A Silly Thought

 

I was driving into Cambridge and I passed a van advertising Cambridge’s first lap dancing club.

I just had a thought. I wonder if they serve gluten-free food?

El Piano

 

I had this e-mail from a restaurant called El Piano in York and Grandada.

Sounds interesting.

We have enjoyed your web-site in the context of Gluten-free-ness. Thanks for making it interesting and accessible.

Thought you would be pleased to hear that El Piano is 10 years old this year and we have celebrated by going from a more than 80% gluten-free menu to 100%, as well as nut-free (have always been) and totally free of animal products too!

Come and see us sometime, either in York or in Granada...the food is delicious...(well we would say that wouldn't we?)

Best,

EL PIANO
www.el-piano.com

York UK - Co. Reg. No. 03210744
15/17 Grape Lane
YO1 7HU
Tel: +44 1904 610676

Granada ES - NIE X2048335R
c/ Gran Capitan
18002 GRANADA
Tel: +34 646 018 110

I Thought it was Getting Better

 

I thought that hotels and restaurants were getting better in their treatment of those with allergies like me.

That is until I read this e-mail :-

We went to a wedding last weekend, and stayed at the Stirling Highland Hotel (where the wedding was held).

We told the chef that Lala was coeliac and asked if there was a gluten free menu option. No.
We asked the wedding organiser for a copy of the menu options and were sent a copy of the menu, and asked if we could have the beef and vegetables and we would bring our own gravy to be microwaved. No.
Chef said that he would provide the beef option as a coeliac option, including gravy. This didn't arrive - just a bit of beef and some veggies that had some sort of coating on them. Being 5 years old and faced with something she had never seen before, she wouldn't eat it, so we gave her some chips that we were assured were safe.

The starter was carrot and potato soup, but I think that the Chef used a wheat thickener, (either that or the chips weren't safe) because she was sick as anything over the following few days. When she got up on the Sunday, she was itching, and her face was an absolute mess.

We won't be eating there again.

I certainly won't be going to the Highland Hotel in Stirling.

Cart and Horses - Kings Worthy

 

This is just a typical country pub, just outside Winchester. I had a very good meal there last night, where they cooked me new potatoes instead of chips etc.

But two of the staff have relatives or close friends who are coeliac or gluten intolerant. So it does show that knowledge and training gets good gluten-free meals. And probably good meals full stop.

Loch Fyne - Ipswich

 

I ate there last night and they knew what I needed. Not bad too, but anything would have been good, as Ipswich won 3-1. They are also doing a survey on what customers want, so I told them.

Afterwards, I went to a party at a friend’s. She knows I’m a coeliac, but there was nothing I could eat except raw vegetables. Lucky I’d had the good meal at Loch Fyne.

Elveden Estate

 

We bought a new puppy at the weekend and on the way back from deepest Norfolk, we stopped for a snack at the cafe on the Elveden Estate. The whole place has expanded rapidly over the last year or so and has lots of what they call Lifestyle Shops.

However, on the menu they now feature a gluten-free meal and highlight it boldly as such. It was a proper chilli con carne and rather nice too. I should say that other items on the menu are gluten-free, but it was nice to see such a statement being made.

How to be a Gluten-Free Restaurant

 

On Friday night we went to the White Pheasant at Fordham, which is just off the A11 Newmarket-by-pass.

All dishes are marked accordingly VNG for vegetarian, nuts and gluten-free. The food is at the top-level of gastropub. It couldn't be faulted.

Yesterday, we went to The Bluebell Restaurant at Chigwell. Parking was a nightmare last night, but the food was excellent.

I hadn’t told them I wanted gluten-free and the owner/manager heard me say something about gluten to Celia. He then told me that everything would be OK except the obvious ones, like the quiche.

Both restaurants are not cheap, but being successful in any business is about pleasing your customers and attention to detail. If these two can do it so well, then why can’t everybody else?

J D Wetherspoon

 

I complained to Wetherspoons about the menu in their airport cafe at Stansted.

This was the reply.

I am sorry to hear of your disappointment. I have enclosed the following link to our website that will enable you to search our current menu for food that may be suitable for you.

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/food/

Please select the option for 'Food Facts' and follow the instructions on screen. We have also recently added a logo onto our menu to show which meals are gluten free.

In reply to your comments about the available food at the airport pubs, I will be passing these to the Catering Department for consideration in the future.

I trust that this will be of assistance to you and thank you for contacting us.

I shall be looking for the logo on the menus.

The Fox at Willian

 

We went here tonight on the way back from Windsor races.

The pub/restaurant is just off the A1M at Baldock and is worth trying, as they seem pretty allergy friendly.

We certainly had a very good meal.

Two Brothers

 

I had an excellent lunch today at this restaurant in Finchley, North London.

It's fish and groundnut-oil fried chips with good wine. I had a very good grilled halibut with boiled potatoes and a tomato and onion salad. I did say I was a coeliac but it didn’t matter with what I had.

As they say in the reviews it's a fish brasserie.

The Talbooth

 

I meant to post this earlier, but a couple of weeks ago, Celia and I went to a formal dinner at the Talbooth at Stratford St. Mary just north of Colchester in Essex.

They didn’t make one mistake in making sure I got my gluten-free meal and it made for a very enjoyable evening.

The restaurant and hotel isn’t cheap, but if someone wants a special weekend in Constable country, I think it could be worth a try.

How to do a Gluten-Free Menu

 

I've just been tidying the office and found the menu from the River Cafe.



What is good about it, is that is a single sheet of paper that the customer can take away and not some grand document, that is totally the property of the restaurant.

You'll notice that the waiter has written all over the menu, so that there is no confusion as to what is a good meal or not.

Elveden Estate

 

Yesterday we were on the A11 at Elveden, which if you know the area, is the only piece of single carriageway road between Newmarket and Norwich.

We went into the Deli/Cafe at the Elveden Estate, which is probably the most luxurious farm shop, we've ever seen. There were lots of very interesting products, many of which were gluten free and probably unheard off outside of Suffolk or Norfolk. It was definitely worth a browse. We bought some Suffolk salami and a Suffolk dressing for salad.

We also had a coffee in the cafe and they said to mention if you had any allergies. Obviously, this didn't apply to the coffee, but I asked and they said they were very much aware of all the problems and would be happy to provide an appropriate meal.

They also have all sorts of other things to do.

Arbutus

 

Celia and I had a great meal at this restaurant in Frith Street, Soho. The lady on the next table was also coeliac and the restaurant knows exactly what is possible and what is not.

Not cheap, but ideal if like us you were celebrating something in London.

The Gambia

 

This will probably end up as a series of posts and certainly I'm quite prepared to answer any questions.

Celia and I decided to go to The Gambia, as we needed a break, wanted some sun and it is about the shortest flight where you can get reasonably warm at the New Year.

To quote the Lonely Planet guide "For vegetarians, this region can be a challenge." I hoped it wouldn't be the same for coeliacs. But then I'm not supersensitive, it was only a week and there was a lot of interesting things to see like the birds, the forests and the other wildlife.

We had a very good time.

We did stay in a very good hotel called NGala Lodge which is owned by its Belgian chef and he had been warned. For instance on the first night, I ordered a starter based on grilled fish. Normally, he breadcrumbed them, but for me he did them plain. And they were very good.

We ate in a couple of restaurants and I had no trouble at all. Generally, the waiters speak very good English, as it is promoted as the National language. One thing though the holiday rep from Gambia Experience told me, is that no-one minds if you seek out the chef and ask his advice.

But the good thing is that most of the food seems to be naturally gluten-free. We had one of the local dishes which was effectively beef in a spicy peanut sauce. There is also a lot of good fruit and plenty of things like eggs and bacon at breakfast, even if I had problems convincing them that I didn't want toast.

So if you want a nice winter holiday, I'd recommend The Gambia. But I would plan more than I did, as we would have had a better holiday if we had. That is nothing to do with food, but I'd take a bird book, stay perhaps in two places and learn more about the people.

Southampton West Quay Shopping Centre

 

I went Christmas shopping with my wife, Celia, our son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter at the West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton on Saturday.

They spent all of this money on the place and then they fill the Food Court with crap. They didn't provide a parking system that was fit for purpose either.

We decided to eat in the Cafe Giardino, because I had noticed I could get an omelette. However, in the words of that truly wonderful British catering phrase, "Omelette is off!" Oh! Well! I'll have the baked potato. But then I realised this was the same chain where I'd had a totally inedible one in Ipswich which may have glutened me! So I passed and had a packet of Kettle Crisps, which were stale, but still inside their sell-by date and a tasteless banana. The only compensation was that Celia's panini used cardboard instead of bread and was inedible, so she got less than me.

Still if we don't complain, then we'll get this rubbish. At least if you go to some of the slightly more upmarket chains, they at least know what gluten is and tell you where it's in the food. There was no chance in Giardino, as when I asked I got a totally blank look. I don't think the chef spoke English past the menu.

To make matters worse, we had to leave early as one of our basset hounds was unwell and didn't eat before we left. Would you believe that between Winchester and Newmarket, there is only one Service Area, Fleet, which is one from the Dark Ages without a decent coffee shop or an M&S Simply Food. The latter is always good for a salad with cutlery. They do have a large selection of amusement machines, so I can see they have got their priorities right.

It was good to get home!

It is unlikely we will be going to Southampton and the shops again. Bluewater, Bicester and Meadowhall are so much better.

Konstam

 

I went to this interesting restaurant by Kings Cross yesterday.

One of the things they do is source as much of the food from within the M25. For instance the blue cheese comes from Norbury and the honey from Tower Hill.

It was a very good meal and as they cooked everything in a kitchen on one side of the dining room, you could see what they were doing.

Ooze - Part 2

 

I went to Ooze in Goodge Street in Central London on Thursday. Enjoyed it too. So did others as it was pretty busy.

I had a sirloin steak risotto which because of the red onions resulted in purple rice. Interesting and enjoyable. The wine was good too.

I can certainly recommend it to any coeliacs who want something different to eat in London.

The only thing against the restaurant is it that the decor is a bit stark and too white for my taste. But then what do I know about modern design?

Ooze

 

I passed this restaurant in Goodge Street yesterday.

I have since been having an e-conversation with the owner and it sounds promising for those who need a gluten free diet.

I shall post a report soon.

Carluccios Bicester

 

When we went to Carluccios at Bicester last time, I wrote to Head Office and complimented them on the service.

Since then, I'd had a positive reply from Head Office about that and other matters. Try writing to some companies and they ignore you!

Yesterday we went to Bicester again and the waitress was a coeliac herself. I said that I'd written after the positive experience of last time and she said that they'd had an e-mail from Head Office complimenting them on their service.

It sounds to me like Carluccios have got service and staff relations correct.

River Cafe

 

Before we went on holiday, we went to the River Cafe in Hammersmith.

It was one of the best meals we've ever had and although it was expensive, it wasn't that so.

But what marked it out was their attitude to me as a coeliac. I said I was when I booked and this was picked up immediately by the waiter, when we sat down. The menu was then gone through by the head waiter, who marked it so there would be no mistakes. Interestingly, only the four pasta dishes were completely off limits, with three other dishes being simply modified.

So if you are in West London and want a really special lunch or dinner, I can really recommend the River Cafe.

Waitrose Cafe

 

I had half an hour to waste and went into Newmarket Waitrose cafe.

They had two different GF cakes. I had the Banana from someone like Castle Catering. It was very good.

Carluccios

 

Had lunch/tea at Carluccios at Bicester Shopping Village today.

They knew what I could have and what I couldn't when I said I was a coeliac. We wanted the Massimo Antipasto as a starter, so they split it in two, with bread and the chicken on one plate for my wife and everything else on a large plate to share. They also cooked my liver without flour and it was very good.

Interestingly, their new menu asks you to state your allergies to the waitress. Pizza Express does that too, so things are getting better.

Loch Fyne

 

Went to Loch Fyne in Cambridge yesterday.

They now have upgraded their allergy stance and ask people to check with the manager about the food. A small but welcome step.

Starbucks

 

I was in Nottingham today and visited Starbucks. I was told that the GF chocolate cake had been discontinued, but I did find a GF cheese sandwich. It said that the cheese was vintage Cheddar and the sandwich was perhaps a bit elderly. It did fill a hole however. (In much the same way concrete does!)

Motorway Eating

 

I find one of the best solutions is to go to service areas with a Marks and Spencer Simply Food. There is one on the M40 and I think there are about six in total now. I have a letter from Stuart Rose, who says this is a big area for them to expand into. Last time I went out of Manchester on the train, I got some very good snacks from the Simply Food in Piccadilly Station. They have a very nice egg salad, plenty of fruit etc.

There is also a couple of O’Neills at Clackett Lane. I’m told the latter does gluten-free soup. Or most of their other branches do.

Train Catering

 

I went to Winchester from Waterloo on Friday and bought some excellent gluten-free snacks from Marks and Sparks at Waterloo. This included a salad in a bowl for about £2 which compares well with sandwich prices.

Let’s hope they get to more stations and motorway services.

Bella Italia

 

I had a coffee at the new Bella Italia in Cambridge on Sunday. (Celia and I went to see In Her Shoes. I liked it, she didn’t, but then she is more impatient than me! It was a bit slow, but Shirley MacLaine was great!)

As we often go to Cineworld there and this seems the best place to eat after, I asked for a menu. The manager then asked me why, as I had said I wasn’t eating. I said I was a coeliac and was seeing, if I could eat something. She said, that they now do gluten-free pasta.

Haven’t tried it yet, but have followed this up with their head office.

Virgin Trains

 

Took the train from Euston to Coventry yesterday and found that in the shop on the train, they are offering a gluten-free chocolate brownie. I didn’t buy one, as they are not to my taste, but the lady in the shop knew all about them.

Gluten Free Fish and Chips

 

We had fresh tuna grilled in olive oil last night, with peppers and fried new potatoes on Thursday night.

Excellent. Strangely the peppers were English! Didn’t know we made them here!

As an aside, my wife’s dietician told her, that fish from warm water is better for you.

Gluten Free Chinese Restaurant

 

On coming out of London up the A1 on Thursday went to the Good Earth, which is a Chinese restaurant just before the A41 splits from the A1 at Edgware.

Very good and I was assured that they use potato starch instead of flour. We certainly had a very good meal and I had no reaction at all. They also do what seems to be the increasing common thing of wrapping crispy lamb in lettuce rather than pancakes.

They also certainly knew very much about the importance of a strict gluten-free diet.

Pizza Hut Revisited

 

Pizza Hut really do take the biscuit!

On the original diary I said they didn't have any nutritional information.

As of February 2005, they still don't have any! Despite an all new website.

Under their FAQ they have the following :-

"13: Why is there no email address to send my comments?

A long time ago we did used to have an email facility for all your comments. However this service was abused and affected the overall service quality. We believe that we offer a better quality service to our customers who contact us by phone or by letter."

Very very bad! Just hide rather than use decent technology.

I know one restaurant chain, where I won't be eating in the future. In fact I doubt ever!

Worst Restaurant Chain

 

After the various posts about gluten-free restaurants, I would like to nominate Prezzo as the worst.

There are only two things on their menu, I can eat! As we were returning late from Chelmsford to home on Friday night, and there wasn't anywhere else to eat, it was starve or eat chicken!

We could have gone to Pizza Express (We were actually at Freeport Braintree), but Celia didn't feel we should as we'd eaten there during the week. They at least do have a lot more things a coeliac can eat and are prepared to tell you. Incidentally, their new menu seems to have a few more items that are gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Restaurant Wars

 

In the last year and a bit since I’ve been diagnosed as a coeliac, eating out has changed beyond all recognition round here.

Last night we found another gluten-free restaurant called the Crown and Punchbowl at Horningsea, just off the A14 north of Cambridge.

In addition to usual restaurant food, such as steaks, fish, liver etc., they make their own range of gluten-free sausages. I also got a just-made gluten free roll!

The restaurant is in the Good Food Guide and no wonder. It is a bit pricey, but you could certainly have a magnificent meal under £20 a head without wine.

This means we now have five serious restaurants round Cambridge and Newmarket that are truly gluten-free. Two years ago, they’re wasn’t any!

Gluten Free Restaurant

 

Went to Bruno’s Brasserie in Cambridge tonight!

Excellent!

And they know all about gluten! Or should I say how to keep food free of it.

Pub With a Gluten Free Menu

 

We went out last night to the White Pheasant at Fordham, which is about 7 miles north west of Newmarket on the Ely road.

They mark all courses which are gluten-free. Last night all the mains were acceptable.

It’s quite expensive, but if you’re in the area, it is worth a visit.

Not So Welcome Break

 

I came down the M1 last night from Derby to Leicester to watch Ipswich.

Feeling peckish, I went into the Welcome Break at Leicester Forest, to look for something like bacon and eggs. The reason I went there was about six months ago, I had done this and the manager cooked them for me personally. He knew all about coeliac disease and acted properly.

No such luck this time, as the irritable cow said they were off. Everything else was not gluten free. Except possibly faggots, but I don't know about them, let along fancy them!

Finally when I got to the Walkers Stadium, there was only pies to eat. Not even chips, either inside or outside. The only thing with any nourishment was a normal Pepsi.

I shall be complaining!

Le Petit Blanc

 

Celia was in Manchester for a week on a case so on the Wednesday I went up to see her and have a meal. We went to Le Petit Blanc, which is a restaurant run by Raymond Blanc or Le Manoir de Quat Saisons fame.

A complete gluten free menu was on offer.

Excellent.

Carluccio's

 

Last night we went to Bluewater and ate at one of Carluccio’s restaurants for the first time in some months. The delay was not through choice, but they haven’t invaded Cambridge yet!

Last time, I ate there the choice had been a bit limited, but as it was only lunch, a nice steak and a glass of Sicilian wine had been perfect.

But last night, things had very much changed for the better.

I could have had several of the starters; plain proscuitto, more than one salad and a potato gnocchi. The friendly staff also told me that a rice dish had breadcrumbs in it after checking with the chef!

For the main course, I had liver which they do so well! I could also have had a steak and I think two other dishes.

Now I know I’m not a serious coeliac, but I do know when I eat a small amount of gluten! But it certainly looks like one of Britain’s fastest growing restaurant chains is getting its act together properly with respect to gluten.

Allergy Friendly Restaurant

 

Just come round the M25 and had lunch at the Bell on Horndon on the Hill. This lies on a road in Essex that runs parallel to the M25 between the A13 and the A127.

Excellent food and they have a big notice on the menu saying that all food is cooked individually and that they will take account of all allergies. They did!

I had some very nice kidneys!

Newmarket Races and Football

 

A desperate day at Newmarket because the horse wouldn't load and there wasn't anything I could eat. There weren't even any crisps! Letherby and Christopher are a disgrace!

So I left and went to the football at Ipswich. Had a bag of chips for lunch!

Scutchers

 

Dinner at Scutchers with Caroline, John and Merryn. Good liver!

This restaurant is to be recommended for anyone who has any form of dietary requirement or allergy. As with any restaurant tell them when you book.

Maison Bleu

 

Finally, Celia's former chamber got round to saying goodbye.

We had a very good meal at Maison Bleu in Bury St. Edmunds. Only problem was the lack of starters. I had smoked salmon without the bread.