Figures released by Board Bia this month showed that one in five of us regularly shops for gluten-free products. "Whilst there is improvement and a greater variety of products now on the market, we still have a long way to go," says Markey. "In a recent development, the Coeliac Society of Ireland asked that supermarkets stock a minimum of eight staples in each store to accommodate those who are coeliac.
"The purpose of the pop-up is to test the concept of having a store that's completely safe for coeliacs, as all products will be gluten-free - there will be no having to read labels to make sure, and no cross-contamination worries. It's also about raising awareness and showing that gluten-free products can actually taste good." Designed in collaboration with Tall Boy to serve the gluten- free community, Unglu-d will sell a broad range of food products from a variety of exciting and innovative Irish and international brands - including Cool Beans, Maria Lucia Bakes, Ballymaloe, Odlums, Kelkin, Nairns, and Rule of Crumb.
Markey is putting on a number activities each day throughout the week, including samplings of new products, giveaways, book launches and a Q&A with a dietician. Unglu-d is partnering with Nick's Coffee Company, who will be selling grab-and-go coffees to wash down tasty gluten-free cookies and snacks. All proceeds will be donated to the Coeliac Society. For further details about the pop-up, email info@unglu-d.ie; also see facebook.com/ungludGF.
Coeliacs and those who prefer to eat a gluten-free diet - and like to cook - will enjoy Tartine All Day by Elizabeth Prueitt of Tartine in San Francisco, who describes herself as 'gluten-intolerant'. Trained as a classic French pastry chef, Prueitt uses a huge array of non-gluten flours to mimic the recipes that she initially learned and developed using wheat.
It's not just a baking book, though, and the book is very much aimed at the time-poor home cook who wants to eat well without fuss (easons.com, 42).
Galway Food Tours has teamed up with the city's favourite food shop, McCambridges, to offer a range of picnics celebrating the best of local and Irish produce. Picnics cost from 48 for two, including a bottle of wine and a map showing all the best spots for outdoor eating; galwayfoodtours.com
Spring at Aniar
JP McMahon's Aniar in Galway has launched a new five-course spring menu featuring dishes such as oyster, cabbage and sorrel; carrot, elderflower and chervil; and celery and pear sorbet. The menu is priced at 55, and is available each evening and at lunchtime on Saturday; aniarrestaurant.ie
It seems as if each week there's the launch of a new Irish gin - the latest is Bonac 24, distilled in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, offering "a sublime blend of natural botanicals which deliver hints of citrus, mint and star anise". The gin retails at 45 and is available nationwide in O'Briens.
Link:
Food news: Pop-up paradise for coeliacs - Irish Independent
