In 2007, we asked the FDA to standardize labeling for gluten-free foods.  It has yet to happen.  This year on May 4, in honor of Celiac Awareness Month, The American Celiac Disease Alliance and leaders in the gluten-free community will host the Gluten-Free Labeling Summit in Washington, DC to get this task moving forward and completed.  Even if you can’t make it to the summit, you can help in other ways, by writing a letter to the FDA, signing the petition, donating, or just spreading the word.

Find out more about celiac disease awareness at these sites:

American Celiac Disease Awareness

Celiac Disease Foundation

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

GlutenFreeville

The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group

And remember that you can encourage your friends and family to take the gluten-free challenge May 21 and 22.

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Exclusively Gluten-Free Store on the Upper West Side!

G-Free NYC will open this month.  Check out their website for more information!

Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Arrives at Select NYC Grocery Stores

With a name reminiscent of it’s competitor, Udi’s, expectations are high for this gluten-free bread newcomer.  Check out the website for locations to buy it.  Let me know how it compares!

Celiebo Starts with Rosa Mexicano

The gluten-free restaurant certification program, Celiebo will pilot with Rosa Mexicano, which has multiple locations in NYC.

Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwich Food Truck Comes to NYC with Gluten-Free Options

The LA based food truck that serves homemade, sustainable, and uber creative ice cream sandwiches has arrived in New York City.  They plan to get trucks up and running April 15  in Williamsburg and other Brooklyn locations.

Like Groupon? Gluten-Free Deals Offers Group Deals

Group deals have multiplied and specialized.  Check out the gluten-free deals here:  http://dealcoop.com/glutenfreedeals

Pasta Night at Cafe 82

The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup has their First Monday Pasta Night set for April 4 at Cafe 82.  RVSP here: http://www.meetup.com/Celiac/events/16593033/

GF Frozen Foods to Get Excited About

The husband and wife team behind Friedman’s Lunch have created Feel Good Foods, a line of gluten-free frozen foods.  Their dumplings have received rave reviews so far!

Gluten-Free Horror Story

Maybe this is why the Tavern on the Green closed?  Former chef, Damian Cardone, admitted to lying about serving customers gluten-free foods on his Facebook profile.  According to this article in the Canadian publication, The Globe and Mail, he served gluten-free folks gluten-fell pasta to prove the point that gluten-intolerance is not a real condition.

I wonder how often this happens elsewhere?  While most people can tell if they’ve eaten gluten through GI symptons, I am one of the few celiacs that actually isn’t affected in this way, so this is particularly scary for me.  Has anyone else heard of this/experienced being intentionally gluten-ed while dining out?

To celebrate the first day of Spring this Sunday, I will get myself a scoop of ice cream and eat it outdoors.  If you want to welcome Spring in a similar manner, here’s a list of gluten-free friendly establishments in New York City.

Ice Cream

When I was diagnosed with celiac, I was thrilled that ice cream was naturally gluten-free.  I didn’t know that it could actually be gluten-full until I checked a label just for fun, and found that the double-chocolate pint I’d be eyeing contained wheat.  Why?  Who knows.  Make sure to check your labels and ask servers!

Steve’s Ice Cream: This small batch ice cream maker is opening up two stores in NYC this Spring, in Bryant Park and Boerum Hill.  They will serve gluten-free ice cream and  cones and are working with Glow Gluten-Free cookies to make up new flavors.  For now, you can get their pints at various locations in Brooklyn.

Gelato

Many think that gelato is just Italian for ice cream, but in fact, it’s made differently that traditional ice cream.  Italy’s famous dessert contains 3% less fat on average and is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, which introduces much less air into the final product.   The result is a denser and more flavorful treat that actually packs less fat per serving than its American cousin.

Grom: This Italian gelato company recently opened their doors in Columbus Circle.  They are firmly committed to labeling their confections for those with dietary restrictions and mark their products with symbols representing common allergens.

Frozen Yogurt

Pinkberry: This California born frozen yogurt company may or may not be the first to serve tart frozen yogurt, but it has certainly become the most popular.  All flavors of this tangy treat are gluten-free but make sure to watch our for cross contamination with toppings.

Low Calorie

Tasti D Lite: Tasti D Lite is ubiquitous in New Yortk City and a good low-calorie alternative to other chilled confections.  Most of their flavors are gluten-free and those that aren’t are clearly labeled.

Vegan

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary: New York’s first dedicated vegan dessert shop serves delicious ice cream that you’ll never guess is dairy-free.   I had the cashew milk chocolate flavor in a gluten-free cone (reminiscent of the Joy cake cups) one day and was in gluten-free vegan heaven.  I hear their sundaes and splits are to die for.

Popsicles

Popbar: If you prefer your frozen treat on a stick, look no further than popbar.  This new frozen eatery serves high quality gelato, sorbetto, and frozen yogurt  dipped and wrapped in chocolate and other “poppings.”  All popbars are “born gluten-free” but make sure to ask the server about possible cross contamination and poppings to avoid.

I have been slacking off  in reporting what’s new in gluten-free New York City, so I’ve decided to start a new set of posts dedicated to sharing the gluten-free goings on every month.

Restaurants and Shops:

Rev’d Up Pi: a new healthy pizzeria in Manhattan offers gluten-free pies and pasta.

Harney & Sons: the master tea blenders opened up a shop in November in Soho, now serve gluten-free goodies from Tu-lu’s!

Events:

Joan’s GF Great Bakes Tasting: February 8 at Whole Foods Union School from 5-7.

Ice Skating Party to Benefit Celiac Disease Center: February 27 at Wollman Rink, $75 includes admission, skate rental and dinner.

Paul Taylor Dance Company Celiac Disease Fundraiser: March 2 at New York City Center, tickets range from $25-300 and includes admission, reception snacks, plus gift bags with goodies.

Valentine’s Day 2011

2011 has been off to a very snowy start in New York City, with ice on the way tonight and tomorrow.  Luckily, V-Day is only two weeks away and there are some great GF dining options and treats that will melt your heart (if not the snow).

Dining: The following restaurants have gluten-free menus and Valentine’s Day specials.

Asia de Cuba – New York
This sexy lounge is perfect for a hot date: $75 four course menu available 2/14,  with special dishes added 2/11-2/13.

Bar Breton
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, cozy atmosphere, this brasserie is your place: four course menu, $79 for 2 people, available 2/14.

Pure Food and Wine
This raw food establishment is perfect for the sophisticated yet hip couple: special prix fixe menu.

Treats: Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without chocolate; here’s a list of gf goodies.

Grocery Store Candy and Brand Name Chocolate
Sweetheart “Conversation Hearts” are gluten-free, thank goodness!  For other candies, Celiac Family put together this comprehensive list.  Do NOT buy Godiva for your GF Valentine- it contains gluten!  Ghirardelli is mostly safe.  Make a trek to Whole Foods to find more upscale chocolates, including Azure Truffles, which are all gluten free and kosher.  As for boutique chocolate shops in NYC, ask ahead!

Personalized M&Ms
I heard a proposal story where the ring was buried in bowl of green M&M’s, her favorite color; personalized M&Ms are thoughtful and delicious.

My Dad’s Cookies
My Dad’s Cookies is offering a valentine’s themed variety pack, available at Mozzarelli’s Pizzeria.  Their regular cookies are available online.

Tu-Lu’s Gluten-Free Bakery
While they don’t mention specific themed treats on the website, Tu-lu’s frequently updates their facebook page with daily treats.  Otherwise, try their red velvet cupcake for a classic, or their new pistachio for a twist.

Last week, Alex was skiing in Jackson Hole Wyoming, while I was back in NYC, working.  There are a couple ways in which Alex being gone changed up my routine, but the most startling was that I was cooking for one.   When ALex is eating with a friend or works late, I often find myself uninspired and lazy about making myself food.  Cooking for two is easier, cheaper, and just more fun.  However, I couldn’t eat grilled cheese or omelets for a week, so I devised a plan to make a healthy and delicious meal each night with relatively little effort.  It all started with a family pack of chicken legs that cost me about $3.00 at Morton Williams and ended with this:

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