NEXT Worry-Free Dinners™ Family Event - March 2009

Our next members-only Worry-Free Dinners™ Family event in February 2009 sold out in 1 day!

Don't fret--there are more coming up and if you're a member you'll hear about it first.

Becoming a Worry-Free Dinners™ member is super-easy and there's no obligation.

Just send an email to worryfreedinners@gmail.com to request an application so you can join us for the next WFD Family event.

SAVE THE DATE: March 8, 2009 and send in your applications!

WFD Family Event, Feb 2009

***SOLD OUT***

This is your invite for our next Worry-Free Dinners™ Family event at Lilli and Loo, February 1, 2009. Come hungry and sign up quickly, this event will sell out FAST. The menu is FREE FROM: Sesame seeds; Peanuts; Tree-nuts; Gluten; Egg and Dairy. Other food allergies/sensitivities MAY be accommodated.

**

INVITATION

WHEN: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2009, 12-2PM

WHERE: LILLI and LOO
792 Lexington Avenue (Between 61st/62nd streets)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-421-7800

WHO: Anyone whose diet is sesame seed-free, peanut-free, tree-nut free, gluten-free, egg free and dairy-free. Additional food allergies or other concerns may be accommodated with prior notice.

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Coaching by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW
• Group discussion tailored to your concerns
• Networking with food allergic families
• Chat time with Owner, Maggie
• A delicious worry-free dinner at a great NYC restaurant
• Allergen-free goodie bag


**

MENU:
Choose 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 side and 1 drink

Appetizer:
Pork Dumpling (steamed or pan fried)
Rock Shrimp Tempura
Avocado roll or California roll
Chicken skewers with pomegranate sauce

Entrée:
Borneo Orange Chicken
BBQ Boneless Ribs
Oriental Noodle Soup choice of tofu & vegetable or grilled chicken

Side:
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Steamed White Rice
Steamed Brown Rice

Dessert:
Gluten Free Brownies and Seasonal Fresh Fruits

Drinks:
Choice of Canned Soda or juice

Worry-Free Dinners™ Adult Event at GustOrganics

(photo credit © Elbert Chu)

Adult members are invited to join us for our next Worry-Free Dinners event at at GustOrganics, the only 100% organic restaurant in the US!

The menu will be: organic, gluten-free, fish/shellfish free, peanut and tree-nut free with vegan options and dairy-free options.

NOTA BENE: Worry-Free Dinners™ is a membership group and you MUST be a member to eat with us.

It's super easy to join. If you aren’t a member already, please join us. Just send an email to worryfreedinners@gmail.com to request an application.

*****************************************************************

INVITATION.

WHEN: SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH, 630-830PM

WHERE: GustOrganics Restaurant & Bar
519 Avenue of the Americas @ 14th street
New York
Tel: 212.242.5800

WHO: Anyone whose diet is organic, gluten-free, fish/shellfish free, peanut-free and tree-nut free. Vegan options and dairy free options available. Additional food allergies or other concerns *may* be accommodated with prior notice.

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Coaching around issues of food allergies/food intolerances by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW
• Group discussion tailored to your concerns
• Networking with people who understand your issues
• Chat time with Owner, Alberto; General Manager, Eyal; and chef, Gustavo
• A delicious Worry-Free Dinner at the country’s only 100% organic restaurant
• Allergen-free goody bag worth the price of dinner

FEE: $50 including tax, tip and either sangria or hot apple cider with rum. PAYABLE on website--right side of blog.

***

MENU: gluten-free, fish/shellfish free, peanut and tree-nut free; vegan options; dairy-free optional--all organic!


*Apps: choice of one with choice of dressing
--Spinach salad with pears and strawberries
--Soup du jour
--Choice of Side:
-Grilled veggies: eggplant, zucchini, squash, tomato, onion, pepper
-Steamed or sautéed broccoli
-Steamed or sautéed kale

*Entrees: choice of one
--Gluten-free (tinkyada) pasta with choice of sauce: primavera with tomato sauce OR tomato and basil
--Lentil stew
--Salad with choice of chicken, steak or tofu
--Gluten-free risotto choice or either mushroom or risotto du jour

Drinks:
Sangria and hot apple cider with rum

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any questions/concerns.

WFD Update

Have no fear -- we are still here!

Worry-Free Dinners is alive and eating. We are gearing up for the coming year (do the years always fly by this fast?!), and we are coming to a town near you.

After the CNN article, we've had so much interest (thank you!!). We are working with multiple people on bringing WFD events to as many places as we can.

There will be more events soon! So keep your applications coming. Keep your restaurant recommendations coming. And if you have any questions, drop us a line at worryfreedinners@gmail.com

Please check back soon for more news. And in the mean time, happy eating!

First Kids WFD Wrap-up

What an amazing afternoon yesterday--our first Worry-Free Dinners event for KIDS!

One aspect, among many, that I value about these Worry-Free Dinners events is that we all come together, virtual strangers, with one thing in common, and leave friends, having laughed, eaten and shared worry-free.

**

Lovely assistant Ami overhead a mom say to her little one: “Everything on the table is safe for you to eat.”

Her child repeated in wonder: “Everything is safe”.

Wow. It was true and I’m kvelling to be a part of it all.

**

A heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Blue Smoke: Lissa, events manager; Nicholas, general manager; Sous Chef Alex; and our server Steve all of whom ensured that this event was delicious and Worry-Free. You guys rocked!

And a thank you too, to all of the WFD members--what a fun party!

**
Here are some pictures. Our lunch was gluten-free, peanut-free, tree-nut free, fish-free and dairy-free and oh-my-goodness delicious!

Apps of Chicken wings:


App of chopped salad (dressing and feta cheese on the side):


Bradley starting his apps:


Entrees are served:


More entrees:


Texas Salt & Pepper Ribs:


Bucket of enjoyed ribs:



Gluten-Free Burgers:


Dessert time, Cherrybrook Kitchen Gluten-Free brownies:


And fruit plate:



Cherrybrook Kitchen's Table of goody bag-ness:


Inside the goody bag by Cherrybrook Kitchen:



Lexi wearing her new Cherrybrook Kitchen T-shirt:


**

Can't wait to do it all again very soon!

Worry-Free Dinners™ Event for Kids

**SOLD OUT**

(Don't worry, we're planning an October event so keep those applications coming!)


Dear Worry-Free Dinners™ parent,

You've been asking and it's finally here: our Worry-Free Dinners KIDS event.

Come hungry and sign up quickly, this event will sell out FAST!

If you haven't sent in your application, contact us at worryfreedinners@gmail.com to get your family on board.

***

INVITATION: The event will be sponsored by Cherrybrook Kitchen: the Sweet Solution for Food Allergies. Diners will receive an assortment of Cherrybrook Kitchen products and a representative will be on hand to meet and greet!



WHERE: Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 447-7733

WHO: Any parent and/or child who is on a diet that is FREE OF: gluten/wheat, peanut, tree-nut, fish and/or dairy.

WHEN: LUNCH, Sunday, September 14th, 2008 11:30am-1:30pm

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Members receive tips, insights, support and practice on advocating for their dietary needs at restaurants by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW

• Group discussion tailored to your concerns

• Networking with parents who understand your issues

• Chat time with a representative from Blue Smoke

• A delicious "Worry-Free Dinner" lunch at a great NYC kid-friendly restaurant

• Fantastic Cherrybrook Kitchen sponsored allergen-friendly goody bag worth the price of dinner

PARENT'S FEE: $50, includes tax and tip but not beverages.

CHILDREN'S FEE: $30, includes tax and tip but not beverages.

Fee payable through Google Checkout on website.

***

LUNCH MENU: Gluten-Free & Peanut-Free & Tree-nut Free & Fish-Free. Dairy-Free upon request. (Beverages will be on a pay per drink basis.)

LUNCH will be FAMILY STYLE and ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT.

STARTERS
Chipotle Chicken Wings
Chopped Vegetable & Lettuce Salad

MAIN COURSES
Mini-burger in lettuce
Texas Salt & Pepper Beef Ribs

SIDES
Gluten-Free French Fries
Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese
Baked Pit Beans with Pork

DESSERT
Provided by Cherrybrook Kitchen

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any questions/concerns.

WFD & WSJ

Welcome WSJ readers!

Feel free to look around or email us at worryfreedinners@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to join us for the next Worry-Free Dinner event!

Last Night at Blue Smoke

If the mark of a good BBQ dinner is:

Fat splatter dots on your dress--check.

Contented yummy sounds whilst everyone tucks in--check.

A satisfied calm after the storm including toothpicks and doggy bags--check.

And then the dessert shows up?!

Then, yep, that was our group last night: Worry-Free at Blue Smoke.

Great food, great company and great chat!

Here are some pictures of our dining experience; the plates started small and just kept coming, with more and more!

Please excuse the blurry nature of my pictures, my hands were thick with beef rib goodness and it was all I could do to remember to take them before or during the meal.


Menu:


Chicken wings, sauce on the side, natch:


3 sausage samples, that andouille just killed me:


Chicken and mash:


Texas salt & pepper ribs, with pork and beans and cole slaw:


Mixed berries and GF Cherrybrook brownies:


Plates and plates of goodness, once we had wiped them clean, and my favorite GF BBQ sauce:


BIG THANK YOUS to Lissa, Group Dining and Private Events Manager at Blue Smoke for working with us to put this together; our server Simone; manager Nicholas; pastry chef for making our GF brownies with Cherrybrook mix; and sous Chef Alex for taking such great care of us, and with a sense of humor too!

And THANK YOU to our goody bag contributors:

Goody bag items:


Allergic Living magazine
Amy's products
Cherrybrook Kitchen brownie mix
Nana's No Gluten assorted cookies
Shabtai Gourmet cookies
Quattrobimbi prodcuts
Zen Soy products

You made everyone happy with your products!

Worry-Free Dinners™ Event at Blue Smoke

UPDATE: Event moved to August 4th, same everything else though!

It's official--You're invited to join us for the next delicious Worry-Free Dinners event at Blue Smoke!

The menu will be Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-nut Free & Fish-Free. (Dairy-Free upon request.)

If you haven't already done so, please send in your application or send an email to worryfreedinners@gmail.com , as you MUST be a member to join us for these events.


***

INVITATION:

WHERE: Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 447-7733

WHO: Anyone on a diet that is FREE OF gluten/wheat, peanut, tree-nut, fish and/or dairy.

WHEN: MONDAY, August 4th, 2008 6:00PM-8:00PM

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

• Coaching around issues of food allergies/food intolerances by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW

• Group discussion tailored to your concerns

• Networking with people who understand your issues

• Chat time with a representative from Blue Smoke

• A delicious Worry-Free Dinner at a great NYC restaurant

• Terrific goody bag filled with allergen-friendly foods and products

FEE: $95, includes tax, tip but not beverages. Fee payable through Google Checkout.


DINNER MENU: Gluten-Free & Peanut-Free & Tree-nut Free & Fish-Free. Dairy-Free upon request.

(Beverages will be on a pay per drink basis.)

Dinner will be FAMILY STYLE and ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT.

STARTERS
Chipotle Chicken Wings
Chopped Vegetable & Lettuce Salad
Three-sausage sampler

MAIN COURSES
Applewood-Smoked Chicken
Pulled Pork

Texas Salt & Pepper Beef Ribs

SIDES
Coleslaw
Macaroni & Cheese

Baked Pit Beans with Pork

DESSERT
Provided by Cherrybrook Kitchen

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any questions/concerns.

About.com & WFD

Welcome food allergies at About.com readers!

If you're in NYC or planning on coming through this month, we'd love to have you join us for a premiere event for food allergic/intolerant adults, Monday July 28th at Blue Smoke.

If however you are the parent of a food allergic/intolerant child, we will be announcing our FIRST Worry-Free Dinner KIDS event very soon so stay tuned!

And feel free to email us at worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any questions or to request an application!

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches from Cherrybrook Kitchen

For the Blue Smoke Worry-Free Dinners event July 28, CBK will be providing dessert. We've been working on some dessert ideas, things to make with their terrific mixes. Here's one idea that sounded delish to me. This can be made with soy dream or rice dream "ice cream" to make a completely dairy-free result.

Recipe courtesy of Cherrybrook Kitchen

Enjoy!

***

Gluten Free Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches from Cherrybrook Kitchen

***

Preheat Oven to 350.

Position a rack on the center rung of the oven. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the bottom of a 16X12X1 rimmed baking sheet. Line the pan with parchment to cover the bottom and the edges of the pan’s longer sides.

Prepare 2 boxes Cherrybrook Kitchen Gluten Free Brownie Mix according to directions on the box and then using one hand to anchor the parchment paper, spread the brownie batter with a spoon or spatula. Drag a rectangular offset spatula over the dough to smooth it into an even layer, rotating the pan as you work. Brush or spray a sheet of parchment the same size as the pan with oil, and lay it, oiled side down, on top of the brownie batter. Roll a straight rolling pin or a straight-sided wine bottle over the paper (or swipe it with a dough scraper) to level and smooth the brownie batter. Carefully peel away the parchment.

Bake until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 8 to 10 minutes. Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Place cooled brownie pan in the freezer for half an hour to set the brownie sheet.

***

Layer the cookie with ice cream, then chill.

On a separate clean baking sheet lay two long pieces of plastic wrap in a cross shape.

Remove the brownie sheet pan from freezer and slide a knife along the inside edge of the pan containing the brownie to loosen it. Invert the brownie onto a large cutting board. Peel off the parchment. Using a ruler as a guide, cut the brownie crosswise into two equal pieces. Place one layer, top side down, in the middle of the plastic wrap (a wide, sturdy spatula will help the transfer).

Remove the gluten free ice cream from the freezer and take off the lid. It’s important to work quickly from this point on. (If the ice cream gets too soft, pop it onto a plate and back into the freezer to harden up.) Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut the container lengthwise in two places and tear away the container.

Set the ice cream on its side. Cut the ice cream into even slices, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, and arrange them on top of the brownie layer in the pan, pairing the smallest piece next to the largest. Using a rubber spatula, gently yet firmly smear the ice cream to spread it evenly, as shown below. (It helps to put a piece of plastic wrap on the ice cream and smear with your hands; remove the plastic before proceeding.)

Position the remaining brownie layer, top side up, over the ice cream. Press gently to spread the ice cream to the edges. Put a clean piece of plastic on top and wrap the long ends of the bottom sheet of plastic up and over the brownie layers and ice cream. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and chill until the gluten free ice cream sandwich is hard, about four hours and up to two days.

***

Cut and garnish the sandwiches

Take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Lift the package from the pan, transfer it to a cutting board, and line the pan with a fresh piece of plastic. Peel the top layer of plastic off the sandwich (you can leave on the bottom layer.)

Working quickly, use a ruler and a long, sharp chef’s knife to score the brownie, dividing it into twelve: three across the short side and four across the long side. Cut the sandwiches as shown below, wiping the blade clean as needed. (If your kitchen is very warm, put the pieces back into the freezer to firm, or work with one strip at a time, keeping the rest in the freezer).

Garnish the sandwiches, if you like: Fill a small, shallow bowl with your chosen garnish and set it next to your work surface. Garnishes ideas are gluten free chocolate chips, crushed mint candies, or sprinkles. Press some of the garnish onto some or all of the sides of the sandwich. Set the sandwiches back on the baking sheet and return to the freezer immediately. (If your kitchen is warm, keep the sandwiches in the freezer and garnish one at a time.) Once the sandwiches are hard, wrap them individually in plastic and store in the freezer.

Make Ahead Tips
Individually wrapped sandwiches will keep for up to two weeks in the freezer.

SAVE THE DATE: July 28, 2008

Stay tuned for details about our next exciting Worry-Free Dinners™ event here in NYC, Monday July 28, 2008

I'll give you a hint: this NYC institution just hosted a big BBQ event in Madison Square Park.

Last Night at Craftbar

“All staff, front and back, is expecting you and is informed...Our team is looking forward to having you all in!”

This quote is part of an email exchange I had with the GM of Craftbar the week leading up to our WFD Craftbar event and boy did my heart soar. These words are magic to any allergic person’s ears especially this one. And I just knew we’d be in great hands from start to finish at Craftbar. And we totally were.

I want to give a public THANK YOU to Chef Lauren, Sous Chef Ben with the vegan girlfriend, manager Jennifer, night manager Heather, hostess Ashley and our server Andrew for double and triple checking everyone’s needs. Thank you Craftbar team for being so hospitable, patient, understanding, professional and all around rock stars!

I also want to send a big THANK YOU to our sponsor: Healthcentral.com for their unflagging support of this venture and to the Certified asthma & allergy friendly™ program for supplying the most amazing goody bag an allergic girl or guy could want.

**

Truly, I’m still ferklempt about how great the whole evening was...so here are some pictures by our wonderful AMI (THANK YOU AMI for a great job last night!) of the various apps and entrees we all had.

Can't you feel the love?

**


Beet salad app:

Octopus app:

Our special nut-free rabbit terrine app:



Vegan entree:


Daurade Royale entree:


Beef short rib entree:



Lamb shoulder entree:


Dry-aged sirloin entree:


Fennel and orange salad (I was just too hot to eat anything else):


Tilefish entree:


The table mid-meal and sans-flash:



Goody Bag provided by Certified asthma & allergy friendly™:

Gearing up for Sunday

Welcome new readers from Huffington Post, Daily Traveler and New York Magazine, and a hearty hello to WFD members who are checking in!

We've been busy prepping for this weekend's SOLD OUT delectable Craftbar event and putting the finishing touches on the details for our next exciting event which will be in July at...Well, we can't tell you yet. But all will be revealed in a week or so and trust me you are REALLY going to want in on this one.

So if you aren't a member yet, email us for an application worryfreedinners@gmail.com , sign up and join us and you will have an early shot to get one of the coveted seats at this fantastic NYC institution of piggy goodness. [Any guesses?]

Kosher Dinner, Worry-Free!

Thank you everyone who attended last night!

We had a large group and I love that everyone starts talking right away. Conversation flows easily and effortlessly in the safe space we create; everyone shares resources, personal stories, and listens to each other and laughs together—so fantastic!

A special thank you to Chef Mike Gershkovich for adapting his already wonderful menu to be gluten-free, fish-free and nut-free for us [it was already dairy-free]!

**

Last nights’ menu

Choice of one appetizer

• Carrot Ginger Bisque

• White Asparagus Salad with fennel and orange

• Portobello Mushroom and Arugula Salad: port wine reduction, red onions, enoki mushroom, Caesars-style mushroom dressing

Choice of one entrée

• Chipotle Spiced Bean Chili (vegetarian): black rice, avocado, crispy corn tortilla, cilantro

• Mushroom Scented Rice Noodles: Edamame, sprouts, roasted Butternut squash, exotic mushrooms, toasted pumpkin seeds

• Pan Roasted Herb Marinated Chicken Breast: chamomile and honey glazed root vegetables, parsnip puree, herb chicken au jus

• Black Angus Rib Eye Fillet: crushed red potatoes, red-wine onion relish, green beans, chives

**

Most of us started with the carrot-ginger bisque that was deceptively creamy but no dairy, no soy: just deliciousness. Some of us started with the salad mushroom Arugula salad. For mains, I saw a lot of the luscious rib eye fillet. I had the white asparagus salad as my main. [After a long weekend in Bermuda eating lots of steak I needed a veggie dinner.]

Below are some pictures of the appetizers and the table whilst we ate and talked. I should have taken more, I always forget, between the eating and laughing and sharing who has time for photos!

**

Soup and salad apps:


The group with our entrées!


The Kosher goody bag!

**

Everyone was oohing and aahing over the food it was just that good and we are all looking forward to the next KOSHER WFD!

Worry-Free Dinners™ at Craftbar

As seen in New York Magazine's Grub Street:

You are invited to join us for a premiere Worry-Free Dinners event at Craftbar.

The event will be sponsored by the online health news network, www.HealthCentral.com.

Diners will receive an assortment of Certified asthma & allergy friendly™ environmental control and allergen reduction products from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America worth $500. (Seriously!)


The menu will be: Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-nut Free & Shellfish-Free. Dairy-Free upon request.

If you haven’t already done so, please send in your application or send an email to worryfreedinners@gmail.com , as you MUST be a member to join us.


*****************************************************************

INVITATION:

WHERE: Craftbar
900 Broadway (between 20th and 21st streets)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 461-4300

WHO: Anyone on a diet that is FREE OF: gluten/wheat, peanut, tree-nut, shellfish and/or dairy. Additional food allergies or other concerns will be accommodated with prior notice.

WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 8th, 2008 6:00PM-8:00PM

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Coaching around issues of food allergies/food intolerances by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW
• Group discussion tailored to your concerns
• Networking with people who understand your issues
• Chat time with Chef de Cuisine Lauren Hirschberg and General Manager, Hayden Felice
• A delicious Worry-Free Dinner at a great NYC restaurant
• Allergen-free goody bag worth the price of dinner

FEE: $75, includes tax and tip but not beverages. Fee payable through Google Checkout.

DINNER MENU: Gluten-Free & Peanut-Free & Tree-nut Free & Shellfish-Free. Dairy-Free upon request.

(Beverages will be on a pay per drink basis.)

Choose 1 from soup, salad or appetizer*
SOUPS
Lentil, Merguez Sausage
Chicken Vegetable
Escarole, Cannellini Bean, Parmesan

SALADS
Mixed Greens, Fennel, Radish, Red Onion
Baby Beets, Blue Cheese
Arugula, Pear, Grana Padano
Fennel, Orange, Nicoise Olives

HOT APPETIZERS
Octopus, Chickpeas, Cucumber, Yogurt, Dill, Speck
Rabbit Terrine, Currants, Whole Grain Mustard


Choose 1 main course
FISH
Daurade Royale, Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Smoked Bacon
Wild Striped Bass, Celery Root Puree, Spinach

MEAT
Dry-Aged Sirloin, Potato Puree, Cipollini Onions, Baby Carrots
Beef Short Rib, Tokyo Turnips
Lamb Shank (Shoulder), Swiss Chard, Piquillo Peppers
Berkshire Pork Leg, Savoy Cabbage, Pancetta, Kumquats
Baby Chicken, Braised Leeks, Fingerling Potatoes, Prune

*Alternative: choose 2 from the first categories and one of these will be larger for your main course

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any questions/concerns.

Kosher Worry-Free Dinner™ at Mike's Bistro

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!!

Worry-Free Dinners is proud to offer an elegant, Kosher event at Mike's Bistro. If you are not already a member please email us at worryfreedinners@gmail.com for an application and come join us!

WHERE:
Mike's Bistro
228 W 72nd St
New York, NY 10023
tel.(212) 799-3911

WHEN: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6pm-8pm

WHO: Anyone who is Kosher, Gluten-free, Dairy-free. Vegetarian option available. (Other allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Coaching around issues of food allergies/food intolerances by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW

• Group discussion tailored to your concerns

• Networking with people who understand your issues

• Chat time with owner, Mike Gershkovich

• A delicious Worry-Free Dinner at a fantastic Kosher NYC restaurant

• Kosher, allergen-free goody bag worth the price of dinner

FEE: $85, includes tax and tip but not beverages. Fee payable through Google Checkout.

The KOSHER DINNER MENU:

(Beverages on a pay per basis)

Choice of one appetizer
• Pureed vegetable soup (seasonal)
• White asparagus, Fennel and Orange salad
• Portobello Mushroom and Arugula Salad port wine reduction, red onions, enoki mushroom, Caesars-style mushroom dressing

Choice of one entrée
• Veggie Chili
• Mushroom Scented Rice Noodles edamame, sprouts, roasted Butternut squash, exotic mushrooms, toasted pumpkin seeds
• Pan Roasted Herb Marinated Chicken Breast chamomile and honey glazed root vegetables, parsnip puree, herb chicken jus (seasonal sides TBA)
• Black Angus Rib Eye Fillet crushed red potatoes, red-wine onion relish, green beans, chives

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com for an application or with any questions/concerns.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Happy eating!

Eggs in Mixed Drinks

For a discussion of eggs in mixed drinks [ewww!] have a look at Allergic Girl's Please Don't Pass the Nuts.

Worry-Free Community

The first Worry-Free Dinners event was amazing!

As Allergic Girl’s assistant and the WFD administrator, I was bit worried about my presence at the first event because (gasp) I am not allergic.

I’m sympathetic certainly. Many people I love, including my sister and some dear friends, have food allergies and food intolerances. I’m privy to their worries on a regular basis. I’m only too happy to let them choose restaurants where they’ll have the best chance of having their needs accommodated.

But I can go anywhere and eat anything.

If I ask what’s in a dish or how it’s made, my questions come from curiosity and taste preferences, not because of the possibility that eating something could set off a string of uncomfortable, painful or even life-threatening outcomes.

So in this new safe dining space, the first Worry-Free Dinners event, one whose creation I was so happy to be a part of, how would I actually fit in?

How would the other diners feel to have me there?

And how would I feel being the odd woman out?

Introductions and conversations started easily; from the first hellos at Lilli and Loo, everyone had something to say. But we were talking about our commutes, crowded subways after long days at work. These experiences I knew first-hand. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when the real issues were addressed, the reasons that these diners came together.

With Sloane’s guidance, very soon everyone at the table was sharing their food and health issues: stories of drawn-out diagnoses, chronic pain, helpful and unhelpful medical professionals, helpful and unhelpful friends and family members. I’m an empathetic person to begin with. Still, with each detail the group revealed I gained a greater understanding, like: oh, I’d heard about this. But that? That really sucks!

In this safe space the group felt so comfortable so quickly, so happy to be with others who could relate. Everyone wanted to share. And everyone found a common connection - even me. Because as soon as the diners sat down together, we formed a group of people who cared enough to listen to what those around us had to say and who wanted to understand what each other’s experiences have been. With or without food allergies, I was a part of this group.

What did I takeaway from this first WFD event? I’m more acutely aware of the issues someone with food allergies faces at every meal away from home. I feel more confident to help my sister talk to a chef, to ask the questions that are important to her. I can do more talking too, to help ease the communication issues that might arise. And I know I can continue to support my friends, those who I’ve eaten with on a regular basis for years, and the new ones I made as part of the Worry-Free Dinners community at our first Worry-Free Dinners event.

Allergic to Wine

So last week a WFD participant, who has a dairy allergy, asked about casein in wine. I knew that egg was often used in the wine making process, but didn’t know where exactly and now I find out that dairy is in wine too?

The next morning, I got on the case and emailed a colleague, noted wine expert Tyler Coleman, otherwise known as Dr.Vino.

Tyler had this to say about eggs, casein and wine: “Yes, egg whites are a common fining agent and yes, casein is sometimes used. But there are no labeling standards to indicate which ones (but the Feds are talking about new labeling for wine). Until then, check for wines that are bottled ‘unfined and unfiltered’--they often taste better anyway.”

Unfined? What’s that?

I turned to another colleague and expert, wine consultant Remy Ash to help me sort out these terms. Remy pulled some facts about the fining and filtration process from the Oxford Companion to Wine, 3rd Edition by Jancis Robsinson.

“The biggest reason for fining and filtering wines is to remove molecules of colloidal size, such things as polymerized tannins, pigmented tannins, other phenolics and heat unstable proteins. Filtration acts only on particles compared to fining which works on particles and soluble substances. The whole idea of fining and filtering is achieving a state of clarity for the wine in a quick more economical fashion. Most wines are left for the proper amount of time (usually months) in the proper conditions would achieve the same effect of fining."

"The different types of fining agents are classified in two general classes. Inorganic chemicals…like bentonite, silica, activated carbon (coal) and sometimes potassium ferrocyanide. Or organic Compounds…[like] casein from milk, albumin from egg whites, isinglass [fish bladder] and gelatin.”

(FYI: Here’s an interesting article breaking down the fining process from a vegetarian standpoint.)

Kosher wine, according to Marty Siegmeister, NY/NJ/Metro brand manager for Allied Importers [second largest wine importer in the US], typically does not use casein in the process of fining or filtering their wine. Marty says: “The material used is one of the important things determining if the wines are kosher or not. No animal products are used or dairy products like casein. However, sometimes egg is used since it is parve Usually they use some type of clay, similar to what is used in some swimming pool filters..”

The question in all of this for an allergic diner is: do any of the organic fining agents have an impact of the end products allergenicity? Here’s an interesting article about wine allergies debunking the whole sulfite issue and here is an article pointing to sulfites as the culprit and a third article from Beekman Wines in New jersey that breaks down the possible causes of wine allergies. A bit more digging discovered this interesting site and article from the Allergen Bureau about the potential allergenicity from egg, casein and fish parts.


-The Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Agency has recently released opinions on the likelihood of individuals suffering allergic reactions in relation to a number of processed foods.

--The Panel considered it “unlikely” that cereals, nuts or whey used in distilled spirits would lead to severe allergic responses. A similar conclusion was reached for vegetable oils-derived phytosterols and phytosterol esters from soybean and for natural tochopherols from soybean.

-It was considered “not very likely” that wheat based maltodextrins or wheat of barley starch based glucose syrups would cause severe allergic responses. None of these products were determined to be of concern to celiacs, provided the concentration of gluten considered by Codex Alimentarius for foods rendered gluten-free is not exceeded. It was also considered “not very likely” that isinglass would trigger an allergic response when used as a clarifying agent in beer.

Now to our WFD diner’s question about dairy in the wine making process. “The Allergen Bureau panel considered that milk and milk products used in winemaking may trigger allergic responses.”

Aha!

As with all things, consult with your GP or allergist about your allergies and food sensitivities but I hope this article will help you to start understand your possible allergic or non-allergic relationship to wine.

As for some Kosher brands to try, according to Marty:
Tabor Wines uses eggs to fine but not dairy.
Yarden has an organic line.

Fellowship

Tuesday night, Worry-Free Dinners™ officially kicked off with our first event: a gluten-free and allergen-friendly meal at Lilli and Loo.

What a kick-off!

As I sat with my fellow Worry-Free Diners before tucking into our delicious gluten-free dinners, I was quietly struck by how easily the conversation flowed, how effortlessly bonding happened between strangers, and how smoothly the ordering was with each person's personalized gluten-free menu and pre-fixe dishes.

It’s an experience I’ve had but rarely and it’s one that now I know can be replicated again and again. And I’m thrilled!

It was a true fellowship of the tummy; and of the previously itchy skin; and of the nebulous aching joints. It wasn’t a bitch fest or a poor me pity party. It was an “Aha, so you’ve had that too?” And an “Aha, I totally understand you”. (I’m getting ferklempt just thinking about it.)

We giggled and guffawed. We hmmed and oohed and ate. We traded war stories and horror stories. We talked trips and tricks and strategies. And we totally dined Worry-Free.

Here are some app and entrée shots taken by my lovely assistant Ami.

Fresh Saigon roll:


Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap:


Crispy Borneo Orange Chicken (corn-free, dusted in arrowroot):


Shrimp with Fresh Mango:


Pomegranate Teriyaki Grilled Chicken (sauce on the side for this Allergic Girl):


**

No reported problems: all smiles, good times and happy, reaction-free particpants! Thank you everyone for being the first to join together and to eat well and worry-free!

**

Next time join us! Email us at worryfreedinners@gmail.com for an application and join our happy crew!

First Worry-Free Dinners™ Event TONIGHT!

We are looking forward to meeting all of you this evening for our first Worry-Free Dinners event at LILLI and LOO for a GLUTEN-FREE meal!

WHERE: LILLI and LOO
792 Lexington Avenue (Between 61st/62nd streets)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-421-7800

WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST, 2008 6:30PM-8:30PM

See you there!

"When Anxiety Is At the Table"

When you have food allergies you can seem a bit obsessive compulsive to the uninitiated. I know I’m a little compulsive sometimes about making sure my food is allergen-free, because I have to be. If you hear me repeat after each course, "there are no nuts in that" it can sound a bit over the top.

As anyone with food allergies knows, even the most compulsive grilling of the chef or server doesn’t mean that there won’t be mistakes. Which of course feeds into the next experience with the next restaurant and the next compulsive questioning of the restaurant staff.

So I was particularly struck reading this article in the New York Times about obsessive-compulsive disorder and dining out. It seemed to me that someone with OCD faces very similar challenges dining out as someone with food allergies does.

“Sometimes the trouble is the element of public theater in the dining room, meaning we have to indulge in our often-embarrassing rituals under the eyes of so many strangers ...”

Have you ever felt this way when you are going through your food needs in front of a new friend, a work colleague or gasp! a new date? Going to a restaurant for someone with food allergies or intolerances or any special dietary need is a very public declaration of one’s needs. Some people feel embarrassed about asking the kitchen for so many “special favors” or “substitutions”. And then add to that the whole table’s conversation seems to stop when you’re going through your list.

The article continues. “Sometimes the trouble … might be worrying about the safety of the food and the people who serve it.”

Now someone with OCD and no food allergies would have a different take on this sentence but still, food safety is a food allergic diner’s number one concern. I can do without restaurant theater, hot model-type waitstaff, or gorgeously plated masterpieces. I really want Allergic Girl safe food. As Suzzy Roche said in “Crossing Delancy”: “…just give me scrupulously clean.”

The article continues: “To many of us with obsessive-compulsive disorder… We walk into a calm and civilized dining room and see things we won’t be able to control. This feeds directly into one of the unifying themes of the disorder: an often crushing inability to handle the unknown.”

Who with food allergies or food intolerances hasn’t felt that way?

What do you think?

The Worry-Free Dinners™ Concept

What’s the story behind the Worry-Free Dinners concept?

I know you want to know.

I’m going to be very honest with you.

I have “food rave” envy.

I do.

I’ve written about it at least once on my Allergic Girl blog. However it wouldn’t take too close a reading of my other posts and oft-written audible sighs to feel my foodie rave pain.

I hear about events like 4Foodies, the Greens events at the Beard House, the Ghetto Gourmet, even the Supper Club (although snooty and uber-trendy is not my style per se) and the adventurer in me wants to go, go go!

I want that prix fixe dinner, where delicious course after sumptuous course shows up, prepared beautifully and with care. I suppose I could go. I could pay $100 or $150 for a dinner, call the management ahead of time, tell them everything that I can’t eat, show up and have the burger (see the Waldorf, which again was incredibly careful and gracious with my meal. Thank you again, Waldorf). But really, a bun-less burger, a pat on the back and a shrug by management is not really what I want.

The reality is: I have food allergies. Supper clubs, foodie groups, secret food party groups are just not for me.

So that's one thought I’d been having.

Then there was another thought.

I receive so many kind and supportive emails from people about my blog (thank you all again, by the way!) asking: “How do you do it?” or “Are you always so upbeat?” or “What’s your secret?” or, very often, “Where can I go to eat like you do?”

I’m a naturally community-minded person. I love sharing resources, making connections between people and groups and resources. I’m a people person, which is why I went into psychotherapeutic social work. It was also the inspiration for my original blog, to share resources with others like me who wanted to eat out and eat safely.

It was at an allergen-free brunch at Five Points in November with a family friend who said, “Why not combine the three? Your relationships with restaurants, your ability to eat allergen-free AND your ability to impart that knowledge to inspire others and to connect people and resources. It’s a natural match!"

Thus, “Worry-Free Dinners” was born. At a brunch of all things.

I haven’t seen anything like this out there. It's an idea we cooked up and now we are going live.

From the initial positive responses and the flurry of requests for applications it seems there are a lot of you like me who want to dine out with fewer worries and be with people without the “eye-roll”. I’m so excited to create that safe space where we can share a meal, have fun and also talk about our food concerns, discuss our fears about handling these very serious food-related issues and explore some real solutions about how to move forward living happy, healthy, well-adjusted lives.

That is the Worry-Free Dinners story in a nut-shell. Pardon my obvious pun.

I’m looking forward to this journey together!

Happy eating!

Lilli and Loo, Worry-Free Dinner™

You are cordially invited to become a member of the Worry-Free Dinners™ club and join us at LILLI and LOO for a GLUTEN-FREE meal! Other food allergies and sensitivities may be accommodated. VEGETARIAN option available.

*Please email worryfreedinners@gmail.com for an application. If you're already a member and want to join us for this event, please pre-pay to RSVP.*

WHERE: LILLI and LOO
792 Lexington Avenue (Between 61st/62nd streets)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-421-7800

WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST, 2008 6:30PM-8:30PM

WHO: This meal is gluten-free. So dinners with a GLUTEN/WHEAT intolerance/issue will be accommodated. (Food allergies or other concerns can possibly be accommodated with prior notice).

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
• Coaching around issues of food allergies/food intolerances by Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller, MFA, MSW, LMSW

• Group discussion tailored to your concerns

• Networking with people who understand your issues

• Chat time with Vanessa Tayler-Phillips, consultant to Lilli and Loo on their gluten-free menu and owner of Food Matters, Ltd

• A delicious worry-free dinner at a great NYC restaurant

• A goodie-bag filled with fantastic allergen-free treats

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY FEE: $50, includes tax and tip but not beverages. Fee payable through Google Checkout on Worry-Free Dinner website.

THE DINNER MENU (Beverages will be on a pay per drink basis):

Choose 1 appetizer:
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap
Fresh Saigon Roll
Edamame
Garden Salad
Spicy Beef Salad

Choose 1 entree:
Crispy Borneo Orange Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken or Shrimp
Chicken or Shrimp with Fresh Mango
Pomegranate Teriyaki Grilled Chicken
Balsamic Teriyaki Grilled Salmon
Steamed Garden Vegetable with Chicken or Shrimp (served with sauce on the side)

Choose 1 side:
Singapore Noodles
Vegetable Fried Rice
Steamed White Rice
Steamed Brown Rice

*This menu and the information on it is provided by Lilliandloo in cooperation with Gluten Intolerance Group®. Lilliandloo and GIG® assume no responsibility for its use and information which has not been verified by Lilliandloo. Patrons are encouraged to consider this information in light of their individual requirements and needs to their own satisfaction.*

Please email worryfreedinners@gmail.com for an application. If you're already a member and want to join us for this event, please pre-pay to RSVP.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Happy eating!

WORRY-FREE DINNERS™

Worry-Free Dinners™ is a new concept and membership organization: the goal is to provide fun and "worry-free" dining experiences for those who have manageable food allergies and food intolerances. The Worry-Free Dinners community is based around social and educational dining events that are held at restaurants in and around New York City. By contracting with understanding, sympathetic and welcoming restaurants to host these dinners, we strive to create a friendly place to eat safely, connect with like-minded diners and learn how to replicate the experience.

Members will have an opportunity to:

• Receive coaching and practice how to talk with restaurant owners, managers and chefs.

• Network, connect, and build relationships with others who have food allergies/intolerances.

• Experience a new restaurant with a prix fixe meal that will be worry-free.

It’s easy to join. Membership is free and there’s no obligation. Just email worryfreedinners@gmail.com to receive an application. All information is kept strictly confidential. (If you are applying for a person under 18 years of age, please let us know.)

Email worryfreedinners@gmail.com with any additional questions or concerns.

We hope to see you soon!

© 2008 Allergic Girl Resources, Inc. Worry-Free Dinner and Allergic Girl are trademarks of Allergic Girl Resources, Inc. All rights reserved.