November 2012 Meeting Summary

Tammy showing off her fabulous chocolate mini-cupcakes!

The November meeting of PACGFS was held on 11/20/12 from 12:30 to 2PM at Prescott Public Library Founder's Room B.

Part of this month's meeting focus was on Tammy K's gluten free baking business: That's It! Gluten Free Baking. Tammy shared information with the group about her business and provided wonderful samples of several mini-cupcakes.

Diane signing new member Pam's cookbook.

Diane J. presented information to the group about (holiday) baking, gluten free, with a focus on yeast breads. She discussed gluten free flour blends, various GF flours, and special tips for successful gluten free baking with yeast breads. She brought samples to share of a savory herb bread, multi-grain bread, and a cinnamon roll. Diane also signed some of her new cookbooks for group members.

Toni sharing her healthy blondie brownies.

Several people mentioned some positive experiences that they had had recently with restaurants that were offering gluten free dining options. These included Nick and Willie's Pizza, Wildflower Bread Company, Prescott Station, and Gurley Street Grill. Also,the El Gato Azul owner, Barry, had just notified the group that the restaurant is now carrying gluten free bread and tortillas as well. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?!

We are looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting on December 18th; same time, same place.

Contact us @

DJ

Holiday Baking...Gluten Free!

Holiday Baking...Gluten Free! will be presented by Diane J, and is the topic of November's meeting at Prescott Public Library at 12:30PM on Tuesday, November 20th. Diane J will present information on gluten free baking as well as some wonderful samples of her GF artisan breads! Also, those of you who would like Diane's latest cookbook: "The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free" autographed, please bring your books to the meeting. She will have new inventory of her book on hand at the special PACGFS member pricing.

Also, we are pleased to announce a new gluten free baking business in our midst! Tammy K, who is an experienced restaurant owner and baker, has started That's It! Gluten Free Bakery here in the Quad Cities area. Tammy will be sharing information about her business at the November meeting, also, and will have samples on hand of her wonderful brownies, cakes, and muffins.You may contact Tammy at her email address to find out more information and to place orders for the holidays.

Don't miss this one, folks!

DJ

Gluten Free Seminar Coming to Natural Grocers

Taking Gluten Free to the Next Level – for the Holidays

Presented by Gail Ramsey, Bsc.

Whether necessity or choice led you to eat gluten free, this eating style is spreading rapidly and many are experiencing the health benefits of less bloating, less brain fog and better sleep because of it. 

What if you could take gluten free eating to the next level? Eating grain free may bring you the health benefits you’re seeking.

 Learn how:

• To improve your health with a grain-free diet
• Easy it is to plan grain-free meals
• To incorporate grain-free comfort food recipes into your holiday meals

Saturday, November 3^rd at 11:00am – 12:00pm
Seminar is FREE!

@ Prescott  Natural Grocers
At the corner of Willow Creek Road & Gail Gardner

See details here: http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-locations/prescott/AZ/events

October 2012 Meeting Summary

The October meeting of Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support was held at the Founder's Room "B" of the Prescott Public Library on October 16th at 12:30 PM.

The meeting was attended by nearly 20, including four new comers. (Welcome everyone!) The guest presenters for October's meeting were Julia and Mike Lersch, from Julia's Gluten Free Bakery in Paradise Valley, AZ. Cupcakes and wonderful cinnamon rolls were enjoyed by most of the group and the Lersch's shared information about their company and about where their products are available in the area. Since all the area Fry's stores, with the exception of the store on Willow Creek Rd, are carrying their products, it was suggested that perhaps the group should petition the store's bakery manager to persuade them to carry Julia's Bakery items. The group enjoyed extra time to visit and network during the sampling of Julia's products.

A comprehensive Gluten Free References list was created and shared by Linda C. Each member also participated in a short questionnaire about what they would like to see taking place with the group in regard to future meeting topics, and so forth.

Diane J announced the completion of her second cookbook (The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free) and made a few books available for the group to look over or purchase at a special reduced rate.

Next meeting is November 20th at 12:30 PM at the Prescott Public Library Founder's Room "B". Since the meeting is just a few days before Thanksgiving, Diane J will present information on "Gluten Free Hints for the Holidays" and will bring samples of GF baked goods, such as her walnut herb bread and cranberry-orange scones... and maybe some surprises!.

Hope to see you then!

DJ

Local GLUTEN FREE EVENT October 13th!

MOUNT HOPE FOODS 5TH ANNUAL GLUTEN FREE EVENT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13TH  10:00 - 2:00pm

Gluten Free Cookbook Signing: Local author, Diane B. Jacobs of Prescott will be on site to personally sign her two gluten free cookbooks, "Delicious! The Very Best of Gluten Free and Wheat Free Cooking" and her newest book: "The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free"! Take advantage of special pricing on her books for the event.

Also speaking at the event:
10:30: Karen Masterson Koch - Clinical Nutritionist and author of
"Beyond Gluten Intolerance"
11:45: Dr. Decker Weiss, ND - Naturopath and Cardiologist at Arizona Heart Hospital
1:00: Dr. Shaida Sina, NMD

• COME AND SAMPLE NEW GLUTEN FREE FOODS; VENDORS REPRESENTED FROM ALL OVER THE SW!
• COLLECT SAMPLES TO TAKE HOME
• WIN RAFFLE PRIZES
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREAT SALES ON GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS AND COOKBOOKS

Mt. Hope Natural Foods Market
853 S. Main Street
Cottonwood, AZ.
CALL 928.634.8251 for more info.

September 2012 Meeting Summary

Renee speaking to the group about exchanging contact information

 September meeting was held on 9/18/12 at 12:30PM at the Prescott Public Library Founders room "B" on the lower level. 

Renee R. handed out a few of the PACGFS calling cards, and new and current members of the group briefly shared something about themselves and about their gluten free journey.

Group members are being encouraged to use the blog to gain updates about the group and to also feel free to leave comments in the comment sections of the blog. 

New information was given about upcoming presenters who are scheduled throughout the remainder of the year. 

October: Julia's Bakery representatives from the  Phoenix area.
November: Gluten free baking hints with Diane J., who has written two GF cookbooks: The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free and Delicious! The Very Best of Gluten Free and Wheat Free Cooking.
December: Shea with GMO Free Prescott will speak to the group about genetically modified foods, such as corn, wheat, soy, and sugar beets. Also at the December meeting, different product samples that have been sent to the group from Canyon Bakehouse in Littleton, Colorado will be shared with the group.

A restaurant review panel that consisted of Roberta W., Linda C. and Diane J. shared with the group about their respective experiences at our local Prescott Station, El Gato Azul, and Red Robin restaurants. Many in the group found the information very helpful in navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of dining gluten free at restaurants. Most of the feedback was positive and the group agreed that GF dining in restaurants has improved significantly over recent years. A portion of the feedback from the reviewers will be communicated with the restaurants as a useful tool in educating and hopefully improving their gluten free offerings.

The next meeting of PACGFS is scheduled for tuesday, October 16th at 12:30PM at Prescott Public Library's Founders Room "B".

Congressman Paul Gosar to be future speaker for PACGF Support!

Very few people know that Az Congressman (R) Paul Gosar has celiac disease and that several members of his family are celiac as well.

PACGFS is privileged to announce that Mr. Gosar will be speaking to our local group later this year or in early 2013.Thank you, Larry Richey, for contacting Mr. Gosar about speaking at a future meeting.

Stay tuned!

Paul Gosar

RR DJ

Prescott Adult Center Living Gluten Free Class

Our group member, Mary Beth Lakner, has informed us that there will be a FREE seminar called "Living Gluten Free" from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, September 21 at Prescott Adult Center on Rosser. It is conducted by Kris Vaughan, Certified Health Coach & Certified Herbalist.

The synopsis is as follows: "In this educational workshop, we will discuss the reasons for needing or choosing to live gluten free; the difference between Celiac disease and gluten intolerance; as well as food and lifestyle recommendations to live gluten free and LOVE it!"

DJ

August 2012 Meeting Summary

The Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support group held its August meeting/luncheon yesterday at Prescott Public Library's Founder's room, "B". The meeting was well-attended, with approximately 20 in attendance. Welcome to our newcomers!

While the group grazed on an assortment of snack foods and special gluten free (and sometimes yeast free, casein and dairy free) options, several topics were discussed. The group was informed about the new blog site, so that folks can begin checking the blog for updates and current info about the group. A calling card has been created with the group's logo that can be handed out to others in the community who may be interested in coming to the group. There will be more printed cards available at the next meeting, or they can be printed out for each group member's own use.

Information was shared with those in attendance about several gluten free products that are now available in our community. Costco is currently carrying "Go Picnic", a fabulous gluten free option for an on-the-go snack or for travel. The new Natural Grocers store was mentioned in regard to several new GF options that are now available there, such as Canyon Bakehouse breads, which many were in agreement as being the best GF bread currently available in the market place. Natural Grocers has extended an invitation to the group for a tour of its store and its gluten free offerings.

There was discussion about a recent AP Prescott Courier article (August 12th) in the Sunday Vitality section about the increasing prevalence of those who are desiring to eat gluten free. The article also mentioned information about GMO (genetically modified organisms) in wheat.

There was an in depth discussion about celiac DNA testing and an informative sharing of up-to-date information about this topic by Linda Cook.

Next meeting is 9/18 at 12:30 PM with topic to be announced. 

Suggestions for topics: 

1. GF diet supplementation

2. Reviews of favorite restaurants with GF offerings

3. GF food storage tips 

4. Info on adding fiber to your diet

5. Traveling tips for GF diets

6. Bringing in a local gastroenterologist physician to speak to the group

Please let us know your thoughts on these topics. 

You can leave comments at this blog site. 

Thanks so much!

DJ and RR

Prescott Natural Grocers Store Pre-Grand Opening Event

Please join our Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group at the new Natural Grocer's pre-grand opening on August 13th, from 4-7PM.

The store is located at 1470 Gail Gardner Way in NW Prescott. The first 300 people in attendance will receive a gift from the store, and those who have their invitations with them will be able to be part of a drawing for a valuable prize!

Just print out the info in the photos shown here and bring with you!

For more info, contact us at celiacdiseaseinfo@gmail.com

Meeting and Contact Info

PACGFS meetings are held the third tuesday of each month from 12:30-2PM. As of this writing, meetings are located in the Prescott Public Library Founder's Room "B", which is on the lower level. The library address is 215 E. Goodwin Street in beautiful, historic downtown Prescott, AZ.

Prescott Public Library


Contact Us

Welcome & Mission Statement

The mission of  the Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support organization is to offer support and education to both those newly diagnosed and those currently maintaining a gluten free lifestyle. Our organization also strives for general public awareness of the Celiac condition and to provide the medical community with a greater understanding of the needs of Celiac patients and those who are gluten sensitive.

Welcome to Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support. The purpose of this site is to provide you with information about our support group and gluten-free Prescott information. In addition, it provides for you some general gluten free lifestyle information, resources and links.

We hope this information will help to make living the gluten free lifestyle easier for both our newly diagnosed and veteran Celiac friends as well as those who are visiting the group. The Prescott Quad City area is a wonderful place to live and visit, so enjoying the area “gluten-free” should be a fun and easy thing to do.

Please be aware, however, that there is no warranty on this information and no liability is assumed by the group for the recommendations, information, dietary suggestions, menus, and recipes which are shared. Questions of a medical nature should be directed to your personal physician. The mention of products does not signify our endorsement. 

PACGFS is dedicated to helping celiacs and those who are gluten sensitive to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle in a non-gluten-free dedicated world.  For this reason, we do not make it a practice of serving items from solely gluten free dedicated facilities at our gatherings. As always, it’s the responsibility of individuals to educate themselves in order to make the choice that works best for them when deciding whether or not to partake in the refreshments offered.

Contact Us

Prescott Courier Article about PACGFS

Prescott Courier May 2012-- Our Article in Vitality Section

Prescott Area Gluten-Friendly Dining & Grocery Options

GF Restaurants in the
Prescott Quad City Area
as well as Sedona, Flagstaff, & Cottonwood, Az

Dine at your own risk!

1.  Red Robin*

2.  Chipotle Grill*(also warrants that they are all non-GMO, except for the corn products, with changes on those in the works.)

3.  Nick and Willy’s* 

4.  Streets of New York* GF pizza

5.  Rosa’s Pizzeria

6.  Prescott College Crossroads Café*

7.  The Raven*

8.   Aloha Grill*

9.   Panagea Bakery*

10. Applebees*

12. St. Michael’s Bistro

14. Baja Fresh

15. Firehouse Restaurant

16. New Frontiers (Whole Foods)* Café

18. El Gato Azul*

19. In ‘n Out Burger (mention "allergy" meal requirements)

21. Olive Garden*

23. Bill’s Pizza

24. Taj Majal

25. Chili’s

26. Tara Thai II (PV)

27. Texas Roadhouse*

28. Quince' (Jerome)*

29. Pizza Picasso* (Sedona, Flagstaff)

30. Casa Bonita, Arturos, Casa Gardena, etc.

31. Beaver Street Brewery (Flagstaff)*

32. Martina’s Mexican (Chino Valley)*

33. Prescott Station* (across from Hassayampa)

34. Buffalo Wild Wings (PV) does not use canola or soy oil for frying the wings!

35. Toi's Thai in PV
36. Frannies Frozen Yogurt on the Square 
37. Cuppers*- two locations 
38. Soldi (used to be Apropos Salon) 111 Grove Ave, Prescott,  777-0444
39. Mogi's Mongollian BBQ*, Iron Springs Rd. (also offers organic and non-GMO)
40. Shannon's cheesecakes on Gurley*

*Designates that the restaurant offers a gluten free menu or specifically offers listed gluten free items. 

~Rave Reviews~
The Prescott Station restaurant on 200 E. Gurley is generating some positive feedback within the local gluten free community. A non GF friend visited there shortly after it opened and was thrilled to report back to us that the management was not only very aware of the special needs of someone who is required to dine gluten free, but that they also offer a listing of GF options.

August 9th, 2012  Diane J. visited this restaurant with a friend for a birthday lunch. The waitress was pleasant, attentive, and well-versed in the gluten free menu offerings. Ordered a fish taco with corn tortillas and sides of beans and rice. Very good, though side dishes were excessively salty. Overall dining experience was excellent. The atmosphere and restaurant decor is the best I have experienced in this area in quite some time.

April 2013. A group member had a very negative experience with fish tacos that were served with both flour and corn tortillas, even after GF requests were specified.

November 21st, 2012

Several people in the group have mentioned very positive experiences that they had had recently with restaurants that are offering gluten free dining options. These included Nick and Willie's Pizza, Wildflower Bread Company, Prescott Station, and Gurley Street Grill. Also, the El Gato Azul owner, Barry, has recently notified the group that the restaurant is now carrying gluten free bread and GF tortillas as well.

Gluten Free Grocery Options

1. Whole Foods

2. Trader Joes (ask for their complete listing)                             

3. Honeyman (PV and Prescott)

4. Frys 

5. Costco

6. Sam’s Club

7. Walmart --- WM east has an entire GF section

8. Safeway

9. Natural Grocers 
10. Sprouts

July 2012 Meeting Summary

Today was the July 2012 PACGFS final meeting in the Prescott Public Library's Elsea room on the main floor. The group nearly met the room's capacity, topping out at approximately 14. PACGF support is looking forward to meeting on August 21st at12:30 PM on the lower level of the library at the Founders Room "B", which accommodates 45 people. The Founder's Room also provides a serving area and sink, which would be great for bringing in samples of gluten free food items for meetings.

The majority of the meeting was designated for members to meet everyone and to learn a little more about new members, while sharing needs and hearing what folks would like to obtain from the group. Suggestions for future topics of interest were shared and discussed.

It was suggested that at the August meeting gluten free foods would be brought in to snack on, which would work especially well because of the time of day that meetings are held! So, the group's first gluten free "potluck" will be held at the August meeting. Another suggestion would be for a speaker, possibly either a CNC (certified nutritional counselor) or an MD or natureopath to be invited to speak to the group about supplements and nutritional support for an individual with celiac disease or someone who is required to or desiring to eat gluten free.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

~Rave Reviews~

Chef Bryan's Bistro, 436 Goodwin St. Several in the group have been making VERY positive comments about this relatively new restaurant. Chef Bryan is very accommodating and will make special gluten free adaptations to your meal. He also seems to have a good knowledge about celiac disease and about the special requirements for gluten free dining without cross contamination. But, as always, dine at your own risk!
Chef Bryan's Bistro

The new Prescott Station restaurant on 200 E. Gurley  is also generating some positive feedback within the local gluten free community. A non GF friend visited there shortly after it opened and was thrilled to report to us that the management was not only very aware of the special needs of someone who is required to dine gluten free, but that they also offer a listing of GF options.
Prescott Station Grill and Bar

DJ & RR