I find it difficult to try "exotic" foods because I don't know what's in it and it's kind of scary. My husband works in Woodstock and has gone with co-workers to a place called The Banana Leaf a few times and has constantly talked about bring me there.
A couple of weeks ago, we headed out to Woodstock - and it was well worth the drive.
The Banana Leaf has wonderful menu that lists what can be made gluten free. I love this because then I can peruse the menu like a "normal" person without cross referencing separate menus or coming up with three options to ask the waiter "is this GF, is this GF, is this GF?".
I settled on a beef Rad Na... something I had never tried before, but was comfortable trying with the menu listed that way.
One important thing to note: the dishes listed aren't necessarily gluten free, but they can be made that way - make sure you tell your server that you want it made GF.
My dish was absolutely delicious. I have seriously considered heading back to Woodstock various times just to hit up the Banana Leaf again. If you're going to be driving past Woodstock, you should definitely stop in!
Their website: http://www.bananaleaf.ca/
The regular small print applies - I'm not associated with the Banana Leaf at any way. This is my account of eating there. Please make sure to use your judgement and talk to your server about eating gluten-free.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Another Breakfast Location: Toddle Inn Restaurant
Yesterday morning the husband and I headed out to look for some yummy breakfast. Our new "regular" spot was packed solid, so we headed downtown. I noticed the sign for the Toddle Inn Restaurant on Richmond and remembered my sister mentioning it in the past so we decided to stop in.
First, it's one of those cute little breakfast places that you know is going to have great food. I was craving the basic eggs/bacon/hashbrowns breakfast and quickly asked the waitress "would there be any wheat or bread crumbs in the hashbrowns?". She replied back with "No... and we have cornbread". At first I was thinking 'okay.... that's nice....' then I realized.... "Do you mean, gluten free corn bread?" and she said "Yup!".
AWESOME!
The plate of food came out and the hashbrowns were great. Then getting to dip toast in eggs = I was in heaven!!
Very yummy and a great spot to check out!
As usual, I have no affiliation with the Toddle Inn Restaurant, I'm just telling you about my experience. Please remember to always tell your server if you can't have something and ask about the food before ordering!!
First, it's one of those cute little breakfast places that you know is going to have great food. I was craving the basic eggs/bacon/hashbrowns breakfast and quickly asked the waitress "would there be any wheat or bread crumbs in the hashbrowns?". She replied back with "No... and we have cornbread". At first I was thinking 'okay.... that's nice....' then I realized.... "Do you mean, gluten free corn bread?" and she said "Yup!".
AWESOME!
The plate of food came out and the hashbrowns were great. Then getting to dip toast in eggs = I was in heaven!!
Very yummy and a great spot to check out!
As usual, I have no affiliation with the Toddle Inn Restaurant, I'm just telling you about my experience. Please remember to always tell your server if you can't have something and ask about the food before ordering!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A yummy and real bagel!
My breakfasts tend to get into little ruts. I've previously experienced the "two piece of rice toast" rut, the "Chex cereal" rut and am currently in the "half a cup of oatmeal with Cinnamon" rut. Don't get me wrong, I kind of love my oatmeal rut - some little part of my brain applauds me each morning as I eat the most boring, but somewhat good for me breakfast.
The other day I swung by Jubilee Kafe (on South Street, just east of Wellington). If you don't go to Jubilee, you're missing out. They've been around for at least 15 years (I would guess). They're family run, tons of them are celiac and they know how to bake. Separate blog about them at a later date.
Back to my story.... The other day I swung by Jubilee Kafe on my lunch to grab something to eat. I opened the freezer and little angels sung to me. Not really, but I felt like they should. They had Udi's! They are a company based out of Denver that I had the joy of experiencing a few years ago when I was in Denver (I should blog about Denver - greatest GF experiences of my LIFE!). They're food is amazing.
I threw the bagels in my fridge when I got home (I'm not a fan of freezing... nothing screams un-appetizing like frozen hard food in the morning) and have slowly been enjoying them over the week. These things are good. They're a decent size and fluffy and not super heavy like other GF products.
If you're craving a good bagel experience these are the ones for you!
I am not affiliated with Jubilee Kafe or Udi's. I just like them both.
The other day I swung by Jubilee Kafe (on South Street, just east of Wellington). If you don't go to Jubilee, you're missing out. They've been around for at least 15 years (I would guess). They're family run, tons of them are celiac and they know how to bake. Separate blog about them at a later date.
Back to my story.... The other day I swung by Jubilee Kafe on my lunch to grab something to eat. I opened the freezer and little angels sung to me. Not really, but I felt like they should. They had Udi's! They are a company based out of Denver that I had the joy of experiencing a few years ago when I was in Denver (I should blog about Denver - greatest GF experiences of my LIFE!). They're food is amazing.
I threw the bagels in my fridge when I got home (I'm not a fan of freezing... nothing screams un-appetizing like frozen hard food in the morning) and have slowly been enjoying them over the week. These things are good. They're a decent size and fluffy and not super heavy like other GF products.
If you're craving a good bagel experience these are the ones for you!
I am not affiliated with Jubilee Kafe or Udi's. I just like them both.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Cheap snacks - insanity!
Quick FYI: There's a new grocery store at the corner of Trafalger & Highbury called "Fresh Co." (click here for the website) that I heard had GF food at it (also, when I just went to their website, there's apparently one at Commissioners and Wellington that I have not been to).
There's a smallish section near the back corner of the store that's labelled GF (always a nice little bonus). While they didn't have anything I hadn't seen before, the had the large bag of Glutino pretzals for $5.99!! Those things range from $8-$10 in other stores! Excitement!
I have no affilliation with Fresh Co. The price was the price I paid when I was there, I can make no guarentees about what your experience will be like!
There's a smallish section near the back corner of the store that's labelled GF (always a nice little bonus). While they didn't have anything I hadn't seen before, the had the large bag of Glutino pretzals for $5.99!! Those things range from $8-$10 in other stores! Excitement!
I have no affilliation with Fresh Co. The price was the price I paid when I was there, I can make no guarentees about what your experience will be like!
A breakfast place - finally!
Doesn't it seem like everyone has a breakfast place they go to? You know, the spot that when they wake up on Saturday or Sunday, have nothing to do and don't feel like eating cereal that they head to.
I do not have one of these places.
Unless you included McDonald's (sausage and egg McMuffin meal, without the McMuffin).
On Saturday morning, my husband and I woke up and headed out for a run (don't worry, we're not runners - we are not those type of people). Afterwards I was craving bacon and eggs and some really delicious home fries. At the suggestion of my husband, we headed to The Riverdale (on Springbank between Wharncliffe & Wonderland).
When we arrived we grabbed a both and started looking over the menu. I saw some food come out for other people and said "Those home fries do not look gluten free" and I was feeling slightly depressed as I really wanted some damn home fries! The waitress arrived and I explained that I couldn't have any wheat or flour and were the home fries okay. She went off to check (always nicer than having them guess at the answer) and I could listen in as she asked different people.
The first person she asked said "I'm not sure. I know the fries are gluten free but I don't know about the home fries". This made me feel rather happy as I hadn't actually said "gluten free" and made me feel much more 'safe'. Long story short, they were gluten free! And they were delicious!
Had had bacon and eggs and home fries - mmmmm. And I think they may have given me a couple extra strips of bacon since I wasn't getting toast - extra bonus!
I think I found my breakfast place!!
I have NO affilliation with The Riverdale restaurant. I can make no promises about their food being gluten free when you're there, this is just my experience. Please remember to always let your wait staff know that you're GF and check the food yourself!!!
I do not have one of these places.
Unless you included McDonald's (sausage and egg McMuffin meal, without the McMuffin).
On Saturday morning, my husband and I woke up and headed out for a run (don't worry, we're not runners - we are not those type of people). Afterwards I was craving bacon and eggs and some really delicious home fries. At the suggestion of my husband, we headed to The Riverdale (on Springbank between Wharncliffe & Wonderland).
When we arrived we grabbed a both and started looking over the menu. I saw some food come out for other people and said "Those home fries do not look gluten free" and I was feeling slightly depressed as I really wanted some damn home fries! The waitress arrived and I explained that I couldn't have any wheat or flour and were the home fries okay. She went off to check (always nicer than having them guess at the answer) and I could listen in as she asked different people.
The first person she asked said "I'm not sure. I know the fries are gluten free but I don't know about the home fries". This made me feel rather happy as I hadn't actually said "gluten free" and made me feel much more 'safe'. Long story short, they were gluten free! And they were delicious!
Had had bacon and eggs and home fries - mmmmm. And I think they may have given me a couple extra strips of bacon since I wasn't getting toast - extra bonus!
I think I found my breakfast place!!
I have NO affilliation with The Riverdale restaurant. I can make no promises about their food being gluten free when you're there, this is just my experience. Please remember to always let your wait staff know that you're GF and check the food yourself!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Under the Volcano
I went to one of the best gluten free friendly restaurants in London tonight, Under the Volcano. I've eaten at it many times and have always had a wonderful experience.
We arrived and were seated in the very Mexican themed restaurant. As soon as I sat down I noticed that they had a little ad up about their gluten-free chocolate cake! A dessert that's not ice cream or fruit - how amazing!
The greatest thing about Under the Volcano and makes it super easy to eat gluten free at it, is that they list everything right on the regular menu that's gluten free. They also list vegetarian and vegan, which is helpful to anyone looking for that as well. The other thing that's great there is that all their wait staff seem to be well informed and understanding of eating gluten free, as they've been doing it for so long (I've been eating there for over 5 years, so well before the "fad").
While we were figuring out what to order, our fabulous waiter brought us nacho chips and salsa. Important: Their regular chips are NOT gluten free. But as soon as you tell them you are eating gluten free, they'll bring out a bowl of GF ones for you to eat.
I had been craving cheese soup for weeks so I decided to order a cup of cheese soup, then a quesadilla with sour cream, tomato and taco beef. Another bonus is that you can order a second order for $3.50 (or something like that), which I always do and use for lunch the next day! The standard side is rice (good) and beans (I hate beans), but the waiter suggested using my cheese soup as my side, which was great as I never really eat the rice and beans anyways.
While we waited for our food we snacked, and snacked, and snacked on our nacho chips. I accidentally snacked to the point that I wasn't really hungry when my food came! Oops! It wasn't like it took long for the food to come or anything, I just started eating reallly fast because I was so hungry! Anyways, I ate my delicious soup, which was as delicious as I was hoping, then I ate one of my six quesadillas! But it was so yummy!
Next time I'm planning to just get a large soup and chocolate cake, since I was way to full for the cake today! Wonderful as usual and I highly recommend!
Their website: http://iloveunderthevolcano.onpage1hosting.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UnderTheVolcanoCanada
I have no affiliation with Under the Volcano. I'm just a person with celiac disease who loves to eat and loves to eat a Under the Volcano! I make no promises of anything and I strongly encourage you to be safe when eating gluten free and always tell your wait staff!!
We arrived and were seated in the very Mexican themed restaurant. As soon as I sat down I noticed that they had a little ad up about their gluten-free chocolate cake! A dessert that's not ice cream or fruit - how amazing!
The greatest thing about Under the Volcano and makes it super easy to eat gluten free at it, is that they list everything right on the regular menu that's gluten free. They also list vegetarian and vegan, which is helpful to anyone looking for that as well. The other thing that's great there is that all their wait staff seem to be well informed and understanding of eating gluten free, as they've been doing it for so long (I've been eating there for over 5 years, so well before the "fad").
While we were figuring out what to order, our fabulous waiter brought us nacho chips and salsa. Important: Their regular chips are NOT gluten free. But as soon as you tell them you are eating gluten free, they'll bring out a bowl of GF ones for you to eat.
I had been craving cheese soup for weeks so I decided to order a cup of cheese soup, then a quesadilla with sour cream, tomato and taco beef. Another bonus is that you can order a second order for $3.50 (or something like that), which I always do and use for lunch the next day! The standard side is rice (good) and beans (I hate beans), but the waiter suggested using my cheese soup as my side, which was great as I never really eat the rice and beans anyways.
While we waited for our food we snacked, and snacked, and snacked on our nacho chips. I accidentally snacked to the point that I wasn't really hungry when my food came! Oops! It wasn't like it took long for the food to come or anything, I just started eating reallly fast because I was so hungry! Anyways, I ate my delicious soup, which was as delicious as I was hoping, then I ate one of my six quesadillas! But it was so yummy!
Next time I'm planning to just get a large soup and chocolate cake, since I was way to full for the cake today! Wonderful as usual and I highly recommend!
Their website: http://iloveunderthevolcano.onpage1hosting.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UnderTheVolcanoCanada
I have no affiliation with Under the Volcano. I'm just a person with celiac disease who loves to eat and loves to eat a Under the Volcano! I make no promises of anything and I strongly encourage you to be safe when eating gluten free and always tell your wait staff!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Palasad's GF Pizza - Yum Yum
One of my very favourite places to eat GF pizza at in London is Palasad. They have a delicious thin crust (similar, if not the same to Uno's in the States) that's cooked in a wood oven. My particular favourite is the Athena pizza. I've had pizza at the South location a few times and at the North location once. In my own personal experience, I have never had any Celiac "issues" (I'm sure you catch my drift).
The only thing that would be nice would be to have a list of the GF ingredients for the pizzas so there was no guess work involved. However, when I was last there with my sister, she asked about their pepperoni which the waitress checked and found out that it did have gluten in it.
It's semi-pricey since you're paying about $11-$13 for the pizza plus an additional $2 for the GF crust, but I always enjoy the result.
The opinions expressed here are just my own and I have no affiliation with Palasad. I just like them.
The only thing that would be nice would be to have a list of the GF ingredients for the pizzas so there was no guess work involved. However, when I was last there with my sister, she asked about their pepperoni which the waitress checked and found out that it did have gluten in it.
It's semi-pricey since you're paying about $11-$13 for the pizza plus an additional $2 for the GF crust, but I always enjoy the result.
The opinions expressed here are just my own and I have no affiliation with Palasad. I just like them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)