Funny things about being a Coeliac #8

Being scared of bread!

Well, bread and all manner of other seemingly 'normal' food.

Just ask Emily about the look of fear upon my face if a waiter or waitress brings over a basket of 'normal' bread in a restaurant - it's like a vampire being confronted with garlic!

Links:

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #4

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #5

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #6
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #7

- Coeliac-related blog posts

- Gluten Free-related blog posts

Funny things about being a Coeliac #7

Disappearing flight attendants!

On a flight to Sweden in 2011 I was surprised to see everyone get served an on-board meal. Well, everyone that is apart from a few poor vegetarians who missed out on the meagre offering of veggie sangers, and me.

The serving of the lunch was very puzzling as the BA website didn't allow you to make a dietary selection for the flight!? I mentioned this to the Steward, who said he’d ask his colleagues and have a look.

I never saw him again!

Odd, as it was a very small plane.

I have had some good experiences with airline food, its not always great, nor always gluten AND wheat free, but gluten free 'special meals' do get served before the normal people's meals.

Links:

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #4

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #5

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #6

- Coeliac-related blog posts

- Gluten Free-related blog posts

- A week in the life of a Great Britain International Minigolfer

Awareness Week: Coeliac Facts from Udi's Gluten Free

New Coeliac Disease infographic from Udi's Gluten Free.

The team at Udi's Gluten Free have put out a new infographic with a range of facts about Coeliac Disease to coincide with Coeliac Awareness Week that is running from the 12th to the 18th of May.

The Udi's Gluten Free Awareness Week: Coeliac Facts infographic (click on the image to enlarge and also available to view here)

Udi's launched in the UK at the end of 2013 and have been in the USA since 1994. Check out the Udi's website for details of their range and stockists.

Further details about Coeliac Disease and Coeliac Awareness Week can be found on the Coeliac UK website and Twitter. May is also Celiac Awareness Month in the USA and Canada - check out the hashtag on Twitter.

Link:
- Udi's Gluten Free

Related blog posts:
- Udi’s Gluten Free – more than just mince pies
- Coeliac UK Awareness Week 2014 and the Gluten-free guarantee
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac

Funny things about being a Coeliac #6

Its Coeliac Disease (pronounced see-lee-ack). So I am not:

a celeriac - that's Howard ;-)

a celery - even though my brother thinks I am!

a solero - that's an ice cream!?

Links:
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #4
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #5
- Coeliac-related blog posts
- Gluten Free-related blog posts

Funny things about being a Coeliac #5

Restaurants that attempt to offer gluten free options. But fail. Massively.

 

Links:
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #4
- Coeliac-related blog posts
- Gluten Free-related blog posts
- A bizarre 'Gluten Free' Restaurant Menu spotted in Birmingham

Funny things about being a Coeliac #4

The look of sheer horror and disgust in the faces of waiting staff when you use the word 'disease'.

Why call your condition an "intolerance" or "allergy", when the word "disease" makes a much better impression and helps put you more at ease on the already terrifying experience of dining out.

For added effect, I've started to ring a bell as I enter a restaurant to signify that I have Coeliac Disease - and I say the D-word in my most stentorian voice.

Links:

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

- Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

- Coeliac-related blog posts

- Gluten Free-related blog posts

Funny things about being a Coeliac #3

Howard the Celeriac comic strips.

A little bit of gallows humour. But hey, sometimes its good to have a laugh about your serious medical condition.

Check out the 'Special Steak' incident comic strip on the Howard the Celeriac website.

Links:
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2
- Howard the Celeriac
- Coeliac-related blog posts
- Gluten Free-related blog posts

Funny things about being a Coeliac #2

I live in Luton, but I can't eat Gluten.

Gluton (sic) Free menu at the Chicago Rib Shack in London (October 2010)

Gluton (sic) Free sausages at the Arcade Butchers in Hastings (October 2010)

Not the funniest of puns, but the amount of times I've heard the line! If I had a pound...

Links:
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #1
- Coeliac-related blog posts
- Gluten Free-related blog posts
- Luton, Gluten and Gluton - 'typo' signs
- Gluten Free Finds in London (and beyond) - October 2010

Funny things about being a Coeliac #1

As someone diagnosed with Coeliac Disease I find the labels you get on your gluten free prescriptions quite funny. Not only do they have instructions that you should eat the gluten free food "as directed by your doctor", but also that you should "Keep all medicines out of children's reach."

The pharmacy guidelines and doctor's orders stuck on my prescribed packet of medicine (Glutafin Mini Crackers)

The Savoury Shorts from a prescription with the big guidelines sticker from the pharmacy

On a more serious note you can check out the guidelines for Coeliacs to receive gluten free food on prescription on the Coeliac UK website. The only treatment coeliacs currently have is to adhere to a STRICT gluten free diet - this can be very restrictive indeed - so it's great that some staple products are available on prescription. However, in the dozens of prescription orders I've ever done, I've only had one be correctly prescribed!?

Luckily I followed the doctors orders and didn't overdose by eating too much long-life bread, or too many crackers and pizza bases.

Links:

- Coeliac-related blog posts

- Gluten Free-related blog posts

- Coeliac UK

- Glutafin

Q&A with the Glutenlibre Celiac Awareness website

Check out my recent Q&Q with the Glutenlibre team at "Glutenlibre Q&A with Richard Gottfried."

The Glutenlibre website and brand promotes awareness for celiac* disease and the gluten-free lifestyle.

In my interview I discuss my diagnosis as a coeliac* in 2008, life as a Pro Minigolfer, how I've managed the transition to a gluten free lifestyle, the impact on my life and the wide-range of sports, games and activities I get up to on my travels.

Playing in the final of the World Crazy Golf Championships the year after my diagnosis

Since 2012 Glutenlibre has been using "Gfree performance" to show people they can still have a full, healthy lifestyle despite having to live on a strict and life-long gluten free diet.

Links:

- Glutenlibre

- Glutenlibre Gfree Athletes

- Glutenlibre on Twitter

- Glutenlibre on Facebook

* Celiac in the USA and Coeliac in the UK, but either way it's pronounced "See-lee-ack".

Udi’s Gluten Free – more than just mince pies

Finding out more about the new range of Udi’s gluten free food.

While shopping in the Dunstable branch of Tesco Emily and I spotted a new range of food in the Free From section of the supermarket.

A selection of the range of Udi's Gluten Free food that I've tried so far

The brand was Udi’s and recently launched in the UK. It’s been going strong in the USA since 1994.

One of the products in Udi’s range of gluten free food are the Rich n’ Fruity Mince Pies. This year I had my first mince pie of the festive season a little later than in 2012, but since that first mince pie in October I’ve bought (and scoffed) at least four more boxes!

The first of Udi's products I tried were the Mince Pies - back in October! Very festive.

On that shopping trip we also bought packs of the Udi’s Ancient Grain crisps – in both Jalapeno Cheddar and Aged Cheddar flavours.

Udi's Ancient Grain crisps also come in a very tasty Aged Cheddar flavour

After seeing “My first gluten free Mince Pie of the festive season” blog post the team at Udi’s got in touch to send me a hamper of their range, which was very much appreciated.

When I received the box of goodies from Udi’s the first product that caught my eye was the Chocolate Chip & Toffee Flavoured Muffins. And they tasted as good as they sound.

One of my favourites among the Udi's range - the Chocolate Chip & Toffee Flavoured Muffins

Next to be tried, though not on the same day, were the Cinnamon & Raisin Bagels. While not a fan of bagels (I've always found them to be very dry, and haven't eaten one since I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease) I found the Udi's ones to be very nice. They were helped by not being plain ones and as the packet says, they taste great toasted.

The Cinnamon & Raisin Bagels. The best I've tried.

Next out of the bag were the Toaster Pastries. These caught both me and Emily's eyes and brought back memories of pop tarts!

The most interesting of the Udi's range are the retro Toaster Pastries!

As we don't own a toaster we simply put them under the grill for a few minutes to heat them up to that perfect molten lava level before allowing them to cool a bit.

Emily is a fan of the Strawberry Flavoured ones, while I liked the Apple Cinnamon ones more, but would be equally happy with either for a breakfast treat.

The products Udi's sent through to me, and those we've seen in-store are just a selection of the range they are bringing to the UK.

Emily also recently bought a pack of the soft white Classic Finger Rolls and we’re going to use them with some frankfurters we found that were gluten free while shopping in Aldi last week.

Looking at Udi’s US website it’ll be interesting to see if the small and large Tortillas they offer will also be an item they’ll be bringing to these shore as we're big fans of Mexican food!

Check out the Udi’s website for details of the full range and to sign-up for the email newsletter. 

Related blog posts:

- My first gluten free Mince Pie of the festive season

- Gluten Free

- Coeliac

Links:

- Udi's Gluten Free UK

- Udi's Gluten Free UK on Twitter
- Udi's Gluten Free UK on Facebook

- Udi’s Gluten Free USA

- Udi’s Gluten Free USA on Twitter

- Coeliac UK

Gluten Free Reviews on Travel Gluten Free

On our travels around the UK and overseas Emily and I are always on the look out for places to eat out at Gluten Free.

As a Coeliac it is vital that I don't eat any food that would be unsafe, so options for dining can be quite limited. However, on our travels we've found some great places to eat at.

As well as tweeting about them when I find them and blogging about them here on The Ham & Egger Files, I also regularly submit reviews to the Travel Gluten Free website.

You can read my reviews on Travel Gluten Free at:
- Where to eat - UK, Restaurants
- Where to eat - UK, Chains
- Where to eat - UK, Stores
- Where to eat - North America, Restaurants
- Where to eat - North America, Chains
- Where to eat - North America, Stores
- Where to eat - Sweden, Restaurants
- Where to stay - UK

Links:
- Travel Gluten Free
- Coeliac UK - The leading charity working for people with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Their mission is to improve the lives of people with coeliac disease through support, campaigning and research.

Gluten Free Ales, Beers and Lagers

Details of Gluten Free Ale, Beer and Lager that I've 'sampled' since being diagnosed as a Coeliac *hic*

Having had two bottles of Mongozo Gluten Free Pilsener bought for me I thought I'd give a run down of the other Gluten Free Ales, Beers and Lagers I've tried since being a Coeliac (as people 'Intolerant to Gluten' can't drink 'normal' Beer/Lager).

Enjoying a Redbridge Beer at The Yardhouse in Las Vegas in 2010

I must admit that I do like all of them, they all taste like 'the real thing'. Reading reviews in Crossed Grain magazine some people in 'taste tests' rated some more highly than others, but I can't say I'd avoid any of them. I do have a particular favourite in Redbridge Beer, but that's only available in the US.

I was a big fan of all types of lager, beer and ale before I was diagnosed as a Coeliac, so it is nice to know there are brewers out there providing for Coeliac customers.

Here's a list and links of those I've tried to date:

- Mongozo Pilsener

- Hambleton’s Gluten Free Ale (GFA) and Gluten Free Lager (GFL) - I've tried both.

- Green's Gluten Free Beers - I've tried both their of their new Premium Golden Ale and the Premium Pils. Previously I've tried a few of their other beers, including Pioneer and Trailblazer. Green's do have a wide-range, further details below.

- Estrella Damm Daura

- Schnitzer Brau

- St Peter's Brewery - I've tried the G-Free™ variety

- Glebe Farm Pathfinder - Spotted in the window of Drinkers Paradise in Camden

- CELIA at The Regent Pub in London

- Green's Supreme Golden Ale - on sale in a Sainsbury's in Birmingham

- Daas Blond Beer

Many of these beers and lagers are available in major supermarkets, although stock levels are generally quite low.

I've yet to try the following UK beers and lagers (they're definitely on my 'To Drink' list):

- Against the Grain

- Ambar

- Crop Circle bottle-conditioned beer by Hopback Brewery

- Green's Refermented Blonde Ale

- Green's Refermented Dark Ale

- Green' s Refermented Brown Ale

- St Peter's Brewery Winter Ale

- Green's Mission

- Green's Quest

- Green's Discovery

- Green's Endeavour

- Green's Herald

- Green's Pathfinder

- Stringers Brewery - Plan B - I heard about it via twitter in March 2012 from North Herts CAMRA & Stingers Beer - the beer will be available at the 2012 Hitchin Beer & Cider Festival on the 9th & 10th of March.

While in Las Vegas we tried Redbridge Beer which was great, and we picked up a case of Bard's Beer, which was nice too.

While writing this blog post I also spotted this excellent list of Gluten Free Beers on the Gluten Free Diet website. I can't wait to work my way through that list too!

I found out via twitter that the Orange Tree Pub in Baldock, Herts can cater for Coeliacs, with both food and drink, as they also serve Gluten Free beer and lager.

Enjoying a bottle of gluten free beer

In November 2014 the excellent GFree Radio Show had a gluten free drinks special and I was a guest on the show to discuss alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can listen to the show at 'GFree Radio episode 80: Our #GF drinks special'.

Non-Gluten Free, but Beer (and Minigolf) related Blog Posts:

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Pub Beer Gardens

- A New Minigolf Beer - The '19th Hole' from Uncle Stuart's Brewery at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk
- Mini Golf at the Camden Town Brewery in London

Non-Gluten Free and just about Beer-related Blog Post:

- The Weymouth Preliminaries Rock Paper Scissors Contest

Gluten Free Food & Drink-related Blog Posts:

- Gluten Free Beer
- Gluten Free Reviews on Travel Gluten Free

- Gluten Free Fish & Chips that we've found on our travels

- Great Gluten Free Tea Rooms

Links:
- For more information about Coeliac Disease please visit the Coeliac UK website.

- The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has a list of Gluten Free Beers on its website.

Gluten Free and Coeliac/Celiac Friendly Places to Eat in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

While on holiday in Las Vegas last month we were able to eat out at a number of great Gluten Free restaurants.

Among them were The Cracked Egg - 7660 W Cheyenne Ave #125, Las Vegas, NV 89129 - which had an extensive gluten free menu. I opted for the Southside Scramble, which filled me up for the whole day!



Botero at Encore Las Vegas - 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109-1967 - I had Steak Tartare to start (for the first time ever) which was excellent, followed by Organic Roasted Chicken, frisee salad and a natural jus. The service and the specialist menus were brilliant.



The Yard House - Town Square, 6593 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas, NV 89119 - here we watched the England vs. USA World Cup Match eating Rib-Eye Steak for breakfast, washed down with some great Redbridge Beer.



PF Changs - Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, 3667 Las Vegas Boulevard, South Las Vegas, NV 89109 - I had an excellent meal of Egg Drop Soup to start, followed by Gluten Free Chang's Spicy Chicken. Delicious.



Outback Steakhouses - On the first evening in town we went to the restaurant at the Coke Bottle - 3785 Las Vegas Blvd, 4th Fl, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (where I had an excellent Rib-Eye Steak and Garlic Mash, plus a huge side-salad), we returned on the last night and I went for a huge full rack of ribs (that I couldn't finish), and on our last day we went to the branch at Casino Royale - 3411 S Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (where I had another Rib-Eye Steak - this time for brunch!).




Big Al's Oyster Bar at The Orleans Hotel & Casino - 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV - did some great Cajun seafood, and had great service. It's a little off the strip, but well worth a visit to The Orleans. The hotel also has a great tenpin bowling alley!


Penazzi Oyster Bar in Harrahs Hotel & Casino - 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109-8922 - did some great Oysters, and cocktails too!


Whole Foods stores also offer a great range of Gluten Free foods (and beers!).

Redbridge Beer is great, and we also picked up a case of Bard's Beer, which was nice too.

Ahead of our holiday the Gluten Free Las Vegas Blog was a great source of information.

Unfortunately we couldn't visit every place that could cater for Coeliacs/Celiacs, but that is just one more reason for us to return again!

I also managed to drink plenty of my favourite soft drink while in the US - Mountain Dew!


The Wal-Mart Version - Mountain Lightning - is good too.