Debbie's post at Gluten Free Durham reminded me that I meant to do a review on McAlister's. Earlier in the summer I went to the one in Durham at New Hope Commons, but there is also a McAlister's on Franklin Street.
Here is the list of gluten free options on the website:
Sandwiches without bread: Smoked Deli Turkey, Roast Beef, Corned Beef, Chicken Salad, and Tuna Salad.
Southwestern Roasted Corn Soup
Plain Baked Potato with (or without) butter
Sides: Mashed potatoes without gravy, potato salad, steamed broccoli & carrots, and fruit salad
Dressings and Extras: all cheeses, lite sour cream, all salad dressing, bacon, and bacon bits
Grilled chicken breast is not gluten free due to the seasoning.
When I went to McAlister's I got a baked potato with butter, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. I've only been once, but I'll certainly go again!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Restaurant Update: Carmine's
A few weeks ago Darius, owner and chef of Carmine's, asked for my feedback concerning gluten free pasta dishes. I had the opportunity to try a couple of new items. After speaking with him again I feel very comfortable with Carmine's efforts to ensure the safety of those choosing to eat gluten free.
I decided to give Carmine's another try when my office needed lunch for a meeting. I was in charge of coordinating lunch and new everyone would find something they liked.
I enjoyed baked ziti without meat sauce. It was a takeout dish that was labeled as gluten free. I talked to Darius when picking it up and he assured me it was safe and he cooked it himself. Always ask to speak to him when ordering your meal. Thankfully, there is now a "gluten free pasta" button on the cash register to avoid any confusion.
I am very impressed with the changes that have been made. I highly recommend Carmine's as a great place to eat. I'm excited to see a local restaurant give so much attention to the gluten free diet. Please show your appreciation by giving Carmine's a try!
I decided to give Carmine's another try when my office needed lunch for a meeting. I was in charge of coordinating lunch and new everyone would find something they liked.
I enjoyed baked ziti without meat sauce. It was a takeout dish that was labeled as gluten free. I talked to Darius when picking it up and he assured me it was safe and he cooked it himself. Always ask to speak to him when ordering your meal. Thankfully, there is now a "gluten free pasta" button on the cash register to avoid any confusion.
I am very impressed with the changes that have been made. I highly recommend Carmine's as a great place to eat. I'm excited to see a local restaurant give so much attention to the gluten free diet. Please show your appreciation by giving Carmine's a try!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Update: Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes
I found the new Betty Crocker gluten free mixes in Chapel Hill today! The cookie, brownie, and devil's food cake mixes are at Food Lion across from Eastgate. The address is 1720 N. Fordham Blvd. At that location the mixes are $4.29 each.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Restaurant Review: Carmine's - Resolved
EDIT: See post for July 7, 2009. Carmine's has made a lot of positive changes and I highly recommend them.
In February, I wrote about Carmine's in Eastgate Shopping Center and had a great experience. However, I can't say the same tonight. I was told there were two types of gluten free pasta: spaghetti and penne. So, like last time I ordered Baked Ziti with gluten free penne. The waiter did not know the difference between "gluten free" and "whole wheat" pasta and I was given the wrong one. When I got the pasta I thought that it was darker than last time, but I thought it was all in my head. I often worry more than I should when ordering gluten free at restaurants.
Everyone apologized profusely, but as you know there is nothing else to be done. They were truly sorry and handled it the best that they could. The looks on everyone's faces said a lot about how sorry they were. We had a party of 5 and were not charged for our meals.
Right now, I am drinking lots of water hoping I won't feel too sick later tonight. I have not been sick in over two years and am not happy (to be as nice as possible).
In the future, I was told I could see the box of gluten free pasta and speak with the chef beforehand. If you ever decide to take the risk I would go as far as possible to ensure that everyone understands what it means to be gluten free. I feel bad for everyone there because I know how hard they try to accommodate special dietary needs. However, Carmine's would have to assure me that all employees are properly trained to the upmost degree before I'd ever go back.
I suggest that Carmine's uses different plates (different color, shape, etc.) as a sign that the dish is gluten free. Bella Monica and PF Changs have different plates. It eases customers' concerns and helps employees know that the meal needs special attention.
EDIT @ 9:15 pm (about 3 hours later): Definitely sick as of a few minutes ago, but doing alright, considering.
In February, I wrote about Carmine's in Eastgate Shopping Center and had a great experience. However, I can't say the same tonight. I was told there were two types of gluten free pasta: spaghetti and penne. So, like last time I ordered Baked Ziti with gluten free penne. The waiter did not know the difference between "gluten free" and "whole wheat" pasta and I was given the wrong one. When I got the pasta I thought that it was darker than last time, but I thought it was all in my head. I often worry more than I should when ordering gluten free at restaurants.
Everyone apologized profusely, but as you know there is nothing else to be done. They were truly sorry and handled it the best that they could. The looks on everyone's faces said a lot about how sorry they were. We had a party of 5 and were not charged for our meals.
Right now, I am drinking lots of water hoping I won't feel too sick later tonight. I have not been sick in over two years and am not happy (to be as nice as possible).
In the future, I was told I could see the box of gluten free pasta and speak with the chef beforehand. If you ever decide to take the risk I would go as far as possible to ensure that everyone understands what it means to be gluten free. I feel bad for everyone there because I know how hard they try to accommodate special dietary needs. However, Carmine's would have to assure me that all employees are properly trained to the upmost degree before I'd ever go back.
I suggest that Carmine's uses different plates (different color, shape, etc.) as a sign that the dish is gluten free. Bella Monica and PF Changs have different plates. It eases customers' concerns and helps employees know that the meal needs special attention.
EDIT @ 9:15 pm (about 3 hours later): Definitely sick as of a few minutes ago, but doing alright, considering.
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes
I finally was able to find some of the Betty Crocker gluten free mixes! I found the cookie mix and brownie mix last night at Harris Teeter in Durham. The address is: 1125 W NC Highway 54. It's pretty close to the Chapel Hill border. The brownies are great! :-) That Harris Teeter didn't have the Strawberry or Chocolate Chex, but I'll check again soon. I've looked all over Chapel Hill and haven't found the mixes, Strawberry Chex, or Chocolate Chex. If you find them, let me know!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Cafe Carolina
In the past I have contacted Cafe Carolina regarding gluten free options. I was told that they were aware of the needs of celiacs, but no menu items had been evaluated.
Cafe Carolina kept the addresses of people asking about gluten free on file. Today, I received an e-mail saying that the in-house nutrition consultant recommends certain items.
A quote from the e-mail is below:
As you can see, be careful giving instructions when you are requesting a meal. And if you have any doubt, don't take the risk. Hopefully, managers will become better trained on the details of the gluten free diet with time.
For now, here is the recommendation:
Cafe Carolina in Chapel Hill is located at 601 Meadowmont Village Circle. If you go soon, let me know about your experience there!
Cafe Carolina kept the addresses of people asking about gluten free on file. Today, I received an e-mail saying that the in-house nutrition consultant recommends certain items.
A quote from the e-mail is below:
Please note that we do not position any menu products as recommended for gluten-free diets and ingredients can change based on availability from the distributor, etc. Our General Managers will do their best to accommodate any special request, but they are not trained in the limitations of a gluten-free diet and will rely on you to instruct them on how to accommodate your request. If you suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, please make sure that you are very specific with them about how to avoid cross-contamination.
As you can see, be careful giving instructions when you are requesting a meal. And if you have any doubt, don't take the risk. Hopefully, managers will become better trained on the details of the gluten free diet with time.
For now, here is the recommendation:
SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM NUTRITION CONSULTANT:
Listed below are salad items and a few other side items that can be prepared GLUTEN FREE. My suggestion is that a guest specifically orders a salad prepared GLUTEN FREE and that clean gloves, clean tongs and a clean mixing bowl be used to assemble the salad. This method should reduce the potential of cross contamination from other salads (mixing bowls), gloves used to handle breads and croutons and tongs. Gluten sensitivity does not produce the serious anaphylaxis complications that other allergens produce (such as peanuts). However, those suffering from GLUTEN INTOLERANCE or CELIAC DISEASE need to avoid all wheat, rye and barley and potential cross contamination with foods make from those common food ingredients.
CAFÉ SALADS THAT CAN BE ASSEMBLED GLUTEN FREE:
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad *
Caesar Salad *
Signature Salad *
House Salad *
Cobb Salad *
Turkey Berry Salad *
Tuna Salad Plate
Café Salad Sampler Plate
Chicken Salad Plate
ALL SALAD DRESSINGS
*ELIMINATE THE CROUTONS AND BREAD CHOICE FROM ALL SALADS
OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE GLUTEN FREE:
Fruit Cup
Cole Slaw
All meats (Roast Beef, Turkey, Salami, Chicken Breasts, Chunk Chicken (White and Dark), Pork BBQ, Sausage Patties, Bacon Slices, Bacon Bits)
All Cheeses
CONTAINS GLUTEN:
Other Salads not listed above
All Breads (Sandwiches, Flatbreads)
All Bakery (Sweets, Breakfast Breads, Breads, Treats)
All Brunch
Croutons
Crackers
Soups
Quiche
Egg Rounds (on breakfast sandwiches)
Yogurt
Potato Casserole
Cafe Carolina in Chapel Hill is located at 601 Meadowmont Village Circle. If you go soon, let me know about your experience there!
Gluten Free Raleigh Special Event: GF Cooking Demo w/ Jules Shepard
Click here for more information about an upcoming Gluten Free cooking demonstration with famous Celiac author Jules Shepard. The event will be held at the Earth Fare in Raleigh on July 12, 2009 @ 10am. Please sign up soon as only 40 spaces are available.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Custom Choice Cereal, LLC
I recently came across an interesting blog that talks about the creation of a local gluten free cereal company, Custom Choice Cereal. The company was founded in April by two students who graduated this year from the MBA program at the University of North Carolina.
Here is a piece of an e-mail that I received from the founders that helps explain the concept of their business:
The website will go live soon and the company plans to be fully operational in July.
Updates to come!
Here is a piece of an e-mail that I received from the founders that helps explain the concept of their business:
Custom Choice Cereal will allow celiacs and people suffering from gluten intolerance to create their own favorite cereal from a wide variety of entirely gluten-free ingredients. Through our online platform (www.customchoicecereal.com), celiacs can pick a base mix, add dried fruit, nuts, and seeds as they please and give their cereal an individual name. We create the cereal mix in our entirely gluten-free facility and ship it conveniently to their doorstep. Custom Choice Cereal provides safe, healthy cereal specifically tailored to the needs of celiacs.
The website will go live soon and the company plans to be fully operational in July.
Updates to come!
Friday, June 5, 2009
New Treatment Could Give Hope to Celiac Patients
Go here to watch a video and read an article that talks about a potential treatment for celiacs aside from the GF diet. As discussed in the video, there are ongoing studies to create a pill that can be taken before a meal so that people with celiac disease can eat foods that are not gluten free. Would you consider taking a pill like this?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cinnamon Chex Cereal
The new Cinnamon Chex cereal is now at the Harris Teeter in Meadowmont. Just like the other cereals, "gluten free" is in huge letters on the box. Be sure to check the label because some of the old cereals may still be on the shelves. I have to say that the cinnamon is my new favorite. I'll probably go tonight to see if the cake mixes are available since they are supposed to be in stores starting this month. If you happen to try the cake mixes first, let me know how they compare in taste as well as cost to other mixes you've tried!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gluten Free Beer Update
I recently found a search tool on the front page of the Redbridge website that lets you enter your zip code in order to show you where the beer can be found near you. I put in my current zip code (27517) and learned that Redbridge is served at two locations nearby:
Dead Mule Club
303 W. Franklin St.
He’s Not Here
112 ½ W. Franklin St.
I read on another website that Bub O’Malley’s at 157 E. Rosemary St. also serves gluten free beer.
I have not contacted any of these places yet, but they seem worth checking out. The Redbridge retail locator lets you find which grocery stores carry the beer as well.
Dead Mule Club
303 W. Franklin St.
He’s Not Here
112 ½ W. Franklin St.
I read on another website that Bub O’Malley’s at 157 E. Rosemary St. also serves gluten free beer.
I have not contacted any of these places yet, but they seem worth checking out. The Redbridge retail locator lets you find which grocery stores carry the beer as well.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tyler's Taproom
A big thanks goes out to John, one of the readers of the Gluten Free Chapel Hill blog. Restaurants and bars that have gluten free beer are always a little bit harder to find. John e-mailed Ciara at Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom in Carrboro and received this response:
So, there you have it! They also have locations in Durham and Apex, but I am not sure if gluten free beer is carried there. Tyler’s Taproom is also coming to Raleigh according to the website.
I will write about my experience there soon as well as other locations in Chapel Hill (at least two more) that I have heard may have gluten free beer.
Tyler’s Taproom in Carrboro is located at 102 E. Main St. and is open from 11 am to 2 am.
View Larger Map
Hey John,
We actually have carried New Grist Gluten Free beer for almost a year now. Sorry you were misinformed.
New Grist is the first beer brewed without malted barley or any gluten-containing products to be recognized as beer by the U.S. Government. Each batch brewed at Lakefront’s Milwaukee headquarters is tested for gluten prior to fermentation, before being bottled and shipped. The beer is now available for distribution nationwide in six packs of 12-ounce bottles.
New Grist is brewed from sorghum, hops, water, rice and gluten-free yeast grown on molasses. These ingredients are carefully combined to form a crisp and refreshing "session ale" sure to be popular among those with celiac disease, but really brewed for anyone with an appreciation for great tasting, handmade beer.
It is also available for you to buy and take home from the Bottle Shop located next to Tyler's Taproom in Carrboro. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call. You can always ask for the manager if you have any questions while in the restaurant.
All the best,
Ciara
So, there you have it! They also have locations in Durham and Apex, but I am not sure if gluten free beer is carried there. Tyler’s Taproom is also coming to Raleigh according to the website.
I will write about my experience there soon as well as other locations in Chapel Hill (at least two more) that I have heard may have gluten free beer.
Tyler’s Taproom in Carrboro is located at 102 E. Main St. and is open from 11 am to 2 am.
View Larger Map
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Restaurant Review: EVOS
EVOS in Eastgate Shopping Center next to Trader Joe’s offers a healthier type of fast food. The burgers are without the usual extra hormones and antibiotics. The French fries called “Airfries” are gluten free because they are baked in an oven instead of fried in a fryer.
You can go here to see the complete EVOS menu. EVOS does not currently have a gluten free menu. The allergen menu on their website does not work yet because they are updating it. However, when you walk into EVOS there is a sign that reads, “Lower carb? Gluten free? Ask a team member.” The team member I talked to was very helpful and had all the knowledge involving gluten free options.
Before you walk up to the counter to order you'll see a display of healthy snacks you can purchase. I was surprised to see Kind bars, Think Thin bars, and other foods labeled as gluten free.
I decided to get a steak burger (minus bun, of course) with Airfries and a chocolate milkshake. I believe the Mesquite sauce was the only sauce that was not gluten free, but still make sure to ask. Though I was surprised that the food portions were smaller than normal I shouldn't have been because EVOS is a restaurant that helps people eat healthier.
When you visit EVOS you’ll see that their business concept revolves around social responsibility and being kind to the environment. The EVOS in Chapel Hill is the only one in North Carolina and there are not very many locations in other states. EVOS seems to be a little ahead of its time, but I hope that the concept of healthier, organic fast food continues to catch on even more.
View Larger Map
You can go here to see the complete EVOS menu. EVOS does not currently have a gluten free menu. The allergen menu on their website does not work yet because they are updating it. However, when you walk into EVOS there is a sign that reads, “Lower carb? Gluten free? Ask a team member.” The team member I talked to was very helpful and had all the knowledge involving gluten free options.
Before you walk up to the counter to order you'll see a display of healthy snacks you can purchase. I was surprised to see Kind bars, Think Thin bars, and other foods labeled as gluten free.
I decided to get a steak burger (minus bun, of course) with Airfries and a chocolate milkshake. I believe the Mesquite sauce was the only sauce that was not gluten free, but still make sure to ask. Though I was surprised that the food portions were smaller than normal I shouldn't have been because EVOS is a restaurant that helps people eat healthier.
When you visit EVOS you’ll see that their business concept revolves around social responsibility and being kind to the environment. The EVOS in Chapel Hill is the only one in North Carolina and there are not very many locations in other states. EVOS seems to be a little ahead of its time, but I hope that the concept of healthier, organic fast food continues to catch on even more.
View Larger Map
Monday, April 20, 2009
Gluten Free Bake Sale TODAY
There are flyers posted around the campus at UNC detailing a bake sale that is going on today. I apologize for the late notice. I just found out about it.
Here is the information I got from the flyer:
UNC SILS Special Libraries Association
Bake Sale - including vegan and gluten free
Today, Monday, April 20
11-4 pm
Outside Manning Hall
I contacted Brendan, who is in charge of the bake sale (brthomps@email.unc.edu) and he said that he was not sure which baked goods would be gluten free but there would probably be cookies. EDIT @ 1:50 pm - I was told that there are delicious gluten free brownies.
Here is a map showing where Manning Hall is located.
Here is the information I got from the flyer:
UNC SILS Special Libraries Association
Bake Sale - including vegan and gluten free
Today, Monday, April 20
11-4 pm
Outside Manning Hall
I contacted Brendan, who is in charge of the bake sale (brthomps@email.unc.edu) and he said that he was not sure which baked goods would be gluten free but there would probably be cookies. EDIT @ 1:50 pm - I was told that there are delicious gluten free brownies.
Here is a map showing where Manning Hall is located.
Here is the webpage from Visitor Services showing parking information.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to check out the bake sale today. If you get a chance to go, please let me know!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop
I frequently enjoy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream that I purchase from the grocery store. I recently remembered that Ben & Jerry’s has a scoop shop at 102 West Franklin Street and wanted to see what that particular location had to say about gluten free options. I e-mailed Ben & Jerry’s and received an e-mail from Antonio, the catering coordinator at the shop in Chapel Hill.
The following is a list of gluten free options that you can get in a cup:
Ice Cream
Butter Pecan
Cherry Garcia
Chocolate Fair Trade
Chocolate Macadamia
Chunky Monkey
Coffee Fair Trade
Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz
Mint Chocolate Chunk
New York Super Fudge Chunk
Orange & Cream
Phish Food
Strawberry
Triple Caramel Chunk
Vanilla Fair Trade
Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch
Yogurt
Black Raspberry Swirl LF Yogurt
Strawberry Banana LF Yogurt
Vanilla LF Yogurt
Sorbet
Berry Berry Extraordinary
Lemonade
Mango Mango
Strawberry Kiwi
No Sugar Added (NSA)
NSA Vanilla Fudge Chip
The bottom of the e-mail says that you should let your ice cream scooper know if you have food allergies so that he or she can take any extra precautions to ensure your safety. Also, according to the website the hot fudge, caramel, and butterscotch sauces that the scoop shops serve are completely gluten free.
You can go here to read Ben & Jerry’s allergen statement concerning their ice cream that can be bought in grocery stores.
Ben & Jerry’s also has locations in Raleigh and Durham.
The following is a list of gluten free options that you can get in a cup:
Ice Cream
Butter Pecan
Cherry Garcia
Chocolate Fair Trade
Chocolate Macadamia
Chunky Monkey
Coffee Fair Trade
Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz
Mint Chocolate Chunk
New York Super Fudge Chunk
Orange & Cream
Phish Food
Strawberry
Triple Caramel Chunk
Vanilla Fair Trade
Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch
Yogurt
Black Raspberry Swirl LF Yogurt
Strawberry Banana LF Yogurt
Vanilla LF Yogurt
Sorbet
Berry Berry Extraordinary
Lemonade
Mango Mango
Strawberry Kiwi
No Sugar Added (NSA)
NSA Vanilla Fudge Chip
The bottom of the e-mail says that you should let your ice cream scooper know if you have food allergies so that he or she can take any extra precautions to ensure your safety. Also, according to the website the hot fudge, caramel, and butterscotch sauces that the scoop shops serve are completely gluten free.
You can go here to read Ben & Jerry’s allergen statement concerning their ice cream that can be bought in grocery stores.
Ben & Jerry’s also has locations in Raleigh and Durham.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Twins Kitchen Update: Local Farmer's Markets
Twins Kitchen/Twin Cakes Bakery recently announced the upcoming 2009 Farmer's Market schedule and which markets they will be participating in. Stop in to any of the markets below in Raleigh, Chapel Hill or Hillsborough to try out their awesome Gluten Free products if you have never tried them. They will be offering a wide range of products at the market this year and of course everything offered is gluten/wheat free and vegan.
Mid-Town Farmer's Market (formally North Hills Farmer's Market)
8 AM - 12 PM every Saturday beginning April 11, 2009
Located by the movie theater at North Hills
Carrboro/Chapel Hill Farmer's Market (a.k.a. Southern Village Farmer's Market)
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM every Thursday beginning May 7, 2009
Located at Southern Village on Market Street
Hillsborough Farmer's Market
4 Pm - 7 PM every Wednesday beginning April 8, 2009
Located in the Home Depot parking lot on NC86 and I-85
If you have any special request or want to make a pre-order to pick up at the market please call the Twins at 919-306-5304.
Also, stay tuned for some more exciting news from Twin Cakes Bakery - they will soon have a brand new Web site up and running which will focus solely on their bakery products. They also will be offering dry mixes for you to take home and bake yourself. Stay tuned!
Mid-Town Farmer's Market (formally North Hills Farmer's Market)
8 AM - 12 PM every Saturday beginning April 11, 2009
Located by the movie theater at North Hills
Carrboro/Chapel Hill Farmer's Market (a.k.a. Southern Village Farmer's Market)
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM every Thursday beginning May 7, 2009
Located at Southern Village on Market Street
Hillsborough Farmer's Market
4 Pm - 7 PM every Wednesday beginning April 8, 2009
Located in the Home Depot parking lot on NC86 and I-85
If you have any special request or want to make a pre-order to pick up at the market please call the Twins at 919-306-5304.
Also, stay tuned for some more exciting news from Twin Cakes Bakery - they will soon have a brand new Web site up and running which will focus solely on their bakery products. They also will be offering dry mixes for you to take home and bake yourself. Stay tuned!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Honey Nut Chex Cereal Now at the Harris Teeter in Meadowmont
General Mills has recently announced that they will be reformulating a number of their cereals to be gluten free. You can read Zach’s post over at Gluten Free Raleigh for more details. I recently went to the Harris Teeter at Meadowmont and was very happy to find that the gluten free Honey Nut Chex is already on the shelves. I actually was not buying cereal, but the huge writing on the box caught my eye. The word is that the other cereals will be available by June 1.
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