Mass Mutual Center

March 30, 2023 by cryan.com

The Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts is a popular venue for a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and conferences. For individuals who are gluten intolerant, finding suitable food options at the concession stand can be challenging. Unfortunately, the Mass Mutual Center has limited gluten-free options available at their concessions stand.

Concession stand at the Mass Mutual Center

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and can cause adverse reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is essential for individuals with gluten intolerance to avoid foods that contain gluten to maintain their health.

When visiting the concessions stand at the Mass Mutual Center, individuals with gluten intolerance will find that their options are limited. The majority of the food options contain gluten, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and pretzels. The only gluten-free option available is a hot dog without a bun, which is not an adequate or satisfying meal option.

It turns out that hamburgers without buns are not gluten-free options since they toast the buns on the same grill they cook the buns on. Note: They do have gluten-free rolls but the cook warned of cross-contamination.

My daughter's only food option - other than salad was a hot dog without a bun. The hot dog was an option since it's boiled and has no contact with any rolls before serving.

Note: Outside food is not allowed at the Mass Mutual Center - which leads to minimal selection for kids with celiac.

The concessions menu board. Not a lot of good Gluten-Free options.

Disapointed

It is disappointing that the Mass Mutual Center does not offer a wider variety of gluten-free options for its patrons. Providing gluten-free options at concessions stands is becoming more common, and it would be beneficial for the Mass Mutual Center to follow suit. Offering gluten-free alternatives would not only help individuals with gluten intolerance, but it would also attract a wider range of customers who are looking for healthier food options.

In conclusion, the limited gluten-free options at the concessions stand at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts is a challenge for individuals with gluten intolerance. The only gluten-free option available is popcorn, which is not an adequate or satisfying meal option. It is important for the Mass Mutual Center to consider adding more gluten-free options to their concessions stand to accommodate individuals with gluten intolerance and to provide healthier food options for all of their customers.

Plan B Restaurant

March 23, 2023 by cryan.com

Plan B Burger Bar is a popular restaurant chain with locations throughout the Northeast, including Springfield, Massachusetts. The restaurant specializes in delicious burgers, but they also offer a range of gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Here are some of the gluten-free options available at the Plan B Burger Bar in Springfield:

Starters: The restaurant offers a range of gluten-free appetizers, including the Buffalo Cauliflower, which is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional wings.

Salads: Plan B Burger Bar has a range of salads that are gluten-free, including the Grilled Chicken Caesar and the Chopped Salad with chicken, avocado, and bacon.

Burgers: The restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free burger options, including the Classic Burger with a gluten-free bun and the Veggie Burger made with black beans, beets, and quinoa.

Sides: The restaurant also offers gluten-free side dishes, including Sweet Potato Fries, Tater Tots, and Brussels Sprouts.

Gluten-Free Burger at Plan B

Three Things We Learned

Last week we visited the restaurant in Springfield, Massachusetts for a Saint Patrick's Day dinner. Here are some things we learned on our visit:

Gluten-free options were plentiful on the menu. It's surprising that my daughter didn't want to try the gluten-free chicken wings appetizer even though she had a lot to pick from. In fact, in the appetizer section, there are 9 items and only 2 of them are not gluten-free. Even the kid's menu has gluten-free items - which is certainly unheard of in most restaurants that we have visited.

Note: The menu states that the item can be prepared gluten-free, which means you need to ask for the gluten-free version - don't assume that it will be made gluten-free.

She ordered a "build your own burger" and asked for a gluten-free roll for $1.99 extra. Iceberg lettuce bunless options, which cost nothing extra, are also available, but no twelve-year-old will want to eat that. A bunless option may be healthier, but it also lacks the texture and flavor that a bun can provide. Also, the cost of the gluten-free option was relatively small compared to the overall cost of the meal, so it was a reasonable request.

As Plan B does not sell beers from foreign countries, Guinness was not available on Saint Patrick's Day. However, Founders Breakfast Stout Nitro was available and was a pretty good substitute. Founders Breakfast Stout Nitro is an American-style oatmeal stout with a creamy, nitro finish. It is a much-loved beer among craft beer lovers and a great alternative to Guinness. It was a hit at Plan B on Saint Patrick's Day.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Plan B Burger Bar in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a great option for those looking for delicious gluten-free food. From burgers to salads, sides, and desserts, the restaurant has a range of options that are safe and delicious for those with dietary restrictions. So next time you're in the area, be sure to check out Plan B Burger Bar for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Pamela's Gluten-Free Waffles

March 16, 2023 by cryan.com

If you are looking for a gluten-free breakfast option, waffles made with Pamela's Gluten-Free Baking and Pancake Mix are a great choice. This mix is specially formulated to give you the perfect texture and taste for your waffles. Here is a simple recipe to make delicious gluten-free waffles using Pamela's mix.

This is how I make my daughter's waffles - just about every morning.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Pamela's Gluten-Free Baking and Pancake Mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your waffle maker.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the Pamela's Gluten-Free Baking and Pancake Mix and eggs.
3. Add the water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk until the batter is smooth.
4. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle maker and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve the waffles with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup.

Making gluten-free waffles with Pamela's Gluten-Free Baking and Pancake Mix is easy and delicious. Enjoy a gluten-free breakfast with this simple recipe.

Gluten Free Restaurant Prompts

March 9, 2023 by cryan.com

As a parent of a celiac, it is important to be vigilant about the food that they eat to avoid consuming any gluten. When eating out, sometimes we forget to ask the right question. So I thought I put together a helpful document. These are mostly reminder prompts something that you would look at before going out as a reminder of what to ask.

Here is a reminder prompt of things you may want to ask a waiter or server when dining out:

• Do you have a separate gluten-free menu? If not, can you please point out the gluten-free options on the regular menu?
• Does the kitchen have a dedicated gluten-free preparation area and cookware to prevent cross-contamination?
• Are there any gluten-containing ingredients in the dish I'm interested in?
• Are any gluten-containing ingredients used in the preparation or cooking of this dish?
• Are any gluten-containing ingredients used in the sauces, dressings, or marinades used in this dish?
• Can you ask the chef or kitchen staff to confirm that the dish is gluten-free?
• Can you ask the chef or kitchen staff to make any necessary substitutions or modifications to make the dish gluten-free?
• Can you confirm that no bread or other gluten-containing foods will be served with my meal?
• Is there a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods during preparation or serving?
• Can you recommend any gluten-free options for appetizers, entrees, and desserts?

By asking these questions, you can ensure that the food you order is safe for your gluten-free diet and avoid any unwanted exposure to gluten.

Download the PDF

For your convenience, I have created a PDF document that contains the Restaurant Gluten Free reminder prompts. Download the document and keep it handy!

Little Caesars Fundraising Pizza Kit

March 2, 2023 by cryan.com

Are you looking for a delicious and convenient way to enjoy pizza night with your family? Look no further than the Little Caesars Fundraising Gluten Free Pepperoni Combo Kit! This kit allows you to make two 10-inch pizzas (one cheese and one pepperoni) with a gluten-free crust, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Not only is it an easy way to whip up some tasty pies in minutes but it also supports a great cause ' proceeds from the sale of this kit go towards supporting local charities.

The best part about this product is how simple it prepares a gluten-free pizza at home. All ingredients are pre-measured so there's no guesswork involved when putting together your meal; just pop everything into your oven or air fryer for quick results that taste great! Plus, each order comes with instructions on how best to prepare these pizzas for optimal flavor and texture every time.

At just $24.99 per combo pack, not only do you get quality ingredients but also peace of mind knowing that by buying this product online from Little Caesars Fundraising website helps support charitable causes in our communities as well as providing delicious food options for those who need them most'all while enjoying amazing tasting gluten-free pizza at home without any hassle whatsoever! So what are you waiting for? Get yours today before they sell out!

Four Things We Learned

Little Caesar's prints cooking instructions on orange paper. The regular pizza instructions are printed on paper that is white. The orange paper helps differentiate the gluten-free crust from the regular crust. This color-coding system helps ensure that employees are following the correct instructions and that the gluten-free crust is being prepared properly. It also helps customers identify which instructions to follow if they have gluten-free dietary restrictions.

The pizza crust is well-sealed in a plastic bag. There are no issues with putting the gluten-free crust next to the regular crust.

I was told by my twelve-year-old daughter that the gluten-free pizza was the most delicious she had ever had. She had so much fun making her own pizza and told me that the crust was also delicious. This is likely due to the fact that the gluten-free crust is made with alternative flour, such as rice flour, which can be more flavorful than traditional wheat flour. Additionally, the fact that she was able to make her own pizza likely played a role in why she thought it was so delicious.

GLUTEN FREE CRUST: Rice Flour, Water, Rice Starch, Cane Sugar, Canola Oil, Contains Less Than 2% of the Following Potato Starch, Yeast, Salt, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Xanthan Gum.

Sichuan Gourmet

February 23, 2023 by cryan.com

Recently we tried to go to Uncle Chungs, as that's our go-to place for Chinese, but they were closed. We did a quick search and decided to try Sichuan Gourmet across the street as they offer gluten-free Chinese.

Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken at Sichuan Gourmet in Framingham, Massachusetts

Four Things We Learned

They said that they could make any dish gluten-free. We asked for Sweet and Sour Chicken and boneless spare ribs as that is what my daughter usually orders. The waitress told us that the kitchen could make the dish using corn-based flour and it would be gluten-free.

When the dish came out, it looked very good. In fact, it looked too good to be gluten-free. The adults at the table took a bit and confirmed - as best as we could - that it was made with corn-based flour. The dish did look different than other fried foods that we ordered - General Tso's Chicken and Sesame Chicken. My daughter decided to try it out.

I thought the Sweet and Sour Chicken was good, but my daughter didn't like it. She didn't have the same comfort feeling that she has when she orders from Uncle Chungs. She had a few bits but ate most of the boneless ribs and vegetable fried rice.

She did complain about her stomach later that night - usually a sign that she had gluten. It didn't hurt that bad, which leads me to believe that there was potential cross-contamination. I am thinking that they probably don't have a dedicated gluten-free fryer for their Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Other Dishes on the table.

Not Going Back

Despite the fact that I enjoyed my General Tso's Chicken, we are unlikely to return because we believe that it was not a safe place for my daughter to eat. The next time we are in this situation, we are likely to go to P.F. Chang's at the Natick Mall. We have eaten their plenty of times and never run into any issues.

Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread

February 16, 2023 by cryan.com

Are you ready to experience a new way to enjoy cornbread? Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is the best Gluten Free cornbread you can find, and it's time to explore why. Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is made with real honey, a natural sweetener that adds flavor and moisture to the cornbread. It also has a unique texture that is both light and fluffy, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

When it comes to making CornBread, users have many options.

The Taste

Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is full of flavor. The honey gives the perfect hint of sweetness, while the cornbread has a light and airy texture. It's the ideal combination of sweet and savory. The sweetness of the honey complements the savory notes of the cornbread, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and delicious. Additionally, the texture of the cornbread is light and airy, which makes it enjoyable to eat.

The Quality

Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is made with only the finest ingredients. It's free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, so you can be sure that you are getting the best possible product. Plus, Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is Non-GMO and certified gluten-free, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.

Note: Some people may not want to eat Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread because it contains honey. Since honey is a sugar, some people may be avoiding sugar.

The Convenience

Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is incredibly easy to make. All you need is a bowl and a few minutes of preparation time. The mix is simple to prepare and only takes about 15 minutes to bake. Plus, it comes in a resealable pouch, so you can store any leftovers for later. For example, you can quickly and easily make a batch for a weekday dinner, enjoy a few pieces, and store the rest for a snack or breakfast the next day.

Conclusion

Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is the best Gluten Free cornbread you can find. It's full of flavor, made with top-quality ingredients, and is simple to make. Try it today and discover why it's the perfect choice for any cornbread dish!

Trying Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread is like finding a needle in a haystack - it's the perfect choice that stands out from the crowd. Its superior taste and ease of preparation make it a no-brainer choice for cornbread dishes.

Black Rose Bakery

February 9, 2023 by cryan.com

We recently celebrated a birthday and we wanted a gluten-free cake. We chose Black Rose Bakery in Westborough, Massachusetts. THis is the same location that Gerardo's European Bakery was, which I blogged about back in 2016.

Long Rocheford, the head baker at Gerardo's European Bakery, took over the business in 2022, and the inside looks exactly as it did when it was Gerardo's European Bakery.

We were happy to see they still sell gluten-free cakes, and they do an amazing job with them. Long Rocheford has kept the same recipes and methods since he took over the bakery. He believes in using quality ingredients to make the best gluten-free cakes, and he is committed to offering a variety of products that meet the needs of all customers.

Four things we learned

It is a very busy place, and they only have limited parking. If the parking lot is full, it may be better to return in 15 minutes. If the parking lot is full, chances are that there is a long wait for entry inside.-

As I noticed, they still offer many of the same pastries as before. There are a few gluten-free options. Ask if you want gluten-free pastries. They are all spread out in a large display.-

We ordered the cake and had a mishap on the way home. Somehow the front of the cake got smooshed against the box. I brought the cake back to see if they could fix it. An hour later, the cake looked like new! Amazing. They didn't charge me anything to fix it. Great customer service.-

We went simple this year but the Black Rose added a nice touch to make the cake special. We had 11 people eat slices and there were still two slices left over. My daughter ate them later that day.-

The display case at the Black Rose in Westborough.

We'll Go Back!

The cake was good and I appreciate that they fixed an issue that wasn't their fault. Hey, my daughter loved the cake. That's all that matters in the end.-

Erica's Ristorante

February 2, 2023 by cryan.com

In December, we visited Erica's Ristorante in Ashland, Massachusetts. We have visited here before and knew that they had some Gluten Free options for my daughter. We wanted to make sure that my daughter had a safe and enjoyable dining experience. We knew that Erica's was likely to have some options that she would be able to enjoy without the worry of getting sick.

I informed the server about my daughter's gluten-free allergy, and the waiter was able to determine whether or not anything we wanted to order could be prepared gluten-free according to her allergy. The server was knowledgeable about the ingredients in each dish. She was able to tell us which ones were safe for my daughter to eat, based on her dietary restrictions. This made it much easier for us to make informed decisions about what to order.

Spaghetti and Meatballs (House made meatball with Marinara) from the Kid's Menu

Furthermore, the server also had the capability of determining whether or not cross-contamination issues might have occurred. The server was able to accurately tell us if a dish was gluten-free and if there was any chance of cross-contamination from other ingredients.

The pasta with meatballs that my daughter had was very enjoyable. She did not eat the whole thing but saved some for later. She ate the leftovers the next day. This is a testament to the quality of the food; it was so delicious that even the leftovers were enjoyable.

The experience we had at Erica's in Ashland, Massachusetts, was pleasant. We look forward to returning sometime in the future in order to try something new and different there. It was a positive experience from the service to the food. The atmosphere was inviting and the staff was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the food we had and were impressed with the variety of dishes on offer.

The Buckley Kitchen

January 26, 2023 by cryan.com

The Buckley Kitchen in Framingham is a great place to find delicious, gluten-free options. Whether you're looking for lunch or dinner, The Buckley Kitchen has something to satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste.

Their menu features a variety of gluten-free items that are sure to please even the pickiest eater. From their signature salads and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers to artisanal bread that are free from any wheat products, there's something for everyone at The Buckley Kitchen!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich

My daughter had the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich without a bun - as they didn't have a gluten-free bun.

Dessert

For dessert, they had a Flourless Chocolate Torte. My daughter loved it. It was great! She ate the whole thing while the rest of us were enjoying some dessert drinks.

Framingham, Massachusetts

The Buckley Kitchen is located in Framingham at 440 Franklin Street. They are open every day but Monday. We found that Sunday night was a good time to go as it was very quiet and we were able to get a table right away.

There are several TVs throughout the restaurant. The tv was pretty loud but it was probably set to that volume because on a regular night, there would be a lot of people in the establishment.

The Buckley Kitchen is like a box of chocolates - you never know what kind of gluten-free treat you're going to find! With so many delicious options, you'll be sure to find something to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.