What's Going on in Sacramento?

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Aug 7th: Save the Date!

Meet the Author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook
SAVE THE DATE! The Sacramento area chapter of the Celiac Sprue Association, in conjunction with the Davis subchapter, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, welcomes Elana Amsterdam, to the combined support group meeting August 7th, held at the Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 317 East 8th Street, Davis, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Elana Amsterdam is the author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook and a popular blog, Elanaspantry.com. Elana switched career paths from an environmental consultant with her own firm, to a gluten-free chef when her son was diagnosed with celiac disease. With a three-year study of ayurvedic cooking, Elana utilized her knowledge to make gluten-free food that tasted like regular food. Elana’s cooking might not be complex, but actually taste good and is good for you. This passion led her from blog to book, with the publication of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook.

Come prepared. Pick up one or more copies of Elana’s cookbook to be autographed during the meeting at Gluten Free Specialty (2612 J Street, Sacramento, CA 916-442-5241). Phone orders are welcome. If you can’t make it to the store, you may preorder and prepay over the phone and have the book delivered to you at the meeting. Elana’s flour of choice, pure almond flour from blanched almonds (not almond meal), is also available. With both in hand, be inspired and head home to start cooking.

Experienced celiacs are welcome to bring snacks to share at the meeting. And if you’re able to pick up the cookbook ahead of time, why not try your hand with one of her recipes, and bring some tasty treats to share. Please bring a copy of your recipe for those with multiple allergies.

Gluten Free Dining July 10

Looking to have a nice gluten free meal out? Here are 2 options for you on Saturday July 10:
  • Gluten-Free Italian Lunch at Pasta Bella. Author Jacqueline Mallorca will discuss her new book Gluten-Free Italian: Over 150 Irresistible Recipes without Wheat — from Crostini to Tiramisu and sign copies. The meal is $15 per person, including salads, entrees and dessert (tip and drinks are extra). This event is hosted by North Bay Celiacs.
  • Dining Excursion: BJ"S Brewhouse, organized by the Sacramento Celiac Sprue Association. Once a month, on the second Saturday, the CSA sponsors a dining meeting in the Sacramento area. RSVP is greatly encouraged and very much appreciated. More details can be found on the CSA Sacramento blog.

Cookie Sampling July 3rd!

In honor of the holiday weekend Gluten Free Specialty is having a cookie sampling on July 3rd. They will be offering 1 free cookie per customer to the first 300 guests! What kind of cookies will you be tasting, you ask? The generous people at Pure Pantry in Escondido, CA have donated both dairy (contain eggs and butter) and non dairy (Spectrum Shortening and egg substitute) chocolate chip cookies for everyone to try. All of the companies products are gluten, dairy, casein, soy, nut and refined sugar free.

In addition the receive fresh bread delivery comes in Saturday morning around 11 am. Pick up a baguette, grab a container of fresh chicken or tuna salad from Confluence Kitchen in the fridge and have a delicious lunch downtown. Their pasta and green salads are delicious too!

Gluten Free Specialty will be open regular business hours on July 3 from 10-6pm, and is located at 2612 Street Suite 1, Sacramento, Ca 95816. Street parking- don't forget to pay the meter- if you're not familiar with the area you'll need to locate a green kiosk. The store will also be open limited hours on the 4th of July- 12pm-4pm- just in case you forgot something for your barbecue.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

June 16th: Gluten Free Update

Local Events:
  • Sacramento Pride: The Sacramento Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 19, from 10 am to 5 pm. From the Capitol dome and gardens to the Tower Bridge, Capitol Mall will be bursting with Pride! Meet up downtown from the Sacramento Pride Parade steps 10 am sharp, then head over to the Capitol Mall for live entertainment, exhibitors and food.
  • The Midtown Bazaar: June 19 7am-1pm. Grab your friends and visit local vendors, artists, service providers, musicians, and eateries at the Midtown Bazaar. It’s open to the public and runs each Saturday throughout the year, rain or shine.
  • Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod This exhibit, sponsored by So-Cal Speed Shop in Sacramento, explores the emergence of American hot rod culture during and after WWII. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for students, free for Auto Museum members and children under 5. Being held at the California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front St., Sacramento, CA 95818
  • Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour: June 26 10-4pm $20/person. This is an opportunity to discover what it’s like to live, work and play in more than 15 quintessentially Californian residential and commercial structures built between 1945 and 1970. More details here.
Gluten Free Events:
  • 6pm June 17th A new gluten free friendly website, GlutenFreeGluttons is launching and having a meeting at Pica Pica Maize Kitchen, 401 Valencia Street in San Francisco
  • In this age of technology, exercise or relax after a long day and listen to some gluten free podcasts: GFree TV (video product reviews) and Gluten Free Fitness (audio tips about staying healthy and fit on a gluten free diet. Plus educational, interactive conferences on the internet. Listen to Shelly Case, RD a leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease, on June 22nd and Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, Instructor in Medicine, HMS, and Division of Gastroenterology at BIDMC, on July 13th at 8:30pm EST. The webinar is free and requires a sign up to participate. More information can be found here. 
Gluten Free Classes- please call, email, or mention in person your interest for specific classes at least 24 hours in advance, or classes will be canceled as a courtesy to our teacher's and their time.
The following classes are held at:
Gluten Free Specialty Market
2612 J Street
Sacramento, CA  95816
916-442-5241
  • June 17th- Eat to Thrive, Not to Survive has been canceled.
  • June 24th - Eat to Thrive, Not to Survive with dietitian Meghan O'hara 5:30p to 6p meet and greet, 6 to 7p class time $10. This class is suitable for gluten-free beginners and experts alike, but it will not focus on the basics of gluten-free. If you missed our gluten free for beginners class, please email us to let us know that you would like to see this class available again and we will add you to the next class waiting list. Send your email to info@glutenfreespecialty.com with subject line: gf beginners class.
  • June 23rd - Setting up a Gluten Free Pantry with Joanne Mitchell - A great class for beginners, family members and friends of individuals on a strict gluten-free diet. Class time 6:15pm. Cost $10.
  • July 1st - Vegetarian Living: Becoming Vegetarian / Treating Yourself to Good Food - with cooking expert, Mary Mieth. Mary has been cooking and teaching cooking classes both locally and internationally for many years. If you are a vegetarian, or just interested in new recipes and ideas, this is a class you shouldn't miss. Check out more information about Mary on her website. Class time 6:15pm. Cost $15
  • July 14th - Cooking Gluten Free Grains with Joanne Mitchell - More information to be announced soon. Class time 6:15pm. Cost $10
  • July 15th - Gluten Free for Beginners with Dietican Meghan O'Hara- This class has been requested by many individuals. Don't miss out on this NEW monthly class. 5:30p to 6p meet and greet, 6 to 7p class time $10.
  • July 21st - Cooking Gluten Free Crepes with Joanne Mitchell - More information to be announced soon. Class time 6:15pm. Cost $10
  • July 22nd - Living Vegan and Loving It: Living Happily without Wheat or Dairy - with cooking expert, Mary Mieth. Mary has been cooking and teaching cooking classes both locally and internationally for many years. If you are a vegetarian, or just interested in new recipes and ideas, this is a class you shouldn't miss. Check out more information about Mary on her website. Class time 6:15pm. Cost $15
  • July 28th- Skin Care & Health with Gina Cornacchioli, owner of Alternative Skin Care & Day Spa. Class time 7:00pm. Cost $10.