Quitting My Addiction

Eating out has been especially hard lately. Now that I have been super-conscious about being gluten free, I can recognize that most places use wheat as a thickening agent. I mean, no one would think to look at the labels on a yogurt container (La Yogurt, I believe). Ok, maybe you would, but I never thought to check out the ingredients on yogurt! Coming to realize that my old staples were hidden pockets of gluten, I have been reduced to carefully reading the listings, becoming quite adept at searching for the evil 3 words: Modified Food Starch!

Back to eating out: NYC can be quite expensive, so I tend to attempt "lunch dates" with friends. Seriously, have you ever noticed that the lunch combos, especially in Asian restaurants, are the best?!?!? I mean, you can get an appetizer and FULL portion for $6-$7!

My staple food was Pad Thai, which I would eat AT LEAST twice a week. I always ignored the heartburn and indigestion that seemed to follow my delicious meal, until the nausea started to kick in, too. You might think that ignorance is bliss, but in reality, it can kill you! So... I finally caved in and asked the server if it was made with soy sauce (reminding me of the time that I watched "Nightmare on Elm Street" with my Blankey over my face, but my eyes peeking around the sides. It was one of those things that I just had to watch, even though I knew I shouldn't. I felt the same way when I asked about the soy sauce, as I knew that I didn't really want to know, but I had to). Horrified that it did, I had to give up Pad Thai. It kind of felt like I was giving up smoking- the longing and cravings, inability to walk anywhere near a Thai restaurant... The addiction was a hard one to break, but...

I found a GLUTEN FREE ASIAN RESTAURANT!!!!! Lilli and Loo (http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/lilli-and-loo/). On a random Sunday (it was Valentine's Day, but that is besides the point, as I think every day should be Valentine's Day!), I ate Pad Thai and Shrimp Tempura, and I was so full, I really needed the 30-minute walk home. It
was so worth it... Seriously, I am salivating just thinking about it.

Apparently there are a bunch of Gluten Free Asian Restaurants in the city. Had I known this was the case, I wouldn't have had to shamefully order my lunch, even though I knew I shouldn't! My addiction is no longer going to kill me. And besides, it could be way worse... :)

When you come to visit me, guess where we are going?!?!?!?!?!?!

Pancake, Patty Cake... Baker's Man!

Pancakes. What a sad thing to have to give up once you become a glutard. Don't fret, my pet. There is a place that can make all of your dreams come true. I am not talking about Disney World. 2 words: Quantum Leap. A vegetarian metropolis in the heart of the East and West Villages. I can't get enough of the buckwheat pancakes. Aside from the fact that the pancakes are crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, they taste like THE REAL DEAL! No more missing the staple American food.

On a funny note, I have taken many meat-a-sauruses to this place. Albeit initially disturbed by the lack of carnivorous options, they are always pleasantly surprised by the brunch! I highly recommend!

On another note; why does the Cowboy always make better foods than me?! He bought lamb chops and cooked them with apples, butter and garlic. I did not want any until I saw how amazing it looked coming out of the oven. And it was. Now I have to wait for him to walk away before taking the remaining bites. :)

Delinquent Me...

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been over a week since my last post.

The other day, I came home to a delicious smell in the hallway: Cowboy made me almost a dozen bagels! They were actually REALLY great- almost as good as the poisonous bagels... There is a special mix that we use called Gluten-Free Pantry. Although the mix is pretty basic tapioca, he throws in different spices and seasonings. That mix also serves as the crust for my pizza!

Yesterday, auditions were going on, and he had to run upstairs and eat in secret, so as to avoid having to share my gluten-free bagels with the rest of the crew! I know that one might think that is miserly, but I can't eat the poison that the masses can... Maybe I should be atoning for that- perhaps a trip back to Kindergarten to learn that "sharing is caring."

On another note, I was in South Jersey last weekend. My favorite fast-food joint is WaWa, as they have great salads on the go. Or at least they did. Imagine my dismay to discover that they discontinued the "build your own salad," and my cherry, walnut and chicken salad is to be made no more. Now, the only gluten-free salad option is a Garden Salad! I hardly think it is fair for glutards, such as myself, to be forced to eat less-satisfying foods. How can I be a "foodie" while eating Garden Salads?!?!?!?!?

I must admit that I have been dreaming about the amazing spaghetti and meatballs that my mother made. Maybe that is what I need to eat for dinner...