Steeliac

Month: January 2015

  • Carluccio’s Eccy Rd: Restaurant review

    Carluccio’s Eccy Rd: Restaurant review

    Carluccios logoI had a pretty good meal at Carluccio’s on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield recently. I went with my book club, one of whom is also gluten free, and I have to say, the food, wine and service was good.

    Carluccio’s (an Italian chain) is pretty new to Eccy Road, not far away from the locally famed Italian Restaurant, Nonna’s, and nestled amongst various other eateries. I chose it because I thought it would be pretty reliable from a safe eating point of view and they are one of the lovely places that have an actual gluten free menu. This improves the GF dining experience so much in my experience, as it gives you the selection of everything you can have, rather than having to search for the one or two safe things on the menu.

    I had the fish stew, which came with prawns, clams, fish, mussels and chorizo in a lovely anise-flavoured rich sauce. I think they could have done a bit better than the bought sliced bread that arrived with it though – it comes with some nice crusty bread if you’re not gluten free. However, the stew was delicious. My friend chose the sea bass fillets with courgettes and salsa, which looked great too, and I’m assured tasted lovely.

    I’m just browsing the Carluccio’s website as I write this, and I’m pleased to report that they have helpfully published their gluten free menu on their website. Unfortunately, I’ve also just noticed a rather disappointing/unsettling disclaimer on the bottom, which reads: “Due to the presence of gluten and nuts in our kitchens, we are unable to guarantee the absence of these allergens in our menu items”. I think I can feel an email coming on…

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    Update: 26.01.15, 22.22

    I have emailed Simon Kossoff, the CEO at Carluccio’s to ask what it’s all about. I’ll let you know if I get a reply.

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    Update: 05.02.15 21.56

    See my later blog post to read Simon Kossoff’s response to my email

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  • Creamy saffron kedgeree

    Creamy saffron kedgeree

    IMG_0028We love a good breakfast in my house. On lazy weekend mornings hubby and I love to sit with a big mug of coffee and indulge in a nice hearty breakfast, to ring the changes from our midweek cereal scoffing. I was looking for interesting brunch recipes for over Christmas, when I came across this lovely creamy saffron kedgeree by James Martin for BBC Good Food.

    I’ve never made or really eaten kedgeree before but this seems to be a particularly indulgent recipe. I particularly like the sieved (boiled) egg yolks, which the kids loved sprinkling on – so pleasingly small. And the saffron infusion is a lovely touch. It’s not something to be made in a rush, but it makes a delicious, filling brunch. The leftovers reheat nicely too.

    The first time, I used garam masala instead of mild curry powder, but this got a fair bit spicier when I reheated it, much to the shock of my six year old! I invested in some mild curry powder to make it the second time, but I think it can take a little bit more than the recipe suggests, if you like spice.

    Thanks James. 🙂

  • True colours (or my take on coeliac tribes)

    GfreeB’s inspired blog post in late 2014 about coeliac tribes* got me thinking about people’s reactions and attitudes to me since I was diagnosed. They vary wildly, from relatively new friends who’ve embraced the challenge of feeding me, to people I’ve known for ages who now give me a wide berth when it comes to eating.

    *(I aspire to being a Purist, but as a busy mum of young kids and someone who likes a fish finger butty… Well, I like to think I’m pragmatic.)

    Anyway, here is my take on tribes from the other angle:

    Accommodating friend
    A very lovely friend recently said she was going to try to buy gluten free food where there was a choice, so she always had something when I came round. I think that’s one of the nicest things that’s happened since my diagnosis. Another put in a lot of effort to make me a breakfast she knew I’d been missing when we stayed over recently. I’m lucky to know a few of these people. 🙂

    Won’t budge
    This type makes no concession – you have to just fend for yourself. At least you know where you stand. I’m unlikely to ever get invited round by these people for more than just drinks these days.

    The terrified host
    This person is well meaning but makes me feel a bit like a leper. I know that’s not PC but there’s nothing quite like being singled out, is there? When they invite you round to a bbq they cook your food in the oven as they are too worried about poisoning you.

    Really no idea
    Having invited some friends round for Sunday roast, I honestly got asked whether it had taken a lot longer than normal to make everything gluten free. We were eating chicken, roast potatoes and veg!

    People who think it’s a fad diet
    No, I’m not doing this by choice. Not one teeny tiny bit!
    Having strong associations with this tribe, one or two of my close family members are in the medical profession, yet when I see them at a meal, they never fail to have a dig about how fussy I’ve become. I know it’s meant to be a friendly joke, because being medical, of course they understand, but enough already – it’s so tiresome!