Sunday, December 15, 2019

Gluten Free Beignets at Scat Cat's Club Cafe

Over Thanksgiving Break, we set a family record for the number of times we visited Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter in one week.


The last few months we lived in Orlando, our Saturday morning tradition was to stop at Port Orleans - French Quarter to eat gluten free beignets with dipping sauces for breakfast, before heading to a Disney theme park. We had been eating gluten free beignets at Disney World about once a month for years, but once the dipping sauces were introduced, we wanted to have beignets for breakfast every week.


Sunday, December 8, 2019

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe - Epcot

Over Thanksgiving Break, we stopped at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot to check out their newest gluten free dessert option.


Even though we had advance dining reservations at Coral Reef in an hour, this was our last day at Epcot, and I wanted to try the chocolate cake with banana mousse.


Saturday, December 7, 2019

Kona Cafe Breakfast - Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Last updated July 31, 2020 

On Thanksgiving Day, we had breakfast at Kona Cafe, a table service restaurant at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.



We made advance dining reservations the night before for one reason - Tonga Toast! My daughters, who can eat gluten, love the Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe, and my gluten-eating husband enjoys their pumpkin pancakes, a special they offer for the holidays.


Sunday, October 20, 2019

Toledo - Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Last updated February 17, 2020

In late July, my daughters and I had dinner at Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a new table service restaurant on the top floor of Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.


We were joined by Heather Wilkinson and Heather Burczynski with Middle of the Magic Travel. It was great to finally meet them in person. Heather and Heather share my love of everything Disney, and they both eat gluten free.


Monday, October 14, 2019

Columbia Harbour House - Disney's Magic Kingdom

In July, my daughters and I had lunch at Columbia Harbour House, one of our favorite quick service restaurants at Disney's Magic Kingdom.


I love that I can mobile order my food in the My Disney Experience app, and skip the long lines at the restaurant. 


Sunday, October 13, 2019

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen - Magic Kingdom

In late July, my daughters and I had lunch at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, the Jungle Cruise themed restaurant in Adventureland at Disney's Magic Kingdom.


Skipper Canteen, which is staffed by the crew of the fun loving Jungle Navigation Co. LTD, is a table service restaurant featuring Asian, South American, and African cuisine.


Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Disneyland - Fall 2019

The last weekend in September, we decided to take a short trip to Disneyland. None of the Disneyland Resort Hotels had availability, so we booked a room at the SpringHill Suites across the street from Disney California Adventure. We did not make advance dining reservations for this trip, choosing instead to eat at quick service restaurants.


We bought 3-day park hopper tickets from Undercover Tourist, because I knew we would want to go in the theme parks when we arrived Friday night. On Saturday, the only full day we spent at the theme parks, we added MaxPass in the Disneyland app when we arrived at the park. It is an extra charge, but it is so worth it. Every time we have used MaxPass, including our last Christmas Break trip, we were able to get 8 to 10 fastpasses per day, and avoid waiting in long lines.


Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Nomad Lounge - Disney's Animal Kingdom

This summer, we had lunch at Nomad Lounge  in Disney's Animal Kingdom four times during our trips to Disney World in June and July.


Nomad Lounge serves small plates and drinks from around the world. It is located next to Tiffins, right outside of Pandora. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and you don't need to worry about advance dining reservations, because Nomad Lounge only accepts walk-ins.


Sunday, September 15, 2019

Jaleo by Jose Andres - Disney Springs

In July, my daughters and I had lunch at Jaleo, a relatively new restaurant in Disney Springs featuring Spanish cuisine.


We did not make advance dining reservations like we usually do for table service restaurants, because it was a spur of the moment decision to leave Hollywood Studios, and head to Disney Springs for lunch. We were the first table seated, and the restaurant did not get too crowded while we dined, so you probably don't need a reservation if you want to dine at Jaleo for lunch.


Sunday, September 8, 2019

Gluten Free in New York City - Fast Casual Restaurants, Bakeries & Gelaterias

Over Christmas Break, we spent nine nights in New York City, my favorite city in the United States for gluten free dining. You can read my sit down restaurant reviews here.


One of my favorite meals of the trip was brunch at Noglu, a 100% gluten free French bakery with locations in New York City and Paris.


Sunday, August 25, 2019

Tiffins - Disney's Animal Kingdom

In July, my daughters and I had lunch at Tiffins, a signature dining restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Tiffins, which features international cuisine, is located right outside the entrance to Pandora - The World of Avatar.


When we visit Disney's Animal Kingdom, we usually dine at Nomad Lounge, because we love their small plates, drinks, and gluten free churros.


Sunday, August 18, 2019

Electric Umbrella - Epcot

February 17, 2020 Update - the Electric Umbrella has permanently closed 

Last month, I had lunch at the Electric Umbrella, a quick service restaurant in Future World at Epcot.


I wanted something light to eat, and had found a healthy looking option that interested me in the My Disney Experience app.



Sunday, July 21, 2019

Barcelona Gluten Free

Stop number three on our European summer vacation, after Disneyland Paris and Paris, was Barcelona. We spent four nights at an Airbnb in the Eixample neighborhood with my parents, my aunt and uncle, and my brother's family.


As I mentioned in my Paris post, I do a lot of research before traveling to Europe, or on any vacation. I always use the Find Me Gluten Free app, and reviews from fellow bloggers, if they are available. For Barcelona, my favorite posts were written by Becky Excell and The Gluten Free Suitcase. I also like to read restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor once I decide where I might like to dine, and Instagram can come in handy too. I follow a lot of 100% gluten free restaurants, and bloggers who travel internationally. The Find Me Gluten Free app has a great filter for dedicated gluten free restaurants, and it is useful for finding restaurants that are nearby when we are out sightseeing. I could have eaten at all 100% gluten free restaurants in Barcelona, but when traveling with a group of 12 people, and you are the only one that needs to eat gluten free, that can be difficult.


Friday, July 19, 2019

Paris Gluten Free

The second stop on our European summer vacation this year was Paris. After spending a few days at Disneyland Paris, we headed into the city, where we stayed at an Airbnb in the Marais for five nights. I first learned about the Le Marais on House Hunters International, and it is recommended by Rick Steves, the author of the travel guide I purchased before our trip.


First off, let's start with a little information on how I research restaurants for our trips. I always use the Find Me Gluten Free app, and reviews from fellow bloggers, if they are available. For this trip, my favorite posts were written by Becky Excell and The Gluten Free Suitcase. I also like to read restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor once I decide where I might like to dine, and Instagram can come in handy too. I follow a lot of 100% gluten free restaurants, and bloggers who travel internationally. I am a planner, but I don't necessarily have specific restaurants picked out for every day of our trips ahead of time. When we decide what sites we want to see in Europe, I use the Find Me Gluten Free app to figure out what restaurants are in the area, then I cross reference them with the list of restaurants I want to dine at that I create before we leave home. I never just walk into a random restaurant and ask if they have gluten free options. Thankfully, my family is willing to tag along with me on my gluten free eating adventures. There are so many 100% gluten free restaurants and bakeries in Paris, there was no way I could visit all of them in five days, and there was no need for me to eat anywhere with gluten, if that is what I chose to do. The Find Me Gluten Free app has a great filter for dedicated gluten free restaurants that really comes in handy when I travel.


Sunday, July 14, 2019

Disneyland Paris Gluten Free

Last month, we spent three nights at Disneyland Paris, which has been on my bucket list for a long time. We decided to splurge and book the Disneyland Hotel, which is right at the entrance to Disneyland Park, one of two theme parks at Disneyland Paris. Our bags were scanned when we entered the hotel, so we never had to go through security, because the two theme parks are both connected to Disney Village, which was also right outside our hotel.


Last summer, I booked a Summer Super Early Booker Package online, and received 2 nights and 2 days free, with 5 days of park tickets. We booked four nights, but did not use the last night of our stay. I did this, because the cost difference was only about $25, and we could keep our luggage in our room until our Airbnb was ready in Paris, which was several hours past check-out time at the Disneyland Hotel.


Saturday, June 15, 2019

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Disney Springs

Last week and over Thanksgiving Break, my family visited Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar in Disney Springs.


The restaurant, which is described on Disney's website as a "1940s airplane hangar turned dive bar," is themed around Jock Lindsey, Indiana Jones' pilot in Raiders of the Lost Ark.


Thursday, June 13, 2019

Ale & Compass Restaurant - Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Last week, we had dinner at Ale & Compass Restaurant with my friend Sarah from Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free at WDW. If you have not done so already, be sure to check out her 2019 Gluten Free & Dairy Free Guide to Walt Disney World, which gives you the basics for visiting Disney World with a special diet.


Ale & Compass, a table service restaurant, replaced the Captain's Grille at Disney's Yacht Club, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.


Wednesday, June 12, 2019

La Hacienda de San Angel - Epcot

Last week, my daughters and I had dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel, a table service restaurant at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot.


We love to dine at La Hacienda de San Angel, because we enjoy Mexican cuisine, and the restaurant has incredible views of the World Showcase Lagoon.


Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Sanaa Lunch - Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

Last week, we ate lunch at Sanaa, a table service restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village.


Sanaa has long been one of our favorite Disney restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.


Monsieur Paul - Epcot

Last week, my daughters and I had dinner at Monsieur Paul, a signature dining restaurant in the France Pavilion at Epcot.


We have dined at Chefs de France before, but this was our first time dining at Monsieur Paul.


Monday, June 10, 2019

Pinocchio Village Haus - Magic Kingdom

Last week, we had lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus, a quick service restaurant at Disney's Magic Kingdom.


I wanted to mobile order using the My Disney Experience app, but every time I went to finalize my order, I received an error message.


Tutto Italia Ristorante - Epcot

On Saturday night, we had dinner at Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.


Tutto Italia, a table service restaurant, is not Disney owned and operated, so it does not have an allergy-friendly menu like so many restaurants at Disney World, but they do have a menu that lists gluten-friendly dishes.


Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Gluten Free in Aspen & Denver

Last summer, my daughters and I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Aspen, Colorado. We flew into Denver, then rented a car to drive to Aspen.


We landed around lunch time, so I talked my husband into driving into downtown Denver so we could eat at Five on Black Brazilian Grill, a 100% gluten free fast casual restaurant.


Aulani and Oahu Gluten Free

Last June, my daughters and I spent five nights at Aulani - A Disney Resort on Oahu with my parents and my brother's family. This was not my first visit to Hawaii. My husband and I spent a week on Maui and a week on Kauai on our honeymoon, six years before I was diagnosed with celiac disease.


I never had any intentions of returning to Hawaii, but when my family told me they were going to Aulani, we decided to join them. On our honeymoon, we found the time change from the east coast very hard to deal with, but now that we live on the west coast, it was not too bad.


Monday, May 13, 2019

Disneyland 2019

Since we moved to California three years ago, we have been visiting Disneyland at least once a year. We do not have annual passes, because it is about a 5 1/2 drive for us from Santa Cruz County. I am often asked if I prefer Disney World or Disneyland. My family loves them both. For gluten free dining options, I definitely prefer Disney World in Florida. At Disneyland, we love how close the two theme parks are to each other, so I recommend a park hopper, so you can go back and forth between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure multiple times in one day. I also recommend the MaxPass for making fastpasses. It allows you to ride a large number of attractions in one day without waiting in long lines. We much prefer it to the fastpass system at Disney World.


In January, my daughters and I tagged along with my husband to his work conference in Los Angeles over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. We did not buy park passes for Disneyland, but we did visit Downtown Disney twice.


Monday, April 22, 2019

Disney Wonder Baja Cruise 2019

Over Easter Break, we spent three nights at Disneyland, and took a five night Baja cruise with my parents on the Disney Wonder out of San Diego.


This was our ninth cruise with Disney Cruise Line, and our first on the Disney Wonder.


Saturday, April 20, 2019

Palo Brunch & Dinner - Disney Wonder

Over Easter Break, we took our ninth cruise with Disney Cruise Line, and our first on the Disney Wonder. My husband and I never miss a chance to dine at Palo, an adults-only restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine on all Disney ships.


When our booking window opened, I made reservations for brunch and dinner. The charge for Palo is now $40 per person, but it is definitely worth it.


Sunday, March 24, 2019

Gluten Free in Lake Tahoe

Every winter since moving to California, we have spent a long weekend in Lake Tahoe, so my husband can ski, and my daughters and I can go tubing.


Our favorite place to stay is the Marriott Grand Residence Club in Heavenly Village at South Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of options for gluten free dining at Heavenly Village, so you do not even need a car if you are staying there.


Sunday, March 3, 2019

Gracie Jones' Gluten Free Bake Shop - Palo Alto, California

Update - Gracie Jones is permanently closed. Misfits Bakehouse, which is also 100% gluten free, has opened in the same space. 

Yesterday, I attended a Generation GF event hosted by Amy the Family Chef at Gracie Jones' Gluten Free Bake Shop in Palo Alto, California.


Gracie is the executive chef of Asian Box, a 100% fast causal chain in California. You can read my review here.


Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Pushkin's Bakery - Sacramento, California

On our way back from our trip to Lake Tahoe over President's Day weekend, we stopped at Pushkin's Bakery in Sacramento for lunch. I had hoped to dine at Pushkin's Restaurant, but it is closed on Mondays. Both the bakery and the restaurant are 100% gluten free.


Thankfully, Pushkin's Bakery has a sandwich menu, so we were not limited to baked goods for lunch. Everything at Pushkin's is gluten and dairy free, except the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese you can add to any sandwich. There are no tables inside, but we were able to eat lunch at one of the tables outside on the sidewalk.


Monday, February 25, 2019

Primal Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz, California

September, 2019 Update - Primal Santa Cruz closed and reopened as Vida, which is also now closed

Two and a half years ago, we moved from Orlando, Florida to Santa Cruz County, California. Dining out around our new home has been a challenge at times, so I was so excited when I heard that Primal Santa Cruz, a 100% gluten free, grain free, soy free, non-GMO, organic, and refined sugar free restaurant was opening about 25 minutes from our house.


Primal Santa Cruz is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, and has a brunch menu on the weekend. For breakfast, lunch, and brunch, you place your order at the counter, receive a number to place on your table, and a server delivers your food when it is ready. For dinner, Primal Santa Cruz is a full service restaurant.


Saturday, February 16, 2019

Kona Cafe Breakfast - Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Over Thanksgiving Break, we had breakfast at Kona Cafe, a table service restaurant at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.


Kona Cafe has an allergy-friendly menu that lists options for people with gluten/wheat, milk, egg, soy, peanut/tree nut, and fish/shellfish allergies.


Sunday, February 10, 2019

Trattoria al Forno Walk-Up Breakfast - Disney's BoardWalk

Over Thanksgiving Break, we had breakfast and dinner at Trattoria al Forno on Disney's BoardWalk.


Disney's BoardWalk Villas was our first Disney Vacation Club home resort, and we have so many great memories from vacations spent there with my extended family over the past 20 years. Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas are our favorite for gluten free dining, and Copper Creek Villas at the Wilderness Lodge are the best for holiday atmosphere, but we love to stay at the BoardWalk for the location, because it is an easy walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.


Sunday, February 3, 2019

Gluten Free in New York City - Sit-Down Restaurants

Over Christmas Break, we spent nine nights in New York City, one of the best cities in the United States for gluten free dining.


On Christmas Day, we had dinner at Senza Gluten, one of our favorite restaurants in New York City. Everything at Senza Gluten is gluten free, and they recently opened Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery down the street, which I will review in my next post about fast casual dining in New York City.