Celiac-Safe Foods In Thailand Part 2: Restaurants Worth Noting

As previously mentioned, Thailand is a pretty easy country to navigate for Celiacs given the fact that rice is their main staple.  When eating out, sauces should be one of your top concerns as oyster sauce, plum sauce and sometimes fish sauce can contain wheat (see my blog post about this for more information).

Before embarking on our Thai trip, I researched restaurants in the 3 cities we were visiting who had gluten free menus.  I stored each restaurant in an app called CityMaps2Go and it really was a life saver.  I highly recommend downloading this app for both domestic and international travel.  It doesn’t even use WiFi!

I have to admit though that we ate a lot of meals at our hotels.  Both the Hilton Sukumvhit and the Doubletree Phuket made me feel as comfortable as I am in my mother’s kitchen, so it was hard to pass up a meal that I felt completely safe with.  The Doubletree even told me that they could make whatever Thai dish I wanted gluten free, so I had a blast exploring Asian cuisine without any fear of being glutened!

Below is a list of restaurants we ate at along with a few others I had noted. 

Italian food at the Hilton

Bangkok:

• Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvhit- This is the hotel I stayed in while in Bangkok and both their food and service receive my accolades.  If you stay here as well (which I highly recommend), make sure to alert the hotel of your allergy before you travel.  They had gluten free bread for me every morning at breakfast and walked me through their breakfast foods.  Their Italian restaurant, Scalini, is also not to be missed.  They actually ran to the grocery store to get fresh gluten free pasta for me!  Both my meal, and my non-Celiac friend’s meal, were delicious and one of the highlights of our trip!
• Hamilton’s Steakhouse – My friend, Callie, wanted to splurge on a nice steak dinner on her birthday, so this is where she picked.  It’s a fun New York style steakhouse nestled in the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel.  I was surprised to find that gluten free items were already noted on the menu – score! I went with the roasted rosemary chicken and it was delicious.  The best part though was that they offered an assortment of delicious gluten free breads 
• Other restaurants in Bangkok that I noted to have gluten free selections but didn’t visit included: Cabbages & Condoms (sounds very odd, I know but people rave about their food), Olive ad Mrs. Balbir’s.  (Thanks to Marley’s blog) 

GF Pad Thai at the DoubleTree

Phuket:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Surin Beach – The staff at this hotel were so gracious and extremely accommodating of my allergy.  When I arrived, they told me that they had bought gluten free bread for breakfast and had gluten free soy sauce so that they could make me anything I wanted.  Each meal they’d ask me what Asian cuisine I had always wanted to try and they’d whip up a gluten free version.  I’ve never felt that safe outside of my own kitchen and the DoubleTree deserves a huge round of applause.  Callie and I ate literally every meal at the hotel and I wouldn’t change a thing!
• Other restaurants in Phuket that I noted to have gluten free selections: Lady Pie Bakery & Café, Aqua Restaurant and the JW Marriott.

View from the Restaurant

Chiang Mai:

• Country Club near the Oasis Spa Baan Saen Doi resort.  Our lovely boutique hotel was across the street from a beautiful country club.  The club had traditional Thai food and were very accommodating of my gluten travel cards.  If you come here for dinner, be sure to get there early and ask for a table overlooking the mountain.  The views are absolutely gorgeous.  I stuck to curries mainly but the fish and chicken dishes looked to be naturally gluten free.
• Other restaurants in Phuket that I noted to have gluten free selections: Yummy Pizza, Salsa Kitchen, Butter is Better*, Blue Diamond Breakfast Club*

Red Curry

o   *I found blog posts that mentioned that both of these restaurants offered gf items but there seemed to be inconsistencies with their foods.  One blog post warned against both restaurants.

Hotel Zaza Sunday School for Celiacs

Okay, let me just start out by saying I am not a typical club-goer.  I think the only times I’m out past midnight are for bachelorette parties and New Years.  Yes, I’m aware of how boring I sound but what can I say?  I guess that’s life in the working world.  Anyway, enough about my grandma-type tendencies and back to the subject at hand: gluten.

            One of my best friends had been dropping hints since I moved to Dallas about attending the infamous Hotel Zaza Sunday School.  While not much information was published about the shindig, it had enough publicity for us to know that it was one of the wildest experiences in Dallas, it only happened once in awhile and it was not to be missed.   So naturally, when the announcement came out that they were having a summer-themed ‘school,’ we jumped faster than you can say ‘mimosa.’

            We really didn’t know what to expect.  The price tag was fairly high ($65) and I was weary given the fact that I may not be able to eat.  Loud music, dark lights and alcohol don’t typically equal a celiac-friendly environment.  But I was so wrong. 

            The morning started while we waited in line to be checked into Sunday School.  The line was long, but we were immediately greeted with mimosas which made the experience a much more pleasant one.  Once inside we noticed the DJ’s music, lights and the glow in the dark accessories conveniently arranged on each table. We waited for about an hour for the rest of our “school” to show up, all the while being poured copious amounts of mimosas.  And then brunch began.

            Brunch was served family style; another fear for Celiacs.  However, I told my waiter about my condition and he promptly returned with a plate filled with a shockingly delicious greek salad and a heaping side of hummus.  After I was done with that plate, he returned with some grilled pork, bacon, eggs and fruit.  He asked continuously if he could bring me anything else, but by that point I was done.  While the plates were being cleared, shots were handed out.  Since I can’t drink wheat vodka, my waiter brought me a huge Tito’s drink.  The service was quite spectacular and something I was definitely not expecting.

            Once brunch was over, the lights went down and ‘camp counselors’ with sparklers attached to champagne bottles appeared out of nowhere and descended upon the Sunday Schoolers like Santa on Christmas Eve.  Every 2 people got a full bottle of champagne and the surprises didn’t end there.  The music was amazing, people were dancing on every surface possible, costumed creatures came out of the woodwork and much, much more.

            The experience was just like that of a summer camp.  The time went by too quickly and everyone had the time of their lives; even the Celiacs!  I can’t honestly say I’ve ever had more fun between the hours of 12 – 3pm on a Sunday and highly recommend experiencing this at least once (again, keep in mind that I’m a non-club goer, so this is saying a lot!).

            One word of advice though for my Celiac friends:  Contact the host beforehand.  I registered and bought my ticket through Eventbrite and was able to email the host that way.  She graciously said it was not a problem to accommodate me, and my allergy was noted next to my name on their check-in list. Second word of advice: tell the waiters immediately when you walk into the room.  It didn’t seem like my allergy had been communicated to the waiters, and once the lights go down it gets difficult to communicate. So speak up as soon as you get in.  Thirdly, enjoy it and make sure to arrange for transportation home.  You’ll thank me later.

Gluten Free Restaurant Review: Kenny's Italian Kitchen in Addison Tx

When eating out, there’s a moment that will make even the seasoned Celiac feel a twinge of envy.  Yes, I’m talking about the moment the hot communal bread is set on the table.  I remember being a newly diagnosed Celiac and finding this to be one of the toughest challenges to overcome. Hey! It’s tough being hungry and watching your friends devour a delicious loaf of steaming hot bread!  Who wouldn’t be a bit jealous? But more on that later.

One afternoon we were celebrating a coworker’s birthday and found ourselves at a quaint Italian restaurant down the street called Kenny’s Italian Kitchen.  Being a Celiac, I figured I’d order a salad and then snack on chips or something once we got back to the office.  Not a big deal, we were celebrating a birthday after all!

Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

When we sat down I was surprised to see the restaurant offered gluten free pasta and our waiter was extremely helpful. Once I put in my order for gluten free pasta, the waiter promptly brought out a steaming loaf of gluten free French bread.  That’s right, gluten free French bread.  I think I left my body for a few seconds I was so overjoyed and excited.  This bread was out of this world too.  Crispy on the outside, steaming hot on the inside with an incredibly light and fluffy texture.  I have no shame in admitting I ate the whole thing.  When lunch was over, I asked for a to go box for the remaining pasta and they included a new loaf of gluten free bread for me to take home!  To make matters even better, they didn’t even charge extra for the gluten free bread or pasta!! We had found a gem for sure.

I went back a few weeks later looking for a carb fix and hoping to see what else they could make gluten free.  After some convincing from the waiter, I decided to try the chicken parmesan (gluten free) over gluten free pasta with vodka sauce.  While the breadcrumbs did taste a bit different, the meal was decadent and something I don’t think I’d had since being diagnosed 5 years ago! And of course, it was accompanied by an amazing loaf of gluten free bread.

If you’re in the area, I strongly suggest paying Kenny’s a visit.  Not only do they carry gluten free pasta, but they can make their Italian sandwiches gluten free, fry anything on the menu to be gluten free (think chicken parmesan) and will top off your gluten free dining experience with a fabulous gluten free chocolate mousse.  Okay, so what could be better?  Well, you may want to sit down for this one.  The restaurant will actually prepare gluten free lasagna, made from scratch, if you call at least a day ahead of time.  What could possibly be better?!

The restaurant pride’s itself on serving the best gluten free products around, and those products happen to come from a local bakery in Carrollton.  I’ve also been reassured that the kitchen does an excellent job of keeping gluten free foods separate at all times to avoid cross contamination.  So feel comfortable and taken care of when visiting Kenny’s.  I am still impressed with the food, service, and care when it comes to gluten free dining and will be back many times. This is definitely a ‘must’ for Celiacs living in the DFW area.

Gluten Free Bread at Kenny's Italian

Gluten Free Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Dallas Love Field Gluten Free

Dallas Love Field happens to be my favorite airport.  Why you ask? Well, I live just a few miles away, it’s a small airport that’s never crowded or stressful and they’ve recently undergone a major renovation.

Luckily, the renovation included a restaurant revamp and there are some great gluten free options.  Next time you find yourself in the DAL airport with an unexpected delay, don’t worry ‘bout it!  Below is a list of restaurants that offer gluten free items. To view each restaurant's allergen list, simply click the links!

Cru Wine Bar – While expensive, Cru is able to adjust most of their entrees to be gluten free. You’ll find a variety of cheese plates, charcuterie boards, salads, filets, seafood and wine flights for those looking to take the edge off.

Sky Canyon – I never found the restaurant while in the airport, but I know it’s got to be great!  It’s the newest Stephan Pyles restaurant and offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, brisket, Southern cooking and a moderately priced brunch menu.  I’ve heard great things about this restaurant and that the staff is extremely helpful and accommodating.

Moe’s Southwest Grill – Opt for a bowl or salad for a quick meal in the Dallas Love airport.  As their allergen menu states, all of their meats, beans and condiments are gluten free.  Beware of the crispy corn taco shells and Southwestern Chili though as these are not gluten free.

Dickey’s BBQ Pit- All of their meats are gluten free along with most of their sides.  Go for the beans, coleslaw, dill potato salad, mustard potato salad, green beans with bacon or baked potato casserole, as they all are gluten free.  Meat plates are served with a slice of bread, so make sure to notify them beforehand.

Cantina Laredo- Find a variety of gluten free Tex-Mex dishes noted by a gray triangle on each menu.  Options include guacamole, queso, salads, and chicken fajitas (the beef is not gluten free). 

Gluten Free in Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Dawn from 30,000 feet

When you’ve got Celiac Disease, airports can be your worst nightmare.  Short trips are fine because you can plan ahead and can avoid airport food, but long trips, or unexpected long trips, can really become trouble for us.  I don’t know about you, but the additional stress of knowing I don’t have another option and will stuck in public if I start feeling bad is incredibly stressful.  Hopefully within the next few years airports will start becoming a little more allergy friendly, but for now I hope my experiences will make traveling a bit easier for you.

I’ve been to the Houston Hobby airport many times.  I live in Dallas and frequently fly out of Love Field, which pretty much guarantees a connection through Hobby when traveling anywhere in the South.  This summer I met my family in Destin for a few days and got to spend a few hours wandering around the airport.

3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House in IAH

I left Dallas at 5:45am and arrived in Houston in time for a really early brunch.  I was really surprised at the swanky, chic and relaxing ambience of 3^rd Bar Oyster & Eating House.  I chose a secluded and comfortable booth towards the back of the restaurant and totally plugged into the jazz music playing overhead.  With a mimosa in hand (an expensive mimosa, mind you) I knew I had chosen the perfect place to start my trip.  The waitress was extremely helpful and directed me towards their omelet, hashbrowns and bacon.  Their breakfast potatoes are made with corn starch and are sautéed instead of fried-great news for a Celiac!  The meal was great and I’d highly recommend it.  Their lunch and dinner menu seemed to rival any nice restaurant you’d find in the city, but it did seem a bit expensive.  So if you’re traveling with a family, this may not be the place for you.

Brunch at IAH Airport

On my way home, my flight from Destin was delayed which in turn cased me to miss my connecting flight.  Always a fun afternoon, right? Luckily, it only extended my time in Houston by about 2 hours, so I wandered around again and chose to sit down at the airport Chili’s.  My waiter was not very helpful and told me that the airport Chili’s get their supplies differently than the chains do; leading me to doubt if the Chili’s gluten free menu would hold up in the airport.  After many questions, I had clearly exhausted my waiter but felt comfortable enough ordering the Caribbean salad.  I was hoping for some type of carb (in the form of French fries or mashed potatoes) but he told me those were probably not safe.  The salad came in a very small portion, but was able to hold me over until I got home.  Airport Chili’s aren’t always the best, but with some questioning, you can usually find something to eat.

A few other options I found while perusing the airport’s website include:

Barcuterie- If you bring your own crackers or are in the mood for a good cheese platter, this seems like a great option.

Camden Food Co – Looks like a great place to grab a salad, omelets and the like.  Their website says that they offer gluten-free fare, so this definitely is worth a try!

Cat Cora’s Kitchen- Okay, if I had known this existed, I would have never eaten at Chili’s during my unexpected layover.  While the airport restaurant does not have a website, nor does she have a gluten free menu, I’m sure you’d be able to find something delicious and free of gluten.

La Tapendade – This Mediterranean Café offers fresh cuisine but seems like it’d offer more of a light meal for us gluten-free travelers.  Choose this restaurant for fresh cheese, meats and salad options.

Le Grand Comptoir- Again, I’m wondering what I was doing during my layover to not know a place like this existed in the airport.  This restaurant seems to offer an elegant steakhouse-like atmosphere with quality foods.  In 2010 it was ranked the “Best Airport Hotspot” by Travel + Leisure and seems to live up to it’s award.

Nature’s Kitchen Fresh Café – Another great spot to grab a salad on the go.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Like their chains, the Pappadeaux are always an easy bet when dining gluten free.  Choose from a variety of seafood and chicken options that can be prepared gluten free (just notify your waiter).

Wendy’s – Doesn’t require much explanation.  As a chain they provide an extensive gluten-free menu, but make sure to check with the airport restaurant before ordering.  

Gluten Free Options at the Detroit International Airport

Traveling back from Greece ended up being a 24 hour affair and our last stop of the day was at the Detroit International Airport. We weren’t there for very long, but I’ve compiled a list of potential gluten-free restaurants based off their restaurant page: www.metroairport.com/pdf/maps/mcnamara_concession_map_new.pdf

Wendys- Doesn’t need much explanation as everyone is familiar with the chain, but if you’re unsure of their gluten-free items, check out their online allergen menu 

Boar’s Head Deli-If you bring along a box of gluten free crackers, or snag a bag of PopChips from a snack shop, you can make your own lunchable with gluten free cold cuts and cheese.

Chilis- Find a variety of salads and main dishes that are gluten-free with their online allergen menu here.   I typically opt for the Caribbean salad when dining at airport Chili's and haven't had any negative reactions. 

Max and Ermas- According to their gluten free menu, you can get a variety of salads, steaks, grilled chicken, salmon, tilapia and vegetables.  Check out their gluten-free menu here  for more details.

Hope this helps anyone traveling through the airport.  Please feel free to leave comments if you find another gluten free option in the Detroit airport.

Dining Gluten Free in Greece

Traditional Greek Breakfast

With the help of a friend, I compilied a list of authentic Greek dishes that may naturally be gluten free before embarking on my spontaneous Greece trip.

While short, I hope this list will give anyone traveling to Greece a few ideas when dining out.  As always though, make sure to double check!

Breakfast- this meal was my lifeline during my trip as it was always a safe bet.  Everywhere we stayed the breakfast consisted of greek yogurt, an assortment of fruit, cheese, local meats, bacon, hard boiled eggs and on occasion potatoes, scrambled eggs and bacon (to appease the American travelers I'm sure).  One word of caution though: ask about the salami before eating it.  I found that our Athens hotel's salami was actually a beer cured salami.  Strange, I know.

Greek Salad

Greek Salad- This salad is very refreshing and is simply cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, tomato, olive oil, capers and feta cheese. Word of Caution: In Crete I’ve read they may include cracked wheat.

Svoulaki-traditional meat skewer that’s brushed with olive oil, lemon and oregano.  It’s typically served on pita bread, so make sure to order it without the pita.  Word of caution: you may run into cross-contamination issues as most skewers are grilled alongside their pita counterparts.

Svoulaki and Greek Salad

Dolmas-vine leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables and possibly lamb.  Everyone makes them differently, so make sure to ask before ordering.

Paidakia-grilled lamb chop usually seasoned with only lemon, oregano and salt.

Gemista- vegetables like tomatoes or peppers stuffed with minced meat and then baked.

Arakas Me Anginares- peas and artichokes mixed with olive oil and baked in the oven.

Kotopoulo sto fourno me patates- Oven roasted chicken or lamb served with a side of potatoes. 

Gluten Free in Greece Part 3: Santorini

When you look at pictures of Greece, I’m willing to bet that 90% of those pictures were taken in Santorini.  The views from this volcanic island are exquisite, dramatic and simply breathtaking.

Oia, Santorini

Built on a volcano that erupted over 3,600 years ago, the island of Santorini is rumored by some to be the lost Atlantis.  The eruption changed the landscape of the Caldera and left the island of Santorini with a dramatically high elevation on one side and a sea-level elevation on the other. Oia, one of the most recognizable cities in Greece, is perfectly balanced at the top of the island at 984 feet above sea level (nearly equivalent to a 100 story building). The other half of the island slants down to the sea and is actually on a beach.  Santorini’s beaches offer a variety of colors as the dried lava varies from black to red to white.

We stayed in Perissa and ventured into Fira and Oia during our 2 day-stay.  We enjoyed walking around the markets in Fira, but after about 2 hours we felt we had seen it all. From Fira we took a bus into Oia, which was an experience in itself.  The windy roads as you climb the volcano were definitely not for the faint of heart, or the claustrophobic.

The views from Oia were absolutely spellbinding and something my mind would never have been able to conjure by itself.  The white architecture built into the side of the volcano contrasts vividly to the deep azure blue of the Sea.  It’s absolutely breathtaking.  We spent the rest of the day wandering around Oia as we were determined to stay for the famous sunset.  One travel tip I’d recommend though is to bring a jacket.  The island cools off quite a bit once the sun sets and we found ourselves huddled together to try to keep warm at one point (keep in mind, we travelled in June).

Alright alright, you clicked on this blog to get a feel for the gluten free Santorini cuisine, so here we go:

The group at Noma

 Noma Kuzina Mediterra: Our hotel was situated on a quaint little street facing the black beach and offered restaurants, shops and more right outside our door.   We  originally sat down at restaurant that seemed much more like a tourist restaurant than an authentic Greek restaurant and after viewing their picture-only menu decided to continue our search.  Down just a few feet was Noma, our hidden gem.  The restaurant was an indoor/outdoor type set up with a bit of a swanky feel to it but offered simple foods at simple prices.  As soon as we sat down we were greeted with a shot of a local spirit, which tasted of honey and organically sparked a conversation with the restaurant owner. Coincidentally, the owner had lived in the USA for a few years growing up and to my delight was also was very educated on Celiac Disease.  He even discussed his idea of creating and distributing a gluten free pizza crust to the restaurants he oversaw in the city (yes please!).  After a long discussion on how successful I think it would be, it was time to order.  I ordered a decadent potato casserole that was out of this world.  I wish I could recreate it somehow because the

Amazing potato casserole at Noma

flavors were simple yet divine.  It was oozing with cheese, bacon, chives and some type of tangy mix of spices, garlic and sour cream that threw it over the top.  The dish probably could have served 2, but I ate the whole thing accompanied by a refreshing Caprese salad.  I dreamt of this casserole the rest of our time in Santorini and highly recommend the restaurant for that reason only.  Before heading that way, you may want to send the restaurant a facebook message and see if they have started offering gluten free pizza crust!

Another view at Pelekanos

Oia is known to have some of the best sunsets in the world.  We had arrived in the city around noon and after exploring, shopping and picture taking, it was time to wait out the remaining  afternoon.  We ate light snacks, drank wine and just relaxed at quite a few restaurants within the town, but since everything was so simple I didn’t write down the restaurant names (oops!).   As with most small restaurants, I stuck to the Greek Salad just to be safe.

Shrimp at Pelekanos

 Pelekano’s: The time had finally come for the sun to set and cast it’s painting across the Aegean Sea.  We luckily got to the restaurant just in time to get a table at the corner of the glass-encased dining room that extended even further above the city of Oia than expected.  The restaurant played a dramatic opera concerto while the sun made it’s descent and then quickly changed to upbeat music once the event had passed.  The view from the dining room was absolutely stunning but the food for gluten free travelers was a bit bland. I ate shrimp, dusted with pink peppercorns accompanied with some garlic butter along with a side of roasted potatoes (a girl’s got to have some type of carb after a long day of walking!).  Because Oia is more of a tourist stop, the restaurants we found weren’t anything out of the ordinary.  I’d recommend getting a cocktail and light dinner while watching the sun set from the balcony but recommend dining elsewhere if a hearty gluten-free meal is what you’re looking for. 

Sunset at Pelekanos

Gluten Free in Houston

Isn't trying to eat gluten free the worst when you're in a different city? It is for me! I went to visit one of my best friends this weekend in Houston and we found some great gluten aware restaurants that I can't wait to share with you (especially the gluten free cupcakes!).  Friday night we ate at Tqla, a southwestern and mexican fusion-style eatery with an entire wall dedicated to their vast array of tequilas. We had called ahead to ask if they accommodate gluten-free requests and although they don't have a gluten-free menu, the chef was very accommodating! He personally came out to talk to me, and found a way to make the dish I was interested in gluten free. I ordered the Ensenada Chicken Enchiladas and a Chambord Margarita-yummy, right? We also enjoyed, maybe a little too much, the huge bowl of queso (which is gluten free), and the two sweet salsas that came along with dinner!

Saturday we ended up at Chipotle for lunch(everything except the flour tortillas are gluten free). Brace yourself for what comes next. We walked out of Chipotle and saw a Crave Cupcakes shop next door. Being a curious girl, I walked in and asked if they by chance had a gluten free cupcake. Bracing myself for the usual "no," I almost started jumping for joy when the chef told me I was in luck! What are the odds, right? They make a special chocolate gluten free cupcake, and ya'll, it was TO DIE FOR! We're talking moist chocolate cake that could have been confused for the real thing! It was rich, moist, and the icing was scrumptious too! If you're around a Crave Cupcakes you have to get one!

My last Houston find was at LoCal's Healthy Joint in Katy. Although they did not have a gluten free menu, they were willing to make just about anything they could gluten free. I ordered the LoCal Migas for brunch. They were very filling, but could have used some salsa. Their menu is diverse offering anything from omletes to Ahi Tuna steaks to buffalo burgers-so you're sure to find something tasty!