Diane

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.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

South Euclid, Avon, Canton

First the bad news: Nothing Bundt Cakes makes beautiful (mostly) gluten filled cakes.

The (maybe) good news is that “gluten-free flavor is available at select bakeries”.

This bakery makes only bundt cakes in a variety of sizes. There were a number of flavors on display, one of which was gluten free chocolate chip.

The counter clerk shared a binder with cake ingredients and assured me that separate pans and utensils are used in preparation.

The “Bundtlet” was a large muffin size, moist and dotted with mini chocolate chips. It was topped with their signature cream cheese frosting. A truly decadent treat.

Two sizes are available gluten free. The “Bundlet” was $5 (50 cents more than the gluten filled options) and 8 inch for $25 ($3 more). The clerk said that cakes are available with 20 minutes notice.

I visited the South Euclid store located on the North side of Cedar Center – 13949 Cedar Rd, South Euclid, OH 44118.

Other nearby stores are in Avon (35925 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011) and Canton (4468 Belden Village St NW, Canton, OH 44718). They may have the gluten free cakes.

Apple and Pear Tart

Eileen shares this delicious sounding recipe for Apple and Pear Tart. A perfect way to celebrate apple season.

She recommends these substitutions and additions:

Substitute Gluten Free flour and 1/2 t xanthan gum
Substitute 1/4 t cardamom for the pods
Saute the apples in a little butter for 5 minutes on a medium heat then arrange them on the batter. That way they are done when the crust is done
Use a piecrust shield or cover the edge with foil
Bake for 50-60 minutes

Celiac Disease Meetings

Want to learn more about Celiac Disease? There are several upcoming meetings in addition to the one in Columbus.

The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center is presenting New Frontiers in Therapies for Celiac Disease on Saturday, November 23, 2019. The symposium agenda runs all day. Register online. The meeting is open to physicians, researchers, dietitians, nurses and patients.

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center is planning their biennial symposium on March 6-7, 2020. This meeting is open to professionals and patients. Save the date. Check back for agenda and registration.

The 19th Internation Celiac Disease Symposium is planned for September 30th – October 3rd, 2021 in Sorrento, Italy. No details yet. But it is not too early to start planning.