Satisfaction

 Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder.  But for simplicity’s sake we can refer to it as a “gluten allergy”, since gluten triggers symptoms.

My symptoms are relatively mild.  If I eat food that contains gluten I will feel discomfort, but my symptoms are not debilitating.  Eating gluten brings on swift and painful retribution. It’s different from a weight loss diet, where you can rationalize cheating …

Drew is the type to examine a restaurant menu before we go, so by the time we sit down he will know exactly what he wants to eat.  Before my diagnosis, I’d quickly scan the menu of any place Drew suggested, but I wouldn’t make up my mind until the waiter asked for my order.  But since my diagnosis I have to examine the menu in detail to make sure there’s something ‘safe”.

Back in the beginning of May I went to a gluten-free food expo.  One of the vendors was a local business, Bare Naked Bakery and Cafe.  I tried a few of their products and decided I needed to visit one of their shops …but never got there.

Until today.  

I had another errand in Plainview, just two minutes away from Bare Naked.  So I had to check it out.

What a joy to be able to order anything from the menu, guided only by my own desire, and not worrying whether the food is safe for me. I had a meatball Parmigianhero.  The bread was soft and fluffy, better than anything I can buy in the supermarket. I took half of the sandwich home.

And then I bought two bagels, a loaf of “rye” bread and two cupcakes.

I’m in love.