I KNOW YOU’RE GLUTEN-FREE… CAN YOU HELP?

It’s mostly a story of food allergies, but it has a triumphant ending because lil ole food allergies get conquered! After getting several emails and messages weekly, I knew it was time to have a roundup guide for people new to gluten-free or other food allergies. It warms my heart that I get so many emails about it, that so many trust me with something as huge as a food allergy knowledge; we foodies stick together and become a support system for each other. Because those who have to live with food allergies/intolerances, it is a VERY huge thing. Your entire life is formed around it. You cannot go to certain restaurants, your social events lose a bit of sparkle because you can’t partake in pretty much 90% of the catered food, your kitchen is taken over by crazy-expensive food, and in some extreme cases, your entire family also has to alter what they eat for the safety and benefit of one person.

If you’ve been around here for awhile, you’ll know I have a severe gluten allergy/intolerance as well as a few other food allergies that affect my immune system. Let’s get a little bit more real here. If I eat gluten or wheat, I have instant GI issues, my face breaks out into red, itchy scales, my energy levels drop (e.g., lethargy over the next few days), and migraines pop up. I could tolerate most of those symptoms except the face breaking out. Because when my face breaks out into itchy scales, it doesn’t go away for about a week. A pale girl with itchy, red scales… well, you can imagine the embarrassment and frustration, especially when you work with the “public” frequently and have to go to networking events.

These red, itchy scales are my body’s reaction to “invaders.” My immune system malfunctions and sees certain proteins as enemies and tries to neutralize the proteins through body chemicals (which cause those annoying allergic symptoms like itchy skin).

When I first learned I could have a gluten allergy, it was like going through ALL the stages of grief. And I sure did went through them all.
* Denial – “That’d be like God’s cruel irony on my cupcake-carb-lovin’ life! It’s probably the hamburger meat that’s destroying my stomach!”
* Anger – “Why don’t people and doctors believe me when I say I have a food allergy!? And why can’t I eat my pasta?!”
* Bargaining – “Maybe if I don’t eat so much bread, I can have a nibble of pasta and still feel all right…”
* Depression – “This sucks. I can’t eat anything.”
* Acceptance – “Oh, wow, there are a ton of foods I can eat. It’s not the end of the world, and I feel GREAT.”

I’ve been incredibly blessed over the years with very sympathetic and knowledgeable people in the local food industry. They have taken the extra effort to ensure I won’t have physical reactions… and honestly, as they should. (Yeah… that one time when a hotel catering department sent me a “glutton menu.” I kid you not. If I ever have a problem with the Seven Deadly Sins, I will be sure to contact them though! :P) I strongly believe that if you’re working with any kind of food, the staff should know what’s in that food, and if they don’t, they should know who to ask. But that’s another soapbox for another day! 😉

At this time, this guide is primarily focused on gluten/wheat allergies, but will be changed and added onto as time goes on, especially since I’m personally dealing with several different food allergies. Gluten is just my most severe and the one that makes me physically sick where as the other allergens give only immune system-based symptoms.

NEW TO GLUTEN-FREE?

* Stay away from these seemingly innocent ingredients: soy sauce, modified food starch, wheat flour, barley, rye, beer, marinades, salad dressings that are not oil based. See more here.
* Stick with naturally gluten-free foods: vegetables, corn, rice, potato.
* Avoid foods with a million ingredients. It’s just more to get lost in and likely way too over-processed anyway.
* Find community with those who also share your allergies. They will be your greatest resource. If you’re a photog, join this Facebook group. If you’re looking for recipes and tips, join this one.
* Be upfront and honest. Don’t be shy like I was. Physical suffering is not worth the extra few minutes of looking “high maintenance” to the server or manager.
* Consider your fiber intake. You will lose a lot of fiber when cutting out wheat products. I take a gummy fiber supplement every day.
* Texture is different. Some foods do have a different texture. Anyone who has eaten wheat products before will notice it. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing! When cooking for your GF friends, just note that we are used to it! Bread will automatically have a slightly denser texture… it’s never completely fluffy like regular ole white bread. And cake? It’s not super spongy like it’s non-GF brethren. We love it just the same! 🙂
* Be aware that gluten can also be in non-food products. Such as moisturizers, shampoos, makeup, etc. Read the label!
* Do not be ashamed of your allergy. It’s your body. You know how it feels and works. You don’t have to feel crummy!
* Be prepared to repeat yourself often to loved ones who knew you pre-allergy/more relaxed food days. Thanksgiving and Christmas is a gluten minefield for me. It’s still very challenging for me, and I still don’t eat much on either holiday. But it doesn’t stop me from saying, “No, I cannot eat that. It has flour in it.” (This would be even more severe/serious if you have a child with an allergy.)
* Don’t have an allergy? Be as supportive as you can. You don’t have to change your entire life by any means! Just be understanding that it causes allergy folks a ton of anxiety when going out to eat with friends or over to someone’s house/event. We typically have to eat a full meal at home before going out, but can feel completely out of place at the event when it’s food-based. A simple veggie or cheese tray goes a long way in relieving those anxieties. 🙂

THE GLUTEN-FREE JUMPING BOARD TO FOODS AND RESTAURANTS!

Below, I’ve compiled a list of brands and places I stand by and who have shown the utmost professionalism and precautions in food allergies… and heck, are my favorites. (But as my little legal note, always consult them individually with your own cases. This is only a jumping board post to let you know there are great options out there, locally and around the country!)

FOR EVERYDAY FOOD…
(These are tried and true brands I love. Sailing the gluten-free waters at a grocery store can get too expensive. I’m really picky about texture and flavor! Note: I do eat like a small child and don’t eat spicy foods. 😉 )

* Canyon Bakehouse – can be found at Target and Whole Foods
GF // DF
(This has now taken the #1 spot for best bread for me. AMAZING texture, squishy, and wonderful. I do wish it were a little more affordable, but the texture and best PB&Js make up for it.)

* Udi’s – can be found at Whole Foods and tons of grocery stores
GF
(Their muffins, brownie bites, frozen pizza, and more are also really delicious.)

* Annie’s – can be found at Target and most grocery stores
GF
(Best mac and cheese boxes and bunny-shaped cookies.)

* Amy’s Kitchen – can be found at Target and most grocery stores
GF // DF
(Great frozen meals, especially the Veggie Loaf and Mac and Cheeze, and canned soups.)

* Tinkyada – can be found at most Targets and Whole Foods
GF
(Best rice pasta. Most others are way too gummy. If you don’t have a corn allergy, go for any brand corn pasta… definitely best texture.)

* Ian’s Natural Foods – can be found at most grocery stores now and Whole Foods
GF // DF // SF
(Great little chicken nuggets and french bread pizza!)

* Perdue’s Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders – can be found at most grocery stores (fridge or freezer section)
GF
(I seriously almost cried when I saw these come out. Hands down best tenders ever!)

* Immaculate Baking – can be found at Harris Teeter and other grocery stores (fridge section – where the other pre-made cookie dough is – or also now a boxed mix in the baking aisle)
GF // DF
(Best chewy chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had. Tried and true with non-allergy people, too!)

* Hodgson Mill – can be found at Wal-Mart and other grocery stores
GF
(The cake mixes are spot on. We use them for banana bread bases!)

* Kettle Brand Chips – can be found most at any food store
GF // DF
(Even their “random” flavors are safe to eat and delicious.)

* Frito Lay’s Oven-Baked Cheetos – can be found at most any food store
GF
(A gluten-free surprise treat for those who miss the crunchy and cheesy snack!)

* Yoplait Yogurt – can be found anywhere
GF
(Most of their yogurts are gluten-free. They are very great about labeling it, too. **stay away from Dannon!)

* Aidell’s – can be found at most grocery stores
GF
(Lots of gluten-free meats, but I love their caramelized onion chicken meatballs most!)

FOR TRAVEL…
(These include great hotel chains or quick food options that have given great service while I travel about and can be found most anywhere. When traveling, I tend to stick to these as I’ve had 100% good experience with them.)

* Hampton Inn and Suites
GF // DF
(While no hot breakfasts for us, they always have fruit, hard-boiled eggs, juices, and (most places) Yoplait yogurt. It’s a good enough complimentary breakfast that I always try to book this hotel when I can!)

* Jamba Juice
GF // DF
(I look at for these at airports because I know I can get my normal orange/banana smoothie for a quick morning nourishment.)

* CIBO Express Gourmet Market
GF // DF // SF
(While not in every airport, they’re growing in number and have great gluten-free snack and small meal options. In the Philadelphia airport, I even found a pre-made gluten-free turkey sandwich in March 2014!)

* GoPicnic Shelf-Stable Meal Packs
GF // DF
(I travel a LOT, and I never travel without these and always stock up at Target when they go on sale.)

FOR RESTAURANTS…
(I’m very picky about this. None of that “we just have salad” nonsense! These are local to southeastern Virginia OR chains around the country.)

* Anna’s Brick Oven Pizza – Williamsburg, VA
GF
(They have a dedicated gluten-free oven. It’s the best pizza here in the ‘Burg!)

* Taste Unlimited – Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Newport News, VA
GF // DF // SF
(Great lunch and sandwich options. The owner has Celiac herself, so it’s a fab local chain that knows what’s up!)

* PF Chang’s – National
GF // DF
(Best American-Chinese, hands down. And the servers and chefs are very knowledgable!)

* Five Guys – National
GF // DF // SF
(Great burgers and fries. They have a dedicated fryer just for french fries and are very knowledgeable about changing gloves and “burger bowls.”)

* Simply Thai – Chesapeake, VA
GF // DF
(They know the LaVeres well enough that I don’t get strange looks when I bring my own bottle of GF soy sauce. They are VERY accommodating.)

* Andrea’s Pizzeria – Chesapeake, VA
GF
(Their location in Edinburgh Commons has both GF pizza and pasta. The chef is really great and knowledgeable! I’ve always had a really friendly experience in both locations.)

* Reginella’s – Virginia Beach, VA
GF
(Great pasta dishes. They either use corn or rice pasta– penne and spaghetti.)

* Burton’s Grill – Virginia Beach, VA
GF
(Great place for burgers. They make their own GF buns!)

* Y-Not – Chesapeake/Virginia Beach, VA
GF // DF
(The best gluten-free pizza I’ve had locally. ‘Nuff said.)

* Jason’s Deli – National
GF // DF
(They have Udi’s for their sandwich bread. Great dedicated gluten-free menu and sandwiches. Very accommodating.)

* Chick-Fil-A – National
GF // DF
(Best french fries, hands-down. Because they cook all fries in a dedicated fryer away from battered foods, you can eat your fries peacefully and without worry! As a further precaution, just ask the cashier to “red flag” it.)

* Red Robin – National
GF // DF
(They have a dedicated GF menu, dedicated french fry fryer, gluten-free burger buns (or lettuce wrap), but most importantly, the staff is knowledgeable.)

* Food for Thought – Williamsburg, VA
GF // DF
(My favorite restaurant in all of Hampton Roads. Fantastic GF menu. It’s the only place besides Burton’s that gives a GF roll pre-meal!)

* DoG Street Pub – Williamsburg, VA
GF
(Great food and knowledgeable staff. French fries are mostly gluten-free here, but double check to see if they haven’t had to use their dedicated fryer for something else.)

* Can-Can Brasserie – Richmond, VA
GF
(The chef is very knowledgeable and very well-trained. Yummy lunch and dessert options!)

FOR DESSERT TAKE-HOME AND RESTAURANTS…
This is pretty much for locals-to-Hampton Roads, but if you’re ever in town, definitely check these quality folks out!

* Hummingbird Macarons – Chesapeake, VA
GF
(Kisha’s macarons are to die for. It’s worth every penny.)

* Yo Mama Frozen Yogurt – Virginia Beach, VA
GF // DF
(Most of their flavors are GF. Just ask for their ingredient list.)

* Flour Child Bakery – Virginia Beach, VA
GF
(Great gluten-free cake pops, cookies, and other sweet treats!)

* Cake Delights – Virginia Beach, VA
GF
(A local wedding pro, Jessica is a great friend of mine and her son has food allergies, so she is amazing with gluten-free treats. Many of my brides get regular wedding cakes from her. And if someone asks where I order my treats, this is typically where I go to first to see if she has availability for a special dietary order. She’s quite booked with weddings and not always available to accommodate, but I wanted to give her a special shout-out since I get asked!)

* Extraordinary Cupcakes – Williamsburg, VA
GF
(They use Cup4Cup Gluten Free flour… and this definitely is the best GF cupcake I’ve had in all of Hampton Roads. The quality in ingredients shows! Gluten-free cupcakes are only available on Saturdays, though, so call ahead!)

* Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – Williamsburg, VA and National
GF // DF
(They have ALL allergen information listed right on their machines– GF, DF, and more. There are no questions or guessing games. Love it!)

EPILOGUE

In addition to the restaurant listings above, I do try to update my Yelp restaurant reviews as often as I can.
You can see those at: mmechelsea.yelp.com

Whew, I hope this boatload of information has been helpful! It will be added and updated as needed. Feel free to post any questions you might have! The cakes in the photos above are from Matt and Ryan’s wedding and were deliciously baked by Claire’s Corner Copia in New Haven, Connecticut.

** LAST UPDATED: September 2014