March 27th, 2012
For the past 3 years we have been eating gluten free in my household. It is something we had to get used to. When you have to, then you do it. Pretty soon you become an expert; reading labels, being protective and proactive; outspoken, and informed.
I embraced new flours made out of chickpeas, rice, coconut; did not know they even existed.
Since 1 in 133 people are afflicated with Celiac Disease; we better get used to the idea of eating gluten free. It is the only way to get healthy again; a commitment to eating gluten free forever.
Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disease. A percentage of diabetics also contract it. Besides the Celiac disease, there are people with intolerances to gluten, but do not have the full blown disease.
Not only do you have to avoid foods like breads, pasta, crackers, cookies and beer; but also soy sauce, soaps, shampoos, food colorings, that may contain gluten. Reading labels and contacting the manufacturing companies will be your best bet. I do it all the time. And, they are very helpful.
Another thing you have to check out is medications, generics, and over the counter.
Some companies will tell you that their plant is gluten free and that their products are, as well. Others will tell you that they cannot guarantee it because some of the compounds come from foreign countries. It takes some time to find the right companies, but they are there.
I was just at my local supermarket, Giant. On top of the gluten allergy. I took pictures of the give-away magazine; “gluten free” right on the front cover, and back.
 
Restaurants have been a challenge in Delray Beach and South Florida, in general, but they are getting better all the time. Only a few here or there have menus, but they seem to be happy to accommodate you. The Chefs have not been overzealous and are willing to adjust the recipes.
When you go to a restaurant, make sure they know you have a food allergy. You do not want your food contaminated and please don’t bring me a piece of bread on my plate.
If you are in Delray Beach, you can call the restaurants. The following ones will work with you.
Ziree Thai & Sushi located at 401 West Atlantic Ave., 561-276-6549, http://www.zireethai.com. This restaurant has Tamari gluten free soy sauce. We kept asking them to have it and slowly other customers did ask and voila!!
Cabana El Rey at 105 East Atlantic Ave., 561-274-9090, www.cabanarestaurant.com. The picadillo, the roasted chicken, churrasco, rice, beans, do not contain gluten.
Vic & angelo’s, 290 East Atlantic Ave., www.vicandangelos.com. The chefs at this restaurant are willing to work with you. Make sure you mention the gluten allergy. They will substitute.
Mellow Mushroom, 25 S.E. 6th Avenue, www.mellowmushroom.com/delraybeach. They have gluten free pizza. Even though I think the gluten free pizza will never be as good as the “real” pizza, if you have not had it in a long time, it will start tasting pretty good.
Brule Bistro, 200 NE 2nd Ave., 561-274-2046, www.brulebistro.com. Salads, soups and other entrees are easily adjusted. Again, make sure you mention the gluten allergy.
Bru’s Room, www.brusroom.com. They have the best grilled wings. Ask for the Triple Threat (not hot, just with a nice kick and garlic), or the Sweet and Tangy, my favorites. They are gluten free and Bru’s Room does have a gluten free menu.
 
Just recently someone wrote to my website regarding Bru’s Room and my mentioning it to be gluten free. They got a piece of bread on their plate and the server said the menu was new. I had written originally, in 2010.
I guess it is a good as time as any, to mention a disclaimer from AboutMyBeaches. This blog is my diary; I guess you could say I am an open book. These are my experiences and my pictures. I enjoy food and the company of friends and family. Then, I pass it on to you. Again, you have to take control in the restaurant, afterall, you are the customer. If you do not think you are being served and attended they way you deserve, then you do know what you need to do….
The Sundy House is located at 106 S. Swinton Ave., 561-272-5678. www.sundyhouse.com. They have a new gluten free menu. I have not tried it.
South of downtown Delray Beach, on Linton Boulevard:
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 335 East Linton Blvd., 561-266-9393, www.carrabbas.com. They do have a gluten free menu. A tip: If you see so many people waiting to get in, just go into the bar and you can grab any of those tables without a reservation, as they become available.
Outback Steakhouse, 1300 Linton Blvd., 561-272-7201. They do have a gluten free menu.
Note: On Atlantic Avenue, in downtown Delray there is Nutrition Cottage at 407 E. Atlantic Ave., http://www.nutritioncottage.com. They have a wide selection of gluten free products, including a freezer with frozen breads, desserts and other goodies. On January 7th I wrote about them on this blog. All you have to do is click on the month of January, 2012 and scroll down to the 7th.
Regarding grocery stores…..some better than others; Publix, Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, not in that order, though.
You can check the website of Celiac Disease Foundation of South Florida, http://www.cdfsouthflorida.org.
If you do happen to get that glazed look from your server as you mention the “gluten allergy”, ask to speak with the Manager. Good luck and have a great day!!
January 7th, 2012
Is early in the morning and I wonder if I am writing this post out of guilt. Well, I have to admit it; I fell off the New Year’s resolution wagon yesterday. What could I do? My son asked me to go to Nicola Pizza, right here in Rehoboth Beach. I couldn’t say no. I also could not let him eat that well done pizza with sweet peppers and onions all by himself. I went willingly; no twisting of the arm there.
But today is a new day and I am back on the saddle again. I have to be kind to myself. I started analyzing my pizza. Vegetable, cheese, bread. That’s not so bad. Well, 3 pieces is a little too much. My confession is that even though in our household we eat gluten free, pizza is one thing that has not been perfected if you are on a gluten free diet. Sorry, but there is nothing better than a regular pizza. When you have not had it for some time, believe me, it’s heaven. So, enough of that and on with the post. It’s good to get it off my chest.
What brought me to Nutrition Cottage in Delray Beach was the fact that I was having trouble finding gluten free products in the area. It has been about 3 years since my husband started eating gluten free and believe me, you learn a lot while going through the process of adjusting yourself to another way of eating. The restaurants and grocery stores in South Florida have come a long way, but there is still work to be done.
That’s why it was a breath of fresh air when I found Nutrition Cottage, right on Atlantic Avenue. The address is 407 E. Atlantic Ave., tel. 561-272-8571. The store in Delray has been there for over 12 years. There is also another location in Boyton Beach at 1815 S. Federal Highway, tel. 561-734-4626. That store has been in that location for over 20 years. The website? http://www.nutritioncottage.com.
When you first see the store from the outside you might think that it is not that big; believe me, it is deceiving. It goes all the way to the back, ending with a Cafe/Bar area where you can order, smoothies, fresh juices, protein shakes, sandwiches, salads and one good cup of coffee.
I heard someone said, Do you need any help? I really was browsing for a lotion. I was already taken care of by Brenda. Anyway, he introduced himself. He was Mark Stowe who is the owner of Nutrition Cottage. He has been a licensed nutritionist for 32 years. He was also past President of the Natural Products Assoc. He is available for private nutritional counseling by appointment. If you are interested give the store a call.
He told me that his wife Karen does all the special orders for the Delray store and that if I ever needed anything to give her a call, as well.
I asked if I could take some pictures for my blog and he graciously agreed. I then went my own way checking things out.
The moisturizing cream I bought was from a company called Mountain Ocean from Boulder, Colorado. The line is called Skin Trip (Coconut). I love how quickly your skin absorbs it; no greasy feeling. The coconut smell is so nice too. If you want to know more about it, check www.mountainocean.com.
A corner with cosmetics from a line called Gabriel. They are 100% natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals or animal by-products and no testing is ever done on animals. The colors looked nice. I do have friends who are allergic to a lot of the products used on make-up, so this might be something worth trying. The website is www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com.
Even though my concern was looking for gluten free items, the store has an abundance of nutritional products and groceries.
For the person interested in gluten free items you will find pastas, sauces, cookies, pancake mixes, cookie mixes, cookies, brownies, crackers, dressings and so much more. There is a freezer with plenty of gluten free breads to choose including French baguettes.
The staff is very knowledgeable so you will not have any problems, whether is a gluten allergy or any other related food allergy or concern.
Nutrition Cottage has award winning organic wines.
For the ones that one to pick out something for take out, there is plenty to choose from.
Check their website. It is a wellness reference library in itself, with recipes, information, events, coupons and links. I signed up and get coupons right to my e-mail.
That one cup of coffee…..it was so good; no kidding….I grabbed my cup and parked myself in one of their outdoor tables….people watching, warm weather, sunny day, palm trees….couldn’t complain.
Note: Nutrition Cottage has Blood Analysis. For more information on what this entails, please call the shop at 561-272-8571.
Have a beautiful day…talk to you later.
May 5th, 2011
The season in Delray is probably winding down, just like the one at the Delaware Beaches is about to kick in. But, I can tell you that I have visited Delray year-round and there is something going on all the time. Delray Beach does not roll its streets until next year. The Second Season is one cherished by its residents. Easier to get into restaurants, traffic a little lighter, no bumping carts in the grocery stores. Oh, yes, definitely slower but not dead.
So, What’s Happening in Delray? Read on…
Until 6/26 – Exhibit – 2011 Florida Artist Group Statewide Exhibition. Location? At the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, which has been restored with the determination of a local group; it is in the National Register of Historic Places. www.oldschool.org. Address: 51 N. Swinton Ave. Tel. 561-243-7922.
The Florida Artist Group was founded in 1949. It is a statewide organization of professional painters, photographers and sculpturs. Artists must qualify for membership through a jurying process. Their exhibits are held at major museums throughout Florida. Their website is www.floridaartistgroup.org.
Cranes Beach House is located at 82 Gleaston St., Tel. 866-372-7263. Very tropical and whimsical with beautiful rooms. The website is www.cranesbeachhouse.com.
Their Tiki Bar is open to the public. It serves wine, beer, and specialty drinks while patrons enjoy live entertainment on certain evenings.
In their Calendar you will find:
Thursday, 5/5 – at 5:30 p.m. – DYMiN will be performing. A consummate entertainer who has performed alongside the late Bob Hope, the late Miles Davis, Stanley Turbine and James Brown. Also at Sea World and the Disney World Properties.
Her music is eclectic, from soca, reggae, and country ballads.
DYMin will also be performing on Friday, 5/6 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 5/7 – Adams Barnes Live Reggae will perform at the north pool waterfall. Adam is a Reggae artist that has been chanting for 17 years.
Nutrition Cottage is located at 407 E. Atlantic Ave. On their website, www.nutritioncottage.com you will find many Health E Coupons. They have been in the community of Delray Beach for 12 years and in Boynton Beach for 20 years, on Federal Highway, one block south of Woolbright. Their tel. is 561-272-8571. You will also find interesting recipes for cooking in a more healthy way on their website, as well.
Saturday, 5/7 – Amazing Mom & Son Race. All Day. Sponsored by the Delray Parks & Recreation in celebration of Mother’s Day. Ages 5 years old to adult. For more info., please call 561-243-7277 and ask for Danielle Beardsley. Or, e-mail beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com.
Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Delray Beach Community Center at 50 NW 1st. Ave.
Race times start at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, 5/7 – In Downtown Delray Beach just like every Saturday is the Delray GreenMarket at SE 4th Ave., south of Atlantic Ave. Baked goods, music, flowers and food. Perfect way to start your Saturday a.m. From 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Website? www.delraycra.org.
Saturday, 5/7 – The 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Food, entertainment, kids activities, dancing and the 5th Annual Chihuahua Races. Sponsored by Hispano-Latino Cultural Alliance, www.hispanolatino.com. Admission is $10. Need more info.? Please call 561-276-3396.
When I first heard about the Chihuahua Races I could not stop laughing. I have not been to this event, but I have this image on my head of all these little dogs running all over the place. Here is more info.
Saturday, 5/7 – 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races in Delray. 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Location? Old School Square at 51 N. Swinton Ave.
This is an exciting event. Enter your Chihuahuas. Winners will receive a trophy, prizes and most of all, fame. More laughter. A few things to have in mind are:
Space is limited to 75 dogs that are registered on a first come first serve basis.
Registration is $20 but you will get one free Cinco de Mayo event admission with each dog registration. All others in your party will have to pay the $10 entry fee to the festival.
The Chihuahuas must check in by 2:30 p.m. at the Chihuahua Registration Tent near the entry gate to receive your contestant number and arm-band. Races begin at 4:00 p.m.
This event is sponsored by the Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. Tel. 561-784-8788. Website? www.animalrescueforce.org.
Please have in mind that this is a fun event. No betting or gambling in any form will be allowed.
All vaccinations must be current.
All purebred Chihuahuas are eligible to race. In order to avoid discrimination against rescued Chihuahuas, no documentation will be required. O.k. I have to stop laughing so I can type.
If your dog acts and looks like a Chihuahua, it can definitely race.
But, if your Chihuahua is mixed with another breed that could give it an advantage, it will not be allowed to participate. That’s why it is called “Chihuahua Race”. The judges will determine this issue.
Last one is that no pushing your Chihuahua in order for it to run and no reaching out for it at the finish line, either. A treat? Oh, yes!! That will do.
Do you really need more info? Then, please call 561-279-1380 or 561-784-8700.
Have fun…..
January 24th, 2011
As I look outside my window, it is so sunny here at the Delaware Beaches; just an illusion because it is really like 15 degrees. So, writing a post about Delray is definitely the thing to do. If you are visiting Palm Beach County you might want to check a few of the upcoming events in Delray and vicinity.
I have told you before that Delray Beach is the type of coastal town that has it all; the unobtructed beaches, the shops, the restaurants and definitely, the entertainment. A little bit for everyone to enjoy. One thing this town does very well is its festivals and fairs. I have never seen a town that can close a main street and fill it to capacity with vendors, musicians and artists in a blink of an eye. When is all over done with, it comes down just as fast as it went up.
Being that this his the height of the season for this Village by the Sea, check what’s going on:
Thursday, 1/27 – It is Art & Jazz On The Avenue – Once a month, during the season, and on a Thursday, live musical entertainment is what you will hear and experience On the Avenue. Open house specials, and gallery exhibitions are among the many things to enjoy. Even though it is On the Avenue, it will also extend to the SW 5th Avenue Plaza. More info? Please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/Art-and-Jazz.
Thursday, 1/27 and continuing with the celebration of the Art & Jazz on the Avenue, there will be an Organic Wine Tasting at Nutrition Cottage. When in Delray I visit this Health Food store because they carry so many gluten free items; more than in any other place I have visited near Delray. Their organic wine tasting will be from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
This wine tasting is called “Ravishing Reds”, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Nutrition Cottage is located at 407 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-272-8571. Website is www.nutritioncottage.com.
Nutrition Cottage is more than a healthfood store; it is also a juice bar and cafe.
Thursday – 1/27 – At the Entertainment Pavillion at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. you will find Rock the Avenue: The Heavy Pets. They are an American Rock ‘n Roll band known for their catchy tunes and powerhouse performances.
This is a FREE outdoor concert in partnership with Delray’s Art & Jazz event. Time? 7:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. More info? Please visit www.oldschool.org.
Friday, 1/28 – Murder at the Beach – Booksigning – 7:00 p.m. If you enjoy reading as much as I do, this is the coziest murder mystery bookstore you will find in Delray. Located at 273 NE 2nd Ave. (Pineapple Grove). Tel. 561-279-7790. Website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
On Friday, author Ian Vasquez will be signing Mr. Hooligan. His book is about Riley James, who was small time, just a kid, running messages and money for the Monsanto Brothers, the real players in Belize City. Then one slip in judgment left 2 men dead. The Monsantos handled the situation for their young protege…but accepting this favor put Riley inescapably in their debt.
Now, 2 years later, he’s a pro picking up drug drops under the Coast Guard’s nose and guiding boats through the reefs. He wants out….
The author, Ian Vasquez was raised in Belize but resides in Tampa, Florida.
Please note that Murder on the Beach has the largest collection of Florida authors that specialize in murder mysteries.
Friday, 1/28 – All Shook Up at the Crest Theatre, Old School Square located at 51 N. Swinton Ave., Tel. 561-243-7922. Website is www.oldschool.org.
All Shook Up is Footloose, Happy Days and Grease, all rolled into one national tour. It is the zany story of mistaken identities, romance and rebellion through the power of rock ‘n roll music.
Friday’s performance is at 8 p.m.
Saturday there are 2 performances; one at 2 p.m. and one at 8 p.m.
Sunday’s performance will be at 2 p.m.
For tickets and information, please call or visit www.oldschool.org.
Friday, 1/28 – Gallery Walk starting at 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. – This event gives visitors and residents an opportunity to see what an art community Delray Beach really is. The participating galleries, and there are many, will offer wine and cheese and will stay open extended hours so that you can get to know them better. This Gallery Walk is every Friday.
Saturday, 1/29 – Just like every Saturday you will find Delray Green Market open for business. The location? SE 4th Ave., 1/2 block south of Atlantic Ave. They will be there from 8 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. It is an open air market filled with local produce, baked goods, foods, music and flowers. Best way to start your Saturday morning.
More info? Call Lori Nolan at 561-276-711 or visit www.delraycra.org.
Saturday, 1/29 and Sunday, 1/30 – You will find Artists in the Park pretty much every week-end. The location is Veterans Park, right there at Atlantic Ave., at the Intracoastal. It is a free outdoor festival where you can browse and relax.
Have a great time…enjoy that Village by the Sea…kick back and relax…that’s what you are there for….
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