What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an immune reaction to gluten. This reaction damages the small intestine’s lining which is in charge of absorbing nutrients for the body. Over time this leads to malabsorption and can lead to other serious complications.
For a little summary on what celiac disease is, I interviewed Michella Pasia, Registered Dietician and Coordinator of the Kogan Celiac Center. Pasia stated, “Celiac disease is autoimmune, so when someone ingests gluten it causes an immune response and the villi on the small intestine can become damaged. Some people have strong physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue and others may not have any physical symptoms”.
Due to the fact that there is no known cure, the best way to remedy this disease is by sticking to a gluten free diet for life. This diet includes lack of cross contact with any gluten contained foods/substances. Therefore, a person with Celiac must take proper precautions, especially when eating out with a shared kitchen. Luckily there are many great options in town for those with celiac disease that are both safe and delicious!
Tony D’s Pizza
Tony D’s is my personal favorite place to get pizza. They make a great gluten free pizza that tastes close to the real thing (although nothing will ever really compare to the real thing)
The Cloverleaf
Cloverleaf offers some of the best gluten free food. Their servers are very informed if you explain to them that you have celiac disease. The servers will gladly go over the menu and let you know what you can have.
They provide gluten free bread for buns so you can still enjoy your burger. The best part about Cloverleaf is that their fries are made in a separate fryer so the customer is less likely to experience cross contact, making the fries safe for Celiacs to eat! (My personal favorite are their sweet potato french fries.)
Forte
Are you in need of authentic Italian food? Forte is the place for you. They can make their sauces gluten free as well as offer gluten free pasta. The servers are very informed and comforting. They make sure the proper precautions are taken to ensure that your food is made safe with no cross contamination.
They can make basically any of their dishes gluten free. Just explain to them that you need the gluten free option and why. The waiters will ensure that you feel safe when ordering. Any of their chicken dishes or pasta dishes can be made gluten free and they also offer gluten free pizza. You’ll know it’s gluten free for sure because of the consistency of any sauces. They may be a little soupier missing the gluten but it still tastes just as amazing! I always feel comfortable eating at Forte.
West Essex Diner
The West Essex Diner offers gluten free bread for sandwiches and gluten free wraps. The servers are very friendly and accommodating for celiac disease. The only thing here is that their home fries and french fries are not gluten free as they are made in a shared fryer with other gluten containing foods. Therefore their fries aren’t safe for Celiacs.
Otherwise, the West Essex Diner is a great place for Celiacs to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner as it is convenient and serves delicious food. As most places there is an increase in price for gluten free bread.
Bonus: Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen
No distance is too far for a good gluten free sandwich. Located in Chatham, Pascarella Brothers offers both gluten and gluten free sandwiches. With a dedicated preparation area for gluten free sandwiches, there is no need to worry about cross contamination. Pascarella Brothers has a completely separate area for gluten free foods.
Anything on their menu can be made gluten free and they offer gluten free wraps, bread, and bagels for sandwiches. Not only this, but their staff is trained in making gluten free foods ensuring that their customers have nothing to worry about. They even have separate appliances and refrigeration for gluten free foods.
Some of their breakfast options include their famous Taylor, Ham, Egg and Cheese, as well as a multitude of sandwiches for lunch like chicken parm, meatball parm, their famous sloppy joes, and a number of paninis including their Pesto Presto (my personal favorite). As a celiac I feel very comfortable eating here.
