Saturday, September 3, 2011

Gluten Free Italy

This is the world's most divine Bolognese, found at Ristorante La Costa, tucked into the tippy-top of Sannicandro di Garganica, the hill town in Puglia my grandfather left in 1913 to pursue a better life in America. This Bolognese dish is entirely Gluten Free.

In Italy, the people are well aware of Celiac. "Sono celiaca" means literally "I am celiac," and "sensa glutine" means "gluten free." Most places had multiple gluten free alternatives, and if they didn't, they knew which menu items were safe for me to eat. The grocery stores and markets have gigantic Gluten Free sections. I needed an extra suitcase for all the GF pasta and baked goods I brought home.

My only regret is that I didn't have my camera on me more often so I could more closely document the gluten free goodness. OK, I do have one more regret...that we never ran into the cast of Jersey Shore while we were all in Firenze at the same time.

Homemade Mozzarella Knots

Salmon Crudo

Gluten Free Linguine with Mussels and Clams in a White Wine Sauce

One of 47 Caprese Salads eaten in a 12 day window

Bistecca Fiorentina

I ordered The Gluten-Free Guide to Italy to begin my research before I left. The book was extremely helpful, and I highly recommend it. Just know that you are going to Italy, which means that on any given day, the restaurant you want to visit could be closed for no good reason. The Italians don't need a reason.

A few places to eat when you go to Italy (make sure you let them know you are gluten free, and they will let you know what they have available that day for you to eat):


I wish I could get back there immediately.
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