Yearly Archives: 2014

Save the Date: Gluten Free Living Conference!

As March is quickly coming to a close, I am eagerly looking ahead to next week’s Gluten-Free Living Conference at the Doubletree hotel by Universal Studios on April 4-6. This three day event will be jam-packed with seminars, food sampling, and opportunities to mix and mingle with experts, bloggers, and fellow gluten-free attendees. Registration for one or two day passes, as well as the exclusive Blogger U seminar is open […]

Mellow Mushroom Winter Park Review

As I’ve said in other reviews, Winter Park is one my favorite sections of Orlando. Funky, familiar, and fresh, there’s never a dull day on Park Avenue or the many amazing small business that populate the area.  Of course the main attraction in my book is Winter Park’s food scene. So many wonderful restaurants are located within city limits and provide a colorful kaleidoscope of options.  To add a touch of “funk” in […]

Le Macaron Review

Although a mere two years out of French classes in school, it would be fair to say that my ability to speak the language has all but evaporated as other classes and concerns have asserted themselves. However, my interest in all things French… specifically the food, has been revitalized thanks to little cookie that has a huge impact for those with gluten and dairy free diets.

Black Bean and Salsa Soup Recipe

Black bean soup is one of my favorite staples of the gluten/dairy free diet. It’s easy, nutritious, and not a prime target for cross-contamination or “hidden” ingredients. Local Orlando restaurants Black Bean Deli and Columbia Restaurant set a perfect example of a perfect black bean soup, but replicating the taste and texture of the soup at home has been a trial and error process. However, I came across a recipe that hit it out of the […]

Jason's Deli Review

Among the many types of cuisine that are off limits to gluten and dairy free diners, it’s almost unheard of to walk into a deli for simple comfort food like a deli sandwich, fresh-made soup or a salad. After all, cross-contamination runs rampant when salad bars and sandwich-prep stations are the main feature of a typical deli. As easy enough as it is to prepare a sandwich, soup or salad at home, it’s […]

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Review

Far from the hustle and bustle of the more “tourist-y” areas of Orlando, Winter Park is a not-so-hidden gem that is not to be missed. Restaurants, artisans, and shops populate this community with the epicenter being Park Avenue. Along the pedestrian-friendly main street and adjacent side streets, new experiences are waiting at every turn- from doggie boutiques to restaurants serving every type and style of cuisine. There’s always something new […]

California Pizza Kitchen Review

Being on a gluten and dairy free diet basically means that pizza should be my arch enemy. After all, a perfect wheat crust topped with perfectly melted cheese could probably make me sick for a month or longer (this is not an exaggeration!).  However, thanks to a collaboration between dedicated diners, suppliers, and restaurants, gluten-free options are increasing almost every day.  One excellent example of a restaurant getting it right […]

Tokyo Dining (Epcot) Review

There are very few restaurants that can create an experience that can transform an ordinary meal into an exotic escape into a foreign culture. Tokyo Dining at Walt Disney World’s Epcot park is a perfect example of this rare, but immersive experience.  Located in the Japan pavilion in the World Showcase, Tokyo dining is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the park. To enter the restaurant, one checks […]

Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe

When it comes to gluten and dairy free baking, things can get complected pretty quickly. Because gluten provides the “binding” property of wheat and gives wheat products the “chewy” texture associated with them, taking the a glutenous flour out of a recipe completely changes the chemistry of the ingredients and results in baked goods that barely resemble their off-limits peers. To compensate for this, most gluten-free recipes call for a blend of […]

Babycakes NYC Downtown Disney Review

Before becoming hyper-aware of everything I eat thanks to the constant vigilance of maintaining a gluten and dairy free diet, I couldn’t tell you the difference between veganism, vegetarianism, and all of the varying strands of each dietary faction.  Classic veganism consists of avoiding all foods and ingredients derived from animal products. Some items such as meats, cheeses, eggs, and dairy are clearly not in accordance to vegan guidelines, but […]