Race News and Skyr ~

I'm very happy to report that my first half-marathon was a success and a wonderfully challenging experience! It's already been a week + since the race and I'm feeling the itch to sign up for more races...so next up, the Graeagle Triathlon on July 4th! I think I've got the "get stronger" bug and it's bittin' away.

I've been relearning through all this running and training just how valuable the right foods can truly be for our bodies, and how it is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. Not only have I not been eating enough protein for a long time now, but I've also discovered how beneficial the right foods are at just the right times, when it comes to sustaining my energy and stamina. It's such a learning curve and definitely a work in progress. The night before the race, we cooked a yummy pasta, chicken, veggie dish that was perfect and served as good racing fuel. The morning of, (after not sleeping well at all, darn it) I ate a delish cup of my new favorite food, Siggi's Icelandic Style Skyr Strained Non-fat yogurt that I discovered while in Seattle with my Aunt, along with berries and peanut butter! The Skyr-style yogurt is non-fat and loaded with protein - 16 grams in just 170 grams or a small cup. It's my favorite breakfast and also a real treat when you sprinkle raw nuts and cranberries on top - give it a try for your next breakfast.

The race is all a bit of a blur, but boy was I nervous at the starting line - as the starter's gun was fired I was surprised at how quickly everyone took off - setting a pretty fast pace from the get-go...oh, and I did I mention that the first mile was a long climb up a hill? Yes, it was. Lots of huffing and puffing at more that 1,000 feet higher than had I trained at. The course was gorgeous and in those moments when the pain set in or I was tired, I continually reminded myself to look around at the majestic beauty that was surrounding all of us runners, and to remember why I was doing this...for myself, for my spirit and for purely the gift of having two legs to take me on this journey. So at mile 12, another big hill (can you believe that?!), followed by more rolling hills...I kept saying to myself, "I did it - almost there!"...and let me tell you, I don't' even remember the last 1/4 mile - all I could hear was the announcer, the pounding of my heart and the joy of hearing people cheering us as I crossed the finish line. The last two minutes of the race I gave all I had and suddenly, nothing hurt, my legs were with me and there was a smile on my face to replace the grimace I was most likely carrying with me for the last 8 miles. The best part, aside from my running partner sticking with me, seriously...the super cool medals that every one of us racers received at the finish line. It's my little gold medal.

Now that I'm home and have backed off on the running for a week I've been focused on refueling my engine and that's where Sigg's Skyr comes in...you have to try this yogurt. Little background - so I did some research on their company recently and their story is great. Their packaging did not specifically list any mention of gluten-free, though the ingredients seemed safe to me (but we never know), so I emailed the company and asked them. I received an email back from their marketing gal letting me know that they are in the process of receiving their gluten free certification and soon it will be "reflected on our labels in these upcoming months, so keep an eye out!"...I will. Not only did they respond quickly, but the other day in my mail box I received a package from Siggi's with coupons for their delicious Skyr. I was duly impressed with their customer service and the thoughtful gift of sending me such a valuable little package - I'm an even bigger fan now! And they are so green - their packaging is so simple and easy to recycle. Siggi's Skyr yogurts come in eight delicious flavors and are loaded with probiotics - always a necessity for a Celiac stomach.

Speaking of, there's an interesting article that just came out this week about just that - Celiacs and probiotics, discussing new research that could eventually result in a probiotic treatment for celiacs. The article is focused around some of the work that Italian doctor Alessio Fasano, M.D. of the University of Maryland is researching on an ongoing basis. Though I can't give you the scientific specifics or research behind my probiotic experimenting, I can say without a doubt that they help my stomach tremendously and I swear by them. I take a great achidophilus capsule ever day of my life and am really hooked on Synergy Kombucha - they have settled my stomach many times and brought it back to life, on occasion.


Another fun food/news item I wanted to mention was a great article that Tia's Sweet Treats received in the Summer 2010 issue of Edible Reno-Tahoe. We so appreciate the great coverage and are baking away and taking orders.

For those of you in the Reno/Tahoe vicinity or perhaps coming to this area soon, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in south Reno is now serving gluten-free thin crust pizza. I have not tried this pizza yet, but I've heard through our Celiac group that another member tried it and the BJ's manager came out to discuss the details with her. BJ's does note on their menu, "With the exception of our meatballs, all of BJs Classic ingredients listed on the pizza page in our menu are gluten-free."
If any of you do try it, please write in and let me know what you think, and I'll be sure to do the same.

It's great to see that mainstream restaurants are recognizing and trying new items on their menus, but as always, our job is to make sure their staff, chefs and managers really KNOW what it means to be cooking gluten-free...so ASK lots of questions and be your own best advocate.

If you give Siggi's Skyr a try, please let me know. Whomever submits the most tasty and creative way to eat Skyr yogurt will win a little prize that will sure to delight, and I'll post your delicious recipe here on Bowl of Soul.

Be creative and eat well~

The Good Race...

As you might have noticed, I haven't been keeping to my regular weekly blog posts - sorry! You see, I've been training for a half-marathon race that's taking place this Saturday in Sun Valley, Idaho and therefore, I've been a bit focused on my daily training regime in preparation for this exciting challenge!

The past two years were so grueling on my body due to numerous gluten poisonings and I lost a lot of my athletic ability and strength, which was not sitting well with me at all. Once and athlete, always an athlete in your heart and soul...so in February, continuing with the commitment of 2010 that I made to myself to be my own best advocate, to inspire myself to greater fitness and safe, healthy eating, signing up for this race and committing to a training program felt like my calling.
So I did just that - signed up, just for me.

As my weekly miles have increased, I've paid close attention to my growing hunger pangs and what I have been fueling my body with. I've noticed that my metabolism has sped up, which hasn't happened in years and after loosing so much muscle last year, I've been determined to eat more protein, try more gluten-free grains (like more Quinoa -yum!), cut back on sugar even more and limit my alcohol intake, which is never that much to start. As my body has been adjusting to the demands I've been placing on it, I wasn't sure how this would go - I mean, would I be strong enough to run 13 miles? So adding more healthy, gluten-free calories and good fats has been a priority and a fun challenge to keep feeding myself tasty, different foods that are loaded with nutrition. Kale is also still a favorite and a super-green!

I came across an interesting article today via my Active.com e-blasts that arrive each morning, re-inspiring me to run faster, father, and keep up the good fight for fitness! The article, Eat Like a Pro with a Low Gluten Diet, is out of Canyon Ranch, and written by nutritionist, Hana A. Feeney, MS, RD, CSSD. It is a rather inclusive article and even discusses Celiac Disease and gives healthy menu tips. She speaks about the 2009 Le Tour de France team and how they limited gluten in their race diet due to gluten being an inflammatory food in the racers' diet. "Removing gluten helped to promote optimal recovery from grueling climbs and muscle-burning time trials. Included on the list of inflammatory foods were items containing gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye."

After reading this article I was reminded once again, that eating the Celiac, non-gluten diet truly has so many nutritional benefits to a healthier overall body. It offers less food-related complications that can arise from eating foods that tend to inflame the gut, are over processed and can misguide a body.

In preparation for Saturday's big race, I've been eating a lot of Quinoa and really loving it - however, our meal of choice for the pre-race night will probably consist of some kind of delicious gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken and lots of fresh veggies...with cheese, of course!

I'm so looking forward to this great challenge and as I cross the finish line and am proudly presented with my race metal (yes, we all get one!) I will be thinking about all the other Celiacs in the world who are perhaps struggling to find a diagnosis, or just learning about the disease and feel overwhelmed. The truth is, living as a Celiac can be a huge challenge but it also comes with many little/big joys and triumphs.

Saturday's race will be one of those little/big triumphs for me and my body.

We are so looking forward to the challenge!

Be well and take care of your body ~

Gluten-free Seattle ~

I had not been to Seattle in almost two years to visit with my dear Aunt who lives there. Time flies - so when she asked me to fly up for a weekend to spend time together and talk a little PR business, I jumped for joy and on a plane headed north. Though I've never lived in Seattle (at least not yet!) I have spent many wonderful weekends there during the past 10 years with my Aunt, as she was transitioning her life to that new location...so I've been blessed to share in her interesting and creative journey that for now, ends in the Emerald City.

I'm an ocean person, no question. I grew up in San Francisco and the Bay Area where I have spent most all of my life and I can honestly say that there's a true energy, calling, power, (insert your adjective here) that I connect with when it comes to being near an ocean. Therefore, Seattle calls to me in that moisture-filled, close to the water, artistic-creative, gluten-free kind of way that it, in it's entirety, offers to me. Did I mention the lush green foliage everywhere, as well? Sigh.....

When I'm in Seattle it's fun to observe how Celiac/gluten-free-friendly the city or area is, in general. They have always been a step ahead the Bay Area, no doubt when it comes to gluten-free knowledge and restaurant preparation...and far ahead most other cities and towns on the west coast, so it's exciting and interesting to eat out in Seattle. This last trip certainly lived up to that last statement...oh, and the views from almost any vantage point aren't bad, either!


When I'm with my Aunt the days fly by and we are always viewing beautiful art, sharing amazing conversation, sipping aromatic teas, and eating delicious food...it's what we do when we are together. Isn't that nice. So after she picked me at the new(ish) Light Rail station at Mt. Baker, it was off to brunch at Hi-Spot Cafe in at quaint and cozy little spot in her Madrona neighborhood that offers amazing...coffee...and a plate of gluten-free huevos rancheros that make your mouth water - delicious!


The next stop was dangerous...I mean it. Have you ever been to a Glassybaby shop? Enter one of their shops or web site at your own risk because I'm telling you, once you've seen these "babys" in person, watched the glass blowers in action behind the glassed garage doors and squinted your eyes in the direction of 20 illuminated Glassybaby's, all in varying shades of beauty, you are done for...just like I was. I'll take three please! And the names...they are pretty magical and well...go visit and see for yourself. They are wonderful and the story behind the warm glow is really special. So if you crave the glow of candles as I do, this is the place for you.

We also had to make our usual museum stop...so if you're a modern art fan, don't miss the Bellevue Arts Museum. There are some really amazing exhibits being shown right now...and I love their gift shop. Really great gifts and collectibles that won't break the bank. Very well done.

My taste bud's favorite part of my first day in Seattle was the much-anticipated dinner reservation at Tilth. I had heard about this restaurant for two years and was so excited to experience what it was all about...owned by Maria Hines, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef of the Northwest, as well as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs of 2005.

Tilth's angle is featuring New American cuisine prepared with certified-organic or wild ingredients sourced from as many local farmers as they are able to support. Pretty great philosophy, right? Yeah, so ordering gluten-free wasn't really an issue at Tilth...wink. They rock.

Let's start with my aperitif...Dark & Stormy Goslings Rum, Fresh Lime Ginger Ale. They are like mixologists...quite the cocktail menu.

Starter plate - French Breakfast Radish Salad mache, hazelnut, red wine vinaigrette

Chilled Local Asparagus truffle dressing, chive blossom, asparagus peeling

Pan Seared Wild Alaskan Halibut artichoke barigoule, preserve lemon, fregola
Carrot Carnaroli Risotto thumbelina carrot, parmesan, stinging nettle

Seared Broccoli extra virgin olive oil, garlic, chili flake

Avocado Mousse candied ginger, cilantro syrup, lime...Amazing!

So, it's all gluten-free - hungry yet? It's a must-visit restaurant the next time you are in Seattle, or better yet, plan a weekend to Seattle just to eat at Tilth.

You would think that being hungry the next day wouldn't have been possible after a meal like that right? Think again...it was time to get back to my Basque roots so we headed to Harvest Vine Basque Restaurant. I really like this restaurant and it was the first Sunday they started serving brunch, so lucky us.

Tortilla Espanola is my favorite food - seriously. When I'm in the Basque Country I basically exist on this one food item! Harvest Vine's version was very authentic and delicious.

Okay, we non-wheat eaters can't have these little buns, but I just had to show them to you...not fair not fair!

Last stop that Celiacs and gluten-free eaters will not want to miss is a vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free bakery I've written about a while ago, the Flying Apron. They have a new cookbook now that I noticed on display in the bakery, but really my eyes were immediately drawn to the beautifully-prepared and numerous gluten-free baked goods. It's always a little overwhelming as a Celiac, to have that many choices for dessert, considering that it's such a treat and doesn't happen that often. So I stood at the counter for what seemed like an eternity to the bakery's employee I'm sure, as I debated just what to choose!

But we can eat this! Yummy PBJ cupcake...don't let the interesting name fool you.

Eating in Seattle for Celiacs is really gratifying and reassuring. You can enjoy so many different foods, prepared by many different chefs and be safe and healthy.

If you have a favorite Seattle eatery that you want to share, please send it over. I would love to collect the names of more great restaurants to share and learn about.

Eat well ~

Cook for Mom ~ Asparagus

As Mother's Day approaches (It's Sunday - don't forget), I wanted to share a couple of delicious and healthy recipes that can be easily whipped up this weekend and served for brunch, lunch or dinner. Both dishes are full of fresh asparagus, the veggie of choice this week, and ingredients that are all gluten-free, of course and would please even Mom.

This Mother's Day, I'll be running in a 10K race sponsored by Mom's on the Run, that benefits Breast Cancer awareness. I've also convinced my own mom and dad to participate in the 5K walk-n-talk event - it's all about getting out there and staying fit and active, no matter your age. It will be a fun way to celebrate the gift of health and exercise with my parents and a sweet way to honor our mom, who is so special.

I've been thinking a lot this week about how fortunate and blessed my brother and I are to still have our parents in our lives and to have parents who are so young-acting, looking and so vibrant. I can only hope for their energy when I'm in my 60's! It's also a great time to stop and reflect on the sacrifices that mothers make, day in and out, for all the important people and children in their lives. I've been taking into consideration lately, just how much our beautiful mother did sacrifice or "give up" in the name of love for her husband and children...and it's a lot. I am sure she would respond with some words or thoughts similar to, "but the gift of having you all in my life makes everything worth it"...and she would sincerely and selflessly mean it. I'm also learning the value of the many lessons that mothers in days past and even now, I'm sure, were not able to know or recognize in themselves; The value of making choices for yourself and choosing a life that is the best life for you. This is a lesson not passed down or on to many young women. So as I mature and continue to grow in the direction of my authentic self, I am bundling up the valuable gifts and information and lessons I see, feel and have found along the way, and therefore want to say thank you...to my amazing mother, to her mother and my dad's mother and to all of the exceptional women in my life before me, who have set such powerful examples for me to appreciate. And appreciate, I do.

With this baby-stepping into my new found present awareness, I decided a few months back to begin training for a half-marathon in June, purposely choosing a race in one of the most beautiful and spiritual locations...at least for me, Sun Valley, ID. The training is going well, as well as intense, but I am so loving this commitment I've made to "self" and to my body. Last year was so rough, filled with gluten poisoning and illness. I set new intentions in 2010 for renewed health and so this race is simply part of that intention and commitment...to me.

In addition to having sore legs every day, my appetite has spiked and I'm craving really healthy, fresh foods that serve a purpose. Sugar doesn't mean much to me, though Kettle chips do! We'll save those for after the race. Well tonight, maybe just a few!

Creating wonderful food is truly a gift that's intended to be shared with others - so on Sunday, Mother's Day, I really look forward to cooking for my mom and letting her know how much I love her through the little things that I can share with her, through heart and stomach. Food is one of those things. I also have my grandmother to thank. You see...the woman could flat out cook ...and BAKE! She was truly gifted and looking back, I so wish she could have created the right opportunity for her own catering business or restaurant. Instead, she whipped up outstanding holiday meals in her tiny kitchen for her entire family each year, creating a dessert table that was fit for the Four Seasons' finest of restaurants. Alice Waters would have even been proud. I draw on my Nani's creative juices when I'm in the kitchen and if there's such a thing as a genetic "cooking gene"...then I can thank her on Mother's Day for that blessing, as well.

We celebrate mother's all over the world and in our country this weekend - but truly, the gifts that our mothers have been bestowed upon each and every one of us are alive each and every day within us. I look forward to the day when I'm a mother and can finally experience what that perspective is like; to look at my child and know that I will have such a profound influence upon his or her life, causing me to feel the true weight of being responsible for what I share and teach that little person.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and many blessings ~


Pasta with Asparagus and Toasted Walnuts:
PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOASTED WALNUTS
Serves 4

- 1 Bag of Tinkyada brown rice elbows

- 1 Bunch of fresh asparagus

- 10 Medium size fresh shrimp with tails

- 2 Small fresh onions

- 1 Meyer lemon

- 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped dill

- 3-4 Tbsp. Semi-chopped walnuts

- Sea salt to taste

- Extra-virgin olive oil

Start cooking the pasta, which usually takes about 12-13 minutes. Clean the asparagus and cut off the woody parts of the stalks before cutting them into pieces. If you want to speed up the cooking, you can chop them now instead of later, then chop the onions finely and start sauteing the asparagus gently in a skillet with the olive oil. After 5 minutes, add the marinated shrimp, add salt and cook until the asparagus is soft but still got a bite to them and the shrimp have turned pink and are cooked through.

After you finish sauteing the veggies, remove and place them in the serving bowl you will use, then toast the walnuts in the same hot skillet until they are warm. As soon as the pasta is ready, mix it with the asparagus and shrimp, and sprinkle the walnuts over before serving. Then top off with your favorite graded parmigiana cheese.

**The shrimp marinate is easy - in a small bowl mix 2 tbsp of olive oil, squeezed lemon juice, dab of mayonnaise, chopped dill and salt/pepper to taste. Whisk together and brush over both sides of the shrimp. Allow to marinate in fridge for one hour before cooking.


Continuing with Asparagus and its bone-building vitamin K, immune-boosting vitamin C, and heart-healthy folic acid...this pizza is fantastic and great for those of us searching for some healthy carbs to support our long runs, or anyone wanting a meal that's good for you and tastes as pretty as the picture.


PIZZA WITH ASPARAGUS
Serves 4

- 1 Nature's Hilights brown rice pizza crust

- 1/3 Cup part-skim ricotta cheese

- 1/4 Cub prepared pesto

- 8 Asparagus spears (bottom ends snapped off and discarded) Cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths

- 1 Tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

- Salt and ground black pepper to taste

- 3 Slices Canadian bacon/ham, cut into thin strips

- 2/3 cup (or about 2 oz) grated fontina cheese

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat over to 450 degrees F
After thawing out your pizza crust for 30 minutes, brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes or until it becomes lightly crisp. Then pull out of oven allow to cool while preparing toppings.

Mix ricotta and pesto and dollop evenly onto the crust. Toss asparagus with oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper. Evenly distribute asparagus spears, along with Canadian ham, over the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green. Remove from oven; divide the fontina equally over the pizza. Return pizza to the oven and continue to bake until crust is crisp and cheese has melted, about 5-10 minutes longer. Cut the pizza into quarters, serving each person with two slices.

Delish!!

May is National Celiac Awarness Month ~

So, tomorrow is already the month of May - wow, which is National Celiac Awareness Month, in case you didn't know...which means there will be a lot of news throughout the month of May, helping keep the ball rolling on awareness, new products, and research, etc.

I've put together a list of news items and information that I found useful and interesting and hope you do, as well. I'm very open to gathering new information from my readers and would love to hear from you with your suggestions, thoughts and updates that we can share on this blog...it's all about community and teaching one another!

In honor of National Celiac Month, I came across this story on Celiac.com celebrates the month and explores the history of Celiac Disease. Some interesting information that I had not read before, tracing all the way back to Europe in the 19th century.

The Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) is celebrating their 20th Anniversary Conference & Food Faire-CA in LA this month on Saturday, May 15th. I've always wanted to attend this conference and hoping to make it next year. This year, Peter H.R. Green, MD Director, Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University is one of the keynote speakers and I sure will be a wealth of information and knowledge.

On another foodie note, famed chef and entrepreneur Jaime Oliver's show, "Food Revolution" on ABC TV is a real hit. Have any of you watched this on Friday nights? It's great and whether you enjoy Jaime's never-ending zest for life or not, the message he's sending is solid, so important and not that different from us Celiac advocates and our mission. It's all about educating the public on how to eat healthily and with some sense and most importantly, how to educate children in an effort to battle the rapid growth of childhood obesity and diabetes that's taking over this Nation. Tune in and click here to support Jaime's efforts. You can also click on the badge posted on my blog and help support the Food Revolution!

If you live in Reno, the Great Harvest Bread Company is now offering more gluten-free baked items on Mondays. They do four kinds of bread: sandwich bread, sandwich bread from brown rice flour and tapioca flour, cinnamon raisin bread, pumpkin spice bread and pumpkin spice with chocolate chips...yum. They are located in the Plum Gate Shopping Center at: 530 W. Plumb Lane in Reno. They suggest that you call ahead to reserve your loaf @ 775-323-7733. I know where I'll be on Mondays from now on!


Speaking of Sweet Treats...Just a friendly reminder that Tia's Sweet Treats Gluten-free, organic Macaroons is accepting custom orders any time and are also sold full-time at the Hub Coffee Co. on Cheney St. We are currently working on a new summer flavor as well as some other delicious treats that will expand our menu! We hope to hear from you and please pick up a copy of the Edible Reno-Tahoe Magazine Summer 2010 issue on stands June 7th - Tia's Sweet Treats are being featured with an article and photos!

And finally...something fun that hit the blog/cyber world earlier today in preparation for this weekend's Reno Rock-n-River Half Marathon. The RSCVA put together a fun listing of favorite places that local runners will be carbo-loading before they hit the trail...and not to be left out, they came to me for some gluten-free carb locations that are sure to satisfy the Celiac marathoner, as well...and keep that tummy happy...though I can't promise anything after running that many miles!

Get out there and enjoy the month of May, spread the word about Celiac awareness and eat macaroons...Tia's, that is. :)

Safe Places to Eat in Reno ~

Whenever I find another safe and enjoyable restaurant I tend to write about it on this blog - I always feel so grateful to discover new or old favorites that have updated their menu to include delicious gluten-free items and mostly to meet staff members who "have a clue" about what it truly means to eat safely in a restaurant. I can see all of your heads nodding in agreement...am I right?

In the past month I've had the pleasure of rediscovering a few lovely restaurants in Reno who are very hip now to gluten-free dining...and what a joy eating at all locations truly was.

The first stop was, 4th Street Bistro, owned by Chef Natalie Sellers and partner, General Manager Carol Wilson (who recently went gluten-free), and have been in operation since June of 2000. They serve contemporary cuisine and feature fresh, sustainable and local organically grown food on their menu. In addition, the restaurant is quaint and comfortable with a hint of European decor and a nice view of the Truckee River.

The brunch that we recently enjoyed at 4th Street Bistro was really delicious and when I looked over the menu to find nearly ten items marked gluten-free (GF) I almost started crying...not kidding...because this is such a rarity and honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed for a few minutes! After speaking extensively with Carol, the co-owner who now eats sans gluten, I was really delighted to see the effort that she has put towards bringing a complete dining experience to those who don't eat wheat.

Upon noticing that they offered a fresh basket of gluten-free breads I looked up in awe at the server asking, "can this be true...are you sure, really?"....It was true and the goodies you see blow are proof. The sweet rolls, fresh banana bread and scones were so yummy that my dad ordered a second basket for me to take home! How sweet. When the appetizer arrived, I was handed my own side plate of rice crackers in three different varieties, Glutino, Blue Diamond and Mary's Gone Crackers. Delightful.


Being totally perplexed as to what I would order, since I was now being offered legitimate choices, I went for this amazing poached egg dish served over a bed of wilted spinach with a pork-potato con-fit...Heaven. Then I easily convinced my father to order the Tortilla Espanola (a family favorite) so that we could share!


Sneaky, huh? As I've always noted on this blog, my family and friends are amazingly supportive of my diet and lifestyle...so much so that most everyone I know and love now eats rice crackers and many other gluten-free food items! The true power of positive influence.

Love it.

The brunch was delicious and everyone raved about their meal, the freshness, taste and quality. I am pretty sure that I was the happiest person in the entire restaurant and can't wait to go back!

My mom's birthday was this month and we decided to take her to La Famiglia Ristorante for some delicious Italian food and wanted to check out their beautiful new downtown location, as well. I hadn't eaten there in a few years, not for any other reason that the downturn in the economy and the fact that I've been cooking so much more at my home, so it was at treat to go back and discover that in a few years La Famiglia and its staff have embraced serving more gluten-free items safely and deliciously.

To start, I ordered their Insalata di Frutta - a delightful bed of greens, fresh pear, Gorgonzola and candied walnuts with a balsamic drizzle of dressing. Very tasty.


My entree choice was fresh halibut prepared with a lemon butter glaze, pine nuts and olives, and substituted the pasta with some fresh polenta and vegetables. I spoke with the waiter extensively about this meal and he was very confident about how they would prepare it for me separately, in a new pan, and served with fresh polenta that was certain to not contain any gluten. I have to admit that I was a little nervous, but I asked as many questions as possible and was very assertive with exactly HOW my meal needed to be prepared. Trusting my intuition and the fact that our server did seem very versed with gluten-free, I chose to trust and enjoy.


Not wanting to miss out on the birthday celebration at the end of our meal, I was able to eat their flan-like-custard dessert. It was very good and served with fresh whipped cream.


Overall, the meal experience was very good and the new location inside an industrial-type beautiful brick building, just across from the Pioneer Theater was very nice and I'll definitely go back again. Buon appetito!

My last recommendation is Cafe de Thai, located in south Reno. I've written about them before but have been back several times lately and I can honestly say this...I'm in love with their gluten-free Pad Thai and fresh Spring Rolls! Could eat 'em every day.

They also offer gluten-free dipping sauces that are wonderful and some of the best and most fun drink concoctions in town. You will NOT be disappointed.

This weekend, give one of these lovely restaurants and try and tell them that Gluten Free Bowl of Soul sent you.

Enjoy safe food~

4th Street Bistro
www.4thstbistro.com
3065 West 4th Street
Reno, NV 89523-8808
(775) 323-3200

La Famiglia Ristorante
180 East 1st Street
Reno, NV 89501-1602
(775) 324-1414

Cafe De Thai
www.cafedethaireno.com
7499 Longley Lane
Reno, NV 89511-1208
(775) 829-8424

Good Stuff to Know and Eat ~

Happy Friday everyone!

I am beat after a very busy and productive week, but wanted to share a few interesting tid-bits that I found in several magazines and on-line news outlets that I subscribe to. I love magazines, books and reading. Some of my favorite subscriptions are to: the legendary, Sunset Magazine, along with Living Without and Travel and Leisure, to name a few.

March's issue of Sunset Magazine (which hopefully you own or can view on line) had a fun photo layout under "The West at its Best - Hot Plants," that featured some new greens, yummy beans and a photo of some gluten-free crops. Yeah Sunset! The accompanying brief read: "Protein-rich, gluten-free seeds like quinoa, millet, and amaranth are finally sexy, thanks to rising wheat intolerance. How easy it is: Quinoa is a snap (it's drought-tolerant and maintenance-free), but harvest is laborious. Start in early spring (maturity takes 90-130 days), then prepare to thresh and winnow."...so in case you want to grow your own, there you go!

Instead of growing my own crop of quinoa, I prefer to purchase it at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's - there are several good brands and gluten-free choices at both locations.

The new spring issue of Living Without is on newsstands now. It's got a darling cover that makes us all want to bake more and a particularly interesting article about food labeling titled, "A Closer Look at Labeling"...something that should be of great importance and interest to every Celiac. As the gluten-free industry continues to explode, this serious and sometimes controversial topic will be getting more and more press and hopefully, FDA attention.

And finally, this story popped up in my Google Alerts and I thought it was worth sharing. It's titled, "Gluten Sensitivity Beyond the Gut," and deals with mounting evidence now linking gluten sensitivity with problems in the nervous system (neurological disorders)— even in people without intestinal symptoms.

As a Celiac, I find that it's so important to educate myself and try to stay on top of all the information and studies that are out there now. It's truly amazing to see the sheer volume of news that's now dedicated to this disease and to living gluten-free...with abundance, of course!

Have a great weekend - Stay tuned next week for a yummy restaurant review!

TGIF~