The gluten-free community is ever-expanding in Washington, and the following bloggers are just some of the many resources out there doing their part to raise awareness on Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance. Offering gluten-free recipes that are actually tasty to the best restaurants to head to for a healthy meal, these ladies are the go-to experts for everything you want to know about living the gluten-free life.
Do you have another favorite gluten-free blogger in Washington who isn’t on our list? Let us know in the comments.
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Jules Shepard
Jules Gluten Free
Why you should read her blog: Jules is one of the top experts on gluten-free living in the Washington area; Time magazine, ABC, and other major media outlets line up for her advice. The Celiac patient got her start five years ago by sending out a newsletter that featured new gluten-free recipes and products; now she has her own blog, website, and line of gluten-free flour, and has penned three books.
Favorite gluten-free pasta brand: Le Veneziane. “It’s directly imported from Italy and sometimes hard to find, but everyone who has tried it says this is the best.”
Favorite gluten-free dessert: Her indulgent chocolate beer cake, which uses one cup of Green’s Endeavour dubbel dark ale. “You would never think it’s gluten-free,” she says.
Favorite restaurants with gluten-free options: Rosa Mexicana. “I tend to go for ethnic food. It’s easier to eat out in ethnic restaurants than those with American fare.”
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Diane Eblin
The Whole Gang
Why you should read her blog: This professional recipe developer and health coach creates gluten-free meals so delicious she even managed to convert her dog to a gluten-free diet. She started the blog after her family became such fans of her dishes that she needed a way to keep an archive of all of her recipes.
Favorite gluten-free product: Breads from Anna. “I really like her products. It’s a dedicated facility, and I’ve never gotten sick from it,” says the gluten-intolerant cook.
Her take on the local gluten-free community: “It’s grown from not knowing who to connect with or where to go to get something gluten-free to tons of resources and local gluten-free groups.”
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Valerie
City Life Eats
Why you should read her blog: This attorney by day and foodie by night started out as a lifestyle and food blogger before she realized she could no longer eat gluten, dairy, or eggs. Now her blog focuses on gluten-free foods and issues, including helpful tips for accommodating her dietary restrictions during client lunches, business trips, and team meetings.
Favorite gluten-free dessert: Black mission fig coconut ice cream
Favorite gluten-free restaurant: “It’s a tie between Oyamel and Zaytinya. Both have gluten-free menus, as well as additional menus identifying other allergens. The food at both restaurants is excellent.”
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Heather Aitken-Cade
Celiac Family
Why you should read her blog: Heather’s son was diagnosed with celiac disease when he was about 18 months old. Her entire family is now gluten-free and has been for the past seven years. Celiac Family is a great resource for parents who are new to the gluten-free lifestyle and are searching for some kid-friendly recipes and tips.
Her favorite gluten-free recipe: “My fruit pizza dessert is always a crowd pleaser.”
Her favorite gluten-free brands: Pamela’s baking and pancake mix for pancakes, waffles, and muffins; Bob’s Red Mill pizza crust mix; and King Arthur chocolate cake mix, to name a few.
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Vanessa Maltin Weisbrod
Celiac Princess
Why you should read her blog: The executive editor of Delight Gluten Free Magazine and author two gluten-free cookbooks is also on the advisory board for the Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Medical Center—so you can trust she knows what she’s talking about. She began her blog as a way to help herself deal with her major lifestyle change, and to share her experiences.
Favorite gluten-free restaurants: Oyamel and Firefly. “Chef José Andrés and his team have done an incredible job creating gluten-free menus. Danny Bortnick is one of the most amazing chefs you’ll ever meet and truly cares about every customer that comes into his restaurant.”
Favorite gluten-free beer: Dogfish Tweason’ale and Bard’s Tale.
Favorite gluten-free dessert: White chocolate butterscotch bars.
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Cheryl Harris
Gluten Free Goodness
Why you should read her blog: Cheryl tells her readers how to avoid gluten while maintaining a healthy diet—it helps that she’s a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Her Harris Whole Health newsletter offers the latest information about gluten-free and celiac resources.
Favorite gluten-free restaurant: Lilit Cafe. “I can go there and not have to think twice about cross-contamination, and they have rockin’ hummus.”
Favorite gluten-free dessert: “Oh, my.” Bittersweet chocolate chestnut fudge.
