GlutenFreeHolly

Highlights from the Big Apple

On March 17, 2015

There she is, lady liberty, wrapped in her billowing robes. She seems, from her attire, like she would understand bloating…. and expressly prohibit this condition from the American people and our guests. There is probably nothing more frustrating than going on a trip and getting gluten-ed. Honestly, it makes you feel like you should stay in your gluten free home and never venture out again …..EVER. Education, courage and careful selections can make your next dining out or travel experience safe and enjoyable! And remember, Open Table has a link to search for Gluten free!

http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=630&m=8

Be adventurous! Here are some tips from my recent trip to NYC.

1. Where to stay: Manhattan! As close to Central Park as possible! Why? It is beautiful! There is great shopping, the Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Broadway all in walking distance (or the subway, if you prefer). I love the London NYC. It is a stylish all suites hotel, its super swanky, and they have great deals! Their restaurant, Maze, offers Gluten-Free selections, including toast in the morning and the pleasant staff, upbeat setting and impeccable service cannot be beat.

Maze at London NYC – from thelondonnyc.com

www.thelondonnyc.com

2. Gluten Free Dining

Aside from my prior post, where I strongly recommend Bouchon (www.bouchonbakery.com), Eataly (www.eataly.com), and Grom (www.grom.it), I have 2 more favorites that I visit each time I go to the city.

Toloache

An authentic Mexican Restaurant serving up to die for Margaritas and Mexican food. The Toloache Margarita features hibiscus and blueberries and is the most decadent margarita I have ever had! This weekend, we went for brunch and I had the vegetarian Huarache while my dining companion had the fish tacos! Time after time, this restaurant serves up delicious food and drinks with NO tummy ache!

Deliciousness served up at Toloache!

www.toloachenyc.com

Rubirosa

Italian… Yes Italian! Did you think you could ever have Italian again? One word… Rubirosa! Located a short subway or taxi drive away, this trendy restaurant located in the lower east side serves up tasty Italian and features an entire Gluten free menu! Word to the wise, make reservations in ADVANCE! Please try the GLUTEN FREE MOZARELLA STICKS!!!! and Pizza! Not kidding! This place is THE BOMB!

www.rubirosanyc.com

Check this out!

What are you waiting for? Enjoy!

Distracted Driving

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 17, 2015

In Gluten free

545 am…not exactly my favorite time, and today my 6 year old is awake… Reason unknown…and would like breakfast and her hair done. This definitely will add a wrinkle into my morning dash, but who can be upset by eyes like those?

I have a busy day ahead and need to get some calories in before it truly starts. First things first… This girl needs coffee and thankfully the latest studies show so many health benefits that I’m going to make it a double! Second, Rudi’s gluten free cinnamon toast… With a little butter… Okay… Don’t be a hater! I like butter on my toast. If you don’t, I would suggest orange marmalade, but honestly it’s perfect by itself.

I pack up, hop in the car and eat this buttery deliciousness while I drive. Now that’s some Distracted Driving. Make it a great day!

maybe a little too much butter…

Dinner for 6 in less than 30 minutes…and yes… gluten free

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 16, 2015

In Gluten free

I don’t know about you, but for me half of the struggle is coming up with THE BIG IDEA…humph…. What can I make for dinner…. And fast! I prepare food for my 3 kids, 1 boyfriend, and our family’s au pair from Germany (more about the fabulous benefits of an au pair another day!)

Tonight-

Chunky Gazpacho with Quesadillas!

Chunky Gazpacho

Gazpacho

5 organic tomatos, blanched for 45 seconds, peeled and chopped

2 large organic cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 can of corn, drained

1 avocado, chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

1T chipotle sauce (yum!)

Mix it up, put it in the fridge and go for a run! You’re almost done making dinner!

Quesadillas

If you have wheat eaters, make theirs LATER!

Place corn tortillas (we are in a hurry! So use the pre-made ones!) I like mission. www.missionmenus.com

Heat them in frying pan or comal , cover with cheese, top with a second tortilla and (drum roll…..) …dinner is done. Plate gluten free first and keep separate from flour tortillas if you are preparing both.

Blanch in boiling water

Peel & core tomatos

Add all ingredients & mix well

Miami Monday

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 16, 2015

In Home organization

I have today off (by off, I mean no OUT of home work). I have a home project to do, Garage reorganization. In this case I am going to call it garage transformation! I have a relationship with my garage, and like any relationship, it takes work… And sometimes fails. Today, I am tackling the leaning tower of wood shelves that recently have begun teetering forward with every moved container. Since I am a safety freak, I’m going to change them to a safer, more secure and dare I say…attractive garage system with the help of Garage Transformation & Organization (www.garagestoragemiami.com).

After a morning of emptying the precarious shelving, and saying goodbye to many unnecessary and non functioning items (Goodbye Mr. Pumpkinhead…again…the last bulk trash day he was rescued by my children), I’m ready for a little coffee break!

My favorite gluten free breakfast when I’m in a hurry or just want a quick, delicious prepared meal is the Udi’s Gluten Free muffin. My fav item is lemon streusel, but after eating all 4 in one sitting, I no longer permit them in the house! So, blueberry it is! Love these muffins with a cappuccino!

Oh yes! Miami can make even a Monday look good!

Smoothilicious

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 16, 2015

In Gluten free

Acai Berry Banana Smoothie

Fill up with this refreshingly delicious smoothie that’s packed full of antioxidants

1 cup açaí juice (I use Sambazon)

1/2 banana

1/2 cup frozen organic berries

2 T chia seeds

1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (I use chobani)

Blend, enjoy…. Yummmmmm

www.sambazon.com

http://www.chobani.com

NY city gluten free gems!

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 15, 2015

Pistachio macaroon

So Friday, my boyfriend and I flew to NYC for the NYC half marathon 2015. I wish I could say I’m the one running…. But alas, no! However, I am here to enjoy the feeding frenzy, (not to mention the brief respite from work) that precedes any athletic event and want to mention some notable locations!

After a long walk through the beautiful, but somewhat frozen, Central Park, we decided to get gelato… And found Grom. This gem on Broadway just off Central Park has all natural, organic and gluten free products that are just incredible. I would post a photo of the hot chocolate, but I drank it too fast! Heavenly! Thick molten chocolate with a side of whipped cream so cold and perfect that it maintained its form without melting away into the mix. The gelato was awesome too. Next time you’re in the city, it’s worth a try! www.grom.it.

My other NYC favorite is Bouchon Bakery, right off of Rockefellar center… Macaroons! Oh my! The pistachio is my all time favorite! Just ask because some flavors are not gluten free!

Finally, Eataly! Near Madison square garden… An Italian complex featuring multiple themed restaurants, shopping, and areas for wine and beer tasting… Even a fresh fruit and veggie market! Fun to visit and try out ..and safe to eat with gluten free selections including pasta! www.eataly.com.

Hello and Welcome!

By GlutenFreeHolly

On March 14, 2015

Thanks for visiting my blog! I’m a single mom of 3 with the usual struggle of finding the balance between a career, kids, and the seemingly endless job of running a household! Dinner has got to be fast, nutritious and delicious, and for me…. Gluten free! I love DIY projects and trying out new ideas to organize and improve my home, and I love to experiment in the kitchen! Plus, I like trying out restaurants and can share with you my tips on safe gluten free eating out!