I have to give a great big round of applause to Nutritious and Delicious' blog, Gluten Free London. While prepping this trip to London I wanted to plan ahead for some gluten-free treats, and this blog has been a lifesaver! London is a fairly celiac friendly town (they spell it coeliac), so I knew I might have some good options. Although living gluten free has been relatively painless, I was a bit disheartened to know I couldn't partake of most traditional English foods. Most of all was my sadness at not being able to have high tea, a ceremonious and epic meal-time event that involves not just tea (uh, gluten free duh) but the cutest little nibbles served on dainty silver platters, all glistening with deliciousness and ornamental yumminess, but oft including bread or pastry (think little cucumber sandwiches [without the crust because I'm not a peasant] and scones). What's a celiac gal to do? Luckily, Nutritious and Delicious' blog gave me many options for a gluten free afternoon tea. Upon their recommendation of the very famous Claridge's, I was able to book one of only TWO available tables for singles during my time there. (A full month in advance, they were already booked!) I noted on my reservation about my dietary concerns, and have full confidence I will receive a sublime and spectacular tea service. Needless to say, I'm stoked to get to fully enjoy this tradition. And while it's pretty pricey, I justify it because it's as necessary to do as it is to see Buckingham Palace. And since I'll be eating beans and jelly (that's British english for jell-o) from the grocery store the rest of the time, I think I'll indulge this once. I have located a few gastropubs and a fish n'chips places that will do gluten free, and I will include reviews of those once I've thoroughly *ahem* researched their fare.
The most important thing I realized is that I can't be upset in the slightest that I'm limited in experiencing the full flavor of English cuisine. For one thing, it's not exactly the finest of dining (sorry England) and for another, I'll be too busy RUNNING AROUND IN LONDON to really care about what I'm eating!
But it is very, very nice to have these gluten free options. So thank you, Nutritious and Delicious, for your gluten free London blog! And thank you to the English people for your awareness!
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