I can't wait to try the new items.
Here's the list of what to expect:
For a little more details about each dish, read more from celiac-disease.com.
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| GF Lettuce Wraps (courtesy imaceliac.com) |
Ok, I know I just wrote a post the other day about how to make P.F. Chang's at home...but guess what?!?! They're expanding their gluten free menu in the restaurant starting April 2nd!
Here's the list of what to expect:
- Vietnamese Crab Salad
- Crab Fried Rice
- Dali Chicken (a favorite being brought back!)
- Philip's Better Lemon Chicken (another favorite being brought back!)
- Caramel Mango Chicken
- Asian Tomato-Cucumber Salad
- Lemon Scented Brussels Sprouts
For a little more details about each dish, read more from celiac-disease.com.
Looking for some new gluten free recipes to try?
Head on over to Amazon for your free Gluten Free recipe ebook! I just did!
Read it on your kindle, iPad, tablet, iPhone, blackberry, droid, computer...wherever you enjoy reading your ebooks, it's available now!
You can get the book here!
Get it while it's FREE!!!
How wonderful is PF Chang's restaurant? Seriously.
I just love that they've adopted an extensive gluten free menu. Not only that, they prepare their food separatly and bring the dishes out on plates that look distinctly different than their "normal" plates. I've eaten there many times (we even had our wedding rehearsal dinner there) and have never gotten sick! So awesome!
Well, while PF Chang's has a wonderful menu, we all know they are a bit pricy...special occasions only right! :)
But...check this out. They've posted two different recipes on their website that we can all make at home!
First, an appetizer...
Gluten Free Shanghai Cucumbers
recipe found here, on their site...just scroll down to the bottom.
Look how short the ingredient list is!
Then, a main dish...
Gluten Free Mongolian Beef
recipe also found here, on their site.
That was more of a call to action for me! Seriously, I can't believe I've never attempted to recreate their dishes at home. So far this is what they have on their site. If you know of other homemade remakes of PF Chang's please share!
I just love that they've adopted an extensive gluten free menu. Not only that, they prepare their food separatly and bring the dishes out on plates that look distinctly different than their "normal" plates. I've eaten there many times (we even had our wedding rehearsal dinner there) and have never gotten sick! So awesome!
Well, while PF Chang's has a wonderful menu, we all know they are a bit pricy...special occasions only right! :)
But...check this out. They've posted two different recipes on their website that we can all make at home!
First, an appetizer...
Gluten Free Shanghai Cucumbers
recipe found here, on their site...just scroll down to the bottom.
Look how short the ingredient list is!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. Peeled and Seeded Cucumbers, cut into 1” pieces
- 1.5 oz. Gluten Free Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp. White Vinegar
- ¼ tsp. Sesame Oil
- ½ tsp. Toasted Sesame Seeds
Then, a main dish...
Gluten Free Mongolian Beef
recipe also found here, on their site.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. Sliced Beef Tenderloin
- 1 tbsp. Soy Bean Oil
- ½ tsp. Garlic
- 2 fl oz. GLUTEN FREE soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. Sugar
- 1 tsp. Rice Wine
- 2 oz. Green Onion Sticks- 3" long green only!
- ½ tsp. Sesame Oil
That was more of a call to action for me! Seriously, I can't believe I've never attempted to recreate their dishes at home. So far this is what they have on their site. If you know of other homemade remakes of PF Chang's please share!
Oh my goodness! Have the last two months been crazy, or what? It just seems like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off...
I have to say, as a teacher, I am very much looking forward to Easter Break this year. While I've already got a few appointments scheduled and I'm sure I'll pick up some projects to work on around the house, I cannot wait to be able to sleep in! :)
Anyways, enough of that.
I am SO excited to have found Organix hair products. As you probably have learned by now, in our house are slowly incorporating more and more organic food and products into our lives. We strive to be healthy, and for us organic just seems to be the way to go.
After eating predominantly organic food for over a year, I began to think about household and beauty products. Why not go organic there too? I mean, shouldn't it matter what I put on my body?
I started with lotion and face products, trying out Dessert Essence lotion, face wash, and toothpaste. I didn't care much for their hair products though. I have extremely thick, wavy hair (as much hair as at least two "normal" people according to my hair stylist, ha!), so I need a shampoo that's ready to work extra hard and be sudsy enough to clean ALL my hair!
Have any of you had a similar experience with organic hair care?
Well, after trying a few different brands, I finally looked into Organix shampoo. I've used their Brazilian Keratin flat iron spray for at least a year now (not sure why I never tried their shampoo before?), so I finally looked into their other products.
And guess what I found on their site?
Are Organix® products gluten free?Yes, our entire Organix® line is gluten-free
OHH YEAH!!!!!! Can you believe it? This product is sold at Target and Walmart too! Not only a "specialty store," like so many other organic hair care products. That makes the price of this gem about 50% cheaper (I found it at Walmart for about $5)!
I've been using the Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo for a few weeks now and it seems to work really well for my hair. The site also said that these products are safe for color treated hair. Added bonus!
You can read their complete list of FAQ here!
So what are your thoughts? Have you tried Organix hair care? Is there another gluten free shampoo that you like better? Please share.
I have to say, as a teacher, I am very much looking forward to Easter Break this year. While I've already got a few appointments scheduled and I'm sure I'll pick up some projects to work on around the house, I cannot wait to be able to sleep in! :)
Anyways, enough of that.
I am SO excited to have found Organix hair products. As you probably have learned by now, in our house are slowly incorporating more and more organic food and products into our lives. We strive to be healthy, and for us organic just seems to be the way to go.
After eating predominantly organic food for over a year, I began to think about household and beauty products. Why not go organic there too? I mean, shouldn't it matter what I put on my body?
I started with lotion and face products, trying out Dessert Essence lotion, face wash, and toothpaste. I didn't care much for their hair products though. I have extremely thick, wavy hair (as much hair as at least two "normal" people according to my hair stylist, ha!), so I need a shampoo that's ready to work extra hard and be sudsy enough to clean ALL my hair!
Have any of you had a similar experience with organic hair care?
 |
| Brazilian Keratin Therapy |
Well, after trying a few different brands, I finally looked into Organix shampoo. I've used their Brazilian Keratin flat iron spray for at least a year now (not sure why I never tried their shampoo before?), so I finally looked into their other products.
And guess what I found on their site?
Are Organix® products gluten free?Yes, our entire Organix® line is gluten-free
OHH YEAH!!!!!! Can you believe it? This product is sold at Target and Walmart too! Not only a "specialty store," like so many other organic hair care products. That makes the price of this gem about 50% cheaper (I found it at Walmart for about $5)!
 |
| Moroccan Argan Oil |
I've been using the Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo for a few weeks now and it seems to work really well for my hair. The site also said that these products are safe for color treated hair. Added bonus!
You can read their complete list of FAQ here!
So what are your thoughts? Have you tried Organix hair care? Is there another gluten free shampoo that you like better? Please share.
Can you believe it?
I was shocked to learn that some Advil contains gluten. Then again, I shouldn't be considering there are so many forms of hidden gluten, why would silly me think medicine was exempt?!
Thanks to the investigations of Goodie Goodie Gluten Free, I've learned that all Advil liquid gel and Advil migraine contain gluten! Steer clear my friends! Steer clear.
However, all Advil tablets, gel caps, and caplets are gluten free!
To read Goodie Goodie Gluten Free's post in it entirety, read here!
This information makes me want to continue with a more thorough investigation when it comes to "non food" products.
Anything you're curious about?
I was shocked to learn that some Advil contains gluten. Then again, I shouldn't be considering there are so many forms of hidden gluten, why would silly me think medicine was exempt?!
Thanks to the investigations of Goodie Goodie Gluten Free, I've learned that all Advil liquid gel and Advil migraine contain gluten! Steer clear my friends! Steer clear.
However, all Advil tablets, gel caps, and caplets are gluten free!
To read Goodie Goodie Gluten Free's post in it entirety, read here!
This information makes me want to continue with a more thorough investigation when it comes to "non food" products.
Anything you're curious about?
Yippee! Ok, maybe I'm a bit over-excited, but Udi's has come out with new breads and they're uber-healthy!! OHH yeah!!!
Finally, a gluten free bread that's healthy and likely tasty (I have yet to try anything from Udi's that I didn't like, but I need to go buy this bread before I'll know for sure!).
Just looking at the facts in the image above, I'm excited to eat something with 12 grams of whole grains!
Besides being gluten free, the bread also boasts being soy-free and nut-free! Added bonus for those with multiple allergies or just trying to avoid soy or nuts.
Being on a gluten free diet, I've missed the opportunity to buy already made "whole grain" breads. Crosby and I cook A LOT at home, but we have yet to add making our own bread to the list. We don't eat a lot of bread anyways, but when we do make sandwiches or toast, it's much more convenient to pull an already made loaf out of the freezer. It makes me so excited to have the option of a bread that will be good for us to eat.
Here's a snippet from Udi's blog about their bread.
Udi’s new Omega Flax & Fiber and Millet-Chia breads not only provide great taste and texture – their ‘ancient’’ and wholesome ingredients provide the solid nutritional foundation needed for our current busy lifestyles. Read on to discover some of the natural health benefits of these ancient ingredients offer.
Their website carries all their products and the price is pretty reasonable. :)
Finally, a gluten free bread that's healthy and likely tasty (I have yet to try anything from Udi's that I didn't like, but I need to go buy this bread before I'll know for sure!).
Just looking at the facts in the image above, I'm excited to eat something with 12 grams of whole grains!
Besides being gluten free, the bread also boasts being soy-free and nut-free! Added bonus for those with multiple allergies or just trying to avoid soy or nuts.
Being on a gluten free diet, I've missed the opportunity to buy already made "whole grain" breads. Crosby and I cook A LOT at home, but we have yet to add making our own bread to the list. We don't eat a lot of bread anyways, but when we do make sandwiches or toast, it's much more convenient to pull an already made loaf out of the freezer. It makes me so excited to have the option of a bread that will be good for us to eat.
Here's a snippet from Udi's blog about their bread.
Udi’s new Omega Flax & Fiber and Millet-Chia breads not only provide great taste and texture – their ‘ancient’’ and wholesome ingredients provide the solid nutritional foundation needed for our current busy lifestyles. Read on to discover some of the natural health benefits of these ancient ingredients offer.
Their website carries all their products and the price is pretty reasonable. :)
How do gluten free students deal with eating at school? Are they destined to always brown bag it?
As a Celiac and a school teacher, I've learned a bit about how the high school I work at addresses food allergies. From what I understand, the couple of Celiac kids at our school are able to get accomodated gluten free lunches from the cafeteria (prepared separate and everything!). Pretty cool!
I personally choose to bring my own food, just to make sure I'm able to eat healthy and regluate the preparation behind my food (personal choice). However, the option for kids is so great. Just another way for them to feel "normal!"
Here's a post our friends from Red Apple Lipstick published yesterday about this very topic.
Since my kids are not school-aged kids (yet) I have not thought about what they will eat when the time comes for them to start school. I suppose I can make their lunches, like I do now. But, I got to thinking, “will the school provide my kids with gluten free meals?”
I decided to do some research on the matter, and I found some very interesting information. The short answer is YES, schools can and should provide gluten free meals if they have been diagnosed with celiac disease. As outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability in an educational program or institution. Celiac disease may be considered a disability under this law. Your child’s dietary needs must be prescribed by a doctor, but as we know with celiac disease, doctor’s orders are changes in one’s diet. No gluten would count as a prescribed diet.
Read the rest of this article and learn a little about the National School Lunch Program here!
This makes me wonder, do all schools accommodate food allergies? Are we, as Celiacs considered "disabled?"
Thoughts???
As a Celiac and a school teacher, I've learned a bit about how the high school I work at addresses food allergies. From what I understand, the couple of Celiac kids at our school are able to get accomodated gluten free lunches from the cafeteria (prepared separate and everything!). Pretty cool!
I personally choose to bring my own food, just to make sure I'm able to eat healthy and regluate the preparation behind my food (personal choice). However, the option for kids is so great. Just another way for them to feel "normal!"
Here's a post our friends from Red Apple Lipstick published yesterday about this very topic.
Gluten Free School Lunches
Since my kids are not school-aged kids (yet) I have not thought about what they will eat when the time comes for them to start school. I suppose I can make their lunches, like I do now. But, I got to thinking, “will the school provide my kids with gluten free meals?”
I decided to do some research on the matter, and I found some very interesting information. The short answer is YES, schools can and should provide gluten free meals if they have been diagnosed with celiac disease. As outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability in an educational program or institution. Celiac disease may be considered a disability under this law. Your child’s dietary needs must be prescribed by a doctor, but as we know with celiac disease, doctor’s orders are changes in one’s diet. No gluten would count as a prescribed diet.
Read the rest of this article and learn a little about the National School Lunch Program here!
This makes me wonder, do all schools accommodate food allergies? Are we, as Celiacs considered "disabled?"
Thoughts???
Spring is coming.
The sun seems to be shining more as it sneaks through the clouds and warms us up in the afternoon. Walking outside is even more enjoyable as flowers and tree branches begin to bloom.
And what to do about this great new warmth? I say, bake a cake. Seriously, a nice tasty lemon cake sounds perfect!
I may be a little partial because our wedding cake was lemon (and strawberry, yum!), but nonetheless, I think it'd be the perfect treat to enjoy right now. I can just imagine myself sitting out on my back patio, soaking up some much needed vitamin D and basking in the deliciousness of a nice, moist lemon cake. Complete, of course, with our dogss jumping around at my feet! Ahh...
Forget all this talk, I'm getting to baking so I can enjoy this too!
But first, here's the recipe. This recipe comes from Living Without, the first gluten free magazine I subscribed to when I was diagnosed a few years ago, and one that I still love.
With its sweet-tart lemon curd filling and lemon frosting, this moist cake by Mary Capone is a crowd pleaser. The recipe makes two 9-inch rounds. For two 12-inch rounds, triple the recipe. For a three-tier layer cake (two 6-inch rounds, two 9-inch rounds and two 12-inch rounds), multiply the recipe amounts by 6. See cake-building instructions, here. This recipe can be made egg free with good results; see instructions here.
4 large eggs*
2 cups sugar
1 cup coconut milk or milk of choice
1 cup mild vegetable oil of choice
¼cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2½ cups Mary’s Flour Blend or gluten-free blend of choice
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
½ teaspoon fine-grind sea salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a heavy stand mixer with a whisk attachment or with a hand mixer and a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine coconut milk or milk of choice with oil, lemon juice, zest and extracts.
4. In another bowl, whisk together Mary’s Flour Blend, xanthan gum, sea salt and baking powder.
5. At low speed, slowly add dry and wet mixtures to egg and sugar mixture just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Place in preheated oven and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cake center springs back to touch. For 6-inch rounds, bake 28 to 30 minutes. For 12-inch rounds, bake 40 to 45 minutes.
For more great information about this cake and how to make it fancy (can you say wedding cake?!?!), check out some great step-by-step tips from Living Without HERE! This link also includes a lemon curd filling and lemon frosting recipe! Yum!!
The sun seems to be shining more as it sneaks through the clouds and warms us up in the afternoon. Walking outside is even more enjoyable as flowers and tree branches begin to bloom.
 |
| A top view of our wedding cake. |
I may be a little partial because our wedding cake was lemon (and strawberry, yum!), but nonetheless, I think it'd be the perfect treat to enjoy right now. I can just imagine myself sitting out on my back patio, soaking up some much needed vitamin D and basking in the deliciousness of a nice, moist lemon cake. Complete, of course, with our dogss jumping around at my feet! Ahh...
Forget all this talk, I'm getting to baking so I can enjoy this too!
But first, here's the recipe. This recipe comes from Living Without, the first gluten free magazine I subscribed to when I was diagnosed a few years ago, and one that I still love.
Gluten-Free Luscious Lemon Cake
MAKES TWO 9-INCH LAYERSWith its sweet-tart lemon curd filling and lemon frosting, this moist cake by Mary Capone is a crowd pleaser. The recipe makes two 9-inch rounds. For two 12-inch rounds, triple the recipe. For a three-tier layer cake (two 6-inch rounds, two 9-inch rounds and two 12-inch rounds), multiply the recipe amounts by 6. See cake-building instructions, here. This recipe can be made egg free with good results; see instructions here.
4 large eggs*
2 cups sugar
1 cup coconut milk or milk of choice
1 cup mild vegetable oil of choice
¼cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2½ cups Mary’s Flour Blend or gluten-free blend of choice
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
½ teaspoon fine-grind sea salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a heavy stand mixer with a whisk attachment or with a hand mixer and a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine coconut milk or milk of choice with oil, lemon juice, zest and extracts.
4. In another bowl, whisk together Mary’s Flour Blend, xanthan gum, sea salt and baking powder.
5. At low speed, slowly add dry and wet mixtures to egg and sugar mixture just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Place in preheated oven and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cake center springs back to touch. For 6-inch rounds, bake 28 to 30 minutes. For 12-inch rounds, bake 40 to 45 minutes.
Each serving of cake without filling or frosting contains 146 calories, 8g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 22mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 1g protein.
Wow, does this recipe brings back great memories. Granted, my wonderful friend Grace made our cake (gluten free for us, regular for our guests), but hopefully the flavor of this one is comparable.For more great information about this cake and how to make it fancy (can you say wedding cake?!?!), check out some great step-by-step tips from Living Without HERE! This link also includes a lemon curd filling and lemon frosting recipe! Yum!!
Good Lord that's a mouthful, the name as well as the taste!
So Rachel keeps getting all of these products to try and I am the lucky one who gets to try some of them.
So I pulled this bowl out of the microwave and everyone at the office started staring and asking questions.
I had someone about 30 feet away yell at me and ask what I was cooking because she wanted some, so I knew before enjoying my first bite I was set for something exciting.
Now I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of chili because of everything that gets put into the mix, ya know, healthy peppers and onions and blah blah blah nasty!
But I was a bit amazed as I sunk my teeth into the peppers and goodness that is in this chili that it wasn't funky at all, rather pretty stinkin' good.
I was worried that the Angus beef slices would have a weird consistency since they've been stuck in a freezer, but it wasn't too weird at all.
So overall I'd give it a 7 out of 10 on a taste scale.
And on a mess scale, look at the bib! CLEAN AS A WHISTLE!!!!
I just HAD to share this press release I just recieved!
It features an Asian restaurant that's "fast casual" AND completely gluten free!!!!!! Can you believe it? Is your excitement as high as mine? I know the release is a bit long, but I wanted to include the whole thing because it really captures, and explains the concept behind and how the resaurant works. Just reading it has made my mouth water! Enjoy! And PLEASE, please let us know if you eat there and what you think! :)
Asian Box’s exciting menu offers a variety of tasty options that feature items guests might find at a street cart, while simplifying the ordering process. With menu items starting at $6.95, Asian Box allows guests to create their own “boxes” by selecting from a number of ingredients. Diners are invited to choose from Asian Vegetable Salad, Rice Noodles with Mushroom Broth, Brown Rice or White Rice and add main events such as Lemongrass Marinated Pork, Garlic and Soy Glazed Beef, and Coconut Curry Tofu, for example. A selection of wok steamed or wok spiced vegetables, crispy shallots, fresh jalapeno, caramel eggs, and more than a dozen additional toppers allow guests to create a box based on their preferences and experience a different combination every time they visit. Housemade sauces include Miss Jones’ Sriracha, Asian Box Tamarind Vinaigrette, and Asian Street Dust™ ($.25), a top secret blend of exotic herbs and spices. The crown jewel of housemade sauces for Asian Box is the HotBoxIt™ sauce ($.75), made from California-grown Asian peppers. Nguyen’s explosive wok blend of peppers, peppercorns, and chili oils, HotBoxIt sauce is not for the timid and is guaranteed to add some fire to the dish. These sauces, along with Asian Street Dust, will be bottled and available in-store, online, and at local retailers.
It features an Asian restaurant that's "fast casual" AND completely gluten free!!!!!! Can you believe it? Is your excitement as high as mine? I know the release is a bit long, but I wanted to include the whole thing because it really captures, and explains the concept behind and how the resaurant works. Just reading it has made my mouth water! Enjoy! And PLEASE, please let us know if you eat there and what you think! :)
Asian Box - 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Just look at this place...I can't wait to take a trip over to Palo Alto and try it! (Hint...hint hubby! *wink)
PRESS RELEASE: New Asian Box Concept Opens March 2, 2012 in Palo Alto, CA Featuring Gluten-Free Kitchen and Menu
San Francisco Bay Area’s FK Restaurants & Hospitality Opens Fast-casual Asian Box on Friday, March 2, 2012 with Slanted Door Alumna
New Concept Joins ShopHouse and Pei Wei in the Growing Asian Fast-Casual Segment and is the First Completely Gluten-Free Dining Destination of its Kind
San Francisco, CA (March 1, 2012) – Guests will soon know the answer to the question “What’s in Your Box?™” when San Francisco’s FK Restaurants & Hospitality debuts its innovative Asian Box™ concept in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Inspired by Asian street food carts, Asian Box will showcase traditional cooking methods and recipes made with fresh and local ingredients. Under the direction of Executive Chef Grace Nguyen—formerly of Charles Phan’s acclaimed Slanted Door and Out The Door—Asian Box effortlessly fuses Western locavore cuisine with the colorful, flavorful foods found throughout Southeast Asia. Setting a new bar within the quickly growing fast-casual category of restaurants, Asian Box’s menu and facility are completely gluten-free, fulfilling CEO Frank Klein’s desire to offer guests an authentic dining experience that is fun, exciting, healthy, and quickly dtam sang, or made to order. Klein and his partners will open two additional Asian Box locations in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012.
“I love Asian cuisine but have always found it challenging to find places offering fresh and authentic menus, especially in the fast-casual sector,” Klein says. “Asian Box evolved from the idea of the kind of restaurant I’d want to eat at and introduce to my family and friends.”
Asian Box’s approach is summed up in its playful tagline: “What’s in Your Box?” These four words refer not only to the compostable packaging in which the cuisine is served, but also reference the importance of knowing how the food gets to the plate. “It doesn’t matter if you are in a fine-dining restaurant or a grab-and-go shop,” Klein says. “More and more, people want to know where their food comes from and how it’s being prepared.” Asian Box is not only completely gluten-free; it is also a green restaurant using compostable materials and energy efficient practices. “It’s people-healthy and earth-friendly,” says Klein.
Bringing influences from her Vietnamese heritage to the table, Nguyen has worked with FK Restaurants & Hospitality’s Culinary Director Chad Newton to craft a menu that focuses on flavor and fresh ingredients with fast execution. “Quickly served food remains in high demand, but there has been a shift in diner preferences. They want food that’s raised responsibly, sourced locally and prepared fresh,” Nguyen notes. Authenticity is also an important aspect for Nguyen, who learned traditional cooking methods and recipes from her Vietnamese grandmother.
For guests who want to expand on the traditional boxes, specialty sides include the Shrimp or Tofu Spring Rolls with sweet and sour or peanut dipping sauce ($3.25) and Jungle Jerky ($2.75). Asian Box will also offer a selection of housemade artisanal beverages such as Lemon Lime Marmalade, VC Iced Tea, and Vietnamese Iced Coffee ($2.95). In late 2012, guests will be able to imbibe from a special menu of wines and Asian beers, all of which will be gluten-free.
Located in Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village, Asian Box appeals to a broad demographic of diners from students at nearby Stanford University to corporations and medical centers. “The partners chose Palo Alto as the first location for many reasons,” says Klein. “The interest by Venture Capitalists in the concept showed that we had struck a chord. The fast-casual segment is on fire and we felt that Palo Alto, the birthplace of so many creative concepts and the center for education and technology, was the right environment in which to change the way people think about Asian food in the U.S.”
Designed in partnership with San Francisco’s Rubber Design, Asian Box combines the inviting atmosphere of a neighborhood dining spot with the exciting, visual touches of a food cart in a bustling metropolis. The restaurant’s interior is both fun and energetic while comfortable and welcoming. This balance of elements is also reflected in the materials used in construction and design. The dining area is juxtaposed with recycled steel elements, vintage Asian light fixtures, and pressed bamboo along the counters. Guests can get the feel for eating at a street cart by enjoying Asian Box items at a stand-up communal table or at 25 outdoor seats while listening to the sound of Asian pop music playing in the background. A variety of other cultural elements are utilized throughout the space, including Vietnamese food-related slogans on the walls.
Asian Box in Palo Alto is currently pursuing green restaurant certification from the Green Restaurant Association. For more information, please visit http://www.asianboxpaloalto.com/, www.facebook.com/AsianBoxEats, www.youtube.com/AsianBoxPaloAlto, or follow @AsianBox on Twitter.
About Asian Box:
A fast-casual dining destination, Asian Box features authentic Asian street food created with sustainable and local ingredients using traditional methods and recipes under the direction of Executive Chef Grace Nguyen. The first location debuted in the heart of Silicon Valley in Palo Alto, CA, at 855 El Camino Real, #21, in Town & Country Village. Asian Box is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and offers extensive catering services for private and corporate events. For more information, please visit http://www.asianboxpaloalto.com/ or call 650.391.9305.
About FK Restaurants & Hospitality:
Founded by Frank Klein, FK Restaurants & Hospitality is a full-service consultancy specializing in the restaurant, food-service, and hospitality industries. Klein has worked with clients as diverse as Stanford University, The District of Columbia Public Schools, concessionaires in National Park Service properties, as well as with many fast-casual and fine dining entrepreneurs from around the globe. In addition to opening Asian Box, which has plans for expansion in 2012, FK Restaurants & Hospitality is developing a specialty foods division meant to showcase some of the excellent hand-crafted products made by Bay Area chefs. For more information, please visit http://www.fkrestaurants.com/.
But, I decided to try it. The reviews explained how "happy" it made their mouth. Ok, "happy" is my word, but it fits for their descriptions. They wrote about how clean their mouths felt, the improvement of their gums, etc. Plus, there's very few ingredients to it.
So, I figured, might as well try a natural toothpaste. I've never really thought about it before, but as I stood in the aisle at Lassen's I began to wonder if the regular Crest toothpaste I use could have any adverse affects on my health? It's something I ingest, so why not try an all natural formula.
I tried it last night. At first it just tasted funky. I think that could have been mostly attributed to the fact that I expected it to taste funky. Who puts tea tree oil in their mouth? Wash your face with it, sure. But ingest it? Weird.
However, as I continued brushing, the awkward taste became less awkward. What I began to notice more than anything else was the baking soda. It wasn't an overpowering taste, just a light ligering flavor as I brushed. After, my mouth felt minty fresh! Ha! Actually, it really had that normal, clean feeling after brushing with "regular" toothpaste, like Crest.
I tried it again this morning, and it seems like it cleans pretty well.
My favorite thing about it...the words "GLUTEN FREE" plastered nicely on the front of the package. You definitely don't get that on Crest (at least not yet...)!
