Author: Mariann

News Notes and Things to Know!

May 2017,   Check out the news at cleveland.com   
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/04/recent_food_news_to_bring_you.html

  

If you are not already familiar with Gluten Free Watchdog check out the webpage of founder Trisha Thompson, MS RD  here:

https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/

The GFW webpage has lots of public information for the Celiac and gluten-free community to stay informed.  But, GFW, also has a subscribers option that has Trisha Thompson’s ongoing research published.  The subscription cost will be going up soon so if you are interested in joining you can save on the monthly charge by registering now!  

GIG Gluten Intolerance Group – April 2017

Celebrate Gluten Free eMagazine

on facebook at –  gluten intolerance group

Each month the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) publishes a newsletter with tips and news for LIVING! gluten-free.  Included in each issue are coupons, recipes, nutrition information, news pieces and lifestyle tips.

The April edition lives up to GIG’s goals.  Among the numerous articles in the April issue you’ll find information on the Mediterranean Diet, and about eating Mexican, how to make healthy and safe choices at your favorite stadium/ballpark/arena, and how to modify your home kitchen to keep your space safe from cross contamination!

 

 

 

Mia Bella Little Italy

East, Little Italy, University Circle

http://www.mblittleitaly.com/

12200 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
216.795.2355

Mariann writes:

Mia Bella – Little Italy, located at the corner of Murray Hill Rd. and Mayfield Rd., has much to offer the g-f diner.  In every section of the menu – Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Pizzas, Entrees and Sides there are items to choose.

Our party of 6 had a reservation this past Saturday evening and we were happy that we reserved in advance.  The dining room is small and super busy, but we were impressed that they are sufficiently staffed to make it all happen.  

Reservations are most highly recommended!!

We chose salads to start our meal off.  The selections at our table included Roasted Beet Salad, Caesar Salad, and Albanian Chopped Salad.  All  were freshly prepared with nice crisp vegetables and great dressings.  The entrees chosen by our party included Seafood Risotto (the scampi were huge), Cheese Tortellini (pictured here)
Cheese Ravioli with Artichoke Hearts, and Mushroom Risotto.  

My fellow diners declared each and every dish to be wonderful!

For the g-f diner Mia Bella offers a g-f pasta with most pasta dishes able to be modified to accommodate.  According to the on-line menu there is also the option for g-f pizza although I did not notice this while in the restaurant so will need to go back and do some investigating on that. The Risotto dishes are g-f – the seafood option has a red sauce and the mushroom option has a white sauce.  G-F Entree options include Lamb Chops, Ribeye Steak and Scallops.  To finish the meal my fellow diners chose Espresso’s or digestive liqueurs – me – I chose the Spumoni Gelato!

I’m looking forward to going back to dine at Mia Bella – to try the pizza or one of the pasta dishes and also the calamari appetizer.  

And to have another Spumoni…….

 

 

 

Gigi’s on Fairmount

Cleveland Heights

 

https://www.facebook.com/gigisonfairmount

Intimate bistro serving locally sourced, Italian-inspired American fare with wine & cocktails
3477 Fairmount Blvd
Cleveland Heights, OH
44118

Phone: 216.291.7237

Lunch, Dinner and Brunch menus are available.
Check the facebook page for daily hours.

Mariann writes:

The menu at Gigi’s on Fairmount is styled on Small Plate Appetizers, Salads and Soups, and a variety of Bruschetta.  They also offer 3 entrees at dinner which your server will describe as they change daily.  There are a number of items on the menu that are naturally g-f but the restaurant carries g-f bread (Udi’s) so even the Bruschetta can be accommodated.

On my first visit to Gigi’s our table shared an olive medley and cheese platter that were both substantial and beautifully presented.  We also had salads that were plentiful enough to be entrees.  Of the three entrees offered on the day I dined 2 of the 3 were g-f.  My choices were Seared Scallops on garlic grits and Braised Lamb Shank over mashed potatoes.  Both dishes included a lovely selection of beans and carrots in the plating of the entrees.
The dining experience at Gigi’s was very pleasant.  Our server was gracious, attentive and knowledgeable.  The room is a bit on the dark side but there is candlelight and reflections on all the mirrored walls so the room appears large and welcoming.  The adjacent lounge has a bar and lovely sofa and cluster seating for a group gathering.  On nice weather days the sidewalk patio looks to be quite welcoming.  
While the wine list is limited it includes some very wonderful wines from around the world.  Our party enjoyed a Savignon Blanc from Australia, a Montepulciano from Italy, and a Pinot Noir from Oregon.  Cocktails are also served at Gigi’s.