Showing posts with label Coeliac. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coeliac. Show all posts

Monday, January 07, 2019

100% gluten free at The Eltisley in Cambridgeshire

A visit to The Eltisley gastropub near St Neots.


It was brilliant to have a meal out yesterday and such a novelty.

There are only a handful of 100% gluten free places in the UK so it was marvellous to visit The Eltisley for lunch.

They do a cracking Banoffee Pie at The Eltisley in Cambridgeshire
They do a cracking Banoffee Pie

The menu is 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs, you can find out more on The Eltisley's website.

Update (2021): The Eltisley no longer offers a 100% gluten free menu.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

A Gluten Free Buffet

A sorry sight indeed.

A Gluten Free Buffet
Yum

I suppose it's better than nothing. Good to see the rolls in separate packaging.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a coeliac

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Ten years gluten free

Today marks my ten year Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.


Ten years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and so I began my journey into the world of all things gluten free.


I'm gluten free, not a glutton (or any number of other misspellings of gluten)

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, horrible, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

My life as a Coeliac, in LEGO form
Why I avoid gluten at all times!

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' and in-depth tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the great free from food and drink I've found since 2008.

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated. I've also found some funny things about being a Coeliac along the way.

And a MASSIVE thank you to Emily for all of her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness.

For more information on Coeliac Disease do check out the NHS Choices and Coeliac UK websites.

You can also view the very first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

Friday, June 01, 2018

Roasted Gluten

Many 'thanks' to my mate Paul O'Connor for sending me this snap of a bag of Roasted Gluten he spotted in a Chinese supermarket.

As a Coeliac this is my version of Kryptonite!

Roasted Gluten. Photo by Paul O'Connor, May 2018
They look like croutons to me

It's not the first time Paul has documented his gluten discoveries.

Related blog posts:

- Fried Gluten in a Can
- Gluten - my Kryptonite

Friday, May 11, 2018

Coeliac UK Awareness Week

Coeliac UK’s Awareness Week starts on Monday 14th May.


Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Next month is my tenth year gluten free. Any suggestions for how I can celebrate my Coeliacversary?

My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form
My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

Coeliac Richard Gottfried
There's no sign of gluten in me

For more information about Coeliac Disease and Coeliac UK's Awareness Week visit the Coeliac UK website.

May is Celiac Awareness Month in the USA.

Monday, December 11, 2017

98% gluten free

If something is 98% gluten free it's 100% useless to me.

The American Diner in Felixstowe is 98% gluten free
What a peculiar percentage to opt for, I wonder who their target market is?

Sadly there are very few 100% gluten free places for Coeliac diners. Cross-contamination with gluten containing food means that even 99% gluten free places are a big risk for people with Coeliac Disease.

The American Diner in Felixstowe is 98% gluten free
I've just noticed there's also a "98% GF" sticker on the door too

Thanks to Jo Tubby for the tip-off about the sign.

Friday, November 17, 2017

It's good to be gluten free, sometimes

While living with Coeliac Disease isn't the best thing in the world, the fact that having to be incredibly careful about every little thing you eat or drink does make you get excited about new products you see while out shopping. Lately the Co-op has been getting me interested and excited about food again as they've launched a lot of new gluten free items in their Free From range.

New Free From soups at the Co-op
It's always exciting receiving a free from food parcel!

While having our own dedicated free from section in a supermarket is convenient it's also nice to see 'normal' food products being made gluten free as standard.

New Free From soups at the Co-op
I've been tweeting with the team at the Co-op and they were kind enough to send me four of the new soups in the range to try out. From l-r they are Tomato & Lentil, Red Thai Chicken, Carrot & Coriander, and Chicken & Vegetable. I've tried the Chicken & Vegetable soup already - as well as the Minestrone - as I picked them up in a two for £3 deal recently. They taste really good and are large portions, very filling. The pots do say they serve 2, but I'm not one for sharing!

The Co-op has been adding to its range of gluten free products for a while now and I'm looking forward to seeing what else they have in store for people who need gluten free food options.

Link:
- The Co-op website

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- The Co-op

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The Oxford Place gluten free restaurant in Leeds

Dining out 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place restaurant in Leeds.


We recently visited Leeds specifically so we could once again dine out at The Oxford Place. The restaurant is superb. We had two brilliant evening meals and a great lunch. There are so many nice touches about dining at The Oxford Place. The service is excellent and the food is delicious. It's brilliant that the food is 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs. We're looking forward to our next visit already.

One of three excellent meals I had at The Oxford Place in Leeds over the weekend
One of three excellent meals I had at The Oxford Place in Leeds over the weekend

Visit The Oxford Place website for more info, opening times and menus.

Related blog posts:
- The Oxford Place
- Gluten Free
- Leeds

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Two more great meals at The Oxford Place in Leeds

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds.


We recently dined at The Oxford Place in Leeds for the first time since the restaurant changed hands. I'm very pleased to report that it is still offering excellent and 100% gluten free food.

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
I had the Ham Hock Terrine starter

We first dined there when it was called 2 Oxford Place in February last year and have tried to visit the restaurant and Leeds as often as possible since then. It really is that good.

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
The meal was preceded by an appetiser / amuse-bouche of Gazpacho soup

Once again we had two superb meals. After having starters and mains on Friday were were unable to fit in a dessert. But we did leave room for pudding on the Saturday.

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
Not the most summery of desserts - but the Sticky Toffee Pudding was absolutely delicious. It was a giant portion too

It was brilliant to feast, safe in the knowledge that the meals were 100% gluten free.

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
Look at the size of the crackling that came with my Pork Belly main course

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
Some fresh Oysters to start my second meal at 2 Oxford Place

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds
The best burger I've had in years

There are very few places which offer 100% gluten free options and so it's brilliant to find a restaurant able to cater for people with Coeliac Disease.

Little things like NOT having to explain to the waiting staff that I have a medical condition before ordering, or asking to see a 'special' menu, makes a BIG difference. And eating with the knowledge that there is no risk of cross contamination with any gluten containing ingredients is a relief.

Long may The Oxford Place continue offering diners - Coeliac and otherwise - superb food and service. I really hope some other restaurants take a leaf out of The Oxford Place's book and make the switch to 100% gluten free.

Visit The Oxford Place website for more information, opening times and menus.

We are really looking forward to our next meal there later this summer.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Home Counties Gluten Free Food Fair in Biggleswade

The Beds & Mid Herts Coeliac UK support group is once again organising a food fair in Biggleswade.

It'll be a great opportunity to see what's new and speak with exhibitors from a wide-range of gluten free specialist businesses in attendance. There are usually plenty of samples available too.

The 5th Home Counties Gluten Free Food Fair will take place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 23rd September. The venue is The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. Check out the group's poster below for more info and contact details.

Home Counties Gluten Free Food Fair in Biggleswade

I've been a member of the group since just after my diagnosis with Coeliac Disease in June 2008. The members of the group have been a great help - especially so in the early days when I was first stepping onto the strict and lifelong gluten free diet.

The group organises a number of events, has a regular newsletter and peer support. Emily and I have made some great friends through the group.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Celebrating nine years gluten free

Marking my Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

Nine years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and began my journey into the world of all things gluten free.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Richard Gottfried - Coeliac Crazy Golfer
I'm still alive and kicking as I've avoided gluten (my Kryptonite) since 2008

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

I can't thank Emily enough for her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness. She's been bloody marvellous.

Playing at Strokes Adventure Golf in Margate
We've tried not to let Coeliac Disease get in the way of things and we're always keen to get out and about to explore new places and try different things. Check out this minigolf/gluten free/coeliac awareness crossover blog post for example

Working together we've plotted the minefield of 'going gluten free' and barring the odd 'explosion' along the way we've found what works for us. At home we're a Gluten Free Zone, however there are a lot of hazards when I venture outside the house. I've reached the point now that except for anywhere that can offer 100% gluten free food and zero risks of cross-contamination I've more or less given up on dining out. The last meal out we had together was in Leeds last December. Happily we've got a return meal at 2 Oxford Place booked for later this month.

I do often wonder how many manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and take-aways consider the impact selling gluten free products (or not) has on their bottom line? If I find somewhere offering gluten free options and no cross-contamination then I'm going to spend some money there (my Coeliac Pound if you will). Plus I'll tell other Coeliacs. A Coeliac will travel a long way to eat safely and with confidence.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the food and drink I've found since 2008.

My life as a Coeliac. In LEGO form
Why I avoid gluten

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated.

For more info do check out NHS Choices and Coeliac UK.

You can also view the first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

Related blog posts:
Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Coeliac UK
- Coeliac Disease on NHS Choices

Friday, June 09, 2017

Schar gluten free goodies from Spain

Finding some different Schär gluten free products in Spain.

Emily was recently in Spain and picked up some Schär gluten free treats for me at the El Corte Inglés supermarket.

Schär gluten free products from Spain
Emily bought four of the Schär products you can't buy in the UK

Schär gluten free products from Spain
I was particularly interested in the Choco Butterkeks! They were one of my favourite types of biscuit before I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2008

Schär gluten free products from Spain
Luckily Emily got me two boxes

The last time Emily was in Spain I got this load of 'Sin Gluten' treats.

Links:
- Schar gluten free UK
- El Corte Inglés

Related blog posts:
- Gluten free
- Coeliac
- Spain
- Sin Gluten

Monday, May 08, 2017

It's Coeliac Awareness Week

Coeliac Awareness Week is taking place from the 8th to the 14th May.


This week is Coeliac Awareness Week. Organised by national charity, Coeliac UK, the focus this year is on dining out gluten free. And being able to do so safely.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of horrible, stressful and painful symptoms.

The only treatment is to adhere to a strict lifelong gluten free diet. In the UK it's estimated that 1 in 100 people have the condition.

While more places are offering gluten free menu options it's unfortunate that they are not also controlling cross-contamination risks. As little as one crumb of bread is enough to do a whole lot of damage to the gut of someone with Coeliac Disease.

I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2008 and remember the years before when I could dine out quite easily. Now I barely ever do. The last meal I had out was last December at a 100% gluten free restaurant in Leeds.

I wonder how many manufacturers, retailers and restaurants consider the impact selling gluten free products (or not) has on their bottom line? If I find somewhere safe to eat then I'm going to spend some money there (my Coeliac Pound if you will) - and tell other Coeliacs to as well. Plus, I'll likely be dining out with someone else who is also going to spend money there.

For more information about Coeliac Disease and Coeliac UK's Awareness Week visit the Coeliac UK website. The hashtag for the week is #glutenfreevolution.

Over in the USA the whole of May is Celiac Awareness Month.

Link:
- Coeliac UK

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #9 - Menu disclaimers
- My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form
- What a perfect Crazy Golf obstacle for a Coeliac
- Gluten - my Kryptonite

Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Yes Pieminister

Emily spotted some new gluten free pies from Pieminister on sale at Sainsbury's and bought the Ranger and Heidi varieties for me. There was also one called Moo, however the gluten-free craft ale in it contained oats and barley so that was a no-go.

I had the Ranger - Chicken, Ham, Leek & Thyme - pie for tea last night. It was delicious.

The pie has had some recommendations on Twitter. It gets this blog's endorsement too

The Pieminister Ranger pie was one of the best I've tasted - gluten free or otherwise - and I'll definitely buy more in the future.

Check out the Pieminister website for more information.

Friday, March 03, 2017

New Free From range at Morrisons

Morrisons launches new Free From products.


Towards the end of last month Morrisons expanded its range of Free From products and the news sent ripples of excitement through the Coeliac and Gluten Free communities. I was particularly excited to hear that there were going to be new Curly Fries in the range, along with a number of other sweet and savoury treats.

The Curly Fries and Mini Hash Browns are only £1 a bag. Bargain
The Curly Fries and Mini Hash Browns are only £1 a bag. Bargain

The updated branding, word of mouth buzz and excitement and the promise of new gluten and wheat free products at Morrisons means I've been spending a lot more time (and money) at my local store in Cheadle Heath. Much of the last two weeks has been spent keeping an eye out for the Curly Fries and Hash Browns. Luckily I managed to track some down on my dinner break today. I know what I'll be having for tea tonight!

The freezer section in Morrisons has a number of new Free From products
The freezer section has a number of new Free From products

Looking in the Free From section I noticed a number of other gluten free products from brands outside of the Morrisons own-brand range, which is great to see.

A selection of the new gluten free cereals in the Free From section at Morrisons in Cheadle Heath, Stockport
A selection of the new gluten free cereals in the Free From section at Morrisons

Last year Morrisons expanded the range of Free From products available in store and so it's brilliant they are continuing to provide products that are safe and suitable for people with allergies, intolerances and autoimmune diseases (such as Coeliac Disease).

Check out the Morrisons website for details of their Free From range.

Related blog posts:
- Morrisons
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac

Link:
- Morrisons

Friday, November 18, 2016

100% gluten free places in the UK

There are 100% gluten free places to eat in the UK.


As someone living with Coeliac Disease I am extremely careful about what I eat and drink. Since I was diagnosed in 2008 I haven't knowlingly consumed anything containing gluten. However, I have been 'glutened' while dining out and the effects can be horrific and long lasting. So, I'm always looking for safe and suitable 100% gluten free places to eat at while travelling around the UK.

Before diagnosis I was a very adventurous diner and willing to try all manner of food and drink. Emily and I would enjoy visiting lots of different restaurants and takeaways. Nowadays Emily either dines while I watch, or has to wait to visit a place with friends or family to give it a try.

Gluten free meal at 2 Oxford Place in Leeds
An incredibly rare sighting of us both dining out at the same time

At one of our last meals out together - way back in May - I was glutened. Since then dining out together has been very limited. While dining at home is safe and we do cook up some magnificent food (and great cocktails), we do miss having the whole meal experience. I am now looking to eat at places that are 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs. If it's not, I'll vote with my wallet and go elsewhere (or go hungry).

With my approach to tackling the problem of dining out safely I was incredibly pleased when fellow Coeliac and writer Caroline at the Coeliac Plate website let me know about a series of lists she has put together detailing the 100% gluten free places in the UK! It's absolutely marvellous to see.

One of my favourite places to eat is at 2 Oxford Place in Leeds. The fact that the restaurant is 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs is a real weight off the mind. To be able to visit a restaurant and not be on edge from the start is great. On the occasions I've dined there it's been brilliant. Just little things like NOT having to explain to the waiting staff that I have a medical condition before ordering, or asking to see a 'special' menu, makes a BIG difference.

When dining in a 'normal' restaurant that is trying to offer gluten free options cross contamination is possible. If eating there I can spend the whole time worrying about what could've happened to the meal I'm about to eat/am eating/have eaten. It doesn't make for a very pleasant or 'normal' experience and can often feel like the money has been wasted.

So do check out the Coeliac Plate website for more information and the links below for the 100% gluten free lists.

- UK 100% gluten free venues
- UK 100% gluten free – Northern England

Caroline tweeted me about her lists after I'd posted a tweet to fellow gluten free blogger Katie Bucknell asking about gluten free places in Manchester. Katie provided some good tips. Check out her website too.

Related blog posts:
- Gluten free
- Coeliac

Links:
- The Coeliac Plate website
- Katie Bucknell's website

Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween 2016

Ah, Halloween. The one day of the year when being a Coeliac Disease victim pays dividends. I'll never tire of 'dressing up' as Patient Zero. What a costume.

Richard hiding from some gluten in Dawlish Warren
Not brown bread yet

Related blog posts:
- Halloween
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten - my Kryptonite
- What a perfect Crazy Golf obstacle for a Coeliac
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

What a perfect Crazy Golf obstacle for a Coeliac

As a Coeliac Crazy Golfer was there a better obstacle for me to find on our visit to the Funder Park Adventure Golf course in Dawlish Warren, Devon than this!

Another funny thing about being a Coeliac

We can't believe it's been almost a year since our road trip around the South West of England! The Adventure Golf course at Dawlish Warren was the 15th visited on the trip, the 367th played, and 614th visited overall on our tour.

Related blog posts:
- Adventure Golf in Dawlish Warren
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Mini Golf in the South West of England
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Give the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour a Like on Facebook, watch our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter @putting_gott and @Ems_Lems.

You can also now sign-up to receive our miniature golf newsletter.

Sunday, April 03, 2016

Gullon (sin gluten) gluten free biscuits and crackers

While at Hitchin Market this morning we spotted these big boxes of gluten free biscuits and crackers on one of the food stalls!


I've bought the chocolate cookies before (they're very scoffable), but I've never seen the Sharkies biscuits or the crackers. Brilliant stuff.

Related blog posts:
Gluten Free
Coeliac
- Sin Gluten
Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Gullon
Coeliac UK

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Hurrah for sensible price reductions

Spotting some gluten free bargains.

I've always had an eye for a bargain. This has been honed even more so in the eight years since I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease.

Shopping for gluten and wheat free food is a hassle at the best of times - not to mention the trouble with gluten free prescriptions - and one of my bugbears is the fact that most supermarkets reduce the price of their free from food incrementally, rather than sensibly! This means that the best you can often hope for is to pay about £1.50 for an item near its sell by / use by date, rather than £2 to £3. It's a rare thing indeed to find gluten and wheat free goodies for mere pence.

That was until I found this great haul in Morrisons this evening.

Over ten quids worth of gluten and wheat free food - for just £1.16. Lovely stuff

There were also some bagels and another loaf of artisan bread in the reduced section, but I'm not greedy so left them for some other poor Coeliac to pick up.

Related blog posts:
Gluten Free
Coeliac
Funny things about being a Coeliac

Link:
Coeliac UK