Gluten-Free Tallahassee

Treats Coming Soon!

2011-05-05T10:13:00.000-04:00

Announcement from Kellogg's, Gluten Free Rice Krispies coming forth in June.

They even made a batch of treats. We're looking forward to them coming out, and we thought you'd like to know.

Bacon & Bakin' on Groupon!

2010-12-06T13:46:00.005-05:00

In case you don't know, Groupon is a coupon service providing discounts on local merchants. Today only, the Tallahassee Groupon coupon is for Bacon & Bakin' Catering and Cakery!! Yes, indeed, that delicious purveyor of all things bacony and the source of delicious gluten-free baked goods is half off, today only. So, run over there, pick up the deal, and utilize fantastic nummy goodness at your leisure (until June 7, 2011). See the text from the ad below.

Some of the best things in life arrive fully assembled, such as motorcycles and newborn babies. Get dinner pre-put together with today's deal: for $25, you get $50 worth of home-style meals and baked goods from Bacon & Bakin' Catering and Cakery.

Bacon & Bakin's menu offers delicious, gourmet grab-and-go entrees and sides and an extensive selection of freshly baked desserts. The Holiday catering menu features a traditional holiday feast, which includes a smoked whole turkey (market price) with turkey or bacon gravy ($6–12), home-style cranberry sauce ($8–$16), pepperjack cornbread muffins ($1 each or $10 per dozen), and a variety of other gourmet options. The holiday menu items can be ordered in portions to accommodate any number of guests. In addition to the main attractions, nominees for best dish in a supporting role include: candied organic baby carrots, traditional macaroni and cheese, or sweet-potato casserole with marshmallows or orange-pecan topping ($16–$32 each). To please the chocoholic or cookie monster at your yuletide gathering, load up on Bacon & Bakin's Christmas cookie platter ($20 for an 8–10 person serving), pumpkin cupcakes (starting at $24 a dozen), or a variety of pies ($15), available in gluten-free editions liberated from the bonds of wheat.

Long-time friends Jackson Peel and Mandy Bailey teamed up to launch Bacon & Bakin' in 2008. After years of separately peddling their savory eats, the two of them decided to expand their culinary empire to a full-service catering and baking company, combining their meal-making gifts just like Bing Crosby and David Bowie weaving together their majestic voices to intone “Little Drummer Boy.”

Note that not all of their fare is gluten-free, and we've only had baked goodies from them (which are ohsodelicious), but the deal applies to whatever you choose to purchase, not specifically to a certain package. Nom away!

Bacon & Bakin brings some tradition back to Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:04:00.009-05:00

We're not very traditional in our holiday meals. We don't like turkey, so we experiment with proteins. Being gluten-free has generally forced us to shift our side dish goals. So, this year when local catering phenom and dear friend Mandy Bailey added some delicious bread to her Bacon & Bakin menu, it had quite an impact.

We ordered some a few weeks ago and ate two loaves worth of delicious sandwiches stacked high. Both fresh and toasted, the bread stood up to stacks of roast beef, ham, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and tomato. And it was very satisfying. Spongy, fluffy, sure it's a bit more sturdy than bread used to be, but still shockingly light for gluten-free bread. In fact, we had our doubts at first. But delicious and safe it sure was. And at only $6.50 a loaf, with extra hand-made love baked in, it far outshines the generally sad loaves available at the grocery store.

Fast forward a week, she's taking orders for Thanksgiving. Sure, we could have more sandwiches. I ordered two dozen rolls and two loaves of bread. Then I realized. Hmm. I wonder if this bread would stand up to butter and broth.

I picked the bread up Wednesday, and it looked just as good as before. Golden brown, firm, lighter than expected.

Now, once upon a time, I used to tear my bread for stuffing. But I didn't really know what to expect. So I cut it into squares. Some were about a square inch. Some were about a square centimeter. Variability is good.

These chunks were so fluffy and so light and so, so tasty. I was so excited to get cooking.

First step is, of course to chop onions and celery. I use sweet onions because they're less tear-inducing. You want equal amounts of each. Ish. And you want about equal amounts bread and veg.

My family's stuffing recipe is very simple. You need bread, onions, celery, broth, sage, and butter. REAL BUTTER. Make sure your broth is gluten free. You can make your own, but I didn't have any spare protein parts this year.

So, with that butter in the pan, toss in the veg. I'm going to show you so you can enjoy the memory of the butter with me. Mmmm butter...

Cook the veg till translucent. Cook it pretty low so it doesn't brown. Be patient, grasshopper. Then dump it in the bowl with the bread. Chop up your sage (use roughly three times as much as you think you need), add to your bowl, and mix all together. I then cooked down the broth a bit to concentrate the flavor and dumped that on top. It should have enough liquid to get a bit mooshy. Then I mixed it all together and poured it into a baking pan and stuffed it in the oven.

After about 45 minutes or so, it should be nicely browned on top and smell like home. When we sat down at the table, I was still nervous because I wasn't quite sure how the texture had turned out. You know how GF bread can be. But it was perfect. It was still fluffy and just mooshy enough and crispy on top and just exactly right. And let me tell you, it was delicious.

Mandy, you brought stuffing back into my home. I can't thank you enough.
So, Tallahassee, if gluten-free stuffing is in your plans for your next holiday meal, give Mandy a call. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

History in the Making!

2010-05-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

via www.celiacchicks.com:

You may have heard, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) has recognized gluten-free foods as one of the top ten food trends in the restaurant industry, so they invited the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) to come and have their own pavilion this weekend along with gluten-free food vendors. Restaurateurs will be introduced to the G.R.E.A.T. gluten-free certification program and different gluten-free food vendors that can help them meet the needs of this new market.

As always, we'll keep you updated as options open up in Tallahassee!

Three Sons Bakery

2010-04-03T13:05:00.000-04:00

Three Sons Bakery

Available at New Leaf Market, Honey Tree, Black Dog Cafe, and RedEye Coffee.

Special orders are available - (850) 562-9855

http://www.threesonsbakery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=15

If you're looking for bread, layer cakes, or pies, Three Sons Bakery provides several great options. Susan's kitchen isn't gluten-free, much like everywhere, but she does a great job to avoid cross-contamination. We ordered a cake from her for my birthday earlier this year, and while it was a little dense, it was delicious. The buttercream frosting actually tasted like buttercream! Check out her products next time you're shopping or having coffee.

Longhorn Steakhouse

2010-04-02T20:40:00.002-04:00

Longhorn Steakhouse
2400 N Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 385-4028
http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/pdf/LH_Gluten_Free_Menu.pdf

Much like Outback, Longhorn provides an excellent steakhouse experience for those on a GF diet. Let them know what you need and they'll be more than happy to take care of you!

Bacon & Bakin'

2010-04-02T20:25:00.001-04:00

Bacon & Bakin'
Railroad Square Art Park
641 McDonnell Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32319
(850) 339-9870
http://www.baconandbakin.com/

Fresh off their move to Railroad Square, Bacon & Bakin' now delivers amazing gluten-free treats! Their chocolate cupcakes could easily pass for non-GF, the shortcake is amazing, and the banana bread feels like home. Their store-front selection is sure to vary as they continue to perfect various recipes for to be gluten-free. Give them a call and see what's available. And be sure to make an order for your next party!

Lucy & Leo's Cupcakery

2010-04-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

Lucy & Leo's Cupcakery
1123 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 765-0374
http://lucyandleos.squarespace.com/

Every Thursday, Lucy & Leo's serves up gluten-free cupcakes. Flavors beyond the common will vary from week to week, but definitely worth a stop! Just make sure to get there before 6pm, as they tend to close early!

Fuzions Frozen Yogurt

2010-04-02T19:45:00.001-04:00

Fuzions Frozen Yogurt
1870 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 201-8822
http://www.fuzionsyogurt.com/

A healthy alternative to ice cream, Fuzions serves various flavors of frozen yogurt with an array of toppings from breakfast cereal to fresh fruit. Use discretion with your toppings and you're surely in for a great GF treat!

Surf City Pizza

2010-04-02T19:05:00.002-04:00

Surf City Pizza
6753 Thomasville Rd, Ste 107
Tallahassee, FL 32312
(850) 894-FOOD [3663]
http://www.surfcitypizza.com/

Finally! GF takeout pizza that tastes good! Your options are limited, as the only GF crust they have is the 10", which runs $8.95. The texture comes out somewhere between thin-crust and regular pan, and toppings cost $1 each. It's a little pricey, but the taste is so much better than any of the GF crusts I've found in-store or been able to make at home. They can't guarantee no cross-contamination, but they take great lengths to minimize it. There isn't even flour all over the prep-area, which is a good sign. It truly tastes like a take-out pie.

Soup Swift

2010-03-27T12:51:00.003-04:00

Soup Swift
2510 Miccosukee Rd
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 576-SOUP [7687]
www.soupswift.com

"Our soups range from traditional favorites to the more exotic- but all are made the old fashioned way. Each pot is stocked with fresh ingredients and just the right amount of spices; then slowly simmered to create our flavorful soups. The same care is taken in our choice of meats and vegetables for our salads, sandwiches and savory sides."

They serve a different menu everyday. I spoke with Meagan who told me that they also have gluten-free options everyday, so just ask and they'll point you in the right direction. They also serve vegan and vegetarian options, if that's your thing. A great addition to the GF dining lineup.

Lake Ella Publix

2010-03-26T19:02:00.003-04:00

Publix Supermarket

1700 North Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32303

The GreenWise section at the Lake Ella Publix has recently been expanded. The gluten-free selection has grown considerably, and has been consolidated for easy access. The price point isn't always the lowest for the more commonly found items, but there are definitely more options than even New Leaf. Definitely worth a look.

Orange Julius

2010-03-06T22:48:00.004-05:00

Orange Julius & Dairy Queen

Governors Square Mall
1500 Apalachee Pkwy

Tallahassee, FL 32301-3055

(850) 219-3765

Orange Julius restaurants are very busy and cross contamination may occur between ingredients. Thus a 100% confidence level cannot be guaranteed. It is important that you ask your local Orange Julius restaurant for an ingredient listing of the specific item in question and let them know of your special needs. The following are items are those that we have investigated and found to be gluten free:

Julius Originals
- Orange Julius
- Strawberry Julius
- Lemon Julius
- Mango Julius
- Peach Julius

- Pineapple Julius
- Raspberry Julius
- Bananarilla

- Blackberry
- Raspberry
-Pina Colada
-Strawberry Banana
-Tripleberry
-Tropical

Premium Fruit Smoothies
-Blueberrathon
-Raspberry Crush

Dairy Queen

2009-09-19T18:00:00.002-04:00

Dairy Queen

2227 N. Monroe St.

Tallahassee, FL 32303-4731

(850) 386-3326

http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/eats-and-treats/gluten-free-products/

If you're hungry for some real meal food, find somewhere else. All food here is either breaded or cross-contaminated.

Now, if it's a desert you're looking for, this is your place! Most of the items are safe here, including most Blizzards - Reese's, Snickers, Butterfinger, Heath and M&M's, among others. Soft serve in a plastic cup is safe, both chocolate and vanilla varieties, with traditional toppings also being available to you.

Recommendations:

Mint M&M's Blizzard

Walmart

2009-09-05T17:45:00.002-04:00

Walmart

Locations near you can be found here.

For better or for worse, this is one of your best and only choices for specifically gluten free grocery options. Most locations have a shelf section or two with specifically gluten free options, including pastas and cereals.

New to the area is the inclusion of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking Mixes! They are cheaper than other readily available mixes, such as Bob's Red Mill, and seem to be just as good. The Tinkyada Brown Rice pastas are excellent, but need to be seemingly overcooked to be cooked right. Very tasty, nonetheless. The EnviroKids cereals leave much to be desired, but the GF Chex options, especially the Honey Nut variety, are my go-to for cereal. They do not carry any ready-to-eat GF bread options, unfortunately.

Just remember that while ingredients will point out wheat, they will not point out oats, barley or rye. While I don't have any problems with oats, and most things don't have rye, barley is the biggest hidden danger. Know your ingredients lists and read them every time!

Tijuana Flats

2009-08-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

Tijuana Flats Burrito Co.

2020 W. Pensacola Street

Tallahassee, FL 32304

(850) 574-4689

3111 Mahan Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 597-7001

Mexican food should be something easy for someone on a gluten free diet, but shared fryers and flour tortillas make life difficult. The tortilla chips, while being made of corn, are cross contaminated in the fryer. This goes for the hard tacos, tostadas, and taquitos, as well. This leaves you with the Dos Enchiladas (hold the chips, don't dip in oil), or the Dos Tacos (ask for soft corn tortillas). Unfortunately, when I tried to order the Dos Tacos with soft corn tortillas during my last visit, they looked at me like I had three heads, served me flour tortillas, and ended up giving me what was effectively the enchiladas anyway. Just be smart about your ordering and be nice to the staff and you should be okay.

I will work with the local franchises to educate and make this information more available, perhaps even designating a separate fryer for their few wheat items.

Recommendations:

Dos Enchiladas

-Blackened chicken

-Verde Sauce

-No chips, skip the oil dip

Five Guys

2009-08-07T21:00:00.002-04:00

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

1872 Thomasville Rd.

Tallahassee, FL 32303

(Next to Red Elephant, across from Miracle 5)

Everything except the buns are gluten free at Five Guys, but stay away if you have any peanut problems. The burgers are 80% lean pure ground beef, the hot dogs are Hebrew National, and the fries are only soaked in water before going into a dedicated fryer with 100% peanut oil. There are buckets of peanuts available, and you can even throw the shells on the ground. I haven't had any problems with cross contamination, but I recommend bringing your own gf bread for the full burger experience.

Recommendations:

Little Cheeseburger (one patty whereas the regular burger is two)

-No bun (obviously)

Regular fries (enough to share)

Outback Steakhouse

2009-08-01T12:00:00.003-04:00

Outback Steakhouse

1820 Raymond Diehl Rd
Tallahassee, FL 32308-3840
(850) 385-2223

http://outback.com/foodandmenus/pdf/glutenfree.pdf

My experiences here have been nothing short of excellent. I always bring my own copy of the gf menu, but you can ask your server or hostess for a copy. The managers and waitstaff are familiar with the requirements of a gluten free meal and will remind you of any modifications that are required if you happen to forget to mention them. I haven't had any issues with cross contamination.

Recommendations:

Outback Special 6oz. Steak

-Loaded baked potato, ask for no salt on the skin as they tend to overdo it

-Grilled vegetables (comes with no sauce options)

Chocolate Thunder From Down Under (made with rice flour)

Welcome!

2009-07-26T21:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Gluten Free Tallahassee!

As someone with Celiac Disease it is imperative that I eat gluten free. Unfortunately, Tallahassee's smaller size has created limited options. This blog is here to publish resources for local Celiacs and others who follow a gluten free diet. We will be working to not only provide links to existing menus, but will be working with local restaurants and stores to provide access and information to the community.