I'm in Cardiff at the moment staying with Ina and his mum.
My current bank balance (or lack of it!) means I haven't been eating out much. However I found a nice big Marks and Spencer Food Hall on the outskirts, near their house where I was able to purchase my favourite Coconut and Lemon Macaroons! I also bought some of their Mango and Passion Fruit desserts which are a bit like Creme Caramel but fruity instead of the caramel flavours, and a Masala Chicken Salad, which I've got to say I wasn't too keen on, despite loving Indian food, but it was gluten free.
I also found a M&S version of Wotsits, which are gluten free. For some reason I can't seem to eat normal Wotsits, despite them being classed as "suitable for coeliacs". I know a few others who have said the same. But I seem to have been fine after the M&S ones so that's another thing to add to my M&S shopping list. I love that shop! (and most other shops! I just like shopping :P)
While looking for places that sold gluten free food in Cardiff I came across a place called "Canteen" on Clifton Street in Cardiff which appears to cater for us GF-ers. The review I found seems to suggest they sometimes have GF Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Not going to have chance to visit it during my brief stay here. Anyone been and had any experience of eating GF there? Let me know.
Showing posts with label restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label restaurants. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Basset's Pole, Table Table Restaurant, Sutton Coldfield
One night during our exam period my best friend and I decided to go out for a drive and try to find some food that would be "safe" for me. We ended up at Basset's Pole pub/restaurant in Sutton Coldfield.
I asked the lady at the bar what on their menu would be suitable for coeliacs. She understood what coeliacs was (good start!) and then started looking through the menu. After discovering that the chips probably weren't gluten free (they weren't entirely sure) we decided on a curry which I was assured was gluten free.
We then chose a table and sat down. While at the table I picked up the full menu (apparently the one at the bar just contained titles and not descriptions of the food.) I quickly realised that the curry was served with naan bread. I immediately returned to the bar and talked to one of the waiters and asked them to omit the naan. He took my table number and assured me the meal would be gluten free.
Nearly an hour later, when our food eventually arrived (don't get me started on that!) my curry arrived with naan! The naan was on top of half of the rice. I removed the naan and that half of the rice (the other half was the other side of the curry dish) and ate what was left. I should probably have sent it back but having already waited an hour I just decided to eat what I could.
When the waitress came round to ask if everything was ok I complained but she didn't seem particularly interested and nothing was done about it. I was far too stressed with exams to start an argument so we just paid and left.
The food was poor, the service was poor and they couldn't do a simple thing like leave a naan off an order. What more can I say?!
Apologies for the lack of pictures and links in this post but there was nothing picture or link worthy! I don't recommend you look it up!
I asked the lady at the bar what on their menu would be suitable for coeliacs. She understood what coeliacs was (good start!) and then started looking through the menu. After discovering that the chips probably weren't gluten free (they weren't entirely sure) we decided on a curry which I was assured was gluten free.
We then chose a table and sat down. While at the table I picked up the full menu (apparently the one at the bar just contained titles and not descriptions of the food.) I quickly realised that the curry was served with naan bread. I immediately returned to the bar and talked to one of the waiters and asked them to omit the naan. He took my table number and assured me the meal would be gluten free.
Nearly an hour later, when our food eventually arrived (don't get me started on that!) my curry arrived with naan! The naan was on top of half of the rice. I removed the naan and that half of the rice (the other half was the other side of the curry dish) and ate what was left. I should probably have sent it back but having already waited an hour I just decided to eat what I could.
When the waitress came round to ask if everything was ok I complained but she didn't seem particularly interested and nothing was done about it. I was far too stressed with exams to start an argument so we just paid and left.
The food was poor, the service was poor and they couldn't do a simple thing like leave a naan off an order. What more can I say?!
Apologies for the lack of pictures and links in this post but there was nothing picture or link worthy! I don't recommend you look it up!
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Neal's Yard, Covent Garden
During our week off together Ina and I headed off to London for the day. I had a quick look on the Supp Board of the Gluten Free Message Board for places to eat in London. I came across a tiny post about a place called Neal's Yard, just off Covent Garden. The guy who posted it claimed they did gluten free breads and pies so we thought we'd go and check the place out.
The area seems to be a popular Vegan/Vegetarian hotspot. They do serve some meat dishes but I got the impression they didn't want you to order them!
When we arrived we were greeted with a psychedelic mixture of buildings with a seating area between them.
It has a lovely atmosphere and we sat outside to eat. In terms of food, the menu labels all gluten free items WF (for wheat free - but they assured me it was all gluten free too.)
There were about 6 different types of gluten free breads (based around Brazilian Cheese Breads) and a gluten free pie option. The main course of cheesy rice bake was also gluten free (although it was Tuesday's special - it may be different other days.) I chose Pumpkin and Polenta Pie and Chicken Bread and both were absolutely gorgeous.
They also had gluten free sweet muffins and other desserts, although we were far too full to sample them.
If you are ever in London, or even the general London area, I strongly recommend paying Neal's Yard a visit.
I walked around with a big smile on my face for the rest of the day saying "I had gluten free pie!" at frequent intervals!!
The area seems to be a popular Vegan/Vegetarian hotspot. They do serve some meat dishes but I got the impression they didn't want you to order them!
When we arrived we were greeted with a psychedelic mixture of buildings with a seating area between them.
It has a lovely atmosphere and we sat outside to eat. In terms of food, the menu labels all gluten free items WF (for wheat free - but they assured me it was all gluten free too.)
There were about 6 different types of gluten free breads (based around Brazilian Cheese Breads) and a gluten free pie option. The main course of cheesy rice bake was also gluten free (although it was Tuesday's special - it may be different other days.) I chose Pumpkin and Polenta Pie and Chicken Bread and both were absolutely gorgeous.
They also had gluten free sweet muffins and other desserts, although we were far too full to sample them.
If you are ever in London, or even the general London area, I strongly recommend paying Neal's Yard a visit.
I walked around with a big smile on my face for the rest of the day saying "I had gluten free pie!" at frequent intervals!!
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
More Apologies
Apologies once again for my silence. I am now in the middle of third year uni exams and fairly stressed!
However I hope to have enough time to break from revision and dash over to Marios in Brownhills for GF fish and chips tonight.
Ah well back to the revision and I'll be back with you early next week!
However I hope to have enough time to break from revision and dash over to Marios in Brownhills for GF fish and chips tonight.
Ah well back to the revision and I'll be back with you early next week!
Friday, 2 May 2008
Final Update on ShakeAway
I've had another reply from the lovely Rob at ShakeAway:
Just to confirm, the four flavours mentioned are:
Ferrero Rocher
Horlicks
Iced Gems
Liquorice Allsorts
These four flavours contain gluten and are NOT suitable for coeliacs.
So any Southerners out there (or brave Northerners daring to venture down south!) get yourselves to a ShakeAway for a real treat.
But be warned - you'll be spoilt for choice!!
You’re right (of course!), those four flavours are not good for coeliacs. They were on the lists we keep by the tills, but for some reason the “”ng” symbols got missed on the hand-out menus.
Our menus are currently being re-printed, but I have changed the artwork so the following re-print will be right.
Thanks for that!
Rob @ ShakeAway
Just to confirm, the four flavours mentioned are:
Ferrero Rocher
Horlicks
Iced Gems
Liquorice Allsorts
These four flavours contain gluten and are NOT suitable for coeliacs.
So any Southerners out there (or brave Northerners daring to venture down south!) get yourselves to a ShakeAway for a real treat.
But be warned - you'll be spoilt for choice!!
Update on Shakeaway
I mentioned in my previous post that I'd emailed ShakeAway Milkshakes to query a few items on their menu. I thought you guys would like to see the reply:
Nice to see them making an effort!
Hi Ju,
Thanks for the email, and I’m glad, on the whole, we get a thumbs up for the efforts we make! It’s always quite difficult to keep up with the detail of ingredients when manufacturers often change their recipes, but we do try to help coeliacs, nut allergy people, dairy intolerant, etc.
I will arrange for Ferrero Rocher, Horlicks, Iced Gems and Liquorice Allsorts to be checked again. We’d then be able to make any necessary changes on our next Menu reprint.
Regarding Smarties on the Toppings section, we don’t label items again if they are in the main list – with labels for registered trade mark, vegan or not vegetarian and not gluten, it can get crowded! We therefore hope that Customers will take such information from the main list.
Incidentally, each shop has a separate list by the till (shown on request) which itemises the allergy items to collate them all together.
Thanks for this and I will get it looked at, and we hope to see you at ShakeAway again soon!
Rob
Nice to see them making an effort!
Saturday, 26 April 2008
ShakeAway Milkshakes
While in Reading (revising of course) Ina persuaded me that I needed a break and suggested we go for a nice walk. Living in Reading town centre I didn't really see how a 'nice' walk was possible but welcomed the break from revision (and secretly hoped I could drag him into a few clothes shops for some retail therapy!)
Unfortunately, knowing me too well, he had envisaged the consequences of taking me past clothes shops and come up with a plan. That plan was to give me the messiest drink possible, that no sales assistant in their right mind would ever allow you in a clothes shop with. To hear about this visit from his point of view you might want to visit his blog.
It worked rather well but I didn't complain too much - I ended up with the most awesome drink!
ShakeAway is a milkshake company with a difference. The difference being that they fill their stores with hundreds of varieties of chocolate, sweets, biscuits and fruit and allow you to make any combination of them into a milkshake! They have over 150 choices - from the heavenly to the down-right bizarre.
My first thought on walking in was how on earth I would choose a 'safe', gluten free milkshake without spending hours in conversation with the staff. I needn't had worried. I picked up a menu and saw that the key included "ng" for "not gluten free" after any items unsuitable for coeliacs like myself. This meant that everything else on the menu was suitable!
On further examination I realised they also did dairy-free milkshakes made with soya ice cream. I don't have a lactose intolerance but am aware that it often co-exists with coeliacs and I was really impressed that this company had gone to such an effort to cater for people needing special diets.
So Rhubarb and Custard milkshake with Minstrels on top for me (although the minstrels sunk to the bottom!) Ina chose a Fry's Orange Cream milkshake with extra cream which was equally delicious.
On further examination of the menu there were a few anomalies for me. That is a few milkshakes not marked "ng" that contained ingredients that I know to contain gluten (for example Ferrero Rocher.) So I would advise any coeliacs visiting to use common sense as well as the menu when deciding what it safe. I am currently composing an email to the company to raise these concerns and will report back when they reply.
Still, with stores all over the south of the country, and so much obviously gluten free on the menu, they are well worth a visit.
And full marks to ShakeAway for effort in catering for people with special diets.
Unfortunately, knowing me too well, he had envisaged the consequences of taking me past clothes shops and come up with a plan. That plan was to give me the messiest drink possible, that no sales assistant in their right mind would ever allow you in a clothes shop with. To hear about this visit from his point of view you might want to visit his blog.
It worked rather well but I didn't complain too much - I ended up with the most awesome drink!
ShakeAway is a milkshake company with a difference. The difference being that they fill their stores with hundreds of varieties of chocolate, sweets, biscuits and fruit and allow you to make any combination of them into a milkshake! They have over 150 choices - from the heavenly to the down-right bizarre.
My first thought on walking in was how on earth I would choose a 'safe', gluten free milkshake without spending hours in conversation with the staff. I needn't had worried. I picked up a menu and saw that the key included "ng" for "not gluten free" after any items unsuitable for coeliacs like myself. This meant that everything else on the menu was suitable!
On further examination I realised they also did dairy-free milkshakes made with soya ice cream. I don't have a lactose intolerance but am aware that it often co-exists with coeliacs and I was really impressed that this company had gone to such an effort to cater for people needing special diets.
So Rhubarb and Custard milkshake with Minstrels on top for me (although the minstrels sunk to the bottom!) Ina chose a Fry's Orange Cream milkshake with extra cream which was equally delicious.
On further examination of the menu there were a few anomalies for me. That is a few milkshakes not marked "ng" that contained ingredients that I know to contain gluten (for example Ferrero Rocher.) So I would advise any coeliacs visiting to use common sense as well as the menu when deciding what it safe. I am currently composing an email to the company to raise these concerns and will report back when they reply.
Still, with stores all over the south of the country, and so much obviously gluten free on the menu, they are well worth a visit.
And full marks to ShakeAway for effort in catering for people with special diets.
Xen Pan Asian Restaurant, Reading
I'm in Reading again and once again didn't feel like cooking after a full day of revision. I had already decided to take the evening off to go out for drinks with Ina and some of his friends. The others were going for an Italian first, but having had a few bouts of contamination recently I decided not to risk joining them.
Instead me and Ina went in search of somewhere else to eat. Ina suggested a Thai place and I agreed so we ended up at Xen Restaurant. There was plenty of choice on the menu from Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisines.
I had Paeng Pet Ped Yang - Roasted duck cooked in coconut milk, pineapples, cherry tomatoes and peppers in a red curry sauce. I chose coconut rice to accompany it. Absolutely delicious! And no ill effects.
Xen has an open kitchen making the chefs readily available and all the staff were very helpful.
Very much recommended!
Instead me and Ina went in search of somewhere else to eat. Ina suggested a Thai place and I agreed so we ended up at Xen Restaurant. There was plenty of choice on the menu from Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisines.
I had Paeng Pet Ped Yang - Roasted duck cooked in coconut milk, pineapples, cherry tomatoes and peppers in a red curry sauce. I chose coconut rice to accompany it. Absolutely delicious! And no ill effects.
Xen has an open kitchen making the chefs readily available and all the staff were very helpful.
Very much recommended!
Thursday, 17 April 2008
The White Hart, Nettlebed
As I may have mentioned, I have been spending a fair bit of time in Reading recently to visit a lovely young man who lives there.
After a long day of revision for me, and work for him, we decided to go out for a drive and find some food. Accompanied by the Beatles discography we set out to escape central Reading and find a little cosy country pub.
Amazing music and great company, combined with the fun driving of country roads meant we went a little further afield than we intended.
We ended up just beyond Henley-on-Thames near a place called Watlington.
As we were driving The White Hart, Nettlebed, caught my eye and we went in to investigate. In typical Julie style, I had managed to find one of the most exquisite and expensive pubs in the area! Not quite what we had intended!
We walked in to the bar area to find leather sofas and comfy chairs rather than bar stools.
We were then led into the dining area and given menus. Everything sounded amazing and we were spoilt for choice.
Obviously my first question was what could I eat? I scanned the menu and ruled out things which were obviously full of gluten and chose what I would like from what was left. I then asked the waitress to ask the chef if what I'd chosen was suitable. It was!
So we relaxed with a glass of red for me, and a cider for Ina and waited. Twenty minutes later our starters arrived. Mine was Duck with Sauerkraut and Apple Puree. It was absolutely delicious - a really interesting combination of flavours.
Ina's gluten filled Goat's Cheese in a Filo Pastry looked just as good, and he assures me it was superb!
Strangely we ended up order the same main course of Hare in Red Wine with Red Cabbage and Creamy Mash. One word: delicious!
I'd never had hare before but very much enjoyed it and the mash was to die for!!
We finished off by sharing a dessert of Orange and Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and Mint Salsa. We were far too full for it but again it was gorgeous.
The bill came to just over £50 for the two of us - not ideal for a student budget but well worth it and very much recommended.
After a long day of revision for me, and work for him, we decided to go out for a drive and find some food. Accompanied by the Beatles discography we set out to escape central Reading and find a little cosy country pub.
Amazing music and great company, combined with the fun driving of country roads meant we went a little further afield than we intended.
We ended up just beyond Henley-on-Thames near a place called Watlington.
As we were driving The White Hart, Nettlebed, caught my eye and we went in to investigate. In typical Julie style, I had managed to find one of the most exquisite and expensive pubs in the area! Not quite what we had intended!
We walked in to the bar area to find leather sofas and comfy chairs rather than bar stools.
We were then led into the dining area and given menus. Everything sounded amazing and we were spoilt for choice.
Obviously my first question was what could I eat? I scanned the menu and ruled out things which were obviously full of gluten and chose what I would like from what was left. I then asked the waitress to ask the chef if what I'd chosen was suitable. It was!
So we relaxed with a glass of red for me, and a cider for Ina and waited. Twenty minutes later our starters arrived. Mine was Duck with Sauerkraut and Apple Puree. It was absolutely delicious - a really interesting combination of flavours.
Ina's gluten filled Goat's Cheese in a Filo Pastry looked just as good, and he assures me it was superb!
Strangely we ended up order the same main course of Hare in Red Wine with Red Cabbage and Creamy Mash. One word: delicious!
I'd never had hare before but very much enjoyed it and the mash was to die for!!
We finished off by sharing a dessert of Orange and Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and Mint Salsa. We were far too full for it but again it was gorgeous.
The bill came to just over £50 for the two of us - not ideal for a student budget but well worth it and very much recommended.
Friday, 28 March 2008
Eating Gluten Free in Lille
I know I've been promising a report on how I found eating GF in France. My excuse is that I'm still revising, and trying to find time to speak to/visit my boyfriend, Ina. I was about to put a post together for here when I went to his blog and realised he had already blogged our meals in France more than satisfactorily. So for now I'll just link you to that post:
Eating in Lille
There are some more rather nice pictures on there too.
The only thing I will add is that the pancakes at the creperie were made from buckwheat (sarrasin). They were only available on the menu as savoury options (galettes), with the sweet pancakes being made from wheat. However, with a quick chat to the waitress, we managed to get me both sweet and savoury versions made from sarrasin.
Result!
Eating in Lille
There are some more rather nice pictures on there too.
The only thing I will add is that the pancakes at the creperie were made from buckwheat (sarrasin). They were only available on the menu as savoury options (galettes), with the sweet pancakes being made from wheat. However, with a quick chat to the waitress, we managed to get me both sweet and savoury versions made from sarrasin.
Result!
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Marks and Spencer Cafe, Bolton
I went into Bolton town centre today for an afternoon of girly shopping with my mum and elder sister.
I am recovering from a nasty bug and its the first day I've been well enough to go out this week. After a couple of hours shopping I was exhausted (that sister of mine can shop!) and someone suggested a cup of tea. Sounded like a great idea to me!
My only request was that we went somewhere where I could get GF cake. I suggested M&S as I had heard good reports. Bolton M&S has just had a makeover and a lovely new cafe on the 3rd floor. From the size of it I was sure they must have their GF cakes here. But when I looked at the packaged cakes I could see nothing gluten free. So I asked a member of staff. She wasn't sure and went to find someone else, who said,
"Gluten free cakes? Yes I put two different kinds out there earlier!"
I was shocked! Not only was there GF cake, there was a choice of GF cake!!
Although the fruit cake slice was tempting, the double chocolate muffin looked irresistible. And it was amazing! In fact I kept looking at the pack to check it was actually gluten free!
What struck me about these cakes is that they weren't obviously labeled as gluten free at first glance and other non-coeliacs were choosing to eat them!!
Impressed doesn't cover how I felt!
The cafe also has a stylish new look as you can see from the picture.
Then of course on the way out there was a cheeky diversion through the food court to get some Coconut Macaroons to bring home.
Well...I have some calories to make up after my bug this week!
I am recovering from a nasty bug and its the first day I've been well enough to go out this week. After a couple of hours shopping I was exhausted (that sister of mine can shop!) and someone suggested a cup of tea. Sounded like a great idea to me!
My only request was that we went somewhere where I could get GF cake. I suggested M&S as I had heard good reports. Bolton M&S has just had a makeover and a lovely new cafe on the 3rd floor. From the size of it I was sure they must have their GF cakes here. But when I looked at the packaged cakes I could see nothing gluten free. So I asked a member of staff. She wasn't sure and went to find someone else, who said,
"Gluten free cakes? Yes I put two different kinds out there earlier!"
I was shocked! Not only was there GF cake, there was a choice of GF cake!!
Although the fruit cake slice was tempting, the double chocolate muffin looked irresistible. And it was amazing! In fact I kept looking at the pack to check it was actually gluten free!
What struck me about these cakes is that they weren't obviously labeled as gluten free at first glance and other non-coeliacs were choosing to eat them!!
Impressed doesn't cover how I felt!
The cafe also has a stylish new look as you can see from the picture.
Then of course on the way out there was a cheeky diversion through the food court to get some Coconut Macaroons to bring home.
Well...I have some calories to make up after my bug this week!
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Mario's Fish Bar, Brownhills
My second fish and chips of the month (I'm spoilt nowadays) came from Mario's Fish Bar in Brownhills.
Andy doesn't have a website yet but he does his gluten free night alongside his regular menu on the second Tuesday of the month. He has separate fryers and keeps everything apart so there is no cross contamination.
Mario's is located at 97 High Street, Brownhills and you can contact them on 01543371487 if you want any more information.
Andy has a family member (I think it's his aunt) who is coeliac and decided this would be a good thing to offer and he's certainly not compromised on taste to do it!
These are the best fish and chips I have had in a long time (including before going gluten free!) They use fresh fish (and it really shows in the taste) combined with Glu-to-Go batter. His chips are to die for as well!
Andy doesn't have a website yet but he does his gluten free night alongside his regular menu on the second Tuesday of the month. He has separate fryers and keeps everything apart so there is no cross contamination.
Mario's is located at 97 High Street, Brownhills and you can contact them on 01543371487 if you want any more information.
Andy has a family member (I think it's his aunt) who is coeliac and decided this would be a good thing to offer and he's certainly not compromised on taste to do it!
These are the best fish and chips I have had in a long time (including before going gluten free!) They use fresh fish (and it really shows in the taste) combined with Glu-to-Go batter. His chips are to die for as well!
Monday, 7 January 2008
Glutened!
I went out to a local Chinese buffet, Modern China in Stockland Green, Birmingham last night with my friend's parents. It seemed at the time a nice, welcome break from revision.
I was a little bit concerned about what I would eat but decided to go anyway. A quick conversation with the waiters made it obvious they didn't really know what gluten was, or what was in their dishes. I decided I would avoid everything with soy sauce in and be as careful as possible. Obviously the risk of contamination at these places is massive but I took the risk. I'm really regretting that today!
I had rice and plain stir fried vegetables along with crispy duck and rice pancakes (without sauce) and felt fine. I then got to the dessert section. I had some of the Chinese jelly and fruit to start with. I then found some mango and tapioca pudding (like rice pudding but tapioca.) I had some of this and felt quite sick after it. I assumed I had just eaten too much and went home.
When we arrived home we played Mah Jong (awesome Chinese tile game) to finish the evening on the same theme! (well actually because we love it.)
I felt tired as we were playing and this got worse and worse. When I am going to have a fit I first lose the ability to talk. I can understand what people are saying to me but I struggle to respond. It's like one of the connections between my brain and my vocal cords stops working.
I then passed out and began fitting (well they are like fits - we call them "twitches" because they are less violent than "fits"). My hands and head shake and I have occasional spasms down my whole body. My friends said it was the worst one they had seen me have. It lasted about 10 minutes. I then came round and was aware of what was going on around me again but I still couldn't talk. I can read and write after such attacks but am unable to coordinate my brain and my vocal cords to produce speech.
It usually takes a good night's sleep to regain my ability to speak. I feel rough today, like I've been hit over the head hard, and my stomach is in its usual turmoil but I feel a bit better.
I should probably point out that I don't have a typical response to gluten. Lots of research has been done into the neurological symptoms of coeliacs and there is a group of consultants that believe the fits suffered by some coeliacs are because the antibodies produced in response to gluten are particularly attracted to the cells in the brain, or due to the inability to absorb key nutrients.
Dr M Hadjivassiliou from Sheffield does a lot of research into this. Most the articles require free registration to view them so I can't link to them all. This article on "Neuromuscular disorder as a presenting feature of Coeliac Disease" is a free one though. If you are interested in this and want to read more put "Hadjivassiliou", "coeliac" and "neurological" into Google. It comes up with plenty of results but they are quite technical so some scientific knowledge is useful.
So yes, last night I took a risk with food and it didn't pay off and I am suffering. That'll teach me!
I was a little bit concerned about what I would eat but decided to go anyway. A quick conversation with the waiters made it obvious they didn't really know what gluten was, or what was in their dishes. I decided I would avoid everything with soy sauce in and be as careful as possible. Obviously the risk of contamination at these places is massive but I took the risk. I'm really regretting that today!
I had rice and plain stir fried vegetables along with crispy duck and rice pancakes (without sauce) and felt fine. I then got to the dessert section. I had some of the Chinese jelly and fruit to start with. I then found some mango and tapioca pudding (like rice pudding but tapioca.) I had some of this and felt quite sick after it. I assumed I had just eaten too much and went home.
When we arrived home we played Mah Jong (awesome Chinese tile game) to finish the evening on the same theme! (well actually because we love it.)
I felt tired as we were playing and this got worse and worse. When I am going to have a fit I first lose the ability to talk. I can understand what people are saying to me but I struggle to respond. It's like one of the connections between my brain and my vocal cords stops working.
I then passed out and began fitting (well they are like fits - we call them "twitches" because they are less violent than "fits"). My hands and head shake and I have occasional spasms down my whole body. My friends said it was the worst one they had seen me have. It lasted about 10 minutes. I then came round and was aware of what was going on around me again but I still couldn't talk. I can read and write after such attacks but am unable to coordinate my brain and my vocal cords to produce speech.
It usually takes a good night's sleep to regain my ability to speak. I feel rough today, like I've been hit over the head hard, and my stomach is in its usual turmoil but I feel a bit better.
I should probably point out that I don't have a typical response to gluten. Lots of research has been done into the neurological symptoms of coeliacs and there is a group of consultants that believe the fits suffered by some coeliacs are because the antibodies produced in response to gluten are particularly attracted to the cells in the brain, or due to the inability to absorb key nutrients.
Dr M Hadjivassiliou from Sheffield does a lot of research into this. Most the articles require free registration to view them so I can't link to them all. This article on "Neuromuscular disorder as a presenting feature of Coeliac Disease" is a free one though. If you are interested in this and want to read more put "Hadjivassiliou", "coeliac" and "neurological" into Google. It comes up with plenty of results but they are quite technical so some scientific knowledge is useful.
So yes, last night I took a risk with food and it didn't pay off and I am suffering. That'll teach me!
Atlantic Fish and Chip Bar, Tamworth
I have just had my monthly fish and chips from Atlantic Fish Bar, Tamworth. I am now feeling very full!
Sean, Elena and the team do a gluten free night on the first Monday of each month. They clean out the fryers and do a full day of gluten free goodies using Glu-to-Go batter.
They do fish, chips, fish cakes, pineapple fritters, kebabs (they even buy gluten free pittas), sausages and more!
It's so good to know that I can have so much choice and it all be safe. Sean is very careful and aware of cross contamination issues.
It's also a good place to meet other local coeliacs.
I drive a round trip of 25 miles to get my monthly fish and chips but it's well worth it!
Sean, Elena and the team do a gluten free night on the first Monday of each month. They clean out the fryers and do a full day of gluten free goodies using Glu-to-Go batter.
They do fish, chips, fish cakes, pineapple fritters, kebabs (they even buy gluten free pittas), sausages and more!
It's so good to know that I can have so much choice and it all be safe. Sean is very careful and aware of cross contamination issues.
It's also a good place to meet other local coeliacs.
I drive a round trip of 25 miles to get my monthly fish and chips but it's well worth it!
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Tampopo Restaurant, Trafford Centre
I was shopping in the sales at the Trafford Centre, Manchester the other day when time flew away (along with money!) and I found myself hungry.
I'm always very wary of eating out gluten free but am determined to live a "normal" life and also to raise awareness of Coeliac Disease amongst restaurant owners and staff.
We found an oriental restaurant called Tampopo which covered a range of cuisines across East Asia. There was a lovely atmosphere to the place, with shared tables like Wagamamas. When the waitress came to take our drinks order I said I was Coeliac and was ready to explain(!) when she said, "I'll just get you the allergy menu." I was shocked!
There were 3 or 4 main dishes I could have along with prawn crackers. I chose Chicken Pad Thai - a lovely dish with rice noodles and flavoured with chilli, lime and peanuts. Delicious! And no adverse effects.
The Allergy Menu can also be viewed on their website.
To sum up: a great restaurant with lovely, safe, gluten free food!
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