San Francisco restaurant closes early, states that they "don't give a **** about gluten free..."

 

 photo credit: sfeater

Recently, a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, California closed their doors early after the owner became disgruntled with patrons' questions about what is in the food. The owner was so livid, that he made a sign in front of the restaurant that reads the following:

"We are closed because of you (customers).
So... yes, we use MSG!
So... we don't believe in organic food
And... we don't give a s**t about gluten free."   

James Cho (the restaurant owner) had had a pretty stressful day on Thursday. He had one group of people refuse to pay for their food because it was "too spicy." After taking so many dietary requests, he snapped and decided to throw down.
According to the restaurant's Facebook fan page, many people across the country are in support of the restaurant. They applaud the owner for taking a stand against "trendy dieters."

We Celiacs know that people are rather tired of the whole gluten free "thing." It's everywhere, it's on everything, and there are commercials about gluten free chex every 5 seconds. What people fail to realize is, 1% of the population is MEDICALLY REQUIRED to be gluten free, and that is the Celiac Disease community.
Sure, any restaurant should be able to serve what ever they want. We all know that not all restaurants cater to the gluten free community. Chinese restaurants are not exactly known for having a gluten free option. At that point, you pretty much have to use common sense and either get a steamed chicken and veggie meal, or go elsewhere.

I have a problem with the way Mr. Cho approached the issue. It was childish and unprofessional. Maybe the gluten free customers that were in his restaurant were a part of the trendy dieters association. Maybe they were being too pushy. What ever the case may be, there is no need to be rude.

Fellow Celiacs, if you are new at this gluten free living thing, I urge you to do research on ingredients and food...research everything! If you want to dine out, use common sense. Keep in mind that not all restaurants offer gluten free options. It's best to just call ahead or look up the restaurant's menu online.

As far as Mr. Cho is concerned, I understand where he is coming from, but he needs to learn how to vent his frustrations in a more professional way. Yes, he is entitled to his opinion, but people like him need to understand that some of us aren't being "trendy." We are dragged, kicking and screaming through the gluten free world. None of us like being gluten free, but we have to deal. We don't mean any harm. We just want to eat food and have a good dinner out.

If you click here, you will see the news story about the whole ordeal. The news reporters DO laugh at the gluten free thing, which kind of made me low-brow them. However, they DID bring up a good point: "Chinese food usually has soy sauce in it (soy sauce contains wheat/gluten). If you are allergic to gluten/wheat, or have Celiac Disease, you may want to dine elsewhere, or order something bland like steamed chicken and veggies."

Yes, my friends. It is a sad and unfortunate world that we live in, but we need to 'roll with the punches,' as they say. If you want Chinese food from your neighborhood take out place, order from the dietary section where they offer steamed meals. Stick with steamed chicken and veggies. That is what I always get. Yeah, it's boring. But it's safe and healthy. As for my boneless spare rub, lo mein, and eggroll cravings, I still have yet to make these items at home. Trust me, it's on my to-do list. I promise, my Chinese food will be gluten free and it won't contain MSG ;-)

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If YOU'RE looking to skip the Chinese restaurants and make Chinese food at home, you have to check out these amazing gluten free Asian cookbooks!

Food Review: Wow Baking Company's Snickerdoodle Cookies

photo credit: Me (Shauna)

Top of the afternoon Celiac Warriors! I have a sweet and tasty review for you!

Last weekend, I was in a local Target and I came across a new product: Wow Snickerdoodles, by Wow Baking Company. I am a big fan of snickerdoodles, so I figured I would give this product a try.

The name of the company definitely describes the thought that went through my mind after taking my first bite. Wow! The cookie was moist, chewy, sweet, and tasty. I've tried snickerdoodle cookies from a handful of gluten free companies, this cookie trumps them all! So delicious! I've had to put the cookies on a higher shelf in the kitchen because I could eat the whole bag!

The cookies are small, and there are only four servings per bag. The cookies are all natural, no trans fat, and is certified gluten free.

Here are the nutritional facts:

• Calories 260
• Fat 12g
• Cholesterol 50mg
• Sodium 220mg
• Carbs 36g
• Sugar 14g

They are made in a dedicated gluten free facility here in the USA.

Allergy Warnings: This product contains eggs and milk. Item may contain traces of nuts.

I highly recommend this product! These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk, and they definitely satisfy any sweet tooth!
Give this product a try! You can find this product at Target, some local grocery stores, and on Amazon!

Walmart's new Gluten Free line: Is it worth it?

photo credit: Pintrest

Over the summer, Walmart unveiled their Great Value gluten free food line. The news came with mixed reviews within the gluten free community.
People were excited that gluten free food would be available at a low price. On the flip side, people questioned how safe it would be for those of us with Celiac disease.

Walmart's Great Value gluten free food line is certified gluten free by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness Gluten-Free Certification Program.

The following is a list of what is available for us gluten free eaters:

• Rice Pasta and Cheddar Cheese (it's very similar to Macaroni and Cheese)
• Penne Pasta
• Cocoa and Vanilla Sandwich cookies
• Shortbread cookies
• Pretzel Twists
• Two kinds of Rice Pasta and Sauce Mixes (Cheeseburger and Beef Stroganoff)
• Three kinds of granola bars (Fruit Mix, Trail Mix, and Dark Chocolate).

The prices are extremely reasonable. The price of the Rice Pasta and Cheddar Cheese is less than $1.50. How incredible is that?! Similar products are 3 times that!

Is it safe for us Celiacs?
I tried a couple of the products and I had NO reactions to them, except that I wanted MORE! The cocoa sandwich cookies tasted very similar to beloved Oreos. The granola bars were amazing. I had sampled the Dark Chocolate granola bars and I loved it!

The availability of these products varies. They are well-stocked in all Super Walmarts (and any that have a food section). Regular Walmarts do not yet carry the Great Value gluten free line. I live 2 miles from the Walmart in my area, and it does not sell the gluten free line. I'm hopeful that they will add these amazing products.

When it comes to gluten free food, I've never seen prices so low. It's definitely a welcomed relief from paying an arm and a leg for similar products.
I am usually skeptical of Walmart (for many reasons), but I'm surprisingly impressed with the quality of these new products. I hope that Wamart adds more to this Great Value line. I will definitely be purchasing again, and I hope all of you try these amazing products!
The products are not available online, as of yet. I'm hoping that changes. I will let you all know when it is available online and in Walmarts everywhere.

This Celiac Warrior's experience with an ignorant Mike's Hard Lemonade sales rep

photo credit: tasteworchester

Greetings fellow Celiac warriors!

Yesterday, this Celiac went to a local event called "Brass City Brewfest," which was held in Waterbury, Connecticut. I went with my boyfriend and his sister-in-law. I only went to be there designated driver, but I also sampled some gluten free ciders.

While there, I thought I would sample some Mike's Hard Lemonade (since I heard rumors that there are no gluten proteins in the beverage). I went to the tent where the samples were being given, and asked the sales rep there if their drinks were gluten free. She gave me a dirty look and said she "Pssh! I don't know. Go on the website!"
I have many years of sales rep experience under my belt. When sales reps are given a product to sell to a group of people, you HAVE to be able to answer any questions given, while maintaining a good attitude. Sales reps are representing the business and the product. If you are going to be ignorant and not go above and beyond to answer a question, you should be fired. Food and beverage reps HAVE to know what is in their product, especially with so many people having food allergies and/or Celiac disease

I would have been more than okay if she said, "I'm sorry, maam, I do not know if the product is gluten free. Let me check with a supervisor or look online for you." Or, she could have said, "If you have an allergy to gluten, or Celiac disease, I would not recommend trying it, as it contains *blank.* You do NOT dismiss someone the way I was dismissed.
I asked other vendors at the event about gluten in their drinks, and Woodchuck was extremely helpful with providing information.

I will be lodging a formal complaint against the sales rep in hopes that this changes how things are run with that company. I am hoping that sales reps are better able to handle hard questions with a open-mind and positive spirit.

This is why education about gluten and various food allergies is so important. Companies, especially food and beverage companies, need to be educated about food allergies, and better equipped to handle these questions.

As someone who used to drink Mike's Hard Lemonade in her pre-Celiac diagnosis days, I'm very disappointed in that company. It's disappointing to see such a popular beverage company showing such disrespect to someone who just wanted a yes or no answer.

Celiac warriors, I hope none of you purchase or drink Mike's Hard Lemonade or any of the other products out there. They do not care about us.

Stick with companies who will go above and beyond to ensure our safety.