Diane

Columbia University Celiac Disease Symposium

Celiac Disease: Now and the Future is an international symposium hosted by the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. This is a scientific program designed for those interested in the development of non-dietary therapies for celiac disease including physicians, scientists, industry (pharmaceutical, diagnostic, biotechnology and food & agriculture) and investor/venture capitalists.

Celiac disease is very common, affecting about 1% of the population. Current therapy is dietary; however, there is increasing interest in non-dietary alternatives. This conference presents a unique opportunity to bring together those interested in the development of non-dietary therapies for celiac disease.

All food served will be gluten-free.

Friday, March 6, 2020 to
Saturday, March 7, 2020

Faculty House at Columbia University
64 Morningside Drive (between 116th and 118th Streets)
New York , NY 10027

Crepini Egg Wraps With Cauliflower

Crepini makes an interesting product: eggy crepes with cauliflower.

The package suggests using them to replace your wraps, buns, breads, taco shells, crepes and pancakes.

Crepini describes the crepes as a healthy alternative to breads as they have no sugar, dairy, grains or carbs. Perfect for people with diet restrictions.

But they are really tasty and fun. Family without diet restrictions loved them, too.

They don’t taste like much of anything. A bit eggy. The caulifloweriness was minimal. While I made savory wraps, they’d also work well with sweet fillings.

They are quite sturdy and hold up well while filling and eating.

The package suggests eating them straight from the refrigerator or heating for 10 seconds in a microwave or skillet. Didn’t seem to make much of a difference in my experience.

The package I bought at Costco is labeled gluten free, with fourteen 10 inch wraps for $8.99. Ingredients are eggs, cauliflower powder, olive oil, sea salt, xanthan gum, spices, and citric acid. Each large wrap has 30 calories.

The Crepini website notes a number of versions of the product. A friend found smaller size wraps at Aldi’s. And the Crepini website product finder says some are available at Walmart.

Basics of Gluten-Free Cooking Class

Believing that learning should and does continue throughout life, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) offers a variety of affordable and convenient community education courses. These noncredit courses are designed to promote individual development and improve one’s overall quality of life.

Tri-C offers a variety of hands-on and demo culinary classes for all skill levels, from beginners learning basic skills to advanced cooks discovering new techniques. Most classes are 2 hours and 30 minutes and cost $49. Classes are held in a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen located at Eastern Campus in Highland Hills.

They are offering Basics of Gluten Free Cooking on Feb 4, 2020 6:30 – 9:00pm.

This hands-on cooking class focuses on the basics of gluten-free food preparation. Students will learn and practice identifying gluten-free foods, cooking rice, preparing vegetables and baking.
Menu: Burrito Bowl Stuffed Peppers

Nature’s Oasis

Shaker Heights, Lakewood

https://www.naturesoasisstores.com/

3385 Tuttle Rd #104
Shaker Hts, OH 44122
at the Van Aken District
216-965-0323

15613 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
Tel: 216-505-5333

Nature’s Oasis bills itself as a “Convenience Market & Cafe”.

On a recent visit to the Shaker location I enjoyed a stroll around the small collection of fresh produce and a variety of groceries, many of them gluten free.

Then I ordered from the cafe menu. So many choices. Bagel sandwiches, waffles, GF muffins and cookies. And coffee.

I tried the GF bagel with bacon, egg whites, and cheese and sat in the light filled space where others were eating, meeting and working.

Naf Naf

Independence

https://nafnafgrill.com/

Independence
6714 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-415-8102

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill is a fast-casual restaurant with friendly helpful staff.

I ate at the Independence location. When I asked about gluten free options I was shown the Allergy Guide. Staff changed gloves. Note that most of the menu items are gluten free. Exceptions include the pita and couscous and baklava. The chicken shwarma and amba sauce are noted to be processed in a facility where trace elements of the allergen are present. And the listing has an expected caveat that no guarantees are made and cross contact may occur.

I enjoyed a tasty bowl with hummus, falafel and all the salads and garnishes. Both the tahini and garlic sauces were terrific, though I was happy with my bowl sauceless.

I was told the Naf Fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer. Might try them on my next visit.