CeliacChicks

Gluten-Free Amsterdam: Part Two

Please welcome Kathy Kelly (gluten-free since 2002) from Staten Island, as she shares the rest of her Amsterdam journey with us. Thanks again, Kathy!

Amsterdam is very lively. No matter where you go there are interesting things to observe.  Characters Bar & Grill at the Amsterdam Marriott is very accommodating but a little pricey.  They know all about gluten and will modify items for your needs. For about 23 euros I had a large salad, grilled burger and baked potato. Their menu includes grilled steaks, chicken and salmon. (address and more info)The name Characters certainly comes from what you will see while looking out the window. As I ate I saw the following: a group of young guys, one of whom was dressed in a tutu and butterfly wings, wearing a tiara, and waving a wand; someone in a gorilla suit, and many people riding on bicycles with baskets carrying their children or dogs.

Dinner at Restaurant Pantry was a sumptuous feast for a very fair price 21 euros. My meal consisted of a very large garden salad; roasted ham with mashed potatoes and vegetables - which was delicious; soda and coffee. There was so much food that I could only eat about half of it. It is a traditional Dutch restaurant and the staff will spend as much time as you need in going over the menu. They were warm and welcoming in their willingness to meet my needs. Please get to the restaurants before 7:00 p.m. so that the staff can specially prepare your meal.

On Sunday there was an all day free concert in the plaza at the Leidseplain and it rocked. The music could be heard for blocks. Everyone was dancing, singing, and enjoying themselves. A group of girls were body surfing an anatomically correct blow up man doll. When I wore myself out dancing, I was able to sit in one of the outdoor cafe/bars for a drink and relax for a bit. The plaza is surrounded on all sides by these cafes and clubs and you will find  everything from rock to sports to jazz to retro. Just stroll around and pick a place that suits you.

For a really good time go to Jazz Cafe Alto, a block off the Leidseplein, they have great live music and it is a laid back atmosphere with a mixed age crowd from 20's to 50's.  The barmaid, Daniela is fantastic and gets you served, unlike the usual long wait for drinks. Jazz Cafe Alto www.jazz-cafe-alto.nl

For the most part I have been eating foods that I have purchased in the markets.  I emptied out the minibar and I'm storing my food in there.  Following are the website addresses for markets that I highly recommend:  Marqt (farmer's market) http://www.marqt.com/, BioMarkt http://www.biomarkt.nl/ (this website is in Dutch) the address is Weteringschans 133-137 1017 SC Amsterdam

Another great market for gluten-free goods is Albert Heijn, one is right at the outskirts of the Red Light District (see this link for locations, there are many http://www.amsterdam.info/shopping/supermarkets/). 

 

 

Click on McDonald's menu graphics to enlarge.

Amazingly, on the back of their placemats, McDonald's has a list of all of the items on their menu and a chart of ingredients, including gluten. I went in to one and checked it out. Mostly it seems that a lot of the salads are gluten-free, and a few other items. There are several McDonald's in the area, so you will not have a problem finding one.

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam! There is a wealth of museums; scooter, bike, paddleboat,and boat rentals; canal tours; city bus tours; and my favorite thing which is just walking around and letting the day take me where it may. Everyone should go to Amsterdam at least once in their life. English is spoken fluently, so there is no language barrier. The Dutch are very sweet. They have a great energy and will always take the time to talk with you and to help you. The culture is laid back and they don't rush, go with the flow and enjoy it!

Gluten-Free Amsterdam: Part One

 

Please welcome Kathy Kelly (gluten-free since 2002) from Staten Island as today's guest blogger. Thanks for sharing, Kathy!

I love Amsterdam! My trip began on a Continental non-stop flight from Newark to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Continental provides gluten-free meals upon request at the time of booking.  It was suprisingly good.The meal consisted of a small green salad, sliced chicken over rice with steamed vegetables, fresh grapes, strawberries, and a Jennie's GF Coconut Macaroon. Before landing, I was given cut up fruit and another Jenni's coconut macaroon.

In Amsterdam, the best location to stay is near the Leidseplain. There are many hotels, restaurants, clubs, canal tours, and museums within walking distance. 

Upon my arrival at the Amsterdam Marriott, I asked the concierge about gluten-free food and dining.  He directed me to the Bio Mart, which is similar to a health food store in the US.  There I was able to stock up on gluten-free goods like power bars, gluten-free cereal, Schar brand crackers, cookies and bread; rice cakes, cheese, nuts and tomatoes. The prices are a little high, but worth having food to get me by.

While strolling around I came across Marqt at Overtoom 21-25 and found some great fresh items.  The market is open from the middle of May through the fall. Buying locally grown and produced strawberries, apples, pears, mushrooms, cheese and yogurt is a great way to eat healthy and delicious foods at low cost.

Gluten-Free Long Island: All You Can Eat Pasta Extravaganza

Joe Pipitone, The Healthy Italian proudly presents a 100% Gluten-Free All You Can Eat Pasta Extravaganza!

Don't know which one of your favorite pasta dishes you want to order?

Well stress no more! Now you and your entire family can come and savor the flavor of as many of your favorite pasta dishes as your tummy can bear- AND IT'S ALL GLUTEN-FREE!

Choose from more than 6 different sauces ranging from basic organic tomato, marinara, vodka tomato sauce, pesto, primavera, puttanesca and more , all served on a variety of Brown Rice Pasta's.

You will also have an opportunity to enjoy Joe's "soon-to-be famous" Brown Rice Vegetable Lasagna and Stuffed Shells, both prepared with organic ricotta and mozzarella cheese.

Vegetarian? No problem! Joe's non-dairy version of these two favorites made with organic tofu and vegan mozzarella has passed the test of some of the finest palettes.

Come and join us for the ultimate gluten-free experience on an afternoon filled with family, friends and plenty of pasta!

WHEN
Sunday March 15th, 2009 Open seating between 12-4pm

WHERE
Paradiso Pizzeria and Restaurant
164 North Village Ave.
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(2 blocks from LIRR Rockville Centre Station)

COST
$17.95/person (Includes starter salad with choice of 3 dressings)
Children 12 and under eat FREE (Pasta Extravaganza Only)

Soft drinks, wine, beer, coffee, gluten-free and sugar-free desserts also available and not included in price of any meal (including children's).

Please RSVP to rsvp@thehealthyitalian.com

For more information call 732-241-3510

13th International Coeliac Disease Symposium 2009 In Amsterdam

The 13th International Coeliac Disease Symposium will be held in Amsterdam this year April 6-8th. Patients and professionals are welcome to come. Details about the event and how to confirm your spot are clearly listed on the website.

Ah, remember when NYC was the host city for this event? It really was an amazing time. All of the latest information, myths dispelled, and new discoveries shared from international experts.

Remember the message board I created in order to share my notes? And how it got spammed with porn and I had to delete them? [blush]

Are you going to the Symposium this year? Let me know, I'm thinking about it. I'm going to be posting some helpful info submitted from a lovely guest blogger about her gluten-free Amsterdam trip.

Stay tuned!