See's Candies

I have loved See's Candies since I was a teenager.  My dad used to bring home a huge box of See's Candies from work around Christmas, and we had so much fun sampling everything.

The past two weekends, we stopped at the See's Candies shop in Capitola, California to do some Valentine's Day shopping.

Bahama Breeze Island Grille

Over Thanksgiving Break, we traveled to our hometown of Pittsburgh.  While we were there, my husband's family asked us if we wanted to meet them for dinner at the Bahama Breeze Island Grille in Robinson Township.  Bahama Breeze, which serves Caribbean cuisine, is a restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants.  Earlier this year, I had a great meal at Seasons 52, which is also run by Darden.

Bahama Breeze does have a gluten sensitive menu, which has the typical disclaimer I am used to seeing, even at Disney World.  No one is going to guarantee you a gluten free meal, unless it is a 100% gluten free restaurant.  The key for me is that restaurants take appropriate precautions to keep my food safe.  When I started asking my usual round of questions about food preparation, our server said he would get a manager.  The manager I spoke to told me that my food would be prepared in a separate area of the kitchen, and that she would make it herself if I would like.

Fat Head's Saloon and Primanti Bros. - Pittsburgh

When I was diagnosed with celiac disease 8 years ago, we did not live in Pittsburgh, but when we traveled back to our hometown to visit family, I was always sad that I could no longer eat at Fat Head's Saloon or Primanti Bros.  That all changed last year when I found out that Fat Head's Saloon now has an extensive gluten free menu, and Primanti Bros. could make me one of their famous sandwiches without the bread.  So in 2015, we were able to introduce our daughters to two restaurants that represent what Pittsburgh is all about.

Gluuteny Bakery - Pittsburgh

Gluuteny Bakery in Pittsburgh is one of my favorite gluten free bakeries in the United States.  I have been enjoying baked goods from Gluuteny on all of our trips to our hometown since my celiac diagnosis eight years ago.  We always stay with my aunt and uncle when we are in Pittsburgh, and lucky for me, Gluuteny is just a few blocks away from where they live in Squirrel Hill.

Gluuteny is a dedicated gluten free and dairy free bakery.  They ship their dry mixes and a variety of fresh baked goods, which you can view here.

Mandy's Pizza - Pittsburgh

Twice last year, we traveled to Pittsburgh, which is a great city for gluten free dining and shopping.  

That feeling of being home always sets in when I see the Franco Harris statue at the airport.

Gluten Free in Pittsburgh

When I visit my hometown, I always have a list of restaurants, bakeries, and stores I want to visit.  After my uncle picked me up at the airport, we went straight to Gaby et Jules Patisseries et Macarons in Squirrel Hill.  After reading about this new establishment in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I wrote them an email asking whether their macarons are gluten free.  Very quickly I received a response that they  are all gluten free!

The first 6 I purchased did not last very long!