Yesterday (July 24th) my husband, Austin, and I
celebrated two years of marriage! I am extremely grateful to have a husband
that goes above and beyond when it comes to offering me support and encouragement
with my special dietary needs (SDNs), especially because I have seen, too many
times, situations in which this is not the case. Over the past two years it has been a joy to
watch Austin at my speaking events, wellness fairs, autoimmune charity events,
etc. advocating for and raising awareness about Celiac and Graves Disease and
the gluten free lifestyle.
If you have Celiac, you know that it’s not unusual to spend
every holiday planning and preparing food for yourself and any others who are
gluten free. That is why I love
traveling around and doing Special Dietary Needs – specifically gluten free –
restaurant kitchen overhauls and staff trainings! Not only does it raise
awareness about Celiac Disease and the realities of SDNs, it also broadens my opportunities
for socializing (something I have missed so much since having to go gluten
free), and I can rest assured that my food is being prepared and served in a safe
and thoughtful way.
One of the restaurants I have worked with most recently is an
ethnic fusion restaurant in Albany, NY called Mingle. I had a wonderful
time working with the owners and staff at this restaurant and learning about
their mission to offer quality food with a conscience to the “vast minority.” They have partnered with local farmers and
food co-ops to support sustainable community-based food systems; their mission
and vision is evident in everything they do and every meal that is created.
This restaurant is on the right track and is leagues ahead
of many food businesses I have seen that advertise “gluten free food” (what a
danger some of them are!). The owners were
open and supportive of the changes I recommended they make, from a structural redesign of their kitchen
that included: purchasing new separate, covered and hooded preparation stations
to expunge any opportunity for airborne cross-contamination, as well as all-separate
and color-coded pots, pans, cutting boards, utensils, etc. to partnering with a
local 100% gluten free bakery for bread products, and trainings in which I educated
chefs and sous chefs in safe SDNs food preparation, as well as wait-staff in menu-guidance
and table service for SDNs.
This restaurant has quickly reached the top of my favorite places
to eat list for both atmosphere/food and SDNs safety! I do not need to go in to
detail about the food, because it tastes as good as it looks…as you will see
from the pictures. There are so many
creative options on the menu, and that goes for the gluten free menu and vegan
options too…you will not be disappointed with the variety they offer! This is a
great place to spend a quiet dinner with someone special or a Friday night out
with friends, probably not somewhere for young kids, though.
If you are in the NY Capital District area and are looking
for a tasty out-of-the-box gluten free meal, Mingle is a must. Ask for Jose or Julie and let them know I
sent you, they will be sure you have a wonderful time!
Our two-year anniversary dinner
We ordered two gluten free entrees to share (we will get
both of them again!)
·
5 Cheese Lobster Mac - Creamy and smooth with notes of sharp
garlic (contains
dairy...a lot of it!)
dairy...a lot of it!)
·
Filet Diane – Perfectly prepared and topped with
meaty mushrooms in a sweet cabernet sauce, layers of flavor. Comes with sliced/roasted sweet potatoes that
I would order as an appetizer if I could!
For dessert:
Raspberry Belgium Chocolate Mousse –
It might not look like enough to share,
but it is rich and filling, it was a great way to end the night.
Heres to happy eating J
Be well,
Lacey
No comments:
Post a Comment