Tuesday, September 9, 2014

A Yankee Doodle Dandy Gluten Free Summer Trip Part II - Hartford Connecticut

Our first day in Connecticut, our mountain bodies tried to adjust to the dense humidity that enveloped us in 98 degrees of moisture, so thick it felt like you could cut it. We rose early to try and beat the heat and get as much done as possible. Other than the heat, we knew there were some amazing items to try while feeling like two fish out of water. I mean, let's face it, we live deep in the heart of Southern Appalachia where the pace is a little slower.

My father was born in the Jewish faith and on a weekend, he would take me to the oldest deli in Charlotte NC, which was in a small mall built in the 60's. I remember the smell of fresh pastrami, rye bread, deli mustard, and a barrel of fresh pickles steeped in dill and garlic, like it was yesterday. Occasionally, he would let me go into school late and we would stop in for a bagel with salmon and cream cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

Lucky for Hartford, they have a NY style kosher deli in Vernon CT that has a wonderful gluten free selection - Rein's Deli was where we landed. Let's just say, it was good enough that Doodle begged to eat breakfast there every morning.

Everything Gluten Free Bagel, Nova Scotia Salmon, 
extra onion and cream cheese with fresh made dill pickles on the side


The Gluten Free Menu in whole so you can salivate with me
yum...

We had to visit one of our new vendors, so we ventured to Glastonbury for Dee's One Smart Cookie bakery. The adorable little dollhouse of a shop holds treats that make your eyes light up. An allergen free array of goodies to rival Willy Wonka's factory any day awaited us. Non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, and the other top 8 are achieved in a variety of options.
Get out your napkins...

Death by chocolate Jumbo cupcake


Clockwise: Peppermint Chocolate Chip cookies, Egg Free Crumpets,
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, Birthday Cake

So much more to pack into our short trip. But we absolutely could not leave Hartford without visiting our Title Sponsor for the event coming October 5 at the Marriott Hartford Downtown, Bakery On Main. After having worked with them in events for the past 5 years, we loved being able to visit their business and see where their new larger facility was going in.

Bakery On Main Oatmeal is perfect for a healthy start

We heard Harry's Bishops Corner Pizza was the place for a safe delicious gluten free pie in town. Not only is it pizza, but local seasonal ingredients on a great crust made by local Still Riding Pizza? Sign me up! Harry's is also hosting a Farm to Chef program which makes us love them even more. Thankfully they will be joining us October 5th, so you can try some for yourself.

Oh yeah!

The next morning I talked Doodle out of more salmon and talked her into trying Blue Plate Kitchen in West Hartford. This cozy retro styled cafe features local and seasonal options and a great gluten free menu with very knowledgeable staff. 

L to R: Gluten Free French Toast and a Mediterranean style omelet
with fresh spinach, tomatoes, local feta cheese


Is that enough good food for you? Oh but there is so much more to explore yet!
We will just have to do another post to share it all. With the event right around the corner, please follow us on Facebook for detailed information on the event and all of its participants - local and national.

See you next time, right here, for more of Connecticut's best allergen free living.