Whole Foods Gluten Free Tour - 10/19/2010

Check out the Chapel Hill Whole Foods for an upcoming Gluten Free Tour!

Tuesday, October 19th
Gluten Free Tours!

2pm & 6pm FREE

If you suffer from gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease, or you just want to know about our gluten-free products, then this tour is for you! We will show you where to find our various gluten-free options, as well as direct you to other resources. Along the way we will stop in our different departments to sample some yummy and satisfying gluten-free nibbles. Space is limited so we ask that you pre-register at our customer service desk.

Store Information
81 South Elliot Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 USA
Phone 919.968.1983
Store hours:
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week. Cafe hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Glutino Pretzels

This week I found Chocolate Covered and Yogurt Covered Glutino Pretzels at Kerr Drug off of Hwy 54. I read a blog that says they were introduced in March, but this is the first time I'd ever seen them. Yummy!

Restaurant Review: Tossed

Though I live in Chapel Hill, I work in Research Triangle Park. I ran across Tossed today and they have a gluten free menu with a couple of salads.

You can view the menu here:
http://www.tossed.com/wp-content/themes/paperstreet/files/Tossed_Gluten_Free_Menu.pdf

Tossed is located at:

McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center
4117 Davis Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560

I tried the Chopped Greek Salad. Very good! I will defintely be going again.

Woodchuck Cider

I saw on their website that Woodchuck Cider is gluten free. I wasn't aware of this! There's a gluten free statement on the front page of the website as well as in the FAQ section. Has anyone tried it?

www.woodchuck.com

Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzels

A mainstream company, Snyder's of Hanover, has come out with gluten free pretzels! They are even certified by GIG's Gluten Free Certification Program. Click the link below to get the full story. Right now, the pretzels are only in Atlanta at Whole Foods, but hopefully they will make it up this way soon!

http://www.triumphdining.com/blog/gluten-free/2010/06/snyders-gluten-free-pretzels-make-the-grade/?utm_source=Triumph+Dining+List&utm_campaign=ce01da9665-June_Newsletter_1&utm_medium=email

Boston Market Allergen List

Here is the most updated gluten free list from Boston Market:

http://www.bostonmarket.com/restaurant?page=allergens

The Boston Market in Chapel Hill is located in the Eastgate Shopping Center off of Franklin St. and 15-501.

Kerr Drug’s Chapel Hill Health Fair - Tuesday

I was notified of the following event taking place tomorrow at the Kerr Drug in Chapel Hill.  There will be someone present to talk about Gluten Free foods offered in the Naturally Kerr section of the store.

Kerr Drug Holds First Community Health Fair in New Chapel Hill Store
Wide range of clinics, screenings being offered highlight advantage of delivering health care at community pharmacy level.

Raleigh. NC- May, 2010- Kerr Drug’s vision of the pharmacy of the future will be on display Tuesday, May 11th when the innovative provider of pharmacy and other health care related services holds its first Health Fair at its new Chapel Hill store. The new store, in the East 54 Plaza, includes a full service pharmacy and complete health care center along with a natural, gluten free and organic food store.

“We designed the Chapel Hill store to provide a broad range of health services because pharmacists are the face and future of neighborhood health care,” says Anthony “Tony” Civello, president and CEO of Kerr Drug. “In addition to dispensing medications, a community pharmacy must deliver services to patients that will provide them with better health outcomes and help them save money.”

Kerr Drug’s Chapel Hill Health Fair
When: Tuesday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Kerr Drug, The New East 54 Plaza
1106 Environ Way, Chapel Hill

Health Fair Schedule Includes:
Acupuncture Consultations 11a-3p
Medical Leg Evaluations 10a-2p
Chiropractic/Posture Evaluations 10-2p
Breast Feeding Information 3p-6p
Bone Density/Osteoporosis Scans 10a-2p
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar/Cholesterol screenings 10a-6p
Hearing Tests 10a-6p
Natural Foods/Vitamins/Supplements Sampling 11a-3p
Medication Reviews/Vaccines/Medication Disposal Station 10a-6p
Medicare/Medicare Part D/Health Insurance Reform Information 11a-3p

Kerr Drug’s Chapel Hill store and the Health Fair continue the company’s history of innovative health care.

North Carolina Governor Declares May Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Media Release

North Carolina Governor Declares May Celiac Disease Awareness Month

• Triangle residents can participate in a gluten-free food drive at various locations or make a monetary donation to help stock the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
• Bella Monica Italian Restaurant is hosting a six-course gluten-free dinner prepared by Vanessa Maltin, food and lifestyle editor for Delight Gluten-free Magazine
• A top food allergens poster is available for restaurants to download to educate their staff about these items, including gluten

Raleigh, N.C., USA, April 30, 2010 – The Gluten Free Raleigh Blog has announced Governor Beverly Perdue has declared May 2010 “Celiac Disease Awareness Month” in North Carolina. The Gluten Free Raleigh Blog and Pat Berger, leader of the North Raleigh Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) Support Group brought the petition to the Governor’s office regarding the awareness month.

Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune disease that affects one in 133 people in the United States. It interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food and can cause gastrointestinal and neurological issues, infertility, skin rashes and cancer. The only treatment for Celiac Disease is lifelong, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.

“The Governor’s proclamation paves the way to further educate the community on Celiac Disease and helps to create a positive impact on the quality of life for people living with this condition,” said Zach Becker, creator of the Gluten Free Raleigh Blog. “It’s my goal to help raise awareness so those living with this disease can safely eat out at restaurants and have easier access to gluten-free food.”

In an effort to educate, raise awareness and give back to the community, there are a number of gluten-free events scheduled during the month of May.

• A gluten-free food drive will be held on Saturday, May 8 to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Special discounts at the drop off locations may be available in exchange for your donation. Bins are set up in each of these locations to accept the packaged gluten-free non-perishable food items:
o Rosie’s Plate – N. Person St., Raleigh
o Bella Monica Italian Restaurant – Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh
o ZPizza – Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh and Cornerstone Dr., Cary
o Mellow Mushroom – W. Peace St., Raleigh
o Whole Foods Market, Raleigh – Wade Ave., Raleigh
o Earth Fare – Moncreiffe Rd., Raleigh
o Harmony Farms/Café Harmony – Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh

• A virtual food drive will be held all month to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina with gluten-free food. The link to donate can be located on the Gluten Free Raleigh Blog.

• On Sunday, May 16, beginning at 5 p.m., Bella Monica Italian Restaurant will host a six-course gluten-free dinner prepared by Vanessa Maltin, food and lifestyle editor for Delight Gluten-free Magazine and Corbett Monica, head chef at Bella Monica Italian Restaurant. They will be preparing dishes from Maltin’s gluten-free cookbook entitled The Gloriously Gluten-Free Cookbook: Spicing Up Life with Italian, Asian and Mexican Recipes. Copies of the cookbook will also be included. Tickets are required for this dining event and can be purchased by calling Bella Monica Italian Restaurant at 919-881-9778.

• The Gluten Free Raleigh Blog worked with Sofia Noble of the design firm This Is Beautiful to create a poster featuring all of the top food allergens, including gluten. This poster is now available for download in English and Spanish at the Gluten Free Raleigh Blog. Wake County restaurant owners may use it to educate their staffs about these foods.

“Research indicates there are approximately three million people living with Celiac Disease in the United States and of those, only about 120,000 have been diagnosed,” said Alice Bast, founder and president of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). “It’s great to see North Carolina working to raise awareness about this disease so perhaps others can be accurately diagnosed by their doctors. Zach Becker and the entire North Carolina Celiac Disease community should be commended for their leadership and successful advocacy efforts.”


About Gluten Free Raleigh Blog
Zach Becker was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in May 2008. He founded the Gluten Free Raleigh Blog in August 2008 and has created similar blogs across the state. He has recruited writers for these blogs so gluten-free information in those communities can be shared. The blogs contain restaurant and grocery store reviews, summaries of national news as well as highlight local companies that cater to the gluten-free community. Becker is an advocate for those living with Celiac Disease in the Triangle and donates his time to educate the newly diagnosed, local restaurants and government leaders on this condition.

Stila Cosmetics

One thing that I never think about containing gluten is makeup. However, recently I've realized I need to check my makeup as carefully as I do my food. I enjoy going to Ulta across from Southpoint Mall and they have almost every brand of makeup you can think of. I e-mailed Stila Cosmetics after liking one of their "lip glazes." It contains flavor, but I didn't know what "flavor" meant. Turns out, we have a lot of choice!

Stila Cosmetics free of wheat, oats, barley, and rye include:

Sheer Color SPF 15
Illuminating Tented Moisturizer
Shimmer Dry Oil
Lip Glazes
Eye Shadows
Plumping Lip Glaze
Convertible Color
Brow Set
Major Major Lash
Brow Polish
Illuminating Concealer
Lip Polish
Lash Visor
Illuminating Finishing Powders
Cheek Color
Illuminating Liquid Foundation
Smudge Pots
Natural Finish Makeup
Cover Up Stick
Baked Eye Shadow Trios
Baked Cheek Color
Multi-Effects Mascara
Liquid Liner
Lip Contour Pencils
Lip Glaze Sticks
Liquid All Over Shimmer
Lip Rouge

I also have a list of cosmetics that are not gluten free, but I couldn't fit them all in one blog post. If you would like that list, please comment and I will e-mail you.

Lucy's Cookies Now at Starbucks

I went to the Starbucks on Fayetteville Road across the street from Southpoint today. Starbucks is now carrying Lucy's cookies that are free of gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, and true nuts. They are also kosher and vegan. I bought some of chocolate chip cookies which are three to a pack. Cinnamon thins and sugar cookies were also available. This is a nice addition to Starbucks! I would much rather have one of the cookies than a Kind bar with my coffee! The cashier told me the cookies will be in Starbucks nationwide. Here is an article if you would like to read more of the story.

Burger King Gluten Free List

While reading news articles on the topic of gluten free, I came across one that says Burger King now has a "BK Positive Steps Gluten Sensitive List." There isn't very much, but at least another fast food restaurant is providing possible choices and recognizing a growing need. The list was effective as of December 2009. As explained in an article I read, the list is another step in fulfilling the company's motto of "Have It Your Way." You can download the PDF here.

The Burger King in Chapel Hill is located at 450 Elliot Road.

Kanki Japanese House of Steaks

I e-mailed Kanki a couple of weeks ago and got this in response:

Yes, we are able to accommodate guests with gluten intolerance. The chefs can prepare the meal without the use of regular soy. If you bring an unopened bottle of gluten free soy, we will happily cook the meal separately (prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross over); also, if your group fills a table (8 or more) and they do not mind the use of the gluten free soy, we can cook the entire meal at the teppan table.

I will definitely check out Kanki soon. It's always nice to have another restaurant with gluten free options. The Durham location (down 15-501 from Chapel Hill) is: 3504 Mt. Moriah Road.

Other locations include:

Crabtree Valley Mall (Lower Level)
4325 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612

North Market Square
4500 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Grocery Store Review: Kerr Drug

Kerr Drug opened this past week in the new East 54 shopping center. They have half an aisle with gluten/wheat free products. Some of the things I found included:

Green Mountain Gringo Salsa
Bob's Red Mill (xantham gum, rice flour, almond flour, cookie mix, brownie mix, etc.)
Gluten Free Pantry (bread mix, brownie mix, pie crust, pizza mix)
Pamela's cake mixes and frosting
Tinkyada pasta
Pamela's cookies
Envirokids rice bars
Kinnikinnick graham crackers and animal cookies
Majans Bhuja Cracker Mix
Glutino pretzels
Enjoy Life granola
Envirokids Leapin Lemurs and Gorilla Munch cereal
Larabars
And much more!

Go check it out soon! I was very impressed. Naturally Kerr is a new spin on the regular drug store!

Food Allergy Walk This Saturday

This Saturday, November 7th, 2009, there will be a walk to raise funds and awareness for Food Allergies held in Cary. The walk is sponsored by The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and NC FACES (North Carolina Food Allergic Children Excelling Safely) support group. This will be an excellent opportunity to shine the spotlight on food allergies and how they affect millions of Americans. If you have not seen my Food Allergen Restaurant Poster Petition, click here.

Walk Details
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.; Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513
Distance: 2 miles
Event Web site (visit this site to create or join a team or give
Email Contact: Christa Davidson
Restrictions: No pets, glass bottles, bikes, roller skates, or skate boards. Baby strollers and wagons are welcomed.
Target Fundraising Goal: $70,000 (currently have raised nearly $14,000)

About FAAN
FAAN is a national network offering support and education for people with food allergies. There is a ton a great information on their Web site. The group was established in 1991. FAAN’s membership now stands at close to 30,000 worldwide and includes families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff, and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. FAAN serves as the communication link between the patient and others. FAAN focuses on awareness, education, advocacy, research and many other areas (a lot of the same goals for this blog). FAAN is (and has been conducting Food Allergy Walks all over the US for years now. Click here for the Walk Web site. There was also a race in Charlotte this past September which raised more than $25,000 and had over 300 participants.

About NC FACES
NC FACES was started by local parents in 2003 who had children with food allergies. The group began by getting together for play dates and has now grown to over 200 families. They focus on providing local social and emotional support for food allergic families. The group usually has quarterly meetings and other events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween fun and games at the Durham Bulls. They are also a big reason for the local FAAN Walk. Click here for the groups Web site or click here to email for more information. You can also check out the group on Facebook.

Jules Shepard Gluten Free Thanksgiving Cooking Class @ Earth Fare

I've written numerous times about Celiac expert and Gluten Free cooking guru Jules Shepard before on Gluten Free Raleigh. Jules currently resides in Baltimore but has North Carolina ties and stops in for a visit every few months. Each time she stops in we are very lucky! I have had the pleasure of organizing 2 previous cooking classes with Jules (February & July) and she stopped by for another one in August. I have great news to report, Jules will again be back in Raleigh, this time for a timely Gluten Free Thanksgiving themed cooking demonstration. Thanksgiving can be like navigating a Gluten minefield, this class will be the perfect way to have a great GF feast.

See below for more information. I encourage you to sign up soon as space is limited and Jules' classes are in very high demand. As always, portion of the proceeds will go toward Celiac Disease research.

GF Thanksgiving With Jules Shepard
Earth Fare Raleigh
Sunday Nov. 15, 2-4:30pm

Jules Shepard returns to Earth Fare Raleigh to get us all ready for a delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving! Come experience firsthand how knowledgeable, entertaining and encouraging North Carolina native and gluten-free cooking expert Jules Shepard can be, at this in-person demonstration with the focus on Thanksgiving! Learn how simple it can be to prepare amazing gluten-free meals everyone in your family will enjoy this holiday season.

Dishes like gluten-free and dairy-free homemade casseroles, pie crusts, pumpkin pie, dinner rolls and stuffing! Sample a wide variety of goodies, ask questions and have Jules sign one of her two books at this limited-space class. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a special bonus, registrants in this Thanksgiving class will each get Jules' brand new 34 page Thanksgiving E-book full of recipes and tips for a great holiday (a $12.95 value)! See you there!

Class Fee is $40 (a portion of this registration fee will be donated to the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research)

To register, visit JulesGlutenFree.com or call (433-1390)/visit Earth Fare.

Update: Custom Choice Cereal

In June, I wrote about a new company, Custom Choice Cereal, that allows you to create your own gluten free cereal mix. You can view the old post here. Custom Choice Cereal was created by Hajo and Patrick who are two recent graduates of the MBA program at UNC.

Now that the website is up and running I had a chance to create a mix of my own. I decided to order Good Morning Flakes with banana chips, strawberries, and almonds. It is delicious!

You have the option of first picking your base: Cinnamon Granola, Corn Flakes, or Good Morning Flakes. Then, you choose your favorite dried fruits including apples, apricots, banana chips, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, pears, pineapples, raisins, and strawberries. Next, you can add seeds and nuts to your cereal like almonds, coconut, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

Risk of cross-contamination is nearly zero. Custom Choice Cereal uses ingredients that are naturally gluten free. All mixes are tested for the presence of gluten being less than 20 parts per million. The mixing facility is entirely gluten free.

You can choose to have your cereal shipped to you or you can pick it up from the facility.

I definitely recommend that you support Choice Choice Cereal by giving this local company a try!

Order your mix by going to www.customchoicecereal.com. If you have a Facebook account you can 'become a fan' of Custom Choice Cereal by going to this link. Be sure to share your experiences by commenting on this post.

Whole Foods Gluten Free List

Whole Foods seems to update their Gluten Free List often. For the latest list (updated 10.2.09) click here. There is also a Gluten Free/Casein list. If you want to see a list for a town other than Chapel Hill go to the Whole Foods website and click "stores" at the top of the page. After you find your store, go to its page and select special diets on the left hand side.

I recently bought some 365 Honey Roasted Cashews. The ingredients look as if they would be gluten free, but the cashews aren't on the list. I'm going to e-mail Whole Foods to check it out. If you have any suggestions or comments for them e-mail special.diets@wholefoods.com.