Babu Ji

There was a lot of buzz about a charming new Indian restaurant Babu Ji in the East Village and I knew we had to check it out. After scoping out their website we considered booking a table online, but you can only do this to sample the tasting menu. Unfortunately not every dish offered is GF, so we walked in early and hopeful.

The Smile….

Going somewhere for brunch is always such an important decision (I get crabby with disappointing food) and after hearing only good things about the food at The Smile I thought I had to try it out. I have only stopped here for a quick coffee and muffin so I was looking forward to trying a meal there. The restaurant is a cute, dark and cozy spot, perfect on a rainy or cold day.

Gluten Vs. Skin

I have struggled with my skin for what feels like most of my life time. I was put on the pill at a young age to control and prevent breakouts – wasn’t that the cure for everything a few years ago? I still experienced the occasional break out, but it never really bothered me until I began modeling and it became detrimental to my work.

Wild.

Normally I discover GF restaurants through friends or Instagram, but I stumbled upon Wild through my investigation into underwear. Yes, that right – underwear.

Local.

Boutiques, barbers, cute cafes and restaurants; Sullivan St in Soho has always been a favourite of mine. I enjoy it even more since stumbling across a little gem, Local. Local is a cute little cafe offering coffee and an array of GF options including sandwiches, wraps and cookies. Yummm cookies.

Two Hands Restaurant & Bar. Brassicas Bowl

Two Hands cafe in Soho has become quite a regular stop for me, so when the Aussie expats opened a new restaurant and bar, I knew I had to get myself in there. They are located downtown on Church St in Tribeca. The space is bright and welcoming, as are the staff.

Why gluten free?

Going gluten free was not something I decided for myself, but instead it was forced upon me. I knew the dreaded celiac diagnosis was coming when I started developing symptoms in my early twenties, around the same time my sister and relatives started to react to gluten as well. Thankfully we live in a day and age where going Gluten free isn’t a challenge. There is now an abundance of food for celiacs and new gluten free products are continually being made available – you just have to know where to look and what to look for. Gluten free seems to be the newest fad in food after Kale but before I delve into all the amazingly delicious GF food available in NYC I want to share my celiac story with you and answer some questions I am regularly asked about celiac disease and gluten. There are many misconceptions about celiac disease. I get asked constantly; “so you can’t eat carbs?” normally paired with a smug “yeah right” smile or roll of the eyes. Yes I can eat carbs!!! I love carbs!!