Off the Wagon: Part 1

As you know from my earlier posts, I recently became Gluten-free in the latter half of 2009. I say recent because when you compare roughly 8 months eating one way to more than 28 years of another...it's seems like just yesterday. Prior to becoming Gluten-free I was for the most part a healthy eater. I opted for wheat bread, organic fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy, water instead of soda, etc. However mixed in with all that healthiness was the indulgences. Whether it was a Sweet Mandy B's cupcake or chicken fingers and fries...when presented with the opportunity to indulge, I was never the one to say no.

When I started my blog, I thought an interesting topic for an on-going set of posts could be "What would I tolerate a stomach ache for." There is a show on the Food Network called The Best Thing I Ever Ate about essentially the best things that the FN chefs have ever had. I think everyone has a list like that. Whether it's something that you grew up having, or had on a trip once...great foods evoke emotions and memories.

The title of this blog was about falling off the wagon, because in essence that's exactly what I did this weekend. I ate Gluten. Gasp! I know. I did it willingly. Twice. Sometimes you just need a mental breather. It's no different than working out for 6 months straight everyday, sometimes you just want to sit on the couch and veg. Although I have been very committed and strong with my Gluten-free lifestyle...I'm still human. I crave sugar, grease and starches just like everyone else does.

So, without further ado, I begin my "Off the Wagon" list:

1. Chicago Bagel Authority: CBA, as the locals call it, is a little bagel place on Armitage/Sheffield in the heart of Lincoln Park. This divey restaurant has created a niche within the bagel category with steamed bagels. They offer every combination of bagel sandwich known to man. And when steamed all the flavors ooze together into a delicious bagel experience. On Saturday I had a sesame bagel with turkey, avocado, tomato, cucumber, mustard and veggie cream cheese. It was everything I hoped it would be.


2. Portillo's: Again, another Chicago icon. Portillo's is a local fast food chain that specializes in Chicago style hot dogs (featured left), Italian beef sandwiches and crinkle cut fries. On Sunday I indulged in a hot dog just the way I like it...with ketchup, mustard, tomato and cucumber along with some crispy, salty fries. It was absolute heaven.


As I'm writing this post, I am clear from my stomach pain and back on the health train....and day dreaming of what will end up next on my list.

Penne w/ Sausage and Chicken

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" While some women may say shoes or handbags are the way to their hearts...I'd like to call ditto on this quote.

I love to cook and bake, but honestly, what's better than someone cooking for you in the comfort of your own home. This is the lucky situation I found myself in on Saturday night. Without prompting, my boyfriend told me that he wanted to cook for me. My quick response was "Really? Awesome."

He prides himself in his attention to details, and he really followed through:

1. I love Italian
2. I love sausage
3. I love tomato sauce
4. I require gluten-free pasta
4. I like a clean kitchen

I'm not exactly sure how he cooked this dish, but I can tell you what I observed.

Dish Prep:
1. Sauteed chicken breast (sliced and fat trimmed) with oregano, garlic powder, black pepper and set aside (cooked 3/4 of the way)
2. Sauteed Italian sausage links until brown, then sliced and sauteed until fully cooked
3. Brought a can of crushed tomatoes, a can of tomato sauce, a small can of tomato paste, garlic powder, sugar, salt, black pepper and oregano to a boil, then let simmer for a while
4. Cooked pasta according to instructions

Dish Assembly:
1. In a deep saute pan, simmered a portion of the 2 meats with some sauce
2. Dropped in a portion of the pasta
3. Served warm with some grated cheese

The dish was absolutely delicious. He can cook for me anytime...and I'll of course keep you posted when he does.

Uncommon Grounds

Uncommon Grounds is a spot that I have driven past countless times...and have often thought "I should go there sometime." After living in the city of Chicago for almost 6 years, I finally made it there. The Coffee Shop/Restaurant is located in Wrigleyville on the corner of Grace and Clark. Brunch places on Sunday's are typically a zoo, but at 9am we walked right on in.

Uncommon Grounds is definitely one of those home grown Seattle type places with a "granola" type vibe. The brunch menu is small, but each item sounds appealing. Since this was a coffee place, I had to try something interesting. They offer a "seasonal press pot" that they describe a little bit bolder/stronger than their normal house blend. Currently they are offering the "diablo" that I found to be bold, but didn't quite knock my socks off. I find that everything after Peet's Coffee pales in comparison.

For brunch, my Dad and I both ordered Mexican dishes. My Dad ordered the Huevos Uncommon which consisted of a black bean corn cake, eggs over easy, ancho-chile sauce and chihuahua cheese. I wasn't certain if the corn cake was gluten free, so I will take his word on it that it was delicious. Ordering safely, I had the Chilaquiles. The friendly waiter confirmed to the best of his knowledge that it was gluten free. I can confirm that after eating, it was perfectly safe. The Chilaquiles consisted of scrambled eggs mixed with tortilla chips, chihuahua cheese, jalapenos and "home-made chorizo". It was topped with salsa verde and sour cream and served with a side of Home style potatoes.

Although no individual element blew me away, it was definitely a solid brunch experience. One of which I will try again.

Havana Grill

Havana, a Pan Latin Grill and Mojito Bar, replaced Mambo Grill around the corner from where I work on Clark Street. Upgrade! Havana really transformed the space from dark and dingy to modern and airy. The service was excellent and the food and drinks were superb.

I figured out what to order in about a minute...and so did my boyfriend. The Carnitas with jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed corn was a must. The plating was contemporary yet useful since I planned to mix all the flavors together for each bite. If I had a bigger stomach I would have licked my plate clean. The meat was tender and the corn sweet...my only complaint is that I couldn't taste the jalapeno in the mashed potatoes. The dish could have used just a little bite.

To complement our meals, we ordered a pitcher of the traditional mojito which was good...great when we realized it was a half price drink special on Friday nights.

Rose's Bakery

The one and only completely wheat free bakery in Chicago. Sad but true. Yes there are bakeries that offer a gluten free cupcake or two...but nothing like Rose's Wheat Free Bakery and Cafe. I had to trek it up to Evanston to find it, but it was absolutely worth the trip. I drove up there last Saturday with hopes of enjoying a hearty brunch and a bag full of baked goods to bring home. Roses did not disappoint.

The nice thing about it being a bakery and cafe, was that I was able to indulge is multiple gluten free meals. While at the cafe, I had a delicious ham and egg breakfast sandwich. The french roll was soft and chewy like bread should be. I finished the meal with a chocolate chip cookie which was good...but not as good as the oatmeal cookies I took to go. The oatmeal was unbelievable chewy goodness. Unable to control my gluten free excitement, I also indulged in the following throughout the rest of my week:

Cheesecake Brownie (Rich and indulgent)
Almond and a Chocolate/Cherry biscotti (Just the original, and great with coffee)
Banana Bread (Soft, tender and light)
Pizza (You can order it in the cafe and take it to go fresh or baked) Lot's of toppings to choose from...it was great.

Yes my to-go bag was a little like Santa's...and endless supply of gluten free gifts.

Nice work Roses...I'll be back for those Chicken fingers I didn't get to try....and probably 20 more baked goods.

1 2 3 Gluten Free

I miss pancakes. When out to brunch at the typical Chicago places like Toast or Nookies...I always want to order the Pancakes. For obvious reasons I can't, so I end up ordering some type of egg and potato dish. In a previous post I shared a blueberry polenta pancake recipe that definitely put off my pancake craving for a while...but a couple weeks ago I really wanted traditional pancakes. So, I pulled out of the pantry a mix that my Mom had picked up for me at the Gluten-Free Grocery, the 1 2 3 Gluten Free brand Pancake mix. I followed the easy instructions of adding eggs, oil and milk...however I substituted buttermilk for Skim Milk. Big Mistake. The batter was way too thick and the pancakes turned out a little dense. With that said, I froze the extra and proceeded to eat 2 a day for the next week. So they couldn't have been that bad! I will say they freeze well...and they looked beautiful. I'd definitely give them another go (using the correct milk).

Mariposa Bakery

Sour Cream Coffee Cake? Absolutely, thanks Mom! There is gluten free store near my parents house in the burbs call Gluten-Free Grocery. They are located in Westchester, IL close to 290 and Mannheim. My mom picked up many things on this trip, the most memorable being a Mariposa Bakery Coffee Cake. This cake was moist, sweet, crumbly and delicious. When I googled them, I was disappointed to find out that they are based in San Francisco...why do the Californians get all the good food!?!

Big Night Risotto

Last week's RWS was a very special day with the celebration of my Dad's 60th birthday. Such a big occasion needed a big dish...Big Night Risotto. In the 1996 Stanley Tucci movie "Big Night" two brothers embark on the journey of opening up a true Italian restaurant. They face many challenges along the way, but the most memorable is when a female guest balks at the Chef's special shrimp risotto and orders spaghetti along with it:



It's not surprising that I love food movies like Chocolat, Julie & Julia, and No Reservations. Emeril jokes about smellivision, but seriously I'd love to be able to experience the food while I'm watching the movie. It's the biggest tease.

Lucky for my family, my Mom tackled Big Night Risotto (which is not easy!) this special Red Wine Sunday.

Shrimp Broth
1 lb Shrimp
1 Garlic Clove, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 Carrot, chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1 tbsp Italian Parsley, chopped
5 cups Water
Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Clean and devein the shrimp and set aside. Place the shrimp shells in a stock pot with garlic, onion, carrot, celery, parsley, water and salt and let simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Strain broth and set aside for the Risotto.

Risotto
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
1 Garlic Clove, chopped
1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
1 cup Arborio Rice
1/2 cup White Wine
1 Plum Tomato, diced
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

1. On medium-low heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil in a deep skillet. Then saute the onion, garlic, shrimp, salt and pepper until shrimp is a light pink. Take out shrimp and set aside.
2. In same skillet add 2 more tbsp of olive oil and the butter and saute until onions have wilted (but not browned).
2. Add rice and stir to coat. Then add a cup of the shrimp broth and stir continuously until all the liquid is absorbed in the rice.
3. Add the tomato and wine and stir until incorporated.
4. Continue to add 1 cup of the shrimp broth at a time until rice is creamy and tender (about 3 cups).
5. Add the shrimp back in with the last cup of broth that you add.
6. Stir in grated cheese before serving.

Last thing to note, is that although this was Red Wine Sunday, this meal was appropriately served with a White wine. I forget the name, so hopefully my Dad (an avid reader of my blog) will post the name.