A Gluten-Free Farewell To Summer - Pinkberry Style

Pinkberry "Yogurt", originally uploaded by A Gluten Free Guide.

Before you say farewell to Summer, eat some tasty cool (gluten-free) treats that will help you survive the last of the season's heat.

When the over-hyped Pinkberry first arrived in New York I was skeptical. What could possibly warrant lines extending down a city block, prices that make Starbucks seem cheap, and an addiction affectionately called “crackberry” or “frozen heroin juice”?

Well, because the owners won’t reveal their ingredients and didn’t respond to initial requests for allergen information, I didn’t think that I would ever get to sample the Pinkberry wares. However, their site has been recently updated to include it’s gluten-free status. So in the name of gluten-free research, I braved the line, forked over the cash and ordered my own "frozen heroin juice" at their SoHo location (conveniently located around the corner from my hairdresser).

I must say, this tangy-tart treat with just a hint of sweetness is the perfect refreshment on a warm summer afternoon or evening. While many of the toppings are not gluten-free, they keep their assortment of fresh-fruit and berries in a separate section, making cross-contamination less likely. I haven’t tried the green-tea flavored treat yet but will definitely sample it before the first chill hits Manhattan. The distinctly yogurt flavor of the "chilly bliss" may turn off some diners seeking more of a soft-serve ice cream experience. But if any of you are fans of greek yogurt like me, you will be in frozen “yogurt” heaven.

I’m definitely not the first blogger to cover Pinkberry – Angelenos were up in arms over the “yogurt” status of Pinkberry, celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst and Jake Gyllenhall have both been spotted with Pinkberry cups in hand, and the LA Times has featured numerous stories about the dessert. If you've tried it, what do you think?

Don't worry if Pinkberry is not your thing, still to come are other soft-serve options for beating the heat gluten-free.

Chaya Venice - A cross-country gluten-free dining adventure

After meeting my friend Kris in London last year, he has accompanied me on many gluten-free dining excursions across the U.S. – Risotteria and a cookie party in NY, MF Sushi in Atlanta, and El Cholo in Santa Monica. His first attempt at picking a restaurant without my input led to an incredible gluten-free dinner at Chaya Venice. As embarrassing as it was for this native SoCal girl to be shown around California by a European, all pride was forgotten when the food arrived.

We both ordered the scallops wrapped in sirloin strips served with a grain mustard sauce. The sauce is usually thickened with a touch of flour so to ensure that there was no mix-up the server had the chef prepare both dishes without the gluten-based thickener. Kris was kind enough to oblige – he has said on more than one occasion “you don’t even miss the gluten” (with a note of surprise in his voice).

To finish, I opted for a simple cheese plate that included manchego, St. Andre, queso blanco (a fresh Mexican cheese), and fresh fruit. Much to Kris’s chagrin I didn’t let the server bring the bread that normally accompanies the dessert. But after going to my cheese course at Artisanal, and learning that bread is merely viewed as a palate cleanser, I didn’t feel obligated to include it and risk contamination.

Chaya’s décor is chic yet comfortable. I didn’t feel any of the “too cool” attitude I sometimes experience in LA. A remarkable meal is one that you remember long afterwards. I have no doubt that I will continue to mark this dinner among those most memorable.

Chaya Venice: Address: 110 Navy St Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 396-1179

El Cholo - Gluten-Free Mexican Food in Santa Monica

To continue the theme of dining outdoors, I want to share with you a recent dinner I had during a trip to Santa Monica. I find when I go to restaurants that don’t have established gluten-free menus that I usually experience one of two extremes. I show my handy Triumph dining card to the waiter and/or manager when I arrive. On one hand there are the waiters that push the card aside and say, oh our chef is familiar with “gluten-free.” I try to get them to look at the card anyway (after all, it was like learning a second language for me, so I’m not entirely trusting that they fully understand). When they return asking me if potatoes or rice are “safe” I eagerly hand them the card again. The other extreme comes from the restaurants that approach the allergy card with the trembling fear. While I appreciate the concern, the offer of plain lettuce as the only “safe” menu item is not terribly appetizing either.

El Cholo, a fun Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica, initially took the latter approach, offering me a simple salad and no main course. However, after a second conversation with the manager, we were able to put together a tasty if not flavor-packed dinner.

I was told to avoid the chips, salsa and guacamole the rest of our group enjoyed, but I definitely didn’t leave hungry. I ordered the shrimp fajitas served with mixed vegetables and beans.

I saw mushrooms and corn on the menu in various main dishes, so I asked if it would be possible to get a side of each. They brought them together as one side. I can’t say that the flavors were incredibly harmonious but I appreciated the effort.

I also asked for a side of guacamole. They weren’t comfortable with all of the guacamole ingredients and instead brought fresh sliced avocado – which to me was even better.

I did enjoy my dinner, and I have full confidence that with a couple more visits from patrons like me they will be able to offer even more gluten-free options. And even if the food doesn’t strike your fancy, the outdoor dining in Santa Monica can’t be beat.

El Cholo Address: 1025 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone: (310) 899-1106

Magic Fingers Gluten Free Sushi Bar

Atlanta is a landlocked city, yet counter intuitive as it may seem, they offer some of the best sushi I have ever had. Magic Fingers or MF Sushi in Midtown provides an elegant environment and exquisite fare.

Now for those of you thinking “eww, raw fish?” Three years ago I was of the same mindset. At the time I didn’t even eat cooked fish, why would I pay MORE for raw fish? Luckily my good friend Gareth claimed that he didn’t like cooked fish either but assured me that he had enjoyed amazing sushi from “the sushi nazi” in LA. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant in a strip mall serves some of the best sushi in LA. Chef Nozawa is called the Sushi Nazi because a la the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, he will kick out customers that talk on cell phones and doesn’t accept any payment but cash. We sat down for lunch, never saw a menu, but various sashimi and sushi dishes were brought to our table. (This continues until you say stop and then they give you a check.)

How could a girl that didn’t like the fishy taste of a California roll make that leap of faith to eat big slabs of raw fish? I’m still not really sure where I got the courage. But thank goodness I did! The buttery, steak like taste of yellowtail and smooth rich flavor of salmon sashimi were unlike any of the rolls I had previously experienced. I discovered that the actual fish was delicious – it’s the seaweed used in rolls that I didn’t like. Since then I have developed a discriminating sushi palette. A perfect piece of hamachi or toro is an unparalleled luxury. If you can muster the courage, go to a good sushi restaurant (I still find most cheap sushi and rolls less than appetizing) and order a couple pieces of yellowtail (hamachi), salmon (sake) and tuna (maguro) sashimi, mix a bit of wasabi with your gf soy sauce and give the combination a try. You may be glad you did.

Once I was diagnosed with Celiac, sushi restaurants became a haven for my gluten free dining. It’s so much easier to ask someone if they want to go for sushi than look for other gluten free friendly dining establishments. I can just grab my bottle or packets of gluten free soy sauce and head to the restaurant.

For appetizers – the steamed or boiled edamame sprinkled with salt is always a winner.

While I know that some Celiacs have had success with more fancy rolls and sushi offerings, I keep it simple with a plate of sashimi.

Unfortunately eating sushi gluten free is not completely care-free and there are still things you need to be wary of in order to eat safely. Ask for your fish to be cut with clean utensils on a clean surface. The rising popularity of tempura rolls has increased the chances for cross-contamination here. Tell your server no crab unless they can assure you it’s real, most fake crab meat used in sushi rolls is made with wheat. Most roe (fish eggs) used to top sushi has wheat as an ingredient. Also, ask for no sauce, albacore sashimi usually comes with a forbidden sauce and many white fish are sprinkled with a gluten containing culprit. Eel (unagi) comes soaked in a sweet sauce that is a definite no-no. Double-check the wasabi, ginger and rice to make sure that there are no suspect ingredients. (I usually just forgo the rice since the combination of carbs, protein and fat wrecks havoc on my blood sugars.)

I highly recommend MF Sushi in Atlanta if you want to sample fantastic sushi far from the sea.

MF Sushi 265 Ponce De Leon Ave : Unit B : Atlanta GA 30308 Telephone: 404-815-8844

Gluten Free at PF Chang's - Finally GF Chinese!

Did you know that there are a few mainstream restaurants that have gluten free menus? That doesn’t mean you can completely relax when you dine at these establishments, but it does make navigating a bit easier. During a recent trip to Los Angeles for work, my Mom drove to the West side so that we could get dinner before I took the redeye back to NYC.

My Mom and Victor were so excited to eat at PF Chang's that Victor skipped lunch in anticipation of our meal. Because Chinese food is one of the more difficult cuisines to adapt to gluten free, I am unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to eat at PF Chang's. The first time I ate there was more than a year after my diagnosis, and I was practically in tears I was so happy to be eating Chinese fare.

I find the easiest way to dine family-style with a willing group is to have everyone start with the gluten free menu. That way you don’t even see the other gluten options on the menu. We were more than pleased with our selections.

We started with the Chang’s Chicken Lettuce wraps. This is my favorite thing on the menu. Just make sure the server brings you the gluten free soy sauce and that the other sauces haven’t been contaminated by the regular soy sauce.

The Cantonese Shrimp sautéed with garlic and snow peas was great. It’s a little bit lighter than the other menu options.


The Chang’s Spicy chicken is dusted with cornstarch. It’s so rich you won’t believe that it’s gluten free.

The Singapore Street Noodles are rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and shrimp and topped with fried scallions.

The healthiest item on the menu is Bamboo’s Feast – a dish of steamed assorted vegetables. Luckily my Mom doesn’t “do” vegetables so there were plenty for me.

You have your choice of white or brown rice to accompany your meal.

They also offer a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Too bad I don’t like chocolate! I’m sure you gluten free chocolate lovers would enjoy this treat.

You must specify that you want the gluten free version of each menu item. I also always double check with the person delivering the item that it is the gluten free version. Stay vigilant when eating out, and then enjoy all of the mouth-watering choices!