I just got some products from the Silly Yak Bakery, Madison, Wis. It's a place my family discovered a couple years ago on the way back from a trip north. My sister-in-law spotted a van with "Silly Yak" on it parked in the lot of a storefront; of course, it piqued our curiosity and we had to stop. Boy, are we glad we did.
Flash forward a couple years. The Silly Yak bakes gluten-free twice a week -- Tuesdays and Saturdays -- and offers a range of products, from assorted breads and muffins, to scones and toaster pastries (pop tarts). The schedule of what will be offered is determined ahead of time, usually in two-month increments, and you order in advance -- by Thursday the previous week. Baked goods can be picked up at the Madison location or can be shipped nationwide.
The bakery has some gluten-free, casein-free items. The GFCF snickerdoodles make for a wonderful treat. The GFCF peach rice muffins have become a favorite breakfast item, and the onion dill bread is savory with a nice texture, making it perfect for sandwiches.
To check out the Silly Yak's baking schedule, visit www.sillyyakbakery.com/glutenfree.html. You'll be glad you did.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
New Discovery
While grocery shopping last night, I made a happy discovery. B. and I had gone to Whole Foods to pick up ingredients for dinner: a rib-sticking risotto that's a favorite of ours. When we shop for groceries, we typically split up the list to make the process faster. Among the things he was collecting yesterday was bacon. We reconvened near the checkout and he asked me about it, as it was a brand we hadn't seen before -- Wellshire Farms. He had checked the ingredients on the label, but wasn't sure about "spices," which may or may not be OK for me. We were hesitating, considering changing brands, when B. saw a "smart chart" in the corner of the package.
The company's Smart Chart indicates that the bacon is gluten-, soy- and dairy-free. Yes! Further research showed that the company is very allergy-aware, and in addition to its labeling technique, its Web site (www.wellshirefarms.com) offers an allergy database and search feature that allows those with food allergies to identify which of its products are safe to consume. I'm very impressed by Wellshire Farms' commitment to customers with food sensitivities, and absolutely will look for its products in the future.
How wonderful to be able to know without a doubt that a food item is safe to eat!
The company's Smart Chart indicates that the bacon is gluten-, soy- and dairy-free. Yes! Further research showed that the company is very allergy-aware, and in addition to its labeling technique, its Web site (www.wellshirefarms.com) offers an allergy database and search feature that allows those with food allergies to identify which of its products are safe to consume. I'm very impressed by Wellshire Farms' commitment to customers with food sensitivities, and absolutely will look for its products in the future.
How wonderful to be able to know without a doubt that a food item is safe to eat!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fried Chicken Heaven
Every second Wednesday of the month since June, a group of us has been trekking to Ina's, a fixture in Chicago's West Loop, ever since we learned that the restaurant offers a gluten- and dairy-free fried chicken dinner those evenings.
When I learned about the monthly event in May, I was elated. I hadn't had fried chicken in years -- and it was going to be dairy-free, too! What's more, I found that it exceeded all expectation.
The restaurant's interior is pleasant and inviting. The waitstaff is informed, and there are gluten-free menus to indicate what's safe for celiacs to eat.
We go for the fried chicken dinner. However, in addition to the fried chicken, there's also a gf salmon entree. Chopin vodka and gluten-free beer are stocked at the bar, as well as a variety of wines, and I must say, the bartender makes good drinks. (I recommend a Chopin vodka gimlet, up.) Gluten-free bread is made available to gf patrons, and there's typically a gf soup of the day. The chicken is served crispy and hot, accompanied by coleslaw and dairy-free mashed potatoes. Unlike many gluten-free foods, this fried chicken is tasty and appeals to any palate; those in our company who are not on a restricted diet routinely order the chicken, too. The coleslaw isn't dairy-free, so I substitute it, no problem, with a vegetable. The portions are generous, so we always go home with leftovers that make for lovely lunch the next day. We typically are too full to partake of the gluten-free dessert options, but there's raspberry sorbet as well as a flourless chocolate cake to complete the meal.
(For friends and family members who aren't following a gluten-free diet and who aren't interested in fried chicken, there are a number of other regular menu items from which to choose, too.)
Last night marked our fourth gf fried chicken dinner at Ina's; we've always had a wonderful time, enjoying a great meal and lively conversation. On our way out, we typically make our reservation for the following month -- yes, it's that good.
Other points of note: The restaurant has been increasingly busy each month since more people are learning about the chicken dinner, so reservations definitely are recommended on these Wednesday evenings. Bonus -- The restaurant is a cell phone-free environment, so patrons don't have to speak over others' loud mobile conversations. And there is generously sized dedicated parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, so finding a spot to park is no problem.
B.'s only complaint: no fried okra. (Hint, hint, Ina.)
For more information on the restaurant, visit www.breakfastqueen.com.
When I learned about the monthly event in May, I was elated. I hadn't had fried chicken in years -- and it was going to be dairy-free, too! What's more, I found that it exceeded all expectation.
The restaurant's interior is pleasant and inviting. The waitstaff is informed, and there are gluten-free menus to indicate what's safe for celiacs to eat.
We go for the fried chicken dinner. However, in addition to the fried chicken, there's also a gf salmon entree. Chopin vodka and gluten-free beer are stocked at the bar, as well as a variety of wines, and I must say, the bartender makes good drinks. (I recommend a Chopin vodka gimlet, up.) Gluten-free bread is made available to gf patrons, and there's typically a gf soup of the day. The chicken is served crispy and hot, accompanied by coleslaw and dairy-free mashed potatoes. Unlike many gluten-free foods, this fried chicken is tasty and appeals to any palate; those in our company who are not on a restricted diet routinely order the chicken, too. The coleslaw isn't dairy-free, so I substitute it, no problem, with a vegetable. The portions are generous, so we always go home with leftovers that make for lovely lunch the next day. We typically are too full to partake of the gluten-free dessert options, but there's raspberry sorbet as well as a flourless chocolate cake to complete the meal.
(For friends and family members who aren't following a gluten-free diet and who aren't interested in fried chicken, there are a number of other regular menu items from which to choose, too.)
Last night marked our fourth gf fried chicken dinner at Ina's; we've always had a wonderful time, enjoying a great meal and lively conversation. On our way out, we typically make our reservation for the following month -- yes, it's that good.
Other points of note: The restaurant has been increasingly busy each month since more people are learning about the chicken dinner, so reservations definitely are recommended on these Wednesday evenings. Bonus -- The restaurant is a cell phone-free environment, so patrons don't have to speak over others' loud mobile conversations. And there is generously sized dedicated parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, so finding a spot to park is no problem.
B.'s only complaint: no fried okra. (Hint, hint, Ina.)
For more information on the restaurant, visit www.breakfastqueen.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
