I want to go into any restaurant and be able to order gluten-free food and have the people working there understand what that means

Here’s a list of local Austin restaurants that have specific menus or labeling for gluten-free food.

1. The Steeping Room (Sandwiches + Dessert)
2. Brick Oven on 35th (Pizza + Dessert)
3. Wildwood Art Cafe (multiple items)
4. The Grove Wine Bar (Pizzas + Pastas)
5. Craig O’s Pizza & Pastaria (Pizza)
6. Mother’s Cafe & Garden (GF menu)
7. Shady Grove Cafe (GF menu)
8. Maudie’s (GF menu)
9. East Side Cafe (GF menu)
10. Guero’s Taco Bar (GF menu)
11. North By Northwest (GF menu)
12. Hyde Park Bar & Grill (GF menu)
13. Mirabelle Restaurant (GF menu)
14. Z’Tejas (GF menu)
15. Fire Bowl Cafe (GF menu)
16. Jade Leaves Tea House (GF menu)
17. Dominican Joe Coffee Shop (Cookies)
18. Rolling in Thyme and Dough (Muffins, Bread on Tuesdays? until they last – Dripping Springs)
19. Little Aussie Bakery & Cafe San Antonio (EVERYTHING in restaurant GF)
    * http://www.thelittleaussiebakery.com/About.html

I discovered on the local site of whole foods that they have a comprehensive listing of everything gluten free they stock in the store, organized by category and brand. Very helpful! Maybe they have a similar list for other local stores…

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/specialdiets/SW_LMR_Gluten_Free.pdf

But not quite yet.
It’s cheaper not to go out to eat anyway.

A new article on celiac disease:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-09-05-voa46.cfm

Near the end, it mentions how the problem has been spreading to other, sometimes 3rd world countries.

“It has recently been diagnosed in North and South America, India and surprisingly, among a group of Saharan refugees. The “Saharwee”, as they are known, did not have the disease until humanitarian groups began delivering wheat and other affected grains.”

“Celiac experts are warning relief organizations about the risks of sending wheat abroad.”

Went by the gluten free cafe again today after church, but they were STILL closed on Sunday… oh well. They are supposed to be on their fall hours which means open on sundays, but whatever.

A gluten-free baking class is being offered at Central Market in September.

I just heard of a gluten free cafe in Austin! They sell gluten-free loaves of bread, cookies, muffins, brownies and cakes!

http://www.wildwoodartcafe.com/cafe.php

I can’t wait to go. The only other restaurant I’ve been to that was specifically gluten free was a pizza place in Greenwich Village—http://risotteria.com/

I’m glad I only found out that I have celiac after high school… it would’ve been hell to try to find food, then. But I’m now at college in NYC and it’s not perfect, but it’s easier. I can go in to delis and say “I’m allergic to wheat—can I have everything on that sandwich without the bread?” and they look at you kinda funny, but they do it.

Bonus: Sometimes they seem to feel worried that you’re not getting enough to eat so they’ll give you extra. ;)

But, yes, trying to explain gluten is horrendous. Even a hyped up vegan/vegetarian/organic grocery nearby that specifically mentions gluten on its deli’s signs, and stated that all I need do was ask someone at the counter what had gluten and they would tell me-!... even there I got blank looks.

I live with someone who has celiac disease. This has totally changed our lives, since eating food that contains wheat, barley, and oats are in practically every processed food on the planet! My kitchen has become a war-on-wheat zone! Eating out is an adventure- explaining to wait-staff and chefs what can and cannot be used. Very tiring, sometimes. I seem to be on this endless crusade to enlighten people about the gluten-free life! It’s important- no, it is life-threatening that this diet is followed strictly!