Wildfire Wine Dinners

Wildfire Restaurants are hosting five gluten-free wine dinners to raise funds for University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. The event costs $75 per person with $25 being donated to UCCDC. The menu consists of four courses and each is paired with an appropriate wine.

Monday, November 8th – Wildfire Chicago
Tuesday, November 9th – Wildfire Oakbrook
Wednesday, November 10th – Wildfire Glenview
Thursday, November 11th – Wildfire Schaumburg
Friday, November 12th – Wildfire Lincolnshire

Limited reservations are available. To reserve your seats, call (312) 787-9000.

There was interest in putting together a Gluten-Free Wikaduke table so please leave a comment if you're planning on attending.

Celiac CARE Walk

October 2 is gearing up to be a busy day for Gluten-Free Wikaduke! Gluten-Free Wikaduke will have its October meeting that day. However, we encourage you all to participate in CSA's 9th Celiac CARE Walk instead.

The walk will take place at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook on at 10am. Pre-registration is available or or one may register on the day of the walk at 9am. The walk costs $20 per person or $50 per family. Pledge sheets are available for those willing to and interested in securing pledges. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and goody bag. Samples will be provided.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

The Chicago White Sox now offers a plethora of a gluten-free choices including beer, hot dogs WITH buns, sandwiches, nachos with various toppings, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream! Kudos to the Chicago White Sox for considering the needs of their gluten-free fans!

The Chicago White Sox Press Release announcing the gluten-free foods as well as the locations of those items within the park can be found here.

Many thanks to Heather for sharing this delightful news with us!

Allergen and Gluten-Free Offerings at Taste of Chicago

If you are interested in exploring the Taste of Chicago this year take along the allergen and gluten-free listing that Lisa of Lisa Cooks Allergen Free compiled. Lisa contacted each restaurant to determine what foods are safe and there are a few stands that offer gluten-free items. Should you decide to go the the Taste, do yourself a favor and ask the appropriate questions before eating!

Lisa's listing can be found here.

Gluten Free Kids Support Group

GFree Kids is a new Celiac Disease support group for children. The meetings include art projects, age appropriate discussions and a product swap. A $5 per child fee is required.

June 13, 2010
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
River Forest Community Center
500 Madision Street, River Forest, IL

Another GF Bread Tasting!

Free From Market is hosting another bread tasting on Saturday, April 24! The bread tasting will include a blind tasting of loaves from 30 different gluten-free bakeries. Many of the loaves are free from other allergens as well. At the last tasting, Udi's bread was introduced to the area and was a favorite among many. What delicious baked goods will Free From Market introduce us to this time?

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to test the new gluten-free entrees at P.F. Changs, this may be your opportunity. The restaurant is located just a few blocks from Free From Market.

Free From Market
14482 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park

P.F. Changs
14135 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park

Wildfire Fundraiser for UCCDC

According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center there is only one event taking place on February 16 at Wildfire and that is the event at their Glenview location.

The four course meal with wine pairings costs $60 and that includes tax and gratuity. For each person in attendance, Wildfire will donate $25 to UCCDC. The menu for the event may be found here.

More information on the event may be found here.

GF Pancake Breakfast

Whole Foods in Naperville along with Suesson Vess will host a gluten-free pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 2 from 9AM until 10:30 am. For more information or to register 630-579-7700.

Rush University Medical Center

2008 Update: What's New in the Treatment of Celiac Disease
Mark DeMeo, MD, Director, ADult Celiac Disease Program

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
6:30 PM

Gluten-free refreshments and validated garage parking will be provided.

Rush University Medical Center
Armour Academic Building, Room 540
600 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL
312-942-8570 for more information

Gluten-Free Eating Made Easy!

EDITED TO ADD: Do-It-Yourself Dinners now has prepared gluten-free meals available throughout the month. Once a gluten-free order has been received, the owner of Do-It-Yourself dinners will prepare the meal in a safe area.

The following entrees will be available throughout the Winter and into the Spring at the Do-It-Yourself Dinners location at 7142 West 183rd Street, Tinley Park. For more information call 708-444-8450.

Apple Glazed Pork Chops
Attention all sweet and spicy fans...this one is for you. Not too spicy center cut pork chops with a sweet apple and scallion marinade. Yum

Barbecue Chicken Pizza
10-inch Gluten free crust topped with diced chicken and vegetables with a tangy BBQ sauce make this a very exciting pizza.

Baked Sausage and GF Rigatoni
Delicious baked pasta with sausage, marinara and parmesan cheese.

Beef or Chicken Fajitas
Beef or chicken strips with peppers and onions in a southwest seasoning. A fast dinner for nights when families are busy.

Beef Stew Gaston
Tender stew meat slow cooked with vegetables in a rich sauce.

Chicken Cacciatore
Braised chicken with tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms and spices.

Chicken Cheddar Casserole
Number one seller! Boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with cheese, mushrooms in honey mustard sauce.

Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast
Tender chicken rolled with a mozzarella and sundried tomato filling. Top with a tangy
tomato cream and this will be sure to please.

London Broil
Teriyaki marinated beef sirloin tastes great off the grill. You'll love it!

Open Sesame Salmon
This is a fresh salmon fillet topped with just the right combination of sesame, hoisin sauce and ginger.

Orange Teriyaki Pork Loin
Put a new twist to your regular Sunday dinner. Tender pork marinated with a blend of orange, in a traditional teriyaki sauce.

Popeye's Pork Chops
Individual pork chop version of our hit stuffing! That is a blend of spinach, bacon and onions topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Popeye's Pork Roast
Tender pork roast stuffed with a blend of spinach, bacon and onions topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Santa Fe Meatloaf
A little different than your everday meatloaf. A perfect blend of southwestern spices
topped with salsa.

Shepherd's Pie
Total comfort food. Seasoned ground chuck, cheese, corn and topped with mashed potatoes.

Sweet Pepper Steak
Sirloin steak in a sweet and tangy pepper and tomato sauce.

Tasty Tortellini Soup
Jimmy makes terrific soups and this one is no exception! A great blend of Italian sausage, GF cheese tortellini, beans and special spices.

Gluten-Free Cooking Expo 2008

Does two full days of gluten-free cooking demonstrations, a gluten-free vendor showcase, gourmet breakfasts and lunches and dinner outings to various GF restaurants in Chicago sound good to you?

If so, you might be interested in attending the Gluten-Free Cooking Expo 2008 which is taking place at the Double Tree Hotel in Oakbrook on September 12th and 13th.

Rush CD Team Evening

Comprehensive Management of Celiac Disease
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Rush University Medical Center
Professional Office Building, Room 542
1725 W. Harrison, Chicago

Mark DeMeo, MD, Director, Adult Celiac Disease Program
Susan Mikolaitis, RD, LDN, CNSD, Dietitian
Sharon Jedel, Psy.D, Clinical Psychologist

Come hear the specialty team of the Rush Adult Celiac Program present the most up-to-date medical, nutritional and psychological management and treatment options for celiac disease in an interactive and informative seminar.

Because space is limited, please call to reserve your seat. For more details or to register, please call (888) 352-RUSH (7874).

Free parking and light refreshments will be provided.
Section of Gastroenterology and Nutrition
1725 W. Harrison, Suite 207
Chicago, IL 60612

Party Food!

As you know, we'll be celebrating the completion of Gluten Free Wikaduke's first year at the November 3rd meeting. We've managed to procure lots of samples and giveaways but no party is complete without food, delicious gluten-free food.

Ways to contribute:
1. If you feel comfortable providing safe gluten-free food for the group, please post a note in the comments section listing your name, the dish you'll be bringing and the type of dish (appetizer, dessert, baked good, breakfast dish, salad, etc.).

Please bring one copy of the recipe with the brand names of each ingredients listed in case anyone has any questions. There's no need to make photocopies for everyone, we'll gladly post the recipes on the blog if they are emailed to us.

2. If you are NOT comfortable preparing gluten-free food for the group, please feel free to to contribute by bringing other items. We'll also need serving products (napkins, plates, forks, knives, etc.) and beverages (coffee, juice, etc.). Premade gluten-free food can even be shared. It would also be nice if some would contribute by agreeing to take some photos, bring a table decoration or provide a raffle item. The options are limitless. Please post a comment telling us what you will be bringing!

Many hands make for light work! Thanks for your help.

October and November Upcoming Events

This information has been taken directly from the CSAGC and GIG websites.

October 6, 2007, 10AM to 3PM
Village of Wheeling Health Fair
Wheeling Park District Recreation Center
333 W. Dundee Road

Representatives from area businesses and the state, county, township and village organizations will provide information on their services. CSAGC will be represented. This event is co-sponsored by both the Village of Wheeling and Wheeling Park District. CSAGC will host a booth to talk to attendees about the gluten-free diet and have our Celiac Organization information there.

October 7, 2007, 3:30 - 5:30PM
Gluten Free Gang Carousel / Jumps and Jiggles Party Party
Elk Grove Park District - Jack A. Claes Pavilion
1000 Wellington Avenue at Biesterfield Road

Because of the nature of this party there is a required nominal donation to attend. All monies collected will be used to purchase a book for school nurses libraries about a child with celiac disease. What a great tool for teaching tolerance and understanding for classmates and all people with allergies and food intolerances. Other donations in addition to the nominal amount will be gratefully accepted and books will be purchased at bulk rate. Your donation can help create an Book Avalanche! For Reservation and more information please see Gluten Free Gang Page.

October 16, 2007, 7PM
The Second Opinion Health Food Store
Gluten-Free Taste Classes

October 28, 2007, 11AM to 4PM
Food Fair
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Cafeteria
3815 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove

CSAGC is joining forces with Parents of Children with Allergies (POCA) and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital for the gluten free and food allergy resource Food Fair. MANY vendors will be available displaying their products. Information on allergies, and gluten free foods.
Samples and products for sale. Rare opportunity to discuss products of interest with those most able to help meet dietary need. Cooking Class if space is available.

November 11, 2007, 1 to 5 PM
26th Annual Meeting and Holiday Dinner
Doubletree Hotel Chicago
1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook

Gluten Free Food, Fun, and Festivities! Italian gluten-free entrees prepared by Chef Aaron Flores. Find out what we have planned for 2008. Reservations required RSVP by November 1st. Late reservations will not be accepted.

June 6-7, 2008
Annual GIG Conference
Dallas/Fort Worth

Do-It-Yourself Dinner Reminder

If you haven't already, please remember to call in your order to Do-It-Yourslef Dinners today. The number is 708-444-8450.

DIY opens at 12Noon so if the evening hours don't work for you it's still possible to get meals. I believe some people from Gluten-Free Wikaduke will gather there at 6PM. Others, like myself, will have to go earlier in the day.

Do-It-Yourself Dinners is located at 7142 W. 183rd Street and Harlem in Tinley Park.

Happy Cooking!

Hungry for a Sandwich?

Wild Oats in Hinsdale will be hosting a gluten-free sandwich sale on Saturday, October 27 from 12 Noon until 2:00PM. Special Eats will make the GFCF bread. Each sandwich will be made with all-natural deli meats and served with fruit, rice crisps and a drink. The cost for adults $7 and $5 for children.

The proceeds from the event go to The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.

Do-It-Yourself (GF) Dinner Night

If your mouth isn't watering after reading the menu of GF entrees available on September 28th something must be wrong!

Just a reminder:
1. Each dinner cost $25 and serves 4 to 6 people. It does not include side dishes.
2. Everyone MUST sign up and pre-order their dishes BY September 26.
3. Do-It-Yourself Dinners will provide single serving tin pans for those who want to divide the entrees into smaller portions. Feel free to bring plastic containers if you want to be able to re-heat the entrees in the microwave.
4. Adult libations are more than welcome.
5. You might want to bring a cooler to transport your food home.

If you are planning on attending, please leave post a note in the comments.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Septeber 15, 2007, 1:30PM - 3:30PM
CSA Speakers Meeting - "If I am doing so well, why do I feel so bad?"
Dr. Maria Brown, Rush Medical Center
West Suburban Medical Center, Lecture Hall
3 East Erie Court, Oak Park

Tuesday, September 18, 7PM
A Second Opinion Health Foods
Gluten Free Tasting Classes
4551 Route 71, Oswego
For more information call 630.551.0222.

September 28 - 30, 2007
CSA National Celiac Conference
Tuscon, Arizona

October 6, 2007
Free Celiac Blood Screening
University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
To pre-register call 773.702.7593

October 7, 2007, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
CSA Gluten Free Gang Carousel Party
Elk Grove Village
Reservations required call 847.255.4156.

UPDATED! Mary Kay Venue CHANGE!

UPDATE 8/14/7: Tracy sent out the wrong directions yesterday. Please use the directions listed below if you're planning on joining us.

Please don't miss the Mary Kay event tonight. There's lots of fun stuff in the works! Mary Kay will be giving away $100 worth of free product all of which is gluten free! In addition a Mary Kay representative with Celiac Disease will be showing us products that she has researched to be gluten free. It should be loads of fun and a great opportunity to find that perfect shade of gluten-free lipstick!

Directions: Take I-55 North to Route 83 North. At 67th Street take a left and proceed past Clarendon Hills Road (the road with a blinking stop sign). The house is at 346 W. 67th Street which is on the right side. It's white with black shutters.

There's still plenty of room for everyone interested. Please RSVP to Angel at 773-791-7916 tomorrow if you're intersted in coming.

Hope to see you tonight at 6pm in Willowbrook!

August Cooperative Buying - Kinnikinnick

Edited on 8/3/7 to correct the number of donuts per package.

We've called Kinnikinnick to see what their top sellers are and also listed a few of our favorite products. Some of the products will be available to be sampled during the meeting. Also, each of the products listed below are casein free.

Here are the August Kinnikinnick offerings:
New York Bagels (4 ) $ 4.55
Hot Dog Buns (4) $ 4.55
Hamburger Buns (4) $ 4.55
English Muffins (4) $ 4.55
Kinni-Toos Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies (7 ounces)$ 4.99
Lemon Cranberry Cookies (7 ounces) $ 3.99
Graham Style Cracker Crumbs (10 ounces) $ 3.54
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (6) $ 5.99
Chocolate Dipped Donuts (6) $ 5.99
A bread offering that has yet to be determined.

As always each order must be paid in advance by cash or check and will have a $1 dollar charge added to it to cover the $ 10 flat rate shipping charge. The orders must be picked up at the meeting on Saturday, September 1st.

If you would like to place an order, but won't be at the meeting please email us.