Saturday, December 26, 2015

Eating out Gluten-Free in Florida

Eating out Gluten-Free in Florida

** the ones that have been recommended by our members.

**400BeachSeafood  (727) 896-2400  
400 Beach Drive N E  
St Petersburg, FL 33701

**BJ's (727) 525-4640  
3800 Park Blvd  
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

**CentralCafeand Organics (727) 824-0881 
243 Central Avenue  
St Petersburg, FL 33701

**CraftKafe  (727) 914-7443
6653 Central Avenue 
St Petersburg, FL 33710

338 Corey Avenue 
St Pete Beach, FL 33706

**LeafyGreensCafe (727) 289-7087 
1431 Central Avenue  
St Petersburg, FL 33705

**LeeRoySelmon's (727) 347-5774  
2424Tyrone Blvd  
St Petersburg, FL 33710

**MangiaGourmet (727) 321-6264
2930 Beach Blvd S 
Gulfport, FL 33707

**MellowMushroom (727) 723-2000 
2630 Gulf Bay Blvd
Clearwater, FL 33759

**MmmBAP (Food Truck) 
3885 Pompano Drive S E 
St Petersburg, FL 33705

**OhanaCafĂ©  (727) 314-4277
306 Orange Street N 
Ozona, FL 34660

**OutbackSteakhouse (727) 898-2016  
1900 4th Street N  
St Petersburg, FL 33704

**P.F.Chang'sChina Bistro (813) 289-8400 
219 Westshore Plaza 
Tampa, FL 33609

**ParkShoreGrill   (727) 896-9463  
300 Beach Drive N E  
St Petersburg, FL 33701

**SerendipityCafe' (727) 483-9233
664 Main Street 
Dunedin, FL 34698

**Stacy'sGluten Free Goodies  (813) 477-4247
14379 N Dale Mabry Hwy 
Tampa, FL 33618

BellaBrava (727) 895-5515 
204 Beach Drive N E 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

CafeAlma (727) 502-5002 
260 1st Avenue S 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

CafeLuna (727) 360-7500 
6700 Gulf Blvd 
St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Crowley'sDowntown (727) 821-1111 
269 Central Avenue 
t Petersburg, FL 33701

Frenchy'sRockaway Grill (727) 446-4844 
7 Rockaway Street 
Clearwater, FL 33767

Fresco'sWaterfront Bistro (727) 894-4429 
300 2nd Avenue N E 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

Fresh Kitchen 
1350 S Howard Avenue 
Tampa, FL 33606

GourmetPizza Company (813) 258-1999 
610 S Armenia Avenue 
Tampa, FL 33609

GratzziItalian Grille (727) 623-9037 
211 Second Street S 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

Meze119 (727) 498-8627 
119 2nd Street N 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

PrimiUrban Cafe (727) 895-4909 
27 4th Street N 
St Petersburg, FL 33701

Rollin’Oats Market & Cafe   (727) 821-6825 
2842 Dr ML King Street N 
St Petersburg, FL 33704

Rollin’Oats Market & Cafe   (813) 873-7428 
1021 N MacDill Avenue 
Tampa, FL 33607

TerraSur Cafe (813) 269-2694 
358 W Village Drive 
Tampa, FL 33624

Thai Island (813) 251-9111 
210 E Davis Blvd 
Tampa, FL 33606

The Living Room (727) 736-5202 
487 Main Street 
Dunedin, FL 34698



CarolAnne Le Blanc



Gluten-Free for Life is a section 501(c)3 charitable organization.
All gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance with law

"A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state."  
1-800-Help-Fla (435-7352)  Www.Floridaconsumerhelp.Com

Friday, December 25, 2015

My Gluten-Free Adventures in Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, in Peru

We decided to do something that few others do…take more time!! We spent three days in Aqua Caliente and one full day atop Machu Picchu. We were on the first bus up…and took the last bus down. I have some minor walking disabilities so was a little concerned about being able to explore everything. I really didn’t need to worry. Granted, I wasn’t able to do it all…but what I could do was just incredible!! My travel companions were able to wander off while I rested…and it worked out well.

We hired a private guide for our day…it was so worth it. His name is Willie (willingtone@hotmail.com) He was great. Very well spoken in three languages; he was friendly, comfortable to be with and a fountain of useful information.

The mosquitoes are horrible…and Deet is pretty useless. While in Cusco buy yourselves some VT…it's what the natives use.  It comes in a spray can, and works far better than anything we brought from the States. The only other thing that worked really well was an herbal repellant we were able to find. Apparently, the bugs in Peru are very much attracted to Deet!! We also noted (too late for us) that the favorite clothing was light, thin and covered the entire body…apparently the mosquitoes are so small they can’t get you through your clothing.

There’s food available on the mountain top, but bring snacks and water. What’s up there is pretty pricey. There’re also clean restrooms…such a nice surprise. And we treated ourselves to lunch in the Resort…pretty expensive…but such a great buffet meal and time to rest and compare notes before going back out onto the mountain.

Yes, this is a picture of me standing on the edge of the world...absolutely terrified!!

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku
(Quechua - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)



CarolAnne Le Blanc



Gluten-Free for Life is a section 501(c)3 charitable organization.
All gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance with law

"A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state."  
1-800-Help-Fla (435-7352)  Www.Floridaconsumerhelp.Com

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Common Courtesies

Common Courtesies

It’s the Holidays and parties abound!  It’s a time for visiting with friends and loved ones, and it’s a time for entertaining in our homes.  I grew up with Miss Manners and proper etiquette.  Not only did we learn about respect and common courtesies at home…but we learned them in school as well.  It still amazes me that now-a-days so many of our children never learn these simple tips. So here are some basic Common Courtesies that will help make visiting or entertaining more enjoyable for all.

SO YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO SOMEONE ELSE’S HOME:
 ** Respond to your Invitation – please, please, please let your Host/Hostess know if you plan to attend or not…even if it’s to say maybe.  Your RSVP helps in planning for the correct number of guests.  If you don’t respond to your invitation and you just ‘show up’ you’re being more than just rude – and you can’t complain if your Host/Hostess isn’t prepared for you to be there.

 ** Don’t forget to show up – if you’ve extended your RSVP make certain you honor your promise.  If life happens and your plans change, notify your Host/Hostess as soon as you become aware you cannot make it or you may be late.

 ** Be on time – be respectful, ‘fashionably late’ is not fashionable; it’s downright rude.  Don’t create liars out of your friends and acquaintances by forcing people to give out fictitious times just because they know you so well.

 ** Bring something to eat or a small gift – never arrive empty handed.  Always bring something to contribute.

Special dietary needs:
 ** Bring something you enjoy – if you have special needs pay attention and bring something to share that you can enjoy without worry.  Don’t be the one standing by the table shouting, “isn’t there ANYTHING here that I can eat??”

 ** Learn how to say “No, Thank you.” – be respectful, if offered something you can’t eat don’t proclaim loudly, “Are you trying to poison me??”

Using your favorite baking dish:
 ** Mark your possessions for easy return – whenever possible, use dishes you don’t mind losing.  If you use a prized possession, make certain you mark it with your name and phone # and don’t be afraid to call a day or two later to claim it.  It’s a perfect opportunity to say “Thank you for inviting me.”

SO YOU’VE INVITED OTHERS INTO YOUR HOME:
 ** Learn how to say ‘Yes” – when someone asks if they can bring something, always say, “YES”!!  Don’t create future monsters - the ones who cause others to complain, “They NEVER contribute anything!!”

 ** Learn how to say “Thank You” – when someone offers to contribute make certain you say Thank you, even if it’s something you wouldn’t use in a thousand lifetimes.

 ** Set understandable time frames – ‘around 7ish’ is not a true time.  Many a Host/Hostess have actually learned to lie just to get people to arrive on time - saying it’s 7:00pm when the time will truly be 7:30pm. Set an understandable time and stick to it.  There will always be rude guests who show up late...don't punish the ones who do arrive on time by waiting around for them.

Be prepared for some special dietary needs:
 ** Be flexible – make allowances for others.  Provide an alternative whenever possible, example:  Juice or water, fresh fruit or raw vegetables.

 ** Don’t be offended  don’t push the matter if someone refuses what you’re offering.  Saying, “a little bit won’t hurt you” might just actually kill someone.  Accept a “No, Thank you” gracefully.

Finding someone’s favorite baking dish:
 ** Returning it to the proper owner – if the dish is marked, so much the better - return it as soon as possible.  If the dish is not marked and you don’t hear from anyone within a week or two - well, you’ve just inherited a new dish.  Don’t be upset if someone recognizes it several months later and wants to take it home again.

 ** Never return anything dirty or empty – returning a dirty dish is simply insulting.  Returning an empty dish symbolizes a future without prosperity.  It’s customary to place something inside, a small gift or food of some sort - symbolizing a prosperous relationship with the other person.

WHAT TO BRING AND WHEN:
 ** General rule is simple  bring something you enjoy and enough to serve at least 6 people, regardless of the number of people expected to be there.  Don’t forget, if everyone brings enough for 6 there will be plenty to feed even 200!!

 ** When do you bring something – always when joining a large group, always when visiting a new location, always when meeting new people, always when you’re nervous and afraid you won’t fit in.  And always when you have your own dietary restrictions to consider.

 ** When can you get away with NOT bringing anything – if the person you’re visiting is someone you feel comfortable burping or farting in front of chances are real good that you can get away without bringing something to the occasion.  In fact, by then your Host/Hostess will probably EXPECT you to show up empty handed.

FINDING SOMETHING APPROPRIATE TO THE SEASON OR OCCASION:
 ** When in doubt:  ask – don’t be afraid to ask what’s needed.  You may get a desperate plea for something needed or special instructions to blend in with the occasion.  After all, you wouldn’t really want to bring liver and onions to a chocolate party, or wine & beer to a recovering alcoholic.

THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ARRIVING EMPTY HANDED:
 ** What to do if you don’t cook – the answer to this one is simple * SHOP :-) There are many delicious ways to fill the need at your local grocers.  Don’t forget to check your own pantry first; you just might have something tucked away in the freezer for a special occasion.

 ** What to do if you’re broke – check the pantry first, it’s amazing what you can bring together to make a great dish.  Example:  1lb hamburger, 1 box macaroni, 1 can stewed tomatoes cooked and combined makes a great dish.  It only takes 10-12 teabags and a bottle of spring water to make a gallon of iced tea.

 ** Even more broke – how about a bag of potato chips, a bottle of soda, or a box of cookies.  It’s amazing what you can buy for a couple $$ if you shop a little bit.

 ** Just plain destitute  Recycle, recycle…in other words, remember that item you received and just couldn’t do anything with??  Chances are good someone else may just appreciate it more than you do. 
NOTE:  Be careful with this one, you don’t want to be the one other people snicker behind their hands about.  “Don’t invite that one!!  They always bring their trash with them!!”

 ** What to do if you're living in a tent –Good rule on this one is to keep it simple.  Something that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking is your best bet.  Believe it or not some of the most appreciated items are fresh fruit, water, or chocolate.

 ** What to do if you’re living in a cave – this one’s pretty extreme, it’s the person with nothing but ketchup in the fridge, along with some unidentifiable green stuff in the corner; peanut butter in the pantry next to a loaf of bread that’s hard as a rock and not a single clean dish anywhere to be found.  What does someone like this contribute??  What does anyone really WANT them to contribute??  Well, if there’s a fruit tree growing in the yard they just might have it covered.  If not, hopefully, there’s a 7-11 on the way!!




CarolAnne Le Blanc



Gluten-Free for Life is a section 501(c)3 charitable organization.
All gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance with law

"A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state."  
1-800-Help-Fla (435-7352)  Www.Floridaconsumerhelp.Com

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Camp Weekaneatit, Gluten-Free Camp


CAMP WEEKANEATIT 2016 DATES!!!!
May 29 - June 3, 2016
AT CAMP TWIN LAKES--CAMP DREAM,
WARM SPRINGS, GEORGIA




Camp Weekaneatit looks like any other summer camp.  
You can hear the laughter...


You wouldn't know it from looking at them, but all of our campers are Gluten Intolerant, have Celiac Disease and/or are their siblings.  They're just kids, having the time of their lives at a camp designed especially for them. Camp Weekaneatit was founded to serve Celiac youth, ages 8 - 17; Gluten Intolerant youth and their siblings.  The vision of the camp is to offer an exceptional camp experience including all of the fun, activities, camp friendships, color war, adventure and all with the peace of mind that all the food is Gluten-Free!

HOW IS CAMPER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED?
Any child with medically stable Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance is invited to apply in addition to their siblings. Campers ages 8 – 17 are accepted.  Each camper’s application will be reviewed by our medical team to be certain that we are equipped and safely prepared for any special circumstances.  If there is a camper with circumstances that we feel are not a good match for what we are set up for, we will get in touch for further discussion.

IS THERE ON-SITE MEDICAL CARE?
Camp Weekaneatit is equipped with a 24-hour on-site health center, staffed by a professional medical team with the oversight of Dr. Jeff Lewis, our Camp Weekaneatit Medical Director. Careful steps are taken to ensure that campers follow the medical regimen prescribed by their doctors back home.

HOW DOES CAMP WEEKANEATIT SELECT ITS STAFF?
Camp Weekaneatit is led by our camp director, Jill Waddell, who works closely with the entire volunteer staff of counselors, medical professionals, mental health professionals, activity specialists and a spirit director!  We focus on FUN and ensuring a safe and protected environment.  All of our volunteer staff is trained and screened through interviews and background checks.

WHAT DO CAMPERS DO ALL DAY?
The typical camp day starts around 8:00am and ends at approximately 10:00pm, though bedtimes vary by age. The daily schedule usually includes several activity periods (adventure course, boating, swimming, arts and crafts, team sports, etc.) and an Evening Activity (campfire, Talent Show, Scavenger Hunt, etc.), as well as three Gluten-Free meals, a Gluten-Free snack, a rest hour, and time for showering and clean-up.

HOW DOES THE CAMPER APPLICATION PROCESS WORK?
First, go to: http://goo.gl/forms/8EIIowmqYZ, which will bring you to the application-- complete the on-line application. (*If you completed an on-line application last year, you must still complete an application each year you wish to attend) 
Second, pay your camper fee. The fee is non-refundable due to you cancelling, but will be refunded if for any reason you are not accepted to the camp program.  YOUR SPOT AT CAMP WILL ONLY BE RESERVED ONCE WE HAVE YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION AND YOUR CAMPER FEE.  You can pay your application fee online by CLICKING on the PayPal DONATE BUTTON or can submit your fee by check.

NEW THIS YEAR:  All campers and volunteers’ onsite will be required to submit proof of your up to date immunizations

Applications will then be reviewed and you will be notified of your acceptance status. All accepted campers will be required to complete other forms and supply additional information.  Application/fees must be received by April 15, 2016.

Parents will be notified by email as soon as the review process is complete, and will be provided additional camp information as applicable.

WHAT ARE THE CAMPER FEES AND HOW DO I SUBMIT PAYMENT? 
Go to the Camper Registration page and click on the PAYPAL- DONATE button (please make sure to add your camper name along with the PayPal submission to be certain that we are aware of who the fee if for)

OR

Write check made payable to the Georgia Celiac Foundation and mail to:  Mary Bohdan, 100 Tall Timber Court, Fayetteville, GA 30215

The fees vary depending if you have additional campers to register:

CAMPER REGISTER: 
FIRST CAMPER: $600
EACH ADDITIONAL CAMPER FROM SAME FAMILY:  $550

ARE THERE ANY SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED?
Camp Weekaneatit has traditionally offered scholarships and financial assistance to campers in need.  With fundraising being very challenging, we will not always have the same resources available, and still have the desire to offer as many as we can.  Please complete the initial application—please indicate that you need a camper scholarship and we will get back to you after our application deadline of April 15th with indication if we will be able to assist. 

Contact Us:

For camper intake/ applications:
Mary Bohdan at:  campweekaneatit@gmail.com or 770-716-7682

For volunteer information and general camp questions:
Jill Waddell, Camp Director, campweekaneatit@gmail.com or 770-312-9722

Thank you for your support!



CarolAnne Le Blanc



Gluten-Free for Life is a section 501(c)3 charitable organization.
All gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance with law

"A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state."  
1-800-Help-Fla (435-7352)  Www.Floridaconsumerhelp.Com

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Mesquita Bread, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread/Rolls from Portugal

Mesquita Bread, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread/Rolls from Portugal


Ok...so this isn't actually about Gluten-Free Travel.  But this is about a really great Gluten-Free bread or roll recipe from Portugal.  So that counts as travel right?
DRY INGREDIENTS
2  Cps Gluten Free Baking Flour Blend (extra for dusting)
½  Cp Potato Starch
½  Cp Tapioca Flour
1/3  Cp Cornstarch
½  Tbl Xanthan Gum
1 ½  Tsp Salt
3  Tbls Granulated Sugar
1  Tbl Active Dry Yeast

LIQUIDS
2 Large Eggs
4 Egg Whites
4 Tbls Oil
1 Tsp Cider Vinegar
1 ¼ Cps Water

BAKING DIRECTIONS
1. In a med sized bowl, measure all of the dry ingredients, except the Yeast.
2. Stir or whisk dry ingredients well.
3. Combine liquids in a separate bowl and mix or whisk well.
4 Warm liquids to about 120 Degrees, (20 to 30 seconds in Microwave)

BEFORE mixing the dry and wet ingredients together:
5. Lightly grease cookie sheet, use a Paper towel. Wipe off any excess.  If making bread then lightly oil loaf pan.
6. Coat a large cutting board or smooth surface with some additional Gluten-Free Baking Flour. Be generous, the dough is sticky to touch.  Skip this step when making the loaf of bread.
7. Sprinkle yeast over the top of the dry ingredients and pour liquid mixture over the top and mix with a wire whisk till it thickens, and then use a rubber spatula to finish folding it in 2-3 minutes until it is smooth. It will be soft and sticky to the touch.
8. With the spatula form the dough into a ball in the bowl you mixed it in using the spatula to slide the dough onto the floured smooth surface.
9. Sprinkle a generous amount of Gluten-Free Baking Flour on top of the dough ball.
10. Use some of the flour on your hands and push down, and smooth out the dough ball to about ½ to ¾ of an inch thick.  This does not need to be perfect and you do not want to handle the dough too much at this stage
11. Choose a glass or a plastic cup that has an opening about the size of the roll you want.
12. Use the glass or cup like a cookie cutter and press it into the dough, then place the cut outs on your oiled cookie sheet. Lightly cover the cookie sheet with Saran Wrap to prevent any drafts on the dough. Place cookie sheet in a warm area. Let rise until double in size,
13. Preheat oven to 375, remove plastic wrap from cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Rolls should be light brown on top surface and crusty when you tap on it.
14. Remove from oven and place rolls on a wire rack to cool.  Makes about a dozen depending on the size you choose.  Maybe only 11 if you can't resist a nice freshly baked roll with butter
TO MAKE BREAD:
1. Lightly oil a 9-x-5-inch loaf pan.
2. Scrape Dough ball into loaf pan, lightly cover with plastic wrap, and let rise to double in size. This takes about an hour. You do not need to coat the dough ball in flour for this method.
3. Pre heat oven to 375
4. Bake 40-45 minutes or until lightly browned and it should sound a little hollow when tapped on. If it is browning too fast then lightly place a piece of aluminum on the top.

5. Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Or at least cool enough that you do not burn yourself when eating it off the rack :-)  


Carolanne LeBlanc

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive

               Largo, Florida  33771