WAG Free Bakery, Brixton, London

Going to a shop or cafe where you can eat everything in sight is absolutely impossible when you are Coeliac. Until now. Head down to Brixton Village, an undercover 1930's market recently saved from desperate times, and nestled amongst an exciting mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants is the  WAG (Wheat and Gluten) Free Bakery.

I discovered their baked goods through their only other stockist, Franklins Farmshop in East Dulwich. A few cakes and pies grace the tables heaving with seasonal produce, but are usually gone by saturday. They are that good. I can't tell you my disappointment if I don't get there in time. So to prevent such situations I dragged my brother over to Brixton to sample the whole package.

I totally underestimated how excited I could be about unlimited food choices. And choices of things I have not had for such a long time. In the past, my sweet tooth has driven me to bake gluten free cakes, puddings and dessert recipes, because I have honestly not missed things like pies, quiches or sandwiches. Or maybe not? I think I has forgotten what I was missing.

Perched on the tottering bar stools with my 11month old son bouncing on the counter, we sampled a toasted cheese and onion sandwich for lunch which was excellent. Good strong, oozy cheese and crunchy tasty bread. But I had to try more, knowing what the sweet goods are like so we ordered two little steak pies, a Bakewell tart, the legendary Wagon Wheel plus a box of pasta from Dialsi which owner David raves about, to take away. And I was being restrained.

Over the past couple of days I have enjoyed the continued sampling (all the in name of research of course) and can honestly say that all the products are excellent. Such high quality pastry across the range, although the pie in particular was excellent as vouched for my "normal" pie eating brother. But then David admits to being a pie man, so no surprise he has perfected his recipe.

What else, can I say? Get down there. Support the WAG Bakery. Enjoy their products whether you are gluten free or not. I would challenge you to know the difference.

Please note - there would have been pictures, but I ate it all then realised I wanted to photograph them. Oh well. Just have to go again!

A choice of dessert for a change

Since I was a baby I have had a sweet tooth, to the point where my mother would feed me my pudding before my main in order to get me to eat everything. If I had the choice I would do the same now, or even forgo the formalities of main course and just have three courses of puds. Heaven.

Unfortunately, gluten free desserts are usually a little predictable on restaurant menus and if there is more than crème brulee or ice cream its an exciting night! Nowadays I will scandalously be found choosing a starter over dessert just for interest and to avoid yet another crème brulee. But it must be said that every now and again, as I dive straight to the back of the menu to check out the sweet stuff just in case, I am pleasantly surprised. And, never more so than during lunch at Bob Bob Ricard in London’s Soho yesterday with my dear travelling buddy Kate.

Not only were they confidently competent in dealing with my gluten free requests, but they had a total of eight desserts that were gluten free, not including the chocolate truffles. Eight desserts! What a dream? They included my childhood favourite Knickerbockerglory, plus two seasonal jellies, home made gourmet ice cream, passion fruit pavlova, the ubiquitous crème brulee, home made sorbet, and a flour-less chocolate cake for the less sensitive Coeliacs. And for the health conscious one there was a seasonal fruit plate, and truffles for the very full.

Whilst I would normally have gone the Knickerbockerglory route without question, I was so full from probably the best chicken Caesar salad, fries and coleslaw I have eaten outside of the US that I went for ice cream. I cannot resist salted caramel in any form. Part of a gelato trio with valrohna chocolate and simple vanilla it finished the meal perfectly and came wafer free (for a change)!

But tell me, do you bother with pudding when eating out? Any places to recommend that have great gluten free desserts? Let me know...!

Gluten Free Places to Eat in New Delhi, India Part 2

Following from my introduction to Delhi eating, I will just mention here some of the places you will find in every guide book. I am often a little wary of restaurants that are reviewed in ink, as you often have no idea of the reviewers tastes, which when looking for a restaurant can skew expectations. And so often I have been to places featured in a guide book, to find that they have become complacent and are riding on the back of a positive review some time ago.

The benefit of the internet is being able to share up to date information, so it must be said that all my reviews for India are based on trips from the summer of 2009. These places do feature in the guide books, so do cater to many tourists, however I have included them here if I thought they were worth visiting.

Karim’s – Food cooked by the family from the blood line of chefs who catered to the Mughal emporers with elaborate, rich Persian influenced food, this place is not for the feint hearted. I went to the Nizammudin branch with some Indian friends on my first weekend, after a late night visit to the incredible sufi shrine. The area is home to the city’s muslim community and has a completely different feel compared to most of Delhi. Accordingly, the food at Karim’s featured a lot of lamb and chicken, but don’t expect succulent chunks of meat... its all on the bone for flavour. We had a great time and sampled the famous byriani, one of my favourite dishes, alongside different dals and paneer tikka. For bread eaters out there, make sure you try romali roti – which translates as hankerchief bread, as thin as filow pastry and perfect for mopping the plate (I am informed!).

Chor Bizzare – Found in many guide books this hotel restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. A random collection of antiquities make up tables, chairs and furniture representing the thief’s bazaar after which it is named. The food is an interesting mix of dishes from across India but make sure you try their specialities from Kashmir and finish your meal with the saffron infused Kashmiri tea, which is rather lovely.

Spice Route – Representing the ancient spice route that traders took from the coast of Kerala across to Thailand and Vietnam, this is a refreshingly different restaurant in the landmark Imperial Hotel (which is worth a visit in itself and openly welcomes non guests to the many bars). To celebrate Jacks birthday, and our last weekend in Delhi, we sampled the light, fragrant food from South India, cooked to perfection, pushing the boat out with our favourite bottle of Californian wine. Apaams, a ground rice pancake thing, were a wonderful gluten free discovery, which came with an incredible south Indian lamb curry to dunk into. We never wanted any of the dishes to end... Maybe that’s why its considered one of the best restaurants in Asia.

Bukhara  - Also considered to be one of Asia’s best restaurants I will tell you now that you can get exactly the same experience at the Sheraton hotel in Agra for a reduced price (book a table so that you can get into the hotel and avoid the awful tourist restaurants that the guides take you to. You’ll thank me for it!). The food is incredible, but simple north Indian food including makhani dal for which they are famous (although I considered the dal at dumphukt to be far superior). A wonderful setting, but it is quite expensive considering the food you get. However saying that on a girly day out to Agra my friend Pip and I were glad of the quiet, clean and air conditioned environment and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

DumPhukt – Don’t ask me how to pronounce it, but make sure you go to this opulent, classy restaurant also at the Sheraton in Delhi, to sample a whole cuisine which is dum. A very traditional cooking style done over a tandoor in sealed pots, the dishes retain their fragrance and flavour. The dal (actually from the Bukhara menu) cooked dum was possibly my favourite in our whole six months. Another place suitable for a special occasion, we treated my mum to some really good food – forgive me I only recall the dal... what a dal...?!

Gluten Free Places to Eat in New Delhi, India Part 1

As an extension to the London Gluten Free Restaurant guide I have been writing, I decided to let you know about the places I would recommend in New Delhi too, since this has for a time been my home, and food wise still has a warm place in my heart.

Many visitors to the country are forewarned, as I was by my nurse when jabbing me with vaccinations, about the dangers of Delhi belly and all the other horrors of eating abroad, especially in India. I am pleased to report (not something I openly talk about, but feel the need here) to not have gotten sick the whole six months we were living here – for hygiene or gluten reasons. There are of course precautions to be taken, such as drinking only bottled water with a seal broken in front of you (common practice in many restaurants) and use of those bacterial gels or plain old hand washing, since India is a dusty, dirty place. Use common sense, only eat fresh hot food from reputable places and and you should be happy and healthy.

The places below are establishments that I have been to at least once, in most cases a couple of times, since we ate out more than once a week, trying to get our fill of the wide variety of Indian food before we left. I have to say too, that I never got sick of the food, and would happily subsist for the rest of my life on rice and dal!

I will lay these out by area, as if you are a visitor to the city, that (for me anyway) often determines where you eat, unless you are seeking out somewhere in particular, as I habitually do. Beginning in Greater Kailash Part 1, or GK as it is known, this was our home for six months in the south of the city, it had a selection of really good restaurants and is a good shopping area open till late, which we could walk to, dodging the traffic of cars, rickshaws, autos and the odd cow.

Please note that some places do not have their own websites, so the links give their address and info.

Moti Mahal Deluxe – Not the original home of butter chicken, but one of hundreds that are benefiting from using the same name. A good local restaurant with hearty Mughal fare, the chicken tikka and dal makhani were my favourites. This was actually the first place I ever ate in India, alone on my first day when Jack was at work, and needing to grab some lunch. Go beyond the ornate heavy door and sample the straight faced service and hearty food.

Le Cafe – Incredibly more international than Moti, this slick cafe above the even slicker menswear shop which you have to walk through, is a serene and modern serving internationally inspired food often with an Indian twist. Good salads and juices, plus main meals and sandwiches on their own breads are served by friendly waiters. Good if you tire of dal and rice... and fancy something little bit western.

The Turtle Cafe – A time honoured cafe in the Delhi coffee shop scene, this place serves plenty of pasta, sandwiches, salads and cakes with a huge selection of drinks... Their own made seasonal juices are very good. I spent many an hour away working and reading over their good South Indian coffee, as there is nothing gluten free to eat except channa salad. They also have a branch in the more central Khan Market.

Kasbah – The top of three floors of restaurants, the Indian venue serves traditional north Indian food. We became rather known here, as its modern setting and reliable food was a good introduction to Indian restaurants, and was a nice place for a more formal evening out. Good vegetarian offerings, I love the paneer tikka. Their kulfi, the Indian ice cream is completely different to anywhere else I had it, caramel-y without the dried fruit bits I would always insist on sharing one. The other restaurants are Chinese and Italian and have equally good reputation for Indian takes of the cuisine.

Shalom - A dark, atmospheric bar cum restaurant, this Moroccan inspired place was the place we sank a few (very expensive) G&T’s on the rare occasions that we went out drinking. The food is simple mezze and kebabs, with some of the best houmous I have eaten... it has DJs over the weekend and is quite a young and expat crowd.

Big Chill – Not somewhere I would normally recommend based on the very Indian interpretation of Italian food that they serve in, but this place is an ice cream mecca. A place we took every visitor (at least once) for ice cream in those scorching summer days, we would sit in the very kitsch diner style but heavily air conditioned surroundings and eat their homemade ice creams. Seasonal variations are to die for, and I had more than my fair share of the mango sundae. A tiny branch in Khan Market also, where you can get take away and mooch round the shops.

More to come for central areas, and some tourist favourites that we got to try whilst here... But let me know, have you been to any of these.. thoughts, advice for travellers to India... but please no horror stories!

Gluten Free Places to Eat in London Part 2

Continuing on from Part 1 of the best places, in my humble opinion to eat in London, particularly, but not only if you need gluten free meals. Writing this from India, Indian food which is brilliantly and naturally gluten free, is also a good option in London,

Tandoori Nights - One for the south east London crowd, this local tandoori has featured here before... check out why I still love it so much.

Masala Zone – Chain, yes but reliable one and a bit different when you are in the centre of town and want to avoid the grimness of Angus Steakhouses or Pizza Express. They have a range of great regional based dishes based on Indian home cooking and street food and have a handful located conveniently across the city – my regular is just off Carnaby St, perfect when you want to escape the crowds of Oxford Circus.

Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte – The original in Paris which is more than 50years old, this no reservation no choice menu restaurant came to London and has had queues round the block since the day it opened. For me this is now part of the charm in going to this restaurant. Crammed Parisian banquettes inside, the curt waitresses tell you the deal - Walnut salad to start, followed by Steak Frites, with a basket of fresh baguette and ask how you would your steak cooked. Never say medium rare – “one or the other” they say as they scribble on your paper tablecloth. Since the only thing being cooked is perfect French fries, and grilled steak, it is perfectly gluten free (without the bread of course). The steak comes with their “signature” sauce, the ingredients they never reveal, but have informed me that is is gluten free. And the best thing about this place... you get seconds. To serve the dish at its best you get half your steak and frites and when you have finished they come round again. No reservations, no choice, just perfectly cooked steak frites... being gluten free ain’t so bad!

The Providores – It’s not even worth trying to keep this place a secret, and like Vinoteca in my last post, is a well know pit stop on London’s foodie trail. We go for brunch, as the New Zealand style breakfast menu caters naturally for gluten free consumers with incredible and creative dishes which is refreshing for breakfast menus. Whilst some of the combinations can be a little perplexing, trust in Peter Gordon’s creativity... his food is divine, well sourced and complemented by the awesome Monmouth coffee. Upstairs now takes brunch reservations to save queueing.

Foyle’s Cafe – Often my place of work amongst other freelance and entrepreneurial souls the cafe at Foyle’s, this brilliant independent bookstore Tottenham Court Road, is where I often spend too much money on food books. The cafe which has expanded serves my favourite Monmouth coffee alongside the odd gluten free cake. Whilst they have always served salads, the gluten cross-contamination is sometimes an issue, but they now stock a range of pre-packed falafel and salads which are gluten free, so I now sometimes stick around for lunch!

Sally Clarke’s – Credited with beginning the focus on uber-seasonal foods in the 1980's when it wasn't so cool, my evening at this stalwart on the London restaurant scene was possibly one of my best meals out, since being gluten free. A real special occasion place, we were treated like royalty...

Canteen – Seasonal British fare with sourcing as much as they can from well known quality British farmers and producers, Canteen is a showcase for how good traditional British food can be. They always cater to my requests competently, know about gluten cross contamination and the poached haddock with mash, spinach and homemade hollandaiseI had on my last visit was the ultimate in comfort food.  A couple of branches across the city, they also serve a great all day breakfast menu, perfect when you fancy a bacon sarnie at any time of the day.

Balans – Introducing my friend to the wonders of Soho, one of my favourite areas in London, we nipped into Balans, a place I used to go for brunch when I lived in Chiswick, for a late night supper. A huge modern Brasserie style menu I asked about gluten free options and they demonstrated a good knowledge of the options, even talking about how the chef uses tamari in place of soy to open up gluten free options. I like the one in the heart of Soho in the thick of the action.

So there's plenty more where they came from, but let me know if you have been to any of these... what did you reckon? Are there places I should try out? Are there places, dare I ask, I should avoid? Let me know I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Gluten Free Places to Eat in London Part 1

Living in London for just nearly 8 years, and being as obsessed with food as I am, searching out the best places to eat, I am often asked for recommendations. Having Coeliac disease, as I have mentioned before has caused me to change my approach to eating out slightly, but I still enjoy discovering new places (which can confidently cater to my gluten free needs) and old favourites who I totally trust, discovering some of the best places to eat in the capital.

The list that follows has been built up over years of eating out, hours of research and minutes reviewing menus before I chose to bless them with my presence. I have written before about my approach to eating out safely, however I think I would take the same steps when visiting a new restaurant regardless of my disease. What I look for in a place is good food, cooked with the seasons in mind, complemented by straightforward informative service. I’ll tell you now I am not one for Michelin stars or empire building chefs such as Mr Ramsey, although I have been to many such places and enjoyed the experience. They are just not places I chose to spend my own money. I am looking for an independent spirit, specialisation (as you will see below) and an interesting wine list.

So whether you are gluten free, a plain old tourist or a local looking for a new place to try, have a look. And let me know whether you agree with my brief summary. Did they cater to your requests, gluten free or not satisfactorily? Have you been before?  Would you go again? Are there other recommendations for gluten free places that I should try?

Barafina – Limited by the number of seats at the counter, this authentic Spanish no reservation tapas bar is one of my most favourite places in London. We sometimes pop along for Sunday lunch, lazing the day away with small plates cooked in front of us, complemented by stunning all Spanish wines and finished off with a seasonal fruit pudding and a sticky glass of sherry. By no means cheap, this place is a complete treat...and we languish over the meal as long as possible. Most of the dishes are gluten free when they don’t come with bread, I have never had an issue.

Vinoteca – Another one of my favourite places in London, I used to go here the moment they opened after work round the corner and sip from their incredible, unusual wine list and a plate of marcona almonds whilst waiting for Jack to join me. Technically they are a wine bar serving food, so they too have no reservations which I  like... only room for the dedicated. Seasonal cooking with spot on wine recommendations, they have confidently modified daily changing menu to my diet and there are often puds I can eat too. If there isn’t there are always the intense chocolate truffles to send us on our way.

Carluccios – Not one I expected to put here, but a recent experience blew really surprised me. When leaving the UK for this Indian trip, Jack and I had dinner before a tearful farewell, and the only decent option was Carluccios. I have often sat at their communal tables for a coffee or rich hot chocolate, but when I asked about gluten free options at the Terminal 5 branch I was given a dedicated menu. Whilst this in itself is not too remarkable, I was impressed by the option of gluten free pasta. So a good one for when you need a value for money fresh cooked bite to eat, I would recommend the parma ham plate to start – far better than any parma ham I have experienced in Italy to date!

Leon – If I am near a branch of this fast healthy food joint, I always have to swing buy for a treat. Their brownies and lemon crunch bar are stated gluten free and are on a par with my own home baked creations. Paired with their well made coffees it makes the perfect stop gap. Their entire menu is labelled for gluten free and vegetarian, and the Aloo gobi with brown rice is a hearty, bargain of a meal.

Le Pain Quotidien – Strange if you consider the name that this bread shop and cafe should feature on a gluten free list, however this French chain operates in the French way of having bread (wheat-y stuff) on the side. This give lots of seasonal salads, mains and even brunch options and there is even a “wheat free” chocolate cake for those less sensitive that Coeliacs. Also found in Paris I use these places when I am looking for a quick, cheap bite or drink... a handy option much better than McDonalds (which I have been reduced to on numerous occasions).

Wright Brothers – Based in the bustling Borough market, this is a lovely place for incredible fresh seafood and oysters served in all manner of ways. Many of the dishes are gluten free, and they have often advised me of suitable dishes on the menu. I like to be sat at the bar where you can catch the action... grilled scallops and a pint of prawns with homemade garlic mayo are a must! Best to book on the weekends!

Tapas Brindisa – Another Spanish restaurant which probably reflects the growth in interest in London, they too are based in Borough market with one or two other branches. Selections of cured meats, small tapas plates and salads make great gluten free things to share... and you can always ask for more. If you want to eat at the market branch book ahead!

Watch this space for part 2 of London’s best (naturally gluten free) places to eat... there is so much more to discover!!!

Goan Holiday Food

I have just returned from a week’s holiday on the palm fringed beaches of Goa. To anyone planning to go at this time of year, a word of warning - May to October is low season. The ubiquitous beach hut restaurants pack up in June and their licences prevent a return until October. This is because the monsoon season is approaching, when the rain lashes the coconut trees, floods the paddy fields and keeps all but Indian tourists at bay. Thankfully we managed to get to Majorda Beach as the rains were approaching Kerala to the south, and the beach shacks celebrated their last week of the season.

Goa’s beaches are a different beast without their huts, and in Majorda, south of state capital of Panjim, we walked on wide expanses of clean, white sand dotted with three remaining places to eat. On our first day sheltering in the shade of the “Vodaphone hut” – a shack with oh so subtle advertising - we lingered over glass of the freshly made national soft drink nimboo pani. Made from the juice of fresh Indian lemons (which look like yellow limes) with water or soda, it is served sweet or salty depending on your tastes. Unable to face moving in the midday heat, our refreshments turned into lunch as we watched the local water buffalo cool off in the estuary, wishing we could do the same.

Lunch was Goan Chicken Xacuti – the only local dish on the menu, but this curry made with white poppy seeds and coconut gave us enough energy to eventually take a lazy walk back to our little guest house in the village. Being “off season” many of the local restaurants were firmly closed, so most evenings we ate at our residence. Settled on the veranda of the restored traditional Goan house, we often ate a menu of Western meals as was the taste of the British owners. Sitting in an evening of tropical humidity eating steak and mashed potato was a strange experience – especially as it was our first taste of beef in more than 3 months – and I was hoping to experience the local Goan food.

As a consequence of the long history of tourism, most of the restaurants we tried in Goa served every cuisine going except its own. Alongside the Chinese, North Indian, English and Mexican dishes, the most local thing available was the seafood. Anyone who has been to this tiny state, dreamily recalls the fresh prawns, king fish, pomfret and lobster they have eaten for just a few rupees. We devoured more than our fair share of king and tiger prawns simply served in butter and garlic, Portuguese Piri Piri sauce or Recheiado (a red masala spices including dried red chillies and black pepper in vinegar) but I continued my search for something even more authentic.

Keen to explore the region, we hired a driver for the day to visit the churches of Old Goa and the state capital Panjim (Panaji). After admiring the beautiful Churches and remains of the Portuguese reign we drove along the river to the capital for lunch.

Recommended by my Indian foodie Guru – we arrived at Mums Kitchen gasping for air conditioning and some authentic Goan Food. Their misson is “A move to save Goan Cuisine” and they are doing this through collecting Goan family recipes from mothers, no longer being handed down through the family, to create a true “Mums Kitchen”.

Sat at the Portuguese style tiled table with an ice cold glass of Indian wine I spent a good while deciphering the menu of unfamiliar but local and traditional dishes. The use of chilli, pork and beef demonstrated the Portuguese influence on what was once a Hindu area. Whilst the use of coconut, beans, pulses and vegetable whispered of hearty peasant food – always a sign of good local food.

But I am a bad food blogger. I have lost the list of what we ate and the website only shows a portion of their menu. What I do recall was incredible fresh pineapple and coconut salad, moreish tiny fried milkfish, cauliflower in batter with onions (non gluten, but apparently AMAAZING!), followed by nutty unpolished rice, a dry black bean and coconut dish and something else that escapes me completely. It was one of those meals where we wanted to try everything on the menu and didn’t want the meal to end. It was truly delicious and different to anything else we have eaten in India.

Our day ended with a wander around the Portuguese quarter of Panjim, a snack of local baby bananas and a drive past the sea salt plains (also a dying breed). I have asked Mums Kitchen for a copy of their menu in a bid to learn about Goan food... but why not come to India, pass through Goa to taste local (and I must add Gluten Free) dishes and help Mums save the disappearing Cuisine.

What can you do when it gets to 40degrees?

Eat ice cream.

We don't have a freezer at the flat, so on a hot and sticky Easter Sunday we ventured out into the scorching heat looking for refreshment in the form of gluten free ice cream. Many people think that ice cream is a no-brainer for people with Coeliac Disease. But it often comes with complimentary wafers, in a cone, or with cookie dough (if you choose that flavour of course).

Here in India ice cream is big business, and just in our local market, we have three places to go. Good job its going to stay hot for the next 3 months for us to try each flavour at each shop. Shame!

On Sunday we decided to try the homemade ice creams of Big Chill. A cafe that serves pasta and pizzas in an movie themed air conditioned restaurant, they have a humongous selection of ice creams, frozen yoghurt's and sundaes. Many of the combinations are unfortunately gluten infested. American style flavours such as cookie dough, Oreo, chocolate brownie are all the rage here, but thankfully they do simpler safe flavours too.

I had difficulty in choosing between my new favourite thing, mango ice cream or a banana chocolate fest sundae. Since Jack had chosen the mintochoco blast overload or some wicked name like that, I wasn't going to miss out and opted for a chocolate hit.

Although pretty small, the ingredients of the sundaes sure do pack a sugar punch! Three scoops of rich dark Belgian chocolate ice cream with their signature rich, dark and not too sweet chocolate sauce, mixed with loads of fresh chopped banana (the bananas here taste like banana milkshake!) topped with fresh whipped cream.

Needless to say, we had a late supper after a sugar crash imposed Sunday afternoon snooze. But at least we had cooled down.

**Apologies for the lack of pictures... I completely forgot to take any amongst all the ice cream excitement!

Moroccan Afternoon Tea

The lovely thing about leaving the continent for a while is that all your friends want to see you before you depart. I have spent a lovely couple of weeks grabbing drinks with girlfriends, cooking for old school friends, having supper cooked for me and sipping a fragrant glass of Moroccan Mint tea with a newly wed.

I spend a lot of time around Bond St in London- an area convenient for friends located both north and south of the river - and often visit Carluccios for coffee on their communal table. Last night, disaster struck as it was closed for refurbishment. Strolling past Levant - a place I have walked past a million times - my newly hitched friend suggested we go for tea there, so we tiptoed down the lantern lit stairs for Moroccan Mint tea.

Transported to an opulent Marrakesh-i atmosphere, my mint tea arrived and was poured from the great height needed to oxygenate the mint leaf flavou. I am not sure if that is actually why it is poured in such a way - but that is what I recall from our induction to mint tea in the High Atlas Mountains. Its appears that Mint Tea is actually the Moroccan equivalent to Cream Tea, as a towering cake stand was swiftly delivered to our table. Each level contained something different - cream cheese stuffed apricots, shell on pistachios, baklava and my favourite - a pile of Turkish delight!

The real treat about this was that I could eat all but one of the treats... and there was as much mint tea as I could drink. So, for an alternative afternoon tea - head to Morocco.

Terroirs

A good review is great for a new restaurant, but sometimes sucks for the locals! Living just 20minutes from Covent Garden, I am often in central London and love to dip into and try new restaurants. I use reviews to give me a feel for the place and the type of food on offer (and whether I will be able to eat much on the menu). However in this instance - when a restaurant such as Terroirs on the Strand recieves such rave reviews and the critics loudly sing in chorus the praise for French tapas and "natural" wines - I couldn't book a table. Even in the credit crunch?

Attempting the bar menu / chance table approach on Thursday night with my good friend Mrs Burger, we managed to get a spot by the bar for a glass of their natural French red wines, but no food.

Fast forward to Saturday lunch time in Covent Garden and looking for a late lunch venue after rejecting the idea of a 40minute wait at Wahaca (!), I took a punt on Terriors again. A perfect late lunch venue, there was space at the bar which we snapped up - as I was eager to try this place before my departure for the Indian Sub-Continent.

Phew - we were in.

The menu is dotted with a broad range of Gallic inspired dishes - piperade basquise, clams with aioli, a stunning French charcuterie range, duck scratchings (?) of which we chose 4 small plates. A succinct puds selection featuring the first rhubarb of the season on a panna cota which was perfectly wobbly.

With a terribly relaxed service, to the point where the chef took our order... we were relaxed enough not to be too annoyed, and happy to have had a chance to experience the hype.

Shame I am leaving the country, but hopefully it rise above the credit crisis until my return.

Tried and Tested Gluten Free California, USA

The State of California is renowned for special diets,- seafood diet, low carb, no carb, lettuce only diet or even something comparably normal like gluten free. Over two weeks of eating out in San Francisco and the Bay area has generated a hefty list of recommendations for gluten free eating below - and these are only the ones I am pleased to recommend. Special places where the service or menu surprised and delighted may warrant some extra attention later one, but while the memories of handmade corn chips, succulent grilled meats and heavenly seafood are still fresh in my mind, here's a list to tempt you over the pond:

Mosaic - Forestville, Sonoma County

East West Cafe - Sebastapool, Sonoma County

Willi's Seafood - Healdsburg, Sonoma County

Chez Panisse - Berkley, San Francisco

Taylor's Automatic Refresher -St Helena, Napa Valley

Underwood Bar and Bistro - NG_ERROR_11>Graton, NG_ERROR_12>Sonoma County

Rose's Cafe - Cow Hollow, San Francisco

Passion Fish - Pacific Grove

The Red House Cafe - Pacific Grove

Mountain Rooms - Yosemite National Park

Jack Falstaff - San Fransisco

Just looking at this list makes me hungry, and knowing how well they dealt with my requirement - and I can assure you I am no risk taker when it comes to health on holiday - I can tell you I was relaxed and thrilled at every meal here.

Eating Britain with a special diet

I have just started writing for the guys over at Eating Britain - in their special diets section - which covers everything from product recalls to living with a condition. My first piece talks about my mostly positive approach, in this instance, applied one of my favourite pastimes...eating out.

To read the article click here

Barrafina

A friend of mine - lets call her EG - landed an awesome job working on Soho square, and being the foodie that she is, quickly scouted for the best places to eat locally. Round the corner from Soho sqaure is Barrafina an authentic tapas bar specialising in seafood and charcuterie.

Gluten free options abound, with grilled langoustines, pan fried clams with garlic and parsely, packed tortilla, perky salads and and thats not including the meats... and because they have the confidence in their cooking and ingredients, they can cater for special needs people like me!

The hunt for the perfrect cappucino

Coffee is an acquired taste, and a very personal one at that. With the myriad of ways that you can take your black gold it can be overwhelming when you just want a simple well made cappuccino.

I will state now my dislike of Starbucks coffee - too gimmicky, too much froth. Also, I am sad to say that Pret have started to make the coffee half froth, half drink - although I have found Caffe Nero to be a little improved of late.

You see, I was spoilt as a student. As is often the case with student accommodation we were located in the most affluent and cosmopolitan area of Sheffield known as Eccessal Road. Lined with independent clothes shops, pubs, bars and restaurants the students of the area happily spend their overdrafts in the boozers, however I used to like Nonna's.

Nonna's is an Italian deli, restaurant and coffee shop although 10 years ago is was a slightly more modest affair. Having been whipped off to Umbria in Italy within six months of meeting Jack, I quickly developed a taste for all things Italian and we found Nonna's to be full of authentic charm and on our doorstep. Perfect for a late night coffee perched at their marble bar.

Nonna's and my frequent trips to Italy introduced me to the world of proper cappuccinos. A small drink, three quarters coffee, one quarter of thick, rich foam - not airy and puffed up a la Starbucks. A nifty trick of dusting with cocoa before pouring the foam ensures a perfect delivery.

Since living in London, I have been on the search for a Nonna coffee, and after six years of living here I thought I might share a few of my finds...

• Foyles - Coffee at Rays Jazz - listen to the jazz whilst sipping rocket fuel espresso

• Monmouth Coffee - London institution for those in the know. Great Sally Clarke truffles in winter for that extra buzz
  
• Green & Blue - a dark and bustley place any time of the day - accompanied with fabulous independent wines by the glass
  
• Bar Italia - the Soho original
• Flat White - New Zealand owned coffee shop with friendly staff and the flat white (proper cappuccino to you and me)

I have a number of places that I also want to check out, so will endeavour to expand this list as I find them....but any recommendations, let me know.

oooooooooooooo Ottolenghi

En route home last night I jumped off the bus in South Kensington to browse the shops for a couple of gifts. That search was rather unsuccessful, however I was fortunate to discover Ottolenghi instead.

There has been a lot of buzz about the London based cafe and recently published cookbook and I have kept an eye on their column in the Saturday Guardian as naturally gluten free recipes have often been featured. So, walking through down Kensington Church street, I saw the subtle sign for the cafe and decided to pop in for a browse.

A browse turned into a purchase. A cake purchase - a gluten free cake purchase. Actually, I need to be specific here; the cake was a dense rich flour less chocolate cake, made with that indispensible coelaic favourite - ground almonds. Talking with the delightful staff member, we decided that it was naturally gluten free, and I decided to risk it.

Actually, risk is probably the wrong word. I only really take the chance when I trust the producers and have discussed at length ingredients used. Ottolenghi is a natural and high end operation, and I trust them when they say there is no gluten present. After much deliberation over dense chocolate macaroons, monstrous raspberry meringues, gooey chocolate torte, I opted for the flour less chocolate bun...

On getting it home I have to admit it looked a little dry...but my oh my, it was moist, chocolate-y, dense, rich and not too sweet. It was so good that I decided to save half of it for pudding today! I can't wait.

Ottolenghi dealing with natural and gluten free products with pure elegance which has inspired me to order their book - however my main motivation for yet another cookery book purchase is their recipe for the polenta cake!

Quality over quantity

I will admit here right now with my hands held high in admission, that eating out with coeliac disease is challenging. But equally I will say it is not impossible and can be rather fun.

As I have said before, I refuse to be determined by this disease and I maintain this position with regards to dining out. I love eat in restaurants as much as I love to cook and rarely visit the same restaurant twice – it’s too easy to do so, and when living in London there is no need to either!

I will admit, my approach to this can be rather awkward and does not make for an easy life. But, I think life is unsatisfying without its challenges and having spent 10 years developing some very strong food values, I refuse stop just as I have begun to truly enjoy my food.

I admit - I have had to compromise a little and I have returned to one or two establishments a couple of times. This is not just because of their confidence in dealing with gluten free cooking, although that is my basic requirement, but also because of their commitment to cooking with seasonal, fresh local ingredients.

Fresh, local, seasonal food, I have found, is more likely to be, or be made gluten free. Clearly, this comes at a price, higher than that of the typical high street chains where wheat focused, factory processed meals are the dish of the day. But I seem to have found common muddy ground between my local seasonal food aspirations and eating gluten free. Even though this is more costly, I find my new approach ensures that I eat safely whilst enjoying the delights that London and further afeild has to offer. So, here I suppose is my approach:

• Go out less – I have reduced my eating out from at least 2 or 3 times a week to not even once a week, but dine at much nicer restaurants that show confidence in the kitchen
  
• Research the menu - The blessing that is the internet means that many restaurants give sample menus to indicate the kind of meals they cook
  
• Book ahead and check they can accomodate you - this causes me to relish the anticipated supper all the more and prevents any panic or embarassments on the day
• Be clear, friendly but firm - Don't be fobbed off. Be friendly and open about your condition for a postive experience all round.
  
• Explain all the foods you can't eat to be sure noting gets missed
  
• Be simple and seasonal - asparagus with poached egg is a simple seasonal and truly deliocuious dish that ensures you can eat well in both sense of the word.
  
• Never assume anything - ask about ingredients used, cooking methods used to confirm meals are free from cross contamination - frying oil always catches people out!
• Give positive feedback - Personally, I don't want there to be negative associations with my dietary requirements, and always say thank you when staff have ensured I eat safely
  

So, I enxourage you to try new places - I believe the most basic requirement of a restaurant is to know what makes up the food that they serve. Going to new places challenges chefs to accomdate individual needs whilst raising the awareness of coeliac disease. I believe that if they are an establishment worth their rave reviews then they should be able to cope with a little flexibility in the kitchen.

What do you think?

LEON labels gluten free meals...!

Yum yum pigs bum...No idea where that saying comes from, but it’s what I said on finishing my treat of a lunch today. Nipping to Oxford St in my lunch hour – it can be done, just – dashing through the new John Lewis food hall to escape the leisurely paced shoppers of Oxford St, I suddenly realised I was near one of my most favourite restaurants.

When I was working for Burger King in product development, I was convinced there was a huge gap in the market for healthy fast food. Ironically, it was through my market research for the fast food giant that I came across this “new concept”. Leon takes the principles of American style fast food, with quick service, but offers a more European style menu, that makes naturally fast food. One of my firm favourites, particularly since being diagnosed with coeliac disease, I just had to ditch the home made lunch - just this once.

Leon was set up by Allegra McEvedy, who I think can be called celebrity chef these days, and provides lucky Londoners with Mediterranean inspired soups, salads, flatbreads plus their signature bigger dishes such as Moroccan meatballs and the Leon Gobi (sweet potato and cauliflower curry). A growing empire, which now stands at ten outlets since 2003 serves up breakfast, lunch, and anything in between, and some of the locations now serve dinner complete with proper plates.

The best thing about Leon, for me anyway, is that they label all their foods with wheat free or gluten free logos. On this particular lunchtime visit there were only 6 items on the menu that I couldn’t eat. Spoilt for choice I eventually opted for the Leon Original Superfood Salad, with a side of open-sesame slaw, which I just love. Like a bear in the woods, overwhelmed by such unprecedented choice, I also picked up a Lemon & Ginger Crunch cake, but only after debating whether to have the brownie instead, and just before I spotted the “ooo” inducing rosewater rice pudding. Bank that for my next visit I think.

Leaving before I bought enough for supper as well, I headed back to the office, eagerly anticipating my lunch, and boy, it was gooooood. The Superfood Salad was an interesting mix of sweet peas, feta, blanched bright green broccoli, quinoa, toasted seeds and a zingy lemon and olive oil dressing; perfectly balanced, really more-ish and completely gluten free. As I write this, I am eyeing up my cake, wondering if I can hold out till afternoon tea time…nope, too late. Its delicious, and you wouldn’t know it's “gluten free”.

A far as I am concerned, Leon is the future of fast food. The fact that the Regent St branch was opposite an old Burger King site, is testament to this. And if you can’t get there, then check out Allegra’s regular column for the Guardian in G2, or her season inspired cookery book. All I can say is…. I can't wait for my next visit.

Happy Tandoori Nights

Indian food is one cuisine I can happily devour without much fuss, for when it is cooked without shortcuts, it is naturally gluten free. In India, use of garam flour made from chickpeas, is widespread, making some of my favourite foods such as pakoras and papadums safe for me to gobble up like the cookie monster. Having recently moved south of the river, I have been keeping an eye out for a good Indian restaurant and recently ate at Tandoori nights in East Dulwich. Monica Ali, author of Brick Lane cited it as her favourite table for Observer Food Monthly magazine, in 2003, so was keen to see how it stood up, four years on.

Rather than using the common “gravy pot” technique to which a couple of spices depending on the dish are then added, all the dishes at this very busy little venue are cooked separately, making them individual in taste and appearance, and can confidently accommodate many dietary requirements. Being a family run business also means staff are so familiar with their menu that they can easily advise on ingredients and potential adjustments to dishes. The other unique thing here, in my experience of local Tandoori restaurants, is that meat and vegetables are fresh and wherever possible organic. This is evident just in dishes like saag paneer that tasted fresher, with more spinach flavour and less metallic aftertaste.

Some favourites, such as Tandoori chicken and a particularly fragrant lamb passanda with fresh chillies for extra zing are to be found, however much of the menu is taken up with dishes new and unfamiliar to me. Handis, which are Pakistani in origin, refer to the earthenware dish they are cooked in are a popular order, whilst an interesting Palak Gosht, fragrant and very spicy lamb and spinach curry won loyalty at our table. This and more including a handful of unusual vegetarian dishes such as a corn and paneer curry provides excuses to come back again.

Specific dishes aside, overall, I was thrilled by the combination of original dishes, which use fresh ingredients, organic where possible, and underpinned by an adaptability to accommodate gluten-free diets. All this on my doorstep, and costing less than their west London counterparts, I think I am going to like living Southside.