Picture
I am taking a quick break here in Switzerland to blog about my trans-Atlantic gluten free meal on the outward leg of my journey.  To start, we had a bit of a delay (well, about 2 ½ hours as they had to replace the cockpit windscreen).  Now, my other half is quite the nervous flyer so when we left the lounge to board we were greeting by the gate agent announcing if everyone looked out the window they would see the missing windscreen…nice.  Well, no worries we were directed back to the lounge and would be collected when the “problem” was resolved.  The departure time on the screens kept moving ½ hour forward as time went on but 2 ½ hours later we were finally boarding.

We were welcomed to the cabin personally by the cabin manager (who profusely apologized for the delay repeatedly and asked if we would like to use the arrivals lounge to freshen up upon arrival – already behind schedule we declined) and subsequently an array of flight attendants that would be taking care of us on this flight.  Menus and amenity kits were distributed and welcome cocktail orders taken and delivered.  My heart skipped a beat when I mentioned that I had a gluten-free meal and there was a moment of confusion as to whether it had in fact been boarded – it had.

So let’s get to the meal service.  Warm nuts which were salted only made for a nice snack while having a glass of wine.  Next came the appetizer cart (demitasse of mushroom soup, spring rolls, and shrimp) which I could not indulge in (but my partner did) but I was presented with a selection of smoked salmon with grilled baby asparagus, a lovely salad (everyone else’s would arrive at the next course with a selection of garlic bread and assorted rolls) that was served without dressing but rather Mrs. Dash which I thought a bit strange but I just squeezed some lemon on top and it was fine.  A plate of strawberries rounded out my quirky appetizer presentation.  For my main course I was presented with a nice grilled chicken breast with a tomato sauce and rice along with a side of steamed haricots vert.  My partner had the Osso Buco (from a selection of 4 choices) with rice and brocolini which he said was very good.  Next came the cheese cart with a selection of cheeses (only one was not gluten-friendly) and they were washed down with a nice port.  Finally came the ice cream (GF) with a selection of toppings.  I was hesitant to go crazy with toppings because I clearly could not look at the labels so just opted for a safe strawberry topping.  This was fine because I did not relish getting glutened at 36,000 feet.

Prior to landing I was served a rather large fruit salad while my partner had fruit and yogurt along with a selection of cheeses and meats (which I was surprised to not be offered as a GF option) and breads, cinnamon rolls, and croissants with preserves.

The in-flight service was really very good and yes, would I have liked to have been able to indulge in all that was offered – yes.  Alas, I was more than pleased not to have to eat my GF pack across the Atlantic  and most definitely was well fed and watered.
 
 
Picture
Some of my gluten-free friends on Facebook had asked what I like to put in my gluten-free contingency pack that I take along when traveling.  So, I thought I would give everyone a look inside the pack I will be taking along on my trip to Switzerland in two days.

For this trip I requested a gluten-free meal for the crossing and I am actually very eager to see how Continental handles a BusinessFirst gluten-free meal presentation.  I have had some wonderful gluten-free meals aloft on a variety of international airlines but never on an American carrier international.  At first I was hesitant when requesting gluten-free meals in my early Celiac days when flying in premium cabins, thinking I would somehow be robbed of the full experience, but I have to say that most airlines have really impressed me while others have, well,  kept me full but were rather uninspired. 

I always like to have a carry-on gluten-free pack and also pack some snacks and nibbles in my checked bags to eat at my destination.  For the carry-on, I am taking a couple of Zone bars (read the label as they are not all suitable for Celiacs), Glutino Gluten Free Organic Bars (chocolate banana and chocolate peanut flavors); Ener-G foods sesame pretzel rings and plain twists (small, individual bags ideal for packing), Bakery on Main Nutty Cranberry Maple Granola (smallish bag), and Bhuja Original Mix (a new savory Indian snack mix I came across recently).  Now, I am just taking a couple of each for my carry-on and the remainder goes into the checked bags.  I have also been known to throw in some cookies or biscotti for some added sweet, nuts, rice crackers, or chocolate.  Just depends on how much time I have to plan and what my mood is the morning of packing.  You can make great packs from what you already have in your kitchen.

I am really looking forward to sharing my travels with all of you as this is my first longish trip since assuming my gluten free moniker a few months ago.  It will be fun to blog and Twitter real-time throughout my journey.

And in case the title of this post didn't ring a bell, I would like to present the smooth stylings of the Fifth Dimension...
 
 
Picture
Let’s face it, being gluten free and fabulous is a lot of work and try as I might to squeeze everything in to a mere 24 hours it is a challenge.  My day job is quite hectic and requires focus and quite frankly allows me to maintain my gluten free and fabulous lifestyle to which I am accustomed.  Oh, I am not going to sugar coat it; GFM is HIGH maintenance but as you know makes no apologies.  Work hard, play harder…what a great mantra.

As I have been gaining more and more readers, I though it might be a good time to do a Best of GFM’s blog posts.  So, I selected some of my favorite posts and thought the best way to share was to shove them right in all of your facesJ.  To my new readers, I hope you will find them both entertaining and useful.  To my regulars, isn’t the second time around always best?  Here are my top 10 favs, in no particular order because quite frankly can you really pick a favorite child:

1.       A Tale of Two Allergies

2.       I'm Not Hungry. I'll Just Pick

3.       Fait Accompli, Gluten Free

4.       Sometimes the Most Delicious Things in Life are the Most Dangereuse Dahlings

5.       Not in My Backyard

6.       Living Well in a World Full of Gluten

7.       A Family Affair

8.       Knowledge is Power

9.       Gluten Free at the Office

10.   Fly Me to the Moon
 
 
Picture
As many of you know, GFM loves to travel the globe exploring new and exciting places.  One of my tried and true tips when flying is to always bring a gluten free snack pack along for the ride.  Now short flights are really no big deal but I have been on 14+ hour non-stops where even a small supermarket would not suffice.  What I have found is that most airlines (on intercontinental routes) offer gluten free meal options.  Now, I know, particularly with American carriers there is always the question of will the special meal actually be loaded on board but I have found, in my personal experience, that each time I have made the request on a foreign carrier I have never been overlooked.

Waxing nostalgic I can remember a very nice gluten free meal on board the now defunct business class airline MaxJet complete with gluten free rolls (very unexpected).  I have also have wonderful meals on Emirates, Lufthansa, Austrian, British Airways, etc. that even included gluten free snacks along the way.  Given my shellfish allergy gluten free does not always mean shellfish free.  When I alert the crew to my shellfish allergy and for some reason it is included in the gluten free mix, they have always been most helpful in sourcing whatever they could to keep me satiated.  As with all professions I have had flight crew that loved their jobs and others who clearly did not.  Yet, if you approach them nicely and explain your situation calmly and not in a DYKWIA tone even the toughest of tough will try and help.  Remember resources in a metal tube are limited so don’t expect the world.

A gluten free snack pack in your carry on in not only useful during the flight, but also if there are any delays on the ground.  I have been in airports where there was quite literally nothing I could eat from their concessions.  Also, remember to re-stock your pack once you arrive at your destination for the return flight.