Here is the latest in our ongoing CeliacChicks Around The World feature. This was sent in by Kat Brooks. Thank you, Kat!
On 9-22-08 I discovered a fantastic store on Route 1 in Scarborough, Maine. It's called Lois' Natural Marketplace and I felt like a kid in a candy store! They had loads of gluten free foods - a great variety of manufacturers in all categories. Quite a lot of it was produced locally by folks with celiac relatives and Lois, the owner, managed to get this huge assortment of foods in one place.
There is also a sandwich and soup bar, and the chefs there make nearly everything gluten-free. I got some Greek Chicken Soup and it was so nice to be able to eat something without worrying if the person just told me it was gluten free to brush me off. Everyone I spoke to was very knowledgeable about celiac disease and they offered to special order anything I couldn't find. It really was a pleasure to shop there!
The baked goods there are to-die-for! I can't even remember the last time I ate anything with pumpkin in it, which is my absolute favorite, and I was nearing ecstasy with their moist and decadent Pumpkin Chocolate Cake. Yes, I ate the whole thing! And this morning I ate the Blueberry-Peach Coffee Cake and that was delicious beyond words as well. I am looking forward to polishing off my Carrot Cake tomorrow.
I am also looking forward to trying out the Pineapple Coconut Ginger Granola I purchased. Not only can I not eat wheat, I can't eat soy, almond, sesame or sunflower (there are 11 other foods I cannot eat as well) and I was still able to find plenty of foods at Lois'. I recommend this store to everyone - even if you don't have food allergies - they feature organic foods and healthcare items as well. I was also lucky enough to meet Lois herself, so I thanked her for giving people like me a place to actually find something good to eat!
P.S. - They have a nice, big, clean restroom!
Lois' Natural Marketplace
Valarie Brown - Manager
152 US Route One
Scarborough, Maine 04074
207-885-0602
207-885-0627 fax
email: manager@loisnatural.com
Website is not yet up.
If you know of any other gluten-free friendly places in Maine, feel free to share with us in the comments below. Thanks!
