Food Allergy Walk This Saturday

This Saturday, November 7th, 2009, there will be a walk to raise funds and awareness for Food Allergies held in Cary. The walk is sponsored by The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and NC FACES (North Carolina Food Allergic Children Excelling Safely) support group. This will be an excellent opportunity to shine the spotlight on food allergies and how they affect millions of Americans. If you have not seen my Food Allergen Restaurant Poster Petition, click here.

Walk Details
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.; Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513
Distance: 2 miles
Event Web site (visit this site to create or join a team or give
Email Contact: Christa Davidson
Restrictions: No pets, glass bottles, bikes, roller skates, or skate boards. Baby strollers and wagons are welcomed.
Target Fundraising Goal: $70,000 (currently have raised nearly $14,000)

About FAAN
FAAN is a national network offering support and education for people with food allergies. There is a ton a great information on their Web site. The group was established in 1991. FAAN’s membership now stands at close to 30,000 worldwide and includes families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff, and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. FAAN serves as the communication link between the patient and others. FAAN focuses on awareness, education, advocacy, research and many other areas (a lot of the same goals for this blog). FAAN is (and has been conducting Food Allergy Walks all over the US for years now. Click here for the Walk Web site. There was also a race in Charlotte this past September which raised more than $25,000 and had over 300 participants.

About NC FACES
NC FACES was started by local parents in 2003 who had children with food allergies. The group began by getting together for play dates and has now grown to over 200 families. They focus on providing local social and emotional support for food allergic families. The group usually has quarterly meetings and other events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween fun and games at the Durham Bulls. They are also a big reason for the local FAAN Walk. Click here for the groups Web site or click here to email for more information. You can also check out the group on Facebook.

Jules Shepard Gluten Free Thanksgiving Cooking Class @ Earth Fare

I've written numerous times about Celiac expert and Gluten Free cooking guru Jules Shepard before on Gluten Free Raleigh. Jules currently resides in Baltimore but has North Carolina ties and stops in for a visit every few months. Each time she stops in we are very lucky! I have had the pleasure of organizing 2 previous cooking classes with Jules (February & July) and she stopped by for another one in August. I have great news to report, Jules will again be back in Raleigh, this time for a timely Gluten Free Thanksgiving themed cooking demonstration. Thanksgiving can be like navigating a Gluten minefield, this class will be the perfect way to have a great GF feast.

See below for more information. I encourage you to sign up soon as space is limited and Jules' classes are in very high demand. As always, portion of the proceeds will go toward Celiac Disease research.

GF Thanksgiving With Jules Shepard
Earth Fare Raleigh
Sunday Nov. 15, 2-4:30pm

Jules Shepard returns to Earth Fare Raleigh to get us all ready for a delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving! Come experience firsthand how knowledgeable, entertaining and encouraging North Carolina native and gluten-free cooking expert Jules Shepard can be, at this in-person demonstration with the focus on Thanksgiving! Learn how simple it can be to prepare amazing gluten-free meals everyone in your family will enjoy this holiday season.

Dishes like gluten-free and dairy-free homemade casseroles, pie crusts, pumpkin pie, dinner rolls and stuffing! Sample a wide variety of goodies, ask questions and have Jules sign one of her two books at this limited-space class. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a special bonus, registrants in this Thanksgiving class will each get Jules' brand new 34 page Thanksgiving E-book full of recipes and tips for a great holiday (a $12.95 value)! See you there!

Class Fee is $40 (a portion of this registration fee will be donated to the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research)

To register, visit JulesGlutenFree.com or call (433-1390)/visit Earth Fare.

Cary, NC Bloggers Needed

Live in Cary, NC?

Live the Gluten Free Lifestyle?

Interested in helping others in your city?

If you have any questions or interest writing about Cary, NC please email me.

Restaurant Review: The Loop Pizza Grill

Just in case you didn't already know. The Loop Pizza Grill in Cary has a gluten free menu. There are risks involved, in that their grill is used for a variety of items, and although they clean it, they can't guarantee against cross contamination.

When I read the disclaimer about the grill on the top of the menu I was a little disheartened, but talking with the manager eased my mind a bit. Although they cook many items on their grill, it is mainly used for meats, and he commits to cleaning the area your meat would be cooked on before preparing it. I also gained a little confidence when he mentioned he had brought an outside expert in to educate him on the problems of cross-contamination, and the gluten free diet. He paid someone to come in to his kitchen, educate him and help him with their menu and gluten free options. To me that is pretty impressive.

Information
The Loop Pizza Grill
Web site: http://www.looppizzagrill.com/

2 Cary Locations
Kildaire Plaza Shopping Center - 1207 Kildaire Farm Road - Cary, NC
Phone: 919-657-0330

West Park Place - 2734 NC Hwy 55 - Cary, NC
Phone: 919-387-8002

Restaurant Review: Lucky 32

A few weeks ago I was gifted a meal at Lucky 32 with 19 of my friends. I know, CRAZY! That doesn't really happen does it? Well it did. And usually meals like this bring out all sorts of stress, and anxiety about my meal, and how I might feel the next couple of days. But, it was lunch with friends, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. And I am glad I didn't.

I arrived to find they were prepared for me. They already had printed out their gluten free menu and had them on the table ready to go. The rest of my crew of course opted for the regular menu, but I was pleasantly surprised by the options listed. There were several!

Since the meal was free, and well, I could get whatever I wanted, I made it a multiple course meal. I started with salad, and was a bit disappointed when my salad came with an unwrapped cracker on top. I stressed the harmful affects of that cracker resting with my salad, and they quickly whisked it away, and several minutes later came back with a new one apologizing profusely. I then had some incredible tomato soup, that was again, gluten free, and without any crackers. When my main dish arrived, I was full, but had to try a few bites and I can say, the Jambalya was out of this world! It was even better reheated the next day. I should mention that the cornbread they serve on the table, was also gluten free, and was, well, heavenly. It has been a long time since I enjoyed bread with my friends before the meal arrived. I felt almost normal!

The only downfall, which is common, was that there wasn't a dessert option. Well, that and the cracker incident, but hey, they did have a table for 20, and well, I know it isn't an excuse, but they had 3 servers working with us. The poor guy didn't stand a chance. And they fixed the problem without complaint.

I have eaten at Lucky 32 since then, a few times, without incident during the meal or in the days following. I highly recommend it if you want something that isn't a chain and is a little different.

Check out a previous post with their GF menu.

Information
Lucky 32
Web site: http://www.lucky32.com/
7307 Tryon Road, Cary, NC
Between US 1/64 and Kildaire Farm
Hours:
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday 11:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Phone: 919-233-1632

Restaurant Review: Maggiano's Little Italy

I know I know, Maggiano's is NOT in Cary, but it is so close, and well, I figured the Cary readers needed to know about this one.

A few weeks ago I was craving pasta, but not just any pasta. I was craving the pasta that comes from someone else's kitchen, that leaves you feeling so full you can't even find room for ice-cream kind of pasta. So, I tried out Maggiano's to see just how gluten free friendly they were.

And I was so incredibly impressed! I sat down, asked my waiter about the gluten free pasta. I started to quiz him and he stopped me mid-sentence. He then informed me, that in order to make sure all of my needs were met, they actually have the chef come out to talk to me. That way my waiter wouldn't mess it up.

About 5 minutes later, the waiter comes out with a special note-pad. It's yellow, says Gluten-Free meal on top in bold letters, and has space to write down what I want to eat. I was floored. The chef introduced himself, informed me that he personally would prepared my meal, and then asked what I wanted. And this is where I got the biggest surprise of my visit. Long ago I stopped looking at the menu when it was handed to me. I would go into a restaurant and glance at it, find something that sounded good and then hope I could modify it only to be sorely disappointed. I explained this to the chef, and he said, well then, lets create you a meal, what were you thinking of when you came in? Seriously folks, he made up my pasta dish. And it was DELISH, and gluten free!

And here is another kicker. They didn't charge me an exorbitant amount. I later found a dish that was similar to the one I had created, and the price was comparable.

So, it's not in Cary, but really, for some of us in Cary, Southpointe mall isn't too far away. It's worth a shot.

I have been in contact with Daniel's Italian restaurant. I hope to have some news on them soon.

Information
Maggiano's Little Italy
Web site: http://www.maggianos.com/
Durham location (only location in the Triangle)
8030 Renaissance Parkway,, Suite 890, Durham, NC, 27713
Hours:
Sun 12pm - 10pm
Mon - Thur 11am - 10pm
Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm
Phone: 919-572-0070

Whole Foods Gluten Free Tour - Aug 26

Wednesday, August 26th

Gluten Free Tour @ Whole Foods Cary
7 p.m. free, pre-register

If you suffer from gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease, or you just want to know about our gluten-free products, then this tour is for you! We will show you where to find our various gluten-free options, as well as direct you to other resources. Along the way we will stop in our different departments to sample some yummy and satisfying gluten-free nibbles. Everyone who takes the tour will be sent home with a goody bag of our gluten-free products. Space is limited so we ask that you pre-register at our customer service desk.

Thank you Betty!

A few weeks ago I recieved a text message, "brownies or cookies?"  I am a chocolate chip cookie lover so aptly replied, "if chocolate chip, cookies, if not, brownies...why?"  There wasn't a response, until the next day when she showed up at my door with a plate of cookies in hand.  I was floored.  She said she had found the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cookie mix and had to make me some.  After I quizzed her on her preparation techniques to ensure against cross-contamination, I took a bite and was taken back.  They were GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

This past week brought another similar experience.  A 

girlfriend had stumbled upon a box of Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Brownie mix, and couldn't resist buying it.  This evening I pulled out the box, hopeful that they would be at least decent.  And was I in for a surprise.  

They were AMAZING.  Seriously folks.  OUT. OF. THIS.  WORLD!  In fact, the friend who enjoyed them with me commented that they were some of the best brownies she had ever tasted...and she gets to eat gluten!

I have to say that I have tried several other baking products on the market, and I have found some good "substitutes," but they all have that gluten free flavor and taste to them.  None have really taken be back to the good ol' days...but Betty Crocker...she has out done herself!

And as if having brownies, cookies, devils food cake or yellow cake weren't enough, Betty Crocker has a load of recipes that can be made using of these products.  I am thinking that the ooey-gooey Rocky Road Bars and the Lemon Lover's cupcakes with lemon buttercream frosting might be the first on my list to try.  Thank you Betty Crocker team, for re-instilling my faith in baking quality products that are gluten free.

***For those looking, both friends mentioned they found them at Harris Teeter in Cary.  I have searched a few other major chains but not seen them on the store shelves yet. 

Grocery Store Review: Walmart

I don't know about you, but I am always looking for ways to keep my grocery bill to a minimum. I used to be one of those coupon clippers, and could get a lot of food for near to free, but most of those items are laden with gluten and I have since cancelled my News and Observer Subscription.  I was one of "those" who only got the paper for the coupons, occasionally I glanced at the headlines, but if I were honest, I really glanced at the front page and the comics.  

I live in West Cary, as in, just about as far as you can get from Trader Joes and Whole Foods and still have a Cary address.  Which isn't really so bad, but I have to admit, the trek to that side of town still seems like a trek, and often times, hardly worth it.

So I have to admit I have paid more.  I became acutely aware of what Harris Teeeter carried that was gluten free, and Food Lion as well.  Most of the time I would do just fine, and found myself only going to the other side of Cary on occasion.  

A few weeks ago, those of us in West Cary celebrated the opening of the new Walmart naer I-540 and Hwy 54.  And as I always do when I walk into a new grocery store, I immediately started checking aisles for gluten free options.  There were several that I was aware of, not because of any markers or tags on the shelves, but because I know what brands have gluten and which ones label correctly at this point, but imagine my surprise when I also stumbled upon a section completely dedicated to GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS!

Walmart we welcome you to west Cary, and we thank you for catering to our gluten free lifestlye!

An introduction: Pam McKerring

Several months ago, Zach put it out there that he was looking for additional bloggers in the Cary area.  I responded with something like, "I blog, and can blog occasionally about being gluten free in Cary, but will admit, that I don't blog very often these days."  I received an email, inviting me to join the blog, and asking me to introduce myself...I think that was about 2 months ago.  I hope this is not the trend for me. 

My name is Pam, and next week will mark the 1 year mark for my official diagnosis of being gluten free.  It was a long journey for me, I was living in Africa and got really sick one weekend.  For about a year and a half I was sporadically ill.  Seeing as I was living in a 3rd world country we assumed I had some sort of parasite, amoeba, or strange illness and treated myself for all of them, with no luck. After a year and a half I found myself in a doctors office in the states and was introduced to Celiac's Disease.  And life changed forever. 

It's been a year since I officially ate gluten free full time.  I was one of those who in the process of trying to figure out what was wrong with me cut out wheat for a time, which I know is exactly what the Doctors tell you not to do, but I didn't know at the time.  It has been an eventful year, but I can say, 100% worth it to have a diagnosis and treatment plan.  It is a wonderful thing to feel healthy, to have energy, to not be in a mental fog and to not have eczema patches on my skin.  Yes, it is frustrating to have to be so careful about what I eat, but the outcomes are so worth it.

This post is supposed to be an introduction of myself.  And one thing that I have fought this year, is the idea that my diagnosis does not define who I am.  In the first year of diagnosis changing this mental perspective is difficult because it seems like everything revolves around the "g word" and so it is so easy to let it define you.  Yes, it places boundaries on my life, BUT, I am so much more than a person living without gluten.  

I am Pam, I live in Cary, I love hiking, kayaking and anything that gets me outdoors, I serve on staff as a missions Pastor at a local church, I relieve stress through creativity in my kitchen, have a deep love for the continent of Africa, and yes, I live gluten free.   I look forward to getting to know you better, and letting you into my crazy world of living Gluten free in Cary, and wherever life takes me.

Gluten Free Raleigh Special Event: GF Cooking Demo w/ Jules Shepard

Click here for more information about an upcoming Gluten Free cooking demonstration with famous Celiac author Jules Shepard. The event will be held at the Earth Fare in Raleigh on July 12, 2009 @ 10am. Please sign up soon as only 40 spaces are available.

Useful Resources: Town of Cary GF Classes

Check out the following 2 classes centered around the Gluten Free Diet being offered this summer by the Town of Cary.

1) Allergy-Free Cooking click here to register
Description:
Here’s help for those of you who are allergic to common foods such as peanuts, soybeans and corn. Or it could be foods containing gluten, which you or a family member must completely avoid to treat celiac disease. Maybe you suspect it’s just a wheat intolerance, so your energy level is higher when you don’t have bread or cereal for breakfast. Or you just feel better if you don’t eat any wheat or dairy products. Perhaps you are trying to help your family kick the sugar habit to ward off obesity and diabetes type II. Mealtimes are especially challenging for individuals facing allergies to any, and sometimes all, of these foods. Learn how to prepare allergy-free alternatives in this hands-on cooking class, and make meal times happy times again!

Meets:
Th 08-06-2009 7:00PM - 9:00PM Kitchen-Herbert C. Young Community Center
Th 08-13-2009 7:00PM - 9:00PM Kitchen-Herbert C. Young Community Center

Fees: resident $56.00 | non-resident $73.00

2) Let's Do Lunch--Beyond the Sandwich - click here to register
Description:
Here's fresh ideas for packing lunch for those of you who would rather not eat bread. Whether you're celiac, wheat/gluten intolerant, watching your weight, or just plain tired of the same old sandwich routine, you'll discover healthful and budget-friendly lunch-to-go options for you and your family.

Meets: Th 8-27-2009 7:00PM - 9:00PM Kitchen-Herbert C. Young Community Center

Fees: resident $28.00 | non-resident $36.00

Grocery Store Review: Super Target in Apex

It is easy for me spend lots of time and lots of money at Target. Over the last few months, I have been able to find more and more Gluten-Free items at Super Target in Apex (which means I will just be spending more time and more money there!).

I know that many people don't think about Target as a place to look for Gluten-Free items. Also, we are used to paying a 'pretty penny' for Gluten-Free items.  Surprisingly, the Apex Super Target offers many Gluten-Free items at reasonable prices.  Below is a list of some great items that are labeled as Gluten-Free and their prices (as of April 30, 2009).

Deli Area

Applegate Farms Organic Turkey Breast (7 oz) $6.49

Columbus Brand Salame (12oz) $7.99

Columbus Brand Sopressata (4 oz) $3.99

Columbus Brand Pancetta (3 oz) $5.99

Canned Soups

Amy's Lentil Vegetable $1.99

Amy's Tomato Bisque $ 2.19

Amy's Chunky Vegetable $1.99

Amy's Southwestern Vegetable $1.99

Amy's Black bean $1.99

Pacific Naturals Foods Butternut Squash Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods Creamy Tomato Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods French Onion Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods Roasted Red Pepper Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods Sweet Corn Soup $3.09

Pacific Naturals Foods Chicken Broth $3.34

Sausages

Niman Ranch Spicy Italian Uncured Sausage $4.29

Niman Ranch Chipotle Cheddar Uncured Sausage $4.29

Niman Ranch Apple Gouda Uncured Sausage $4.29

Niman Ranch AndouilleSausage $6.99

Baking Aisle

Cherrybrook Kitchen Chocolate Cake Mix $4.99

Cherrybrook Kitchen Fudge Brownie Mix $5.19

Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour $4.99

Cereal Aisle

Envirokids Panda Puffs $3.99

Rice Chex $2.99

Corn Chex $2.99

Honey Nut  Chex $2.99

I was thrilled to see two new Chex cereals available as Gluten-Free! YUM!  

Snack Aisle

Assorted Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $2.04

Frozen Foods

Amy's Frozen Bistro Burger $3.99

Amy's Frozen Asian Noodle Stir Fry $3.14 and $5.79

Amy's Frozen Cheese Enchilada and Black Bean Enchilada $3.99

Amy's Frozen Indian Vegetable Korma $3.99

Amy's Frozen Tamale Verde $3.99

Ian's Chicken Nuggets $4.99

Ian's Chicken Finger Dinner $3.79

Ian's Alphabet Tots $2.99

Happy Gluten-Free Shopping!

Gluten Free Vendor Fair - Whole Foods Cary

There will be a Gluten Free Vendor Fair held at the Cary Whole Foods location on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 from 11am to 2pm. See below for more details.

Saturday, April 25th
Gluten-Free Fair
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission is Free

Join us for a gluten-free day on Saturday, April 25th. We will have tasting
stations with gluten-free products, information about gluten-free diets and several giveaways. Trevor from Bella Monica Flatbread Company will be on hand with samples of their Gluten Free Pizzas.

April 25th, 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Whole Foods Market
102B New Waverly Place
Cary, NC 27518
919.816.8830
Map

Update on Z Pizza in Cary

Good News!  The Gluten Free crust drought is over!
Their supplier received a new shipment from the producer and diverted a truck to Cary with more than a week's supply.  As of Thursday at dinner, they are back in Gluten Free business.

 

Call Ahead for Z Pizza in Cary

I got an email from the manager of ZPizza in Cary today.  He asks that people call ahead to check for availability of the Gluten Free crusts this week.  He says that they are low on GF crusts but are expecting shipments later this week.

919 465-9009

Here is the full email:

My name is Ken Alexander.  I'm the manager of Zpizza of Cary at the Stone Creek Shopping Center.
We've been delighted at the response from the community now that we offer a 10" gluten free crust for our pizzas.  It's so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of people who haven't enjoyed a pizza "out on the town" for years.  We'll do out best to continue to provide a quality dining experience to our patrons.

The response has been particularly strong this past week.  We find ourselves very low on the gluten-free crusts.  We'll get a case in by air on Wednesday the 25th, and five cases more on Thursday the 26th.  In the meantime, could you please ask your readers to call ahead to check the availability of our gluten-free crusts?  I would hate for anyone to make a special trip only to be disappointed.

We'll do our best to maintain a comfortable supply of gluten-free crusts on hand, so that your members will have a place to enjoy a tasty, and healthy, pizza.

Thank you for your help.
 
Ken Alexander
Manager
Zpizza of Cary
Stone Creek Shopping Center
Cary, NC  27519

Restaurant Review: XIOS Authentic Greek Cuisine

XIOS, located in the Peakway Market Square at 800 W. Williams Street (HWY 55) in Apex, offers fantastic Greek food. Although they do not have a separate menu with Gluten Free items, I met with Chef Niko last week and he wrote out all the items that do not have gluten in them.

Appetizers:
Dolmathes: Stuffed Grape Leaves
Tzatziki: Cucumber Sauce
Melitzanosalata: Eggplant Salad
Fasolakia: Green Beans with Olive Oil, Tomatoes, Onions, and Herbs
Hummus: Chickpea dip (without the pita)
All salads

Entres:
Mythia: Mussels
Garides Souvlaki: Shrimp Skewers
Souvlaki: Lamb, Chicken, Pork Skewers
Loukaniko Psito: Grilled Sausage
Kotopoula: Grilled Chicken
Arnisia Paidakia: Lamb Chops
Melitzana Iman: Grilled Eggplant

We have had varying success with explaining to the wait staff about Gluten Free dining. However, my daughter has never had any problems after eating at Xios because we have learned what is "safe." Be sure to talk with your server and the chef about your needs.

As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, enjoy a lovely dinner outside on their patio.
Other than the great food, XIOS also has belly dancing on the 1st and 3rd Fridays! Check out their website for events and specials.

http://www.xioscafe.com/