"Ok, so...I have some dietary restrictions..."
This sentence is usually a server's worst nightmare. With the numerous allergens, diseases, and
TV "doctor" recommended diets, the number of guests I would hear this
from has practically tripled over the past 5 years.
Especially the now common Gluten-Free request from our patrons.
Now, my fellow restaurant folk used to jokingly refer to
anyone who asked about gluten-free options as Glutards. What is a Glutard you may ask? At first, we used to think that it was just
someone on just another one of the many fad diets. What I have learned over the years is that individuals who are
truely gluten intolerant actually have a real life medical condition called Celiac
Disease. And a few days ago, I found
out that I was one of them. Glutard doesn't
seem so funny now...
Celiac Disease is very simply an autoimmune reaction to
gluten that damages the small intestine in a way that it cannot absorb basic
nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Gluten itself is found in grains such as
wheat, barley, and rye.
Wait a second...so I can't have anything made from any of
those things!?!? Wow, I formally
apologize to any Celiac sufferers that I may have called glutards in the
past. Culinary karma is a bitch!
So why am I writing this blog?
Well first of all, It's a coping mechanism. I feel like a
best friend has just died! I love
breads, pastas, pizzas, beer, breaded and fried anything, and all things that
now I am told I cannot have. It's
probably my worst nightmare come true!
I even froze 2 delicious loaves of bread, keeping them in a cryogenic
sleep so every time I open the freezer door I can gaze upon them and remember
how they used to taste.
Second, I am hoping that my journey into this new dietary dilemma
may help others going through the same thing.
Anything I learn about this new lifestyle (dietary guidelines, recipes,
great restaurants, jokes, etc), I will
post and share with all of you. If I
can help one person through my experience, great. If I just make you chuckle, that's great too.
And finally, I am doing this to start a dialogue. So many people do not even know what Celiac
disease is. I didn't. So if you want to share your stories,
experiences, and lifestyle, please feel free!
I feel it will help more people than you think.
Ok, I have rambled on long enough for a first post. I am off to research gluten-free flour and
pastas at Whole Foods and then enjoy my day off. Thank God there's no gluten in wine ;-)
Glutardedly Yours,
For more infromation about Celiac Disease, check out the Celiac Disease Foundation's Website
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