I have had some extra time on my hands. This is not usually the norm for me, so I definitely took advantage of it. It has left me moments to think and boy have I been thinking! My thoughts are directing towards an idea:
A meetup, of sorts, at a gluten-free establishment for those of us in the Charlotte area to get together and enjoy a fun night of safe food, drink and lovely conversation.
This idea has been done before, but not many people have ever joined in. I used to love going out and meeting up with others for gluten-free fare when I lived in NYC. Now, I want to translate that to the Charlotte area.
Whose in?! Leave a comment and let me know. Your response matters - knowing you'll attend is a huge part of this idea actually working.
So excited to possibly meet you all:-)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Chelsea Clinton, Fiance, Family & Friends Dine on Gluten-Free Cake
I am not sure if anyone else caught this little tid bit of information, but someone very important and known for her famous parents got married this weekend...and she had a gluten-free cake!
Yes, I swear I am not lying - Chelsea Clinton said her I do's then spent the rest of the night sharing an all vegan menu and gluten-free cake (from La Tulipe Bakery in NYC) with her guests. While she is not gluten-free, nor is her fiance, they are mindful of what they eat.
Check out a write-up about Chelsea's wedding choices here:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38500111/ns/today-today_weddings/
Here is an article more about the all-alternative banquets increasing in request - great news for us gluten-free kids: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38474741/ns/today-foodwine
As many people say, "Any press is good press". In this case, it really is!
Yes, I swear I am not lying - Chelsea Clinton said her I do's then spent the rest of the night sharing an all vegan menu and gluten-free cake (from La Tulipe Bakery in NYC) with her guests. While she is not gluten-free, nor is her fiance, they are mindful of what they eat.
Check out a write-up about Chelsea's wedding choices here:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38500111/ns/today-today_weddings/
Here is an article more about the all-alternative banquets increasing in request - great news for us gluten-free kids: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38474741/ns/today-foodwine
As many people say, "Any press is good press". In this case, it really is!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Udi's "Breakfast of Champions"
Some people eat cereal and others do omelette's, waffles and/or pancakes for Sunday morning breakfast, I on the other hand had Udi's Double Chocolate Muffins and Udi's Cinnamon Rolls. The true breakfast of champions! My mission was not complete and these treats were 2 more out of the 4 items I needed to try. Besides the sugar rush I experienced so early on in the day, the efforts were well worth it.
To begin this "breakfast" of mine, I started with an Udi's Cinnamon Roll. It was straight out of the fridge and still very cold, which made for a slightly harder Roll. To soften it up some, I placed it in the oven on hi broil for a few minutes or just until brown and giving to my touch. While the Roll heated through, I took the very convenient frosting pack which comes with a box of 4 Cinnamon Rolls (2 frosting to every 4 Rolls) and heated that in the microwave so it would spread smooth. The cold frosting is very hard to spread so I recommend heating it. After both were ready, I squeezed the frosting on top of the Roll and spread it all out (I love a ton of frosting so I usually make a pile on the side for dipping as well :-) ) Then I unraveled the whole bun and ate it layer by layer - my favorite!
Overall, the Cinnamon Buns were very good. I think they need a good heating prior to eating for best results, but otherwise leave my taste buds satisfied and sometimes begging for more.
For the second portion of my breakfast, I sank my teeth into Udi's Double Chocolate Muffins. If nothing else, they were choco-tastic! My preference is a heated muffin with gooey chocolate, but I did try it as is and they weren't bad. The muffin is flaky and easy to break apart, a bit dense though. Once I heated them in the oven on hi broil they were at their best. The chocolate was runny, the outside a little toasty (muffin tops anyone?!) and the flavor was spot on. Definitely a winner that I would eat over and over again.
The best part about both of these Udi's treats is they can be eaten as is, microwaved for a quick heated treat and/or toasted in the oven for an anytime tasty delight. Keep in mind as well, another great perk to all of Udi's great foods is they are not just gluten free, but soy free, dairy free and nut free. Seriously allergy friendly, tasty delicious, wonderful treats!
To begin this "breakfast" of mine, I started with an Udi's Cinnamon Roll. It was straight out of the fridge and still very cold, which made for a slightly harder Roll. To soften it up some, I placed it in the oven on hi broil for a few minutes or just until brown and giving to my touch. While the Roll heated through, I took the very convenient frosting pack which comes with a box of 4 Cinnamon Rolls (2 frosting to every 4 Rolls) and heated that in the microwave so it would spread smooth. The cold frosting is very hard to spread so I recommend heating it. After both were ready, I squeezed the frosting on top of the Roll and spread it all out (I love a ton of frosting so I usually make a pile on the side for dipping as well :-) ) Then I unraveled the whole bun and ate it layer by layer - my favorite!
Overall, the Cinnamon Buns were very good. I think they need a good heating prior to eating for best results, but otherwise leave my taste buds satisfied and sometimes begging for more.
For the second portion of my breakfast, I sank my teeth into Udi's Double Chocolate Muffins. If nothing else, they were choco-tastic! My preference is a heated muffin with gooey chocolate, but I did try it as is and they weren't bad. The muffin is flaky and easy to break apart, a bit dense though. Once I heated them in the oven on hi broil they were at their best. The chocolate was runny, the outside a little toasty (muffin tops anyone?!) and the flavor was spot on. Definitely a winner that I would eat over and over again.
The best part about both of these Udi's treats is they can be eaten as is, microwaved for a quick heated treat and/or toasted in the oven for an anytime tasty delight. Keep in mind as well, another great perk to all of Udi's great foods is they are not just gluten free, but soy free, dairy free and nut free. Seriously allergy friendly, tasty delicious, wonderful treats!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It's bagelicious Tuesday! This morning, my internal alarm clock forced me to rise 20 minutes earlier than normal, thus leaving me with additional time to make an extra special breakfast. An Udi's Plain Bagel uber delicious breakfast at that! After removing the zip tie from the bag, I proceeded to try one of the bagels in its "natural" state. Now, I should probably highlight that I am not a big fan of bready foods. I like things crunchy. Regardless, I was strongly misguided in thinking I might not enjoy the bagel based solely on its appearance. In fact, it was light and airy just like its counterpart, Udi's sandwich bread.
Still, I am an experimenter. Having tried the bagel in its "natural" state, I was ready to spice things up a bit. Since I don't have a toaster, I improvised with the oven broiler, and toasted my bagel to perfection. I like my bread a bit on the darker side, as you can see below in the picture, however, toast it to your liking - my way is
not the only way.
My favorite line from all cooking shows, "I wish there was smell-o-vision!" about sums up my toasted bagel experience. It smelled heavenly and tasted even better. After taking the photo, I spread each half with peanut butter - a condiment that is extremely healthy for you being high in protein and good carbs - again, eat the bagel as you like it most, though. My boyfriend loves his bagels spread with cream cheese and strawberry jelly and my friend loves a good "cheese shmeer and lox with onions and tomatoes" (she says it just like that too). Eat as you will.
This being my first bagel in probably 4 or 5 years, though, that first bite quickly turned into crumbs left on the napkin. It was that good. So good that I highly recommend Udi's Plain Bagels. In fact I recommend any one of their breads.
I cannot wait to continue this Udi's product tasting journey - Bagels down, Double Chocolate Chip Muffins - Cinnamon Rolls - and Pizza Crusts left to go. Vroom Vroom Baby!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Free Treats Courtesy of Udi's
Oh me, oh my - I have been asked to give Udi's a try!About a month ago, I wrote a post all about Udi's new relationship with Jason's Deli. Since then, word of my blog reached the Social Media Coordinator for Udi's, Jillian. She loved how I was spreading the news and offered to send me a box of different products to try. Of course I said yes - who wouldn't?!
The "box" greeted me on my doorstep one night after work last week. I immediately brought it inside and ripped it open, pulling out the contents in a rush. Inside were Udi's Plain Bagels, Cinnamon Rolls, Double Chocolate Muffins (heaven!) and Pizza Crusts - 3 to a bag. It felt like my birthday - unwrapping gifts and not being able to contain my want to try them out as soon as possible - so exciting!
Due to work and social obligations, I have not been home much the past week, leaving little time to try these tasty morsels. It is my mission though, over the course of this upcoming week to try each product and let you know all about it. I can tell you from looks and smells alone, the Double Chocolate Muffins are going to be out of this world and the bagels, if the other breads are any indication, are going to be amazing.
So check back frequently as I take this delicious journey down Udi's Tasting Lane...definitely a road worth traveling :-)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Vivace Shines! Gluten-Free Menu is Unlike Anything Else Available in Charlotte, NC
Happy 25th Birthday to me! This "new year" was brought in with a bang, that is for sure. First, my little brother, Justin, - he is 21 - came for a surprise visit. He drove 10 hours from Indiana, just to see me and get a look at the wonderful city of Charlotte, NC. Of course he loved it! We walked around Uptown, took in the Charlotte nightlife at the Epicentre and ate out often. It was wonderful.
Although he left on Sunday to head back to Indiana, the fun continued into Monday. My boyfriend, Adam, and I worked through the day and met back at our townhouse after to dress for dinner, which was a surprise to me. It was a great surprise - we went to Vivace.
Vivace had a pulse unlike any other restaurant I had been to in Charlotte yet. The atmosphere was warm, the host/waiters extremely attentive and the food was absolutely decadent...and 100% gluten-free. There was even a menu dedicated to it!
Upon arrival, a hostess walked us through the downstairs portion of the restaurant, which was alive with the music of chefs at work preparing edible works of art from the open kitchen and a lounge/bar for those after work cocktails we all crave, and up the stairs to our table. It was set for two and sat near a panel of windows floor to ceiling tall overlooking the Charlotte skyline. While it was very bright, even at 8pm, it was a gorgeous addition to our romantic birthday celebration.
The menu had many different options, so it was extremely hard to make a decision. In fact, if I could have stomached it, I would have had one of everything, it all sounded so delicious. Instead, I compromised and ordered an Antipasti, Primi and Secondi. If I could not have one of everything, I was at least going to try an item from each section of the menu. Below is a look at exactly what I ate:
Antipasti: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab and an Infused Lemon Vinaigrette
Primi: Chicken Risotto with Ripened Cherries and Toasted Pine Nuts
Secondi: Grouper with Fresh Lump Crab, Seasonal Vegetables, Creamy Polenta and a Carrot Infused Vinaigrette
The food was so good. I am sorry to disappoint,though, but I did not have dessert. There were many selections to choose from, however, I just could not eat another bite. Regardless, the meal took about two hours to complete and was savored every minute along the way. Without a second thought, I would recommend Vivace as a restaurant to be tried soon. The food was delectable, the Chefs are masterful artists and the managers/owners deserve a pat on the back for marrying a trendy, warm atmosphere with food to match.
Vivace is located at 1100 Metropolitan Avenue, Building E, Suite 100 - by the Target and Trader Joe's in Uptown Charlotte. Reservations can be made online at www.opentable.com or by phone at 704-370-7755. To read more about Vivace and see a menu, go to www.vivacecharlotte.com.
Please stop by and mention Leah from the Gluten-Free Charlotte blog sent you. It is absolutely worth it!
Although he left on Sunday to head back to Indiana, the fun continued into Monday. My boyfriend, Adam, and I worked through the day and met back at our townhouse after to dress for dinner, which was a surprise to me. It was a great surprise - we went to Vivace.
Vivace had a pulse unlike any other restaurant I had been to in Charlotte yet. The atmosphere was warm, the host/waiters extremely attentive and the food was absolutely decadent...and 100% gluten-free. There was even a menu dedicated to it!
Upon arrival, a hostess walked us through the downstairs portion of the restaurant, which was alive with the music of chefs at work preparing edible works of art from the open kitchen and a lounge/bar for those after work cocktails we all crave, and up the stairs to our table. It was set for two and sat near a panel of windows floor to ceiling tall overlooking the Charlotte skyline. While it was very bright, even at 8pm, it was a gorgeous addition to our romantic birthday celebration.
The menu had many different options, so it was extremely hard to make a decision. In fact, if I could have stomached it, I would have had one of everything, it all sounded so delicious. Instead, I compromised and ordered an Antipasti, Primi and Secondi. If I could not have one of everything, I was at least going to try an item from each section of the menu. Below is a look at exactly what I ate:
Antipasti: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab and an Infused Lemon Vinaigrette
Primi: Chicken Risotto with Ripened Cherries and Toasted Pine Nuts
Secondi: Grouper with Fresh Lump Crab, Seasonal Vegetables, Creamy Polenta and a Carrot Infused Vinaigrette
The food was so good. I am sorry to disappoint,though, but I did not have dessert. There were many selections to choose from, however, I just could not eat another bite. Regardless, the meal took about two hours to complete and was savored every minute along the way. Without a second thought, I would recommend Vivace as a restaurant to be tried soon. The food was delectable, the Chefs are masterful artists and the managers/owners deserve a pat on the back for marrying a trendy, warm atmosphere with food to match.
Vivace is located at 1100 Metropolitan Avenue, Building E, Suite 100 - by the Target and Trader Joe's in Uptown Charlotte. Reservations can be made online at www.opentable.com or by phone at 704-370-7755. To read more about Vivace and see a menu, go to www.vivacecharlotte.com.
Please stop by and mention Leah from the Gluten-Free Charlotte blog sent you. It is absolutely worth it!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
pinkberry Comes to Charlotte - Frozen Yogurt That Will Leave Your Tastebuds Begging For More
I have got great news! How many of you out there love frozen yogurt, but hate having to eat from the carton bought at a grocery store instead of out with all your friends? Well you will not have to much longer - pinkberry is coming to Charlotte!
What is pinkberry you ask? Only the best "frozen yogurt" ever. Being a native of the tri-state area and having worked in New York City for 3 years, I have spent many an hour devouring this heavenly delight. It is "...home to Swirly Goodness. Inspired by European gelaterias and yogurterias, Pinkberry's distinctive yogurt flavors are expertly crafted to complement its high quality, daily fresh cut fruit and dry toppings and offer an irresistibly tangy, incomparably refreshing taste so light it leaves you craving more". In a nutshell, on a scale from 1-10, it is a whopping 11 for me! A small fact to throw out there as well, all of pinkberry's frozen yogurt flavors are gluten-free, non-fat and minimal calories. Plus, you create your own cup of yummy goodness mixing as many flavors and toppings as you want.
The new pinkberry is opening a store front at Phillip's Place on Fairview Road next Friday, July 23rd. The Grand Opening will be held on Thursday, July 22nd where free yogurt will be handed out, a band will be playing for all to enjoy and prizes will be dispersed. It is an event not to be missed - or at least a frozen yogurt not to go untried.
I promise you will not be let down if you go out of your way for this sumptuous treat. It is so delicious, a deal was just signed for the second pinkberry to be installed at the Arboretum.
The website link is below to read more about pinkberry. Hopefully you will check the store out and let me know what you think. Good or bad I love hearing your opinions.
http://www.pinkberry.com/
What is pinkberry you ask? Only the best "frozen yogurt" ever. Being a native of the tri-state area and having worked in New York City for 3 years, I have spent many an hour devouring this heavenly delight. It is "...home to Swirly Goodness. Inspired by European gelaterias and yogurterias, Pinkberry's distinctive yogurt flavors are expertly crafted to complement its high quality, daily fresh cut fruit and dry toppings and offer an irresistibly tangy, incomparably refreshing taste so light it leaves you craving more". In a nutshell, on a scale from 1-10, it is a whopping 11 for me! A small fact to throw out there as well, all of pinkberry's frozen yogurt flavors are gluten-free, non-fat and minimal calories. Plus, you create your own cup of yummy goodness mixing as many flavors and toppings as you want.
The new pinkberry is opening a store front at Phillip's Place on Fairview Road next Friday, July 23rd. The Grand Opening will be held on Thursday, July 22nd where free yogurt will be handed out, a band will be playing for all to enjoy and prizes will be dispersed. It is an event not to be missed - or at least a frozen yogurt not to go untried.
I promise you will not be let down if you go out of your way for this sumptuous treat. It is so delicious, a deal was just signed for the second pinkberry to be installed at the Arboretum.
The website link is below to read more about pinkberry. Hopefully you will check the store out and let me know what you think. Good or bad I love hearing your opinions.
http://www.pinkberry.com/
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