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!

March 11th, 2013

“Living Gluten Free In Delaware”, Sharing Group, Tuesday, March 12th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., The Birch Tree Cafe, A 100% Gluten Free Restaurant, Clarksville, Delaware Beaches

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!!