Gluten Free Expo Recap

The expo at Treasure Island was gf heaven. I was awed by the Bay Area restaurants that were participating and showcasing their gluten-free dishes. Some participating restaurants to definitely check out:h

One Market - Chef Mark Dommen prepared some kick ass crab cakes. They melted in your mouth.

Pacific Catch - Chef Chandon Clenard is responsible for preparing the delicious gluten free bites at the expo.

Pica Pica Maize Kitchen - Adriana Lopez Vermut wowed the audience with corn-based arepas, a Venezuelen food staple. These delicious thick corn cakes are crispy on the outside, and filled with delicious goodness on the inside. Pica Pica is located in Napa.

Treasure Island Gluten Free Cooking Spree! October 30

http://www.celiaccentral.org/ - Register now!

Tickets are a little steep ($50.00 - $75.00) but it looks like a worthy event.

"The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) invites you to participate in the San Francisco Gluten-Free Cooking Spree, an event that joins together the medical and lifestyle aspects of celiac disease to educate both doctors and chefs about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. "

Friday, October 30, 2009
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Treasure Island
Building 1 (Administration Building)
San Francisco, CA

Gluten Free Shopping Through Amazon!

Amazon Gluten Free Shopping.

My friend recently turned me on to Amazon as a great portal for, well, everything. I mean, I always knew about buying books through Amazon but never thought about finding my favorite gluten-free pretzels online through their specific gluten-free shopping portal.

Check It Out!

What can I get you to drink?

So let's not lie - your options are limited when it comes to the bar scene. There isn't a whole that replaces an ice-cold beer. But there is the ice-cold gluten-free beer! Here is a list of alcohol that is gluten-free friendly:

Bourbon
Brandy
Cider
Cognac
Grappa
Potato based vodkas (Chopin)
Rum
Sake
Soju
Tequila
Wine (Thank GOD)
For a more comprehensive list, check out Celiac.om

Most SF bars have either bottled cider or cider on tap. I wanted to highlight a few bars in San Francisco that get the whole Celiac's issue and can either make specialty drinks on request, or have awesome ciders and gluten-free beer.

Alembic On Upper Haight

For a unique gluten-free cocktail, go here. The bartenders are Celiac savvy and they get creative with the tequila.

I went there a few weeks ago and asked the bartender to make a gluten-free tequila based cocktail that was not on the menu. She asked me "sour or sweet" and made me a fantastic tequila sour drink. I went on a weeknight, so it was quiet and I got a lot of attention from the bartender. I definitely can't guarantee you will receive the same attention over the weekend.

Tornado in Lower Haight

Torando has arguably one of the best beer selections in San Francisco. So why should I dare list this as a good gluten-free watering hole? The cider! They carry this Pomegranate Cider on tap that will blow your mind. Just make sure you order quickly and confidently, otherwise expect jeers and a shout of frustration from the bartender.

La Trappe in Northbeach

Again I list another phenomenal Belgian Beer spot. What am I thinking? A close second to Tornado in terms of beer selection, this newer restaurant and bar also offers a wonderful gluten-free beer, Greens.

Fly Bar and Restaurant in Nopa

Awesome soju an sake cocktails! Pear cider on tap, as well.

WTF?

For the past three years this new change in my life has changed my lifestyle pretty dramatically. I talk about my gluten intolerance daily because it comes up everywhere. I continue to meet more people who are diagnosed with either a wheat allergy or a gluten intolerance.

I created this blog to help people in the SF Bay area who have a wheat allergy or a gluten intolerance. I will highlight some good gluten-free eats around the city. I also hope to consolidate a collection of relevant resources to help educate you.

Gluten-free living is different and at times challenging, but given the Bay Area's health conscious environment, you have tons of options and I hope to make some of those options more known to you.