May 14th, 2014
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!
March 22nd, 2013
The beach is a source of inspiration for many…for others; just a place to kick back and relax.
Slowly, our Delaware Beaches are waking up after a much deserved rest the past couple of months….the Quiet Resorts, as Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are known are holding some really neat events….So, What’s Going On?
Friday, 3/22 and Saturday, 3/23 – Dickens Parlour Theatre is located at 35715 Atlantic Avenue, west of Bethany Beach, Delaware. I have not had the opportunity to attend one of the shows, but I have heard that they are excellent and very popular. Visit http://www.dptmagic.com, or call 302-829-1071 for more info. The evening shows start at 7 p.m. Rainy days show at 2 p.m. And, I look forward to your comments…liked it?
Saturday, 3/23 – More volunteers are needed for Beach Grass Planting at South Bethany and Delaware Seashore State Park. 9:00 a.m. until Noon. If you want to get up early and help out this is what you need to do. First of all, online registration is closed, so please to register call Shoreline and Waterway Management Section at 302-739-9921. Or, email jennifer.luoma@state.de.us. Beach grass helps to build and stabilize dunes by trapping windblown sand. Sand dunes are essential for protection against damaging coastal storms. The planting of beach grass is an annual event. It was first started in 1989; more than a million stems of beach grass have been planted by dedicated volunteers.
Saturday, 3/23 – “Healing Foods to Reduce Inflammation” – At 3:00 p.m. at Good Earth Market, located at 31806 Good Earth Lane on Rt. 26 in Clarksville, Delaware….just 4.8 miles west of Bethany Beach. Kari Ainsworth returns to discuss the causes of inflammation and why we hurt, as well as the foods that can be causing the pain. The workshop will be held at The Birch Tree Cafe inside Good Earth Market. More info? Please visit http://www.goodearthmarket.com and click on Events.
Saturday, 3/23 – Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert from 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Mariner’s Bethel UMC 81 Central Avenue, (corner of Rt. 26 & Central Ave.), Ocean View, DE 19970. Ocean View is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach.
Wednesday, 3/27 – Women and Wine South – NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, 29 Atlantic Avenue (Rt. 26), Ocean View. Fundraising Event for Justin’s Beach House/Justin W. Jennings Foundation. If you have driven on Rt. 26, either to or from Bethany Beach, you have probably passed a large blue Adirondack Chair. That is where Justin’s Beach House is located. It is a house like no other. This home offers patients with cancer and their families some peace and joy, even if for a short time. To know more, please visit http://www.justinjennings.org.
Three courses and dessert. All courses are paired with wine. Stuffed Local Clams with Periquita White, Shaved Asparagus Salad with Twin Vines Vinho Verde, Grilled Rainbow Trout with Periquita Reserva, and a dessert of Heirloom Carrot Cake, paired with Sandeman Tawny Port. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. $39 per person. Please call Colby Pusey at 302-537-1785 or email him at colby@sodelconcepts.com.
Saturday, 3/30 – Bunny Palooza 5/K/10K – Garfield Parkway & Atlantic Avenue. Sponsored by the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF), http://www.qrcf.org. This foundation was formed by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commer in 2001. It manages and distributes funds to qualified organizations serving the local community. Bunny Palooza is an Annual Event. There will be overall, runner-up, masters and age group awards. It will be a fun and festive course., Live music throughout the race course. Start at Garfield Pkwy & Atlantic Ave. in Downtown Bethany Beach. For complete information and ways to register, please visit http://www.bunnypaloozarun.com. Note: Rain or shine, walkers permitted only on the 5K. Dogs and Owners, Walkers and Strollers must start at the back of the 5K field. Please bring doggy doo doo bags. Today, Friday, 3/22, is the last the day to register in order to get an event tech shirt and goodie bag.
Saturday, 4/6 – “Gluten – What is it Anyway?” At 3:00 p.m. at The Birch Tree Cafe located inside Good Earth Market at 31806 Good Earth Ln. in Clarksville, Delaware…4.8 miles west of Bethany Beach. The Birch Tree Cafe is the only 100% gluten free restaurant in Delaware. Join Cathy Berzins, owner and gluten free chef at The Birch Tree Cafe for this informative discussion, clarifying what all the hoop-la over a gluten free diet is all about. Please call 302-539-2468 for more info., or visit http://www.goodearthmarket.com.
Tuesday, 4/9 – Living Gluten Free in Delaware at 6:30 a.m. This is a sharing group; food ideas and recipes, as well as welcoming people new to the gluten free community. The group welcomes those on a gluten free diet due to Celiac or gluten sensitivities and those who live with and support them. The meeting is at The Birch Tree Cafe inside Good Earth Market located at 31806 Good Earth Ln. in Clarksville, Delaware…4.8 miles west of Bethany Beach. More info? Please call 302-539-2468. The Birch Tree Cafe is the only 100% Gluten Free restaurant in Delaware…Like them on Facebook.
Saturday, 4/20 – 24th Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Ride the Beaches, Bays & Beyond!! Discounted Rate through Friday, 3/22!! For registration, bike tour info., and events for the day, please visit http://www.bethany-fenwick.org.
Saturday, 5/11 – Annual Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun Run/Walk! Rain or Shine. Theme? “Safari – It Takes a Village”. The theme selected this year is for personal reasons; to honor Ann’s good friend who lost her battle with breast cancer on July 20, 2012. Her name was Nancy and she loved wearing crazy safari type clothing; animal prints in particular. So, you know what to do…..go crazy, wild, with your prints for this year’s event!
Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun Run/Walk is now partnering with Beebe Breast Health Center in Lewes, Delaware and Little Pink Houses of Hope. Host houses are still needed for June 1 -8 Bethany retreat for breast cancer patients and their families. For more info., please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com. Or, please call 302-537-9700. Note: Packet pick up will be at Bethany Area Realty, 778 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, on Friday, 5/10 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Saturday, 5/25 – Justin’s Beach House Memorial Day Week-end 5K Run/3K Walk….at 7:30 a.m. The new course will be featuring a Boardwalk Finish! Like them on Facebook!! $25 to pre-register and $30 the day of the race. There will be a post race party on the Boardwalk. Tech Tee-Shirts for all pre-registered participants, awesome awards, free goodie bags, free pre-race kiddie dash (no registration and no tee-shirts provided). More info? Please visit http://www.justinjennings.org/5k-run-walk.
Note: Plenty of amazing entertainment at The Freeman Stage, located at 31750 Lake Drive, Selbyville, Delaware….Please visit http://www.freemanstage.com so you can start planning ahead.
Not so quiet, afterall!! Have a good one!!
March 11th, 2013
It is not a fad diet, it could be a choice, though. For so many having to follow a gluten free diet is necessary to live. For those that suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, it is the only way to go. No magic pill there. For others with medical conditions like Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD, and ADHD, the change in diet is a big help. Others, with food intolerances benefit, as well.
On a personal level, my husband was diagnosed with celiac disease over 3 years ago. Since then, my kitchen has been gluten free. It is so interesting, I have learned so much. I have also been praising the restaurants that offer their patrons with food allergies, like the ones with celiac, a safe place to eat. These restaurants at the Delaware Beaches, and Ocean City, Maryland are making it so much easier….their menus, their staff, etc. etc. The chefs, those that at times can get a little testy…how could you change my flour to a rice flour? They have been great.
“Living Gluten Free in Delaware” is a sharing group that has been meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Birch Tree Cafe inside The Good Earth Market, 31826 Good Earth Lane, Clarksville, Delaware. It is just 4 miles west of Bethany Beach. The meeting takes place from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. The discussions are about lifestyle, cooking and dining habits. They will be offering cooking and baking advice, new product info., and even some door prices!! More info? Call 302-539-2468. The Birch Tree Cafe is a 100% Gluten Free-Restaurant, Espresso Bar, and, Bake Shoppe. You can find them on Facebook. Website? http://www.birchtreecafe.com.
I stopped the other day with my son, Michael; we were hungry and besides that I wanted to get one of Cathy’s homemade gluten free pie shells. They are so good and I had already tried them in the past.
You can order at the counter, or sit down. There is also a take-out menu, as well.
We started with a cappuccino. Then, Cathy sprinkled them with a bit of Coconut sugar and cinnamon.
Michael ordered the Veggie Sandwich with Boar’s Head Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Zucchini, Squash, Apple, Red Onion, and Carrot Ribbons. Served in their in-house baked gluten free bread with a small side of their homemade applesauce.
I went with the Chickpea Deli Salad Sandwich, organic chickpeas with celery, grapes, and sliced almonds, served on their in-house gluten free bread, with lettuce and tomato. I love chickpeas so I knew I was, definitely going to like this one. The chickpeas were pulsed, so as not to be completely grounded. The combination with the grapes and almonds was very good. It also came with their homemade applesauce.
The Birch Tree Cafe opened last year. They have been very well received. Save the dates for other events to be held at the Cafe:
March 23rd – Kari Ainsworth returns!! Call 302-539-2468 for topic information. Saturday at 3 p.m.
April 6th – “Gluten–What Is It Anyway” Part 3 of 3. Join Cathy Berzins, owner of The Birch Tree Cafe and Gluten Free Chef for this informative discussion, clarifying what all the hoop-la over a gluten free diet is all about. Topics to be discussed will be gluten free flour blends, recipe conversions, making your favorite gluten free (bring your recipe). Saturday at 3 p.m.
Have a great day!!
January 6th, 2013
My New Year’s resolution this year was not to make any. It is easier that way. You don’t have to feel so guilty a couple of days later when the diet goes out the window. If I had made a resolution; dieting would have been the one. I am always on some diet or another.
But no, I think this year I want a little bit more. I want to imagine myself waking up rested, thinking clearly, full of energy and interest in the day ahead. So, I was excited to find an invite on Facebook. It said something like “Are Sugar Blues getting you Down?” Hmm, sounded interesting. This time of the year is the quietest at the Delaware Beaches. I love it because is a time to recharge those batteries; to kick back and relax. There is still plenty to do. The beaches are not dead by any means. Starting the year over with this event, perfect!!
Then, I saw that Kari Ainsworth, LMT, IC, CHHC, was going to be giving the talk. I met Kari this year and she is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Cosmetologist, Intrinsic Coach, Yoga Instructor and Holistic Health Coach. Her company is Kia Massage, LLC. Her Tel. is 302-362-2033. Website? http://www.kiamassagellc.com.
This event was going to be taking place at The Birch Tree Cafe, located inside Good Earth Market at 31826 Good Earth Lane, Clarksville, DE 19970. This is 4.8 miles west of Bethany Beach, on Rt. 26.
The Birch Tree Cafe is a 100% Gluten Free restaurant. Chef and Owner is Cathy Berzins. They carry soups, coffees, lattes, salads, quiches, sandwiches, muffins and gluten free baked goods.
 
From January 7th until the 18th, there will be a limited menu due to vacation time. It will be closed on Saturday, 1/12. Regular times and menu will resume on the 19th. Tel. 302-539-2468. Website? http://www.thebirchtreecafe.com.
I was not sure how many people were going to be attending. Afterall, the holidays were just a thing of the past. But, guess what? It was crowded. Saw a few familiar faces, as well.
In this photo, please meet Cathy on the left and Kari on the right.
Kari introduced herself and talked a little about her professional journey. I think, everyone that was present sort of knew what they needed to do. But, just like me, we also needed to learn more and have someone give us that extra push.
When Kari asked what were our favorite “sugar treats” when growing up, I did not speak up. I did not want to date myself. I did love Mary Janes, pix at stix (don’t even know how to spell it) and a few others that I want to forget now.
Nicotine is to cigarettes as sugar is to food. An addiction. The more you have, the more you want. I could not believe that there are 15 teaspoons in a 20 ounce bottle of Coke. Yikes!
The ups and crashes of sugar. Feeling great and then crashing…start over.
Sugar is an inflammatory food. They are even relating it to high cholesterol.
Someone said ” I feel like I want a cookie or something at 7 p.m.” Kari gave ideas on how to prevent those cravings. A lot has to do with television commercials and other shows. But, also a lot of times we eat because we are thirsty. So please drink up your water.
Food changes everything. The way you feel, your attitude, your skin, and how well you sleep.
If you would like to meet with Kari, please give her a call. She can help you to improve your eating habits, understand your body better, make your self-care a priority, feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for you and your family and experience an increase in overall happiness in your life.
We all had a great time….I even won a prize. Almond Butter and Coconut Sugar!! Will tell you about it on another post since I have not tried them yet.
Thanks for such a nice time to Kari, The Birch Tree Cafe, and Good Earth Market (http://www.goodearthmarket.com).
Talk to you later.
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