May 14th, 2014
The Birch Tree Cafe, Clarksville, Delaware, Restaurant, 100% Gluten Free, Espresso Bar, Smoothies, Baked Shoppe, Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, Delaware Eats Gluten Free, Delaware Beaches, Welcome to The Beaches
When my husband, John, was first diagnosed 6 years ago with celiac disease, eating gluten free became a way of life. It is the only treatment for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. It is an allergy to wheat and its derivatives. It does not stop just by not eating gluten, but also, you have to watch out for products that contain gluten and cross-contamination. Believe me, there are many, including prescription drugs.
Needless to say, we learned quickly and just like anything, you adapt. He really would have preferred to have had chicken fried steak, sweet breads, or anything traditionally cooked, but all in all he was pretty good about it. He had to.
In 2008 people would say, how lucky we were because prior to that year, not much was on the market. Nowadays, I say, how lucky everyone is because restaurants, grocery stores, and gourmet shops have jumped on the band wagon….oh yes, it is definitely a business. There is still more to do but if you have a gluten allergy, then, Welcome to the Beach!
The Birch Tree Cafe is Delaware’s 100% Gluten Free restaurant. It is also an espresso bar and a bake shoppe. It is located in Clarksville, which is about 4 miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26. The actual address is 31826 Good Earth Lane. Tel. 302-539-2468. You can find The Birch Tree Cafe on Facebook and Twitter.
I stopped by to get a few things for a friend in Rehoboth Beach. Some special treats. It was late in the day, but Cathy Berzins, Co-Owner, and Chef, was there like always. She opens every day. And, this is what I got.
Muffins: 2 cinnamon, 2, blueberry, 2 chocolate chip….my friend has a sweet tooth. These muffins, besides being gluten free were also dairy free and nut free.
Everything is baked by Cathy from scratch, so I also got Multi Grain with Flax bread; 6 whole grains plus flaxeed.
Could not resist the Pecan Brownies….a classic made also dairy free.
Living Gluten Free in Delaware….is all about food. Every 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. the public is invited to join The Birch Tree Cafe and discuss the Gluten Feree Lifestyle. Share recipes, stores, and dining advice….we all have something to say about that, cooking/baking how-to’s and product information. Cathy will also have samplins. Any questions, pease call 302-539-2468.
The Birch Tree Cafe features its own pizza crust. To me, that was the hardest thing to achieve. Cathy also offers quiche, sandwiches, salads and soups. Her cream of crab soup is her signature dish. If you have been coming to Bethany Beach, you might remember that Cathy owned South Bethany Seafood Market. The soup is made with organic cream, organic milk and touched with a finish of sherry.
Her breads and muffins can be ordered in quatities, just give her a call. Any other dietary restrictions or allergies….she can handle that, as well.
The Birch Tree Cafe sits inside Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, http://www.goodearthmarket.com. You walk through the market and pick up natural products, groceries, and then step outside to see the actual farm.
Now you know that if you have celiac disease or gluten allergy, even a sensitivity…..the Delaware Beaches have it all. You don’t have to arrive carrying tons of groceries. Relax, you are at the Beach!
Have a great day!
Tags: Clarksville, Delaware Beaches, Eating Gluten Free at the Delaware Beaches, Espresso Bar, Gluten Free, Gluten free awareness, Gluten Free Baked Shoppe, Gluten Free Restaurant in Clarksville, Gluten Free Sharing Group at The Birch Tree Cafe, Good Earth Market, Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, Living Gluten Free In Delaware, Natural products at the Delaware Beaches, Restaurant, Restaurants, review, Smoothies, Southern Delaware, The Birch Tree Cafe, Visit Southern Delaware, What to do at the beaches
