Upstate NY Gluten-Free Haven Part Two: Happy Belly Bakery and Farmer’s Markets

Along with hikes, and ponds, and alpaca farms and chickens, and chasing thunderclouds, a big part of summer probably most anywhere, and especially in the Columbia County, NY and surroundings – is experiencing the farmer’s markets, in their abundant glory. An excellent gluten-free (and otherwise) cook and master griller, my brother wanted to make sure we made it first to Hudson Farmers Market ( in Hudson!) for vegetables, maple almond butter from Tierra Farm, pickles, and….mochi sticky buns from Happy Belly Bakery of Hudson, 100% gluten-free. Already sold out of the sticky-buns by 10am, we persevered and bought a few loaves of their nut/grain bread, and a chocolatey chocolate brownie treat for my niece.

Happy Belly Nut/Grain Gluten-Free Bread Photo Credit: Daniel Goldstein

The next day, we hit the Valatie Farmers Market.  Here, we spent quite a bit of time, tasting, buying and talking again with Happy Belly owner and baker Monica Jerminario, and her husband, who helps man their stand, in between also working at Tierra Farms. If memory serves ( which honestly it does not always) Monica suffered for many years and through college with various debilitating ailments, until finally (after many medical professionals insisting it was in her head or some such) the root of all was found to be the effects of malabsorption from gluten. ie. she had Celiac Disease. Monica stopped eating gluten, and never turned back.  She worked in restaurant kitchens, with gluten, and eventually as a matter of course started baking and cooking inventive and experimental gluten-free creations.  Monica likes to infuse flavors from various cultures, and unlikely combinations, among her sweets and savories.  Likewise, they have those hard to find items like “wrap” bread for sandwiches, baquettes, and farm fresh fruit baked goods.    Many items are vegan as well, and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Ingredients are always listed with items. I am a savory food lover, so I just had to try the Zaatar Flat Bread. Mmmm, mmmmm. Holy smokes.  Drizzled with an almost tangy olive oil, cheese, a gooey kind of succulent dough, I was a happy market goer.  Once my niece had a taste, it was no longer mine and I had to purchase a second.  The heat of the day, actually enhanced the yumminess in my opinion. After gobbling up the Zaatar bread it became obvious that I would have to buy the garlic knots ( I mean really, c’mon).

Happy Belly can be found most weekend’s at the Hudson and Valatie Farmers Markets.  I urge you to take a road trip, follow them on Facebook, and keep them on your radar.  Say hi from Deb!

 

 

 

For a  full list of Columbia County Farmer’s Markets and Vendors, click here  What kind of gluten-free surprises have you found or made on your summer travels? Stay cool, not hungry my friends. Yours, Deb

The girl loves her farm fresh corn.

Upstate NY a Gluten-Free Haven Part One: On the Road

With the bevy of farmers markets and abundant veggies and fruits available in the summer time, summery travels and gluten-free eating feels a little bit easier.  ( Imagine finding a field of wild blueberries on a hike – free food! free gluten-free food at that.)
Lucky enough to spend a few days in Columbia County, NY, aside from a cool and beautiful respite from the city hustle and bustle, upstate NY, also proved to be a haven for Gluten-Free baked goods, and fresh food finds as well, at many a turn.

Driving along the Taconic Parkway, just before hitting Pawling NY, I was ready for a loo pit stop and a coffee.  A beacon on the road, low and behold, not a McDonald’s rather there was The Todd Hill – Taste of NY rest stop.  On line for said loo, I was surprised and totally delighted to find baked goods from gluten-free twinkling star Ella’s Bellas.  Hold everything!  Essentially, if I am to eat a chocolate chip cookie, I want it to be from Ella’s Bellas.  Naturally I had to buy a bag ( ok two) of the chocolate salted chocolate chip cookies.  I would have been a fool not to!  En route to visit my sweet niece, (diagnosed just about 3 years ago with Celiac Disease) isn’t that what an auntie is for, to create diversions from their otherwise healthy, homemade eating? (Shhhh).   

Lo and behold, there on the shelves, also, another fave, gluten-free bread and biscotti from near by Chatham Bakery and Cafe.  We make our specialty Levine’s General Grilled Cheese sandwiches with this bread, purchased at Union Square farmer’s market, but had never been to the actual cafe. I knew we would be hitting their cafe – so I left that purchase for later.   Other snacks abound, with Certified Gluten-Free labels.  This was not your average rest stop for sure.

A lovely afternoon lunch was had over the weekend at Our Daily Bread, Chatham Gluten-Free Bakery. Finally I could experience the cafe first hand.  Everyone who works at the cafe, is knowledgeable, friendly, and wholly accommodating. My niece had specially made gluten-free waffles with fruit.  I had a classic veggie sandwich on the “rye” caraway bread.  Blissful simplicity.  The only suggestion I would make ( okay, I’m making it) is that I find their bread is better when lightly toasted.  What’s better than a lightly toasted sandwich anyway?  All and all it was just really nice to be out and about, and feel safe with good fresh foods and gluten-free baked goods.

  Below: Upstate NY Gluten-Free Haven Part Two:  Happy Belly Bakery of Hudson…

First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP! Success

We ain’t afraid of no snow.  Big thanks to the innovators and the guests who braved the snow, from New Jersey, Staten Island, Upper West Side, and all parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.  An impressive group indeed! Gluten-Free and full of tasty treats.

Blog Roll:

Village Voice: Fork in The Road

This Weekend’s Five Best Food and Drink Events in NYC

“If your gluten-free cupboard is bare these days, it makes sense to stock up at this pop-up market”

Gothamist

Weekend Food Round Up

“The Gluten-Free EatUP!, offering up a bevy of gluten-free products for on-site eating and also taking home for later.”

The Skint

Weekend Pick

“bonus: a raffle benefitting columbia university’s celiac disease center includes chances to win tasty treats ($3 each, 2-for-$5) “

Brokelyn

 Top 20 Do It List

“16. Gorge through the gluten-free utopia of your dreams at Freddy’s Bar. (Sunday)”

Markets of New York City

Weekend Pick

Cali Girl Bakes Gluten Free Baking Co. Meet the Maker

Here Comes the Sun:    Meet Cali Girl Bakes – a new gluten-free baking company based in Harlem NY, by way of sunny California.  Co-founder Tatianna Gonzalez is sure to bring (some much needed) sunshine and warming classic baked goods , to the Gluten-Free EatUP! Anniversary market on Sunday March 1st.

Just months after receiving a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts – it was confirmed that Tatianna had a gluten sensitivity. She then started on her path to learn and master the science and art of gluten-free baking.  Late nights and many experiments later, just less than a year ago, Cali Girl Bakes launched.

Naming Rights Founder Tatianna Gonzalez says: Our name Cali Girl Bakes comes from a nickname I was given by my fiance/business partner and friends when I was the “new girl” around. The nickname stuck around and during my long nights of gluten-free recipe testing my fiance would tell me, “Cali Girl, you can do it!”, it was the perfect name for our company and holds a great sense of meaning for us.

We are excited to welcome Cali Girl Bakes for their GF EatUP! debut.   Saving up our appetite too…

Tickle your tongue and follow the instagram @caligirlbakes_gf  

From festive and classic cakes, to chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, biscotti, and seasonal pies and tarts.

http://www.CaliGirlBakes.com  and facebook.com/caligirlbakesnyc

Raffle Love at The Gluten-Free EatUP!

Let’s Celebrate:  Levine’s General Store will raffle off gluten-free and related items at The First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP!  All the monies raised from the purchase of your ticket will benefit the great works at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. (It’s a win win kind of situation!).   Who doesn’t love a good raffle?

We are over the moon, dorking out, teary eyed, and grateful – to offer the chance to win 2 VIP tickets to a taping of

Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show in NYC.    (Among a million other great things, Mr. Stewart is a champion advocate of Celiac Disease awareness).

Prizes will also feature graciously donated yummy treats and gift certificates from our event merchants, and favorite, far away, yet locally minded partners:  Brŭlee Bakery – Pennsylvania based gluten-free artisan bakery, delicate cookies by the enchanting, Chef Lila (2010 James Beard Scholarship winner) and Kim and Jake’s Gluten-Free Bakery a husband and wife team establishment from Boulder, Colorado offering breads and buns!  Also, party-ready goodies from Brooklyn based  Susty Party  – compostable, colorful, responsibly made disposable tableware.  And, imported Italian pasta courtesy of TasteUp Foods.
  

Raffle tickets available day of event only….however you do not have to be present to win.  Though it would be great if stayed all day.

 

Levine’s General Store  First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP!

A celebration of locally crafted, gluten-free, taste-full foods.

Where:  Freddy’s Bar & Backroom

627 Fifth Avenue, South Slope Brooklyn, NY

When: Sunday March 1, 2015     1pm to 6pm

Entrance is Free.

Meet The Maker: This Pie is Nuts!

When life gives you lemons, go nuts, make pie!

A welcoming cheer to baker Diana Cornell, creator of This Pie is Nuts! – individual pies, made entirely out of nuts, nothing processed – nutrient packed – with luxurious fillings and a crunchy crust. (9″ pies available for special order).

Twenty years ago Diane was given the debilitating diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. “I was told there was no cure and that there was nothing, aside from some medicine to keep it at bay, that I could do to stop it. I decided that one way to ensure my health would be to take better take control of my diet. I wanted to continue eating good tasting food, but I wanted to avoid anything that wasn’t good for me.” Thus began her adventure towards starting her own food business.

For months I had been hearing quite a positive buzz about Diana’s Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-free pies. Finally when I stumbled upon her booth at Bryant in Park in December (it was very busy, I might add) I learned first hand (first mouth? ) what the fuss was all about. Diana’s energy is infectious, and I have complete admiration for the fact that she started her own dedicated gluten-free kitchen, and a product that resonates with so many, in just under a year. That’s nuts!

Meet Diana at the First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP! on Sunday March 1st –  With flavors like chocolate mousse, coconut cream, key lime and sweet potato pie, I wish you the best of luck in choosing!

Visit This Pie is Nuts to learn more.

post by Deb

First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP! Celebration

Levine’s General Store

First Anniversary Gluten-Free EatUP!

A celebration of locally crafted, gluten-free, taste-full foods.

Meet the Makers. Mingle. Eat. Be Free.

Where:  Freddy’s Bar & Backroom

627 Fifth Avenue, South Slope Brooklyn, NY

When: Sunday March 1, 2015     1pm to 6pm

Entrance is Free.

Raffles! Tote Bags! GLUTENBERG BEER and Good Vibes at the bar!

The Gluten-Free EatUP! is Turning One!  Join us to celebrate an afternoon of locally crafted, gluten-free, taste-full foods that just might knock your woolen socks off.   You deserve a break from hibernation, so spring on over because New York City’s first and only, all gluten-free pop up market is back in town.

Hosted by Levine’s General Store: Gluten-Free Provisions and housed in the welcoming, local stalwart Freddy’s Bar in South Slope Brooklyn, the First Anniversary market features new and returning merchants, $5 American Pale Ale and tasting from our Sponsor Glutenberg Beer (GF),  A chance to win tickets to The Daily Show and other raffle items, benefiting the *Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, and good vibes all around.

The Innovators Are:

·      Levine’s General StoreSavory Yum Pieempanadas, Grilled KimCheese on  bread from

       The Gluten Free Bakery of Chatham NY, Kickin’Mac-n-Cheesemade with imported Italian pasta from our Pasta Sponsor Taste Up Foods.

·      Kimcheelicious Tangy small batch vegan kimchi – almost as good as a Korean grandma’s.

·      Sans Bakery Donuts and ginger cookies to weep for and other baked goods from this trailblazing bakery.

·      Gone Pie All matter of vegan baked goods, chocolate treats…and, you guessed it, pie!

·      Krumville Bakeshop Focaccia, amaretti cookies and classic baked goods from this Italian influenced baker.

·      Polvilho Bakery Bite into a taste of Brazil withYuPuffs, artisanal, baked and naturally gluten-free snacks. Addictive!

·      Smart Snack Bites Decadent confections and truffles with Indian spiced influences.

·      This Pie is Nuts Individual squares of Certified Paleo and vegan pie with luxurious fillings, key lime to chocolate mousse.

·      Cali Girl Bakes New on the scene, this Harlem based baking company crafting classic treats like biscotti, lemon pound cake, cookies and more.

·      Kulushkat Stepping out from their Brooklyn restaurant to serve up their kosher, and gluten-free Israeli salads and cuisine.

Facebook Invite and RSVP: http://bit.ly/GFEUTurnsOne   (Event is Free)

Whether motivated by Celiac Disease, intolerance, sensitivity, general health or curiosity, more and more people are seeking gluten-free foods. The choices don’t have to be sad and boring.  Come by and meet the makers, sample, eat and shop.   Revel in the culinary delights of vendors offering baked goods, hot savory comfort foods; sweet, salty, crunchy, (naughty), small batch treats, and healthy snacks.  When you are gluten-free, sometimes it feels like you are on the outside. Not at the EatUP!  

In celebration of our First Anniversary, a GF EatUP! Fun Bag will be up for raffle.  Prizes will feature graciously donated yummy treats from our event merchants, and from some of our favorite, far away, yet locally minded partners:  Brŭlee Bakery – Pennsylvania based gluten-free artisan bakery, delicate cookies by the enchanting, Chef Lila (2010 James Beard Scholarship winner) and Kim and Jake’s Gluten-Free Bakery a husband and wife team establishment from Boulder, Colorado offering breads and buns!

Raffle proceeds to benefit the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

Freddy’s Bar

627 5th Avenue

Between 17th and 18th Street

R Train to Prospect Avenue Station

B63 Bus to the bar door!

**Children under 21 must be accompanied by an adult, permitted in the backroom only.

A Certain Pop Up Market is Turning One.

Wow. What  a year for Levine’s General and the The Gluten-Free EatUP!  Thanks to all of you.

Stay tuned and mark your calendars: Sunday March 1st at our home base Freddy’s Bar

we will celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Gluten-Free EatUP! Market.

Original market vendors, and new makers.

Gluten Free Beer

Hot Comfort Food

Raffles

Music

Fun

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a safe, and delicious, gluten-free Thanksgiving.

Stay tuned for more GF Holiday offerings and more Gluten-Free EatUP! Events.

Looking to incorporate the Gluten-Free EatUP! into your next event? Be in touch.

Highlights from our last market.

Adopt a donut. The most amazing donuts. By Sans Bakery

  

There will be pie. Thanksgiving Gluten-Free Treats. Now Taking Orders

 

We’ve Got Pies! 

Sweet or Savory and all Gluten-Free 

Don’t suffer through another holiday watching all the others have the delicious fun.

 

Levine’s General Store is teaming with Krumville Bakeshop bringing

all the traditional Thanksgiving pies you’ve wanted

and savory appetizer Yum Pies too.

CLICK TO PLACE YOUR ORDER

www.LevinesGeneralStore.com

*Maple Pumpkin Pie

*Apple Cranberry Pie

*Chana Chickpea Yum Pie appetizer

*Knishka Potato & Kale Yum Pie appetizer

Order online  by November 20, 2014 and pick up your pies at one of these three locations

Tues. Nov. 25 or Wed. Nov. 26:

3 pickup locations for NYC:
-Storefront below Idlewild Books 12 West 19th Street Manhattan 
-Espresso 77 Cafe  410 7th Avenue Park Slope Brooklyn
-Freddy’s Bar 627 5th Avenue South Slope Brooklyn

Levine’s General Store: Gluten-Free Events. Products. Purveyor. A progressive marketplace, LGS operates through venues to provide some of the tastiest gluten-free foods and products. LGS also produces signature foods such as Yum Pies, savory, hand-held pockets enveloped in a crisp pastry crust. “Our vibe is a journey back to our family roots, when our great-grandparents owned the local general store and provided all matter of goods to a small region of the Catskills in the town of Oliverea.”

The Gluten Free EatUP!  pop up market was co-founded by Levine’s General Store owner, Deb Goldstein and Kimcheelicious food designer Antonio Limuaco, as a response to Deb’s niece’s diagnosis of Celiac Disease, to broaden access to and help create an outlet for new gluten-free food makers to reach an eager gluten-free audience.  The Gluten-Free EatUP! brings together some of the most passionate local gluten-free makers and the tastiest products in various locations in NYC and Brooklyn. Our goal is to provide a platform and culture of sharing for a community of merchants and customers and friends – to Meet. Eat. Be Free.

Krumville Bake Shop founder Antonella Zangheri creates delicious focaccia, cookies, muffins and specialty cakes that celebrate her rich culinary Italian and Dutch upbringing — minus the gluten! Antonella grew up in Emilia Romagna, a region of Italy famous for its rich culinary heritage. In 2009, she was diagnosed with celiac disease and had to give up many of the foods she grew up eating. Disappointed with the gluten-free products available, she saw a need for more exciting options. That’s when Krumville Bake Shop was born!