noticed a sidewalk sign that read, "Gluten Free Cupcakes." My eyes were immediately drawn to it and I soon found myself entering Pinisi bakery.

Their gluten free offerings consist of brownies and cupcakes. The cupcakes are not always available so I would recommend calling before stopping by (212-614-9079), however, they are sure worth the wait.

I've had many gluten free cupcakes and these are truly the best I've ever had! One of my favorites of their cupcake variety has a moist chocolate cake with the most delicious icing cream ever that seems to have a hint of marshmallow in it.


The brownies are also unlike any other gluten free brownie out there. Sure, there are many gluten free brownies already on the market that taste like the real thing but these are more like chocolate-y fudge!


Be sure to stop by Pinisi, a gluten free jewel located in the heart of the East Village.


Pinisi

128 East 4th Street

New York, NY 10003

Ph: 212-614-9079

www.pinisibakerynyc.com

Monday, January 5, 2009

Take Some Time To Celebrate


SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE

Here is an extremely easy recipe for making gluten free / dairy free / egg free icing cookies! It's also very fun to make.

All you need:

*Cherrybrook Kitchen Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Mix
*1/2 cup melted margarine
*1/4 cup soy milk
*2 1/2 tsp. gluten free vanilla
*Betty Crocker Icing (choose the colors of your choice)
*Cookie Cutters (choose the shapes you want)

So, follow the instructions on the Sugar Cookie Mix Box - essentially mixing all of the ingredients together.

Next spread out the dough and cut into shapes. GOOD NEWS - Since there is no egg, it's alright to eat the raw dough!

Put shapes on cookie tray and bake in oven.

Once the cookies are cool, decorate with icing. Let sit until icing hardens and then put cookies in containers and place in freezer.

Eat frozen or defrost and serve at room temperature.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Mario Batali is a Gluten Free God


You may know him as a reality TV star, but Mario Batali's greatest achievement are his restaurants that treat customers to savory Italian cuisine.

And now, those of us on gluten free diets no longer need to avoid looking at the pasta section on his menus because all pasta dishes are available with gluten free pasta!

If you are in New York - check out his following restaurants:

Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca
Del Posto
Lupa
The Spotted Pig
Otto Enoteca Pizzeria*

*(My personal favorite dishes here are Pasta alla Norma - tomato, roasted eggplant, basil, buffala ricotta and Penne Con Noci E Zucca - Hazelnuts, Butternut Squash, Smoked Ricotta / Also one of their "specials" available on occasion is an absolutely delectable pesto sauce pasta)

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Welcome!

Hey Fellow Celiac-ers! This is a blog dedicated to spreading awareness of gluten free bakeries, cafes, events, products, restaurants, etc.

Its focus will be on the latest GLUTEN FREE happenings in NYC. However, I will feature new products that are available nationally and internationally, along with special features on dining and eating out in various other cities, states, countries, and continents.


If there is anything that you would specifically like to see featured on MS. CELIAC SAYS, please feel free to speak out and let me know!


What I hope distinguishes this blog from the various other great GLUTEN FREE blogs out there, is that I intend to frequently update it with all of the latest news!


Stay Tuned...