Gluten Free

[Mark M.]

Greetings Wise Ones,

Someone one said, "If I knew I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself." In my 55th year on the planet I found out I have Celiac Disease and am restricted to a gluten free diet. Eating is perhaps my favorite thing to do in this world and with no doubt St. Bart is my favorite place to do it. If I must be more specific, it would be at a table with Manu at Santa Fe. Now I have accepted my fate, I think its God's way of telling me I have eaten more than my fair share of the earth's groceries. It turns out Celiac Disease makes a diet more palatable, the consequences of eating the wrong food are far greater than just staying fat. So here is my question, has any one else restricted to a gluten free diet survived the restaurant scene on the island. I know I can order grilled fish and veges etc, obviously avoiding bread, but I have some concern about gluten contamination. Any shared experience would be moved appreciated.

MDM

 

[JEK]

I noticed that Le Carré had gluten free markings (wheat stalk with a slash) on many dishes. I think it is increasingly recognized on the island restaurant/grocery scene.

 

[andynap]

Here is a link to recent posts about gluten free https://www.sbhonline.com/forums/threads/81357-Gluten-Dairy-Free?highlight=gluten

 

[sbhlvr]

Thank you for asking about this. We are bringing virgins with us in November and one is also effected.

 

[mjb]

I have been Celiac since 2002 , have been to St Barts twice since , and will be returning this June. In general, it is much easier to deal with now since almost everybody now knows the basics of what your needs are. Once one gets past the disappointment that a sizeable part of every menu will be off limits, I have found it relatively easy to eat out, particularly at non-chain restaurants such as one encounters on the island. Just asking for a slight modification in preparation can open doors. I know some foodies who have gotten rather depressed about all that they will be missing when they get the diagnosis, but I can assure you that you can still have great dining out experiences, both on St Barts specifically and in general ( and I never cheat - not worth the pain!)