Hot Summer News

San Antonio, London, Dublin, Madrid, and more!

Is the news hot, or does everything feel like it’s burning up this month? I was just reading about how high heat affects our emotions, impulse control, and energy levels, so at least I know I’m not alone in finding summer the most exhausting season. But the news never stops, so here’s my round-up of interesting things I’ve read lately:

“My Family Has a Boundless Appetite — and Copious Food Allergies. Here's How We Celebrate Holidays”: I loved this personal essay by Gabriella Ferrigine, not least for its tagline, “Gluten can't stop us!” On Reddit and social media, I see people venting about how their family can’t be bothered to pay attention to their food intolerance/allergy, a situation that always saddens me. This essay in Salon is an upbeat antidote to that, and I recommend sharing it widely. Ferrigine’s family reminds me a bit of my own and my husband’s. Last year, I found four different gluten-free desserts waiting for me at Thanksgiving. I love these people who know I’m gluten-free and a glutton.

“Just 30% of Children With Celiac Disease Have Stomach Issues. Here’s What to Look for”: Writing in Motherly, Arielle Tschinkel’s article is eye-opening and often disturbing. “Back in January, researchers at The Harris Poll teamed up with Beyond Celiac, conducting an online survey of 2,074 U.S. adults as part of the 2024 Beyond Celiac Harris Poll Report. Per the results of the nationwide survey, only 14% of American parents with a child under 18 are aware that many kids with celiac disease do not have stomach issues, while nearly one-third (32%) mistakenly believe that consuming ‘a little bit’ of gluten won’t hurt a child with the condition.” This article cuts through myths and misunderstandings, and provides helpful information about different ways celiac disease can present itself in kids.

“Gluten-Free Restaurants in Madrid Perfect for Celiacs”: Writing in Madrid Secreto, Elena Francés provides a terrific list of spots to try. It’s a city with great options, and I love hearing about more! (If you’re bound for Barcelona, check out this piece and this one.)

“Rapid Diagnosis of Celiac Disease Based on Plasma Raman Spectroscopy Combined With Deep Learning”: This scientific paper published in Nature isn’t light reading, but it’s a fascinating exploration on how testing for celiac disease might get easier, faster, and far less invasive in the future.

“Some Delicious Gluten-Free Restaurants in San Antonio”: The title says it all. KSAT-12’s Sarah Acosta has a terrific report that made me really want to eat at Freight Fried Chicken, which was created by James Beard-nominated chef Nicola Blaque.

“Kelowna’s Grey Fox Brewing Dominates Canadian Awards with Top Gluten-Free Beers”: Even if you’re not a fan of gluten-free beers, this piece by Scott Adams might convince you to give British Columbia’s Grey Fox Brewing a try. This marks the company’s third consecutive Canadian Brewing Awards gold win for a GF beer called Quick Witted. It’s worth noting that Chris Neufeld, the owner and brewmaster of Grey Fox Brewing, has celiac disease.

“The Best Gluten-Free Food I Ate in London”: Christina Heiser’s Celiac Self-Care newsletter has me wanting to fly back to the UK just to eat at Los Mochis. (Okay, I might also have to dine at Niche again. And Hobson’s.) Check out Christina’s terrific write-up about Dublin, too.

“Jenny Mae’s Bakery Serves Gluten-, Dairy- and Soy-Free Treats”: I never get tired of stories about people who are diagnosed with celiac disease and go on to become entrepreneurs. Products from Jenny Mae's — located in Yakima, Washington — have no gluten, no dairy, and no soy. KIMA-TV tells the story via video.

“New Legislation Seeks Comprehensive Gluten Labeling to Aid Pennsylvanians with Celiac Disease”: The US lags behind 85 other countries that already label food products that contain gluten. Kudos to the Pennsylvania lawmakers who are working to change that, at least for one state!