The Pig

I found The Pig on the Find Me Gluten Free app (that I wrote a review about back in May) and decided to try it for myself. The pulled pork barbecue is gluten free and so are most of the sides, including: potato salad, green beans, cole slaw, and pickles. Obviously, the hush puppies are a no-go, but also watch out for the baked beans and collared greens because they are cooked in beer. This restaurant gets several gluten free customers and the employees are very knowledgeable.

The Pig
630 Weaver Dairy Road #101
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

(919) 942-1133
Open Monday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Mediterranean Deli

Today, I finally got to visit Med Deli. I was told a while ago that several of the items were gluten free. When you walk in, you'll see many dishes behind the glass labeled gf. I chose the cabbage stuffed with flank steak and a tomato and mozzarella kabob. They also had gluten free chocolate cake that had the consistency of fudge! I'm never used to having so many options when I go to a restaurant. I think I found my new favorite place! There are also many items labeled nut-free. Go check it out!

Mediterranean Deli Bakery and Catering
410 W Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2666

Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm
Sunday 11am-9pm

Find Me Gluten Free

Attention readers, I have found the best gluten free iPhone/Android app ever! I've been meaning to write about it for a while, and was reminded when I learned about their rewards program today.

If you haven't come across the FREE app yet, you have to download it to your phone. There is also a website version here. The app uses your location to show you the restaurants with gluten free options closest to you. You can see the price range, type of food (Mexican, Italian, etc.), and best of all, reviews, so that you can learn about other users' experiences.

My favorite thing is that users can also add restaurants that they find. What a great way to learn about new places! If you ask a restaurant in the area to advertise for Find Me Gluten Free, you can receive a $20 Visa gift card. Go here for more details. Just enter your name as the referral code.

Lastly, the app is a big help if you're travelling and aren't familiar with the area. Now, I do believe this is one of the things that makes you say, "Why didn't I think of that?!" Spread the word! And don't forget to add any locations you come across!

Squid's Restaurant, Market, and Oyster Bar

Last night, I was excited to find out that Squid's has a gluten free menu! I went with some friends not planning to eat because I had eaten dinner earlier. However, I saw on the menu that Squid's is a part of Spanky's and Mez that do have gluten free options. I asked about gluten intolerance and was given a menu.

There is a back to the menu as well that includes two dessert options (sorbet and creme brulee) along with other items. Celiacs are usually happy when there is ONE thing we can eat. I almost didn't know what to do when I saw all this! Please leave a comment if you have had or plan to have an experience at Squid's!

1201 Fordham Blvd - Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Telephone: (919) 942-8757 • Fax: (919) 929-0780
Email: squids@chapelhillrestaurantgroup.com

Whole Foods Gluten Free Tour - March 22

Thursday, March 22nd

Gluten Free Tour

4:00-5:00 p.m. FREE!

Come learn about our large variety of Gluten Free products! One of our own Gluten Free Team Members will guide you through the store, offering tasty samples and suggestions. At the end of the tour you'll receive a gift bag including Gluten Free products for you to try at home. Space is limited so call Customer Service at 968-1983 to register!

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/chapelhill/store-calendar#71624

Gluten Free Festival

Zach just sent me a link to the Chapel Hill Whole Foods calendar. There is going to be a gluten free festival on Monday, February 20 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Best of all, it's free!

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/chapelhill/store-calendar/

Kelley G Cupcakes

I was wondering if there were any bakeries that offered gluten free cupcakes in the area, so I decided to do a little bit of research. You can imagine how excited I was when I came across Kelley G Cupcakes in Carrboro! You can download the Fall menu here and the Summer menu here. Flavors include orange creamsicle, peanut butter, and chocolate mint to name a few.

I followed up with an e-mail to get some more information. Kelley just did gluten free chai latte and lemon sensation cupcakes for a baby shower! She says that most flavors can be adapted to be gluten free. Custom orders are also available. Kelley G Cupcakes' main goal is to be able to provide cupcakes that everyone will be able to eat without singling out the gluten free or dairy intolerant person. She also does a lot of vegan baking.

Orders are best placed through e-mail at kellygcupcakes@gmail.com. Delivery within Carrboro and Chapel Hill is free.

If you've ever tried a cupcake from Kelley, please let me know! Or, if you contact her and have any info you'd like to share!

iglooyogurt

I recently read about iglooyogurt in the Southern Neighbour newspaper that comes in the mail. The article says that iglooyogurt has nonfat, low fat, peanut free, gluten free, and kosher options! I decided to check out the website and write an e-mail for additional information.

Here is the e-mail I received:

Dear Lauren,

Thank you for your interest in Igloo Organic Frozen Yogurt! Our certified organic yogurt is gluten free, peanut free, hormone free, preservative free and also includes additional goodies like Omega 3s and Fiber. Those flavors include Original Tart, Vanilla Tart, Mango, Pomegranate, Chocolate Raspberry and Strawberry. We usually rotate our fruit flavors, currently we have Mango, Original Tart and Vanilla Tart. We appreciate your questions!

Kindest Regards,
Igloo Yogurt Frozen Yogurt

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

In addition, according to the website, there are tons of toppings to choose from, including Reese's cups, m&ms, blackberries, and strawberries to name a few! I didn't ask for a list of gluten free toppings, so please ask if you have any questions, or do your own research on the candy.

iglooyogurt is located at:
50221 Governors Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

919-929-4922

Fall hours of operation: Monday- Sunday 12pm-9pm
(hours change seasonally)

Gluten Free Tour @ Whole Foods

Tuesday, September 27th

Gluten Free Tour 4:30-5:30 FREE!

If you are new to a Gluten-Free diet, or are just looking for new ideas, come meet as we'll show you all the options we have available to you! Our expert Gluten-Free baker, Lee Tobin, will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you through all the terms and products. The tour is free but space is limited, so call Customer Service (919-245-0065) to register today!

Starbucks Gluten Free?

I called Starbucks today to ask if the new Pumpkin Spice Latte was gluten free. I was told that Starbucks can't guarantee if ANY of their drinks are gluten free due to possible cross-contamination. I know this wasn't always the case! I believe everything used to be gluten free except for the vanilla latte and java chip, but don't quote me on this!

I said that I understood the possiblity of cross-contamination (as always), and asked if any of the drinks actually contained gluten as an ingredient. They were unable to confirm either way.

I love Starbucks and have never had a problem. I even drank the Java Chip Frappunccino once (when I didn't know better) and was ok. What are your experiences with Starbucks?

Gluten Free Festival at Whole Foods

Thursday, June 23rd
Gluten Free Festival 2:00-6:00
Free!

Whether you're new to a Gluten Free diet or have been eating G-F for years, you'll want to come to our Gluten Free Festival. Visit the store and sample a variety of delicious Gluten Free foods! We'll have vendor representatives, and experts on-hand to guide you through the vast array of choices available to you.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/chapelhill/store-calendar#45157

Red Bowl Asian Bistro is Now Open!

On my way to the post office this afternoon, I saw a sign on Hwy 15-501 that said Red Bowl is now open! You can find it at 201 South Estes Drive in University Mall. I know that Red Bowl has a gluten free menu at its other locations, but I've never been.

The gluten free menu for the Chapel Hil location is now on the website. At the bottom of the menu, it says that a # denotes a gluten free item. There aren't too many options, but I can't wait to try the Moo Goo Gai Pan or Shrimp and Lobster Sauce.

Take out is an option, and there is also free Wi-Fi.

Make sure to print off this coupon!

Brixx Gluten Free Pizza

Today, I was opening the Money Mailer that sometimes dusts my mailbox. For those unfamillar, Money Mailer is an envelope of coupons, usually for dining. As I was going through the coupons today, I found one for Brixx in Meadowmont Village. You can view and print out the coupon here.

The coupon says that a gluten free pizza crust is available, so I went on the website to confirm, and for $2 extra you can request the special crust. I know nothing more than that, but it's worth checking out! If you try it first, let me know.

Also, if you're interested in Money Mailer. Carmine's and Evos had coupons today as well. They have gluten free options and you can search this blog for past reviews on both of those.

Print off the coupons at MoneyMailer.com after you enter your zip code.

Gluten Free Philosophy Products

I found another company with beauty products that has a gluten free list - Philosophy! I know Sephora and Ulta, both at Southpoint, carry Philosophy. I got the Creme Brulee shower gel for Christmas and wasn't sure if it was gluten free. I'm happy to say it is, and that all 3 in 1 shower gels are! Here's the e-mail response I got on 3/23/2011:

hi lauren,

thank you for contacting philosophy! we appreciate your interest in philosophy products! for your reference i have provided the following list of gluten free products that philosophy carries!

purity made simple
foaming purity made simple
hope in a jar
hope in a jar spf 25
hope in a jar for dry skin
hope in a jar for dry skin spf
hope in a jar oil-free
hope in a jar spf 30 oil-free
when hope is not enough replenishing cream
hope in a tinted moisturizer spf20
the supernatural superbeautiful makeup spf20
supernatural airbrush canvas foundation spf15
concealers
kiss me
lip shines
supernatural lip gloss
microdelivery peel
booster caps
microdelivery face wash
shelter
miracle worker retinoid pads
never let them see you shine
hope in a tube
booster c powder
amazing grace emulsion
3-in-1 shower gels

please contact us at 1.800.568.3151 if you have any additional questions. we are happy to assist you by phone monday-friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. (mst). thank you for your interest and have a beautiful day!

kind regards,

amanda g.
philosophy: where there is hope miracles can occur

Whole Foods Market Gluten Free Tour - March 23rd

Wednesday, March 23rd at Whole Foods Market Chapel Hill.

Gluten Free Tour

6:30 p.m. FREE!

Are you or a family member eating the Gluten Free way? Come take a tour with our own master baker, Lee Tobin, to learn tips, techniques, and the health benefits of this diet. Sign up at Customer Service as space is limited!

Carolina Hurricanes: 2010-2011 Gluten Free Update

I have previously written about Gluten Free options at the RBC Center during Carolina Hurricanes games over the last couple seasons.  See below for the 2010-2011 season update.

The Body Shop Gluten Free List

In the past, I have asked The Body Shop about gluten free products and I couldn't get an answer. However, they finally have a list! There are hundreds of products to choose from including lotions, makeup, aromatherapy and more!

The list is so long I couldn't put it here, so I uploaded it to my Google Docs account. If you click on the link below, you can view the list and download it.

The Body Shop Gluten Free List

Finally, we have another company to add to the short list of gluten free beauty products and cosmetics! The Body Shop can be found in both Crabtree Valley and Southpoint Malls.