Lasister's Thoughts

I agree about the bread. Most of it is awful. I use Chebe bread almost exclusively. It's different than regular bread, of course, but if you get creative, it is very versatile. I order it by the case on-line:

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There is another mix out there that I've tried and it was pretty decent. The problem is, I bought it freshly baked from a local gluten free store and I can't remember what the name of the mix was. All I know was that it was made from amaranth (sp?).

Concerning weird looks...why care about how people look at you? I've never noticed anyone giving me a weird look when I read labels. Lots of people read labels for lots of different reasons. If someone comments or asks, just tell them why. It's no big deal and nothing to be embarrassed about. I don't mind being asked about gluten or celiac disease because I want to spread the word at every opportunity. Americans are way underdiagnosed for this disease so the more people that know they have it and demand gluten-free products, the more the food manufacturers will become aware, which will result in more gluten-free products for me.

As for the woman saying something rude to you in the grocery store, I doubt that will be a common occurrence, but you don't need to respond to that at all. Just an incredulous look will let her know that she was rude. Or you could just say right out, "That was a rude thing to say."

Ooh, I miss Santa Barbara! It's my hometown. God, i miss the restaurants. I've never been glutened in a restaurant in SB. Probably because they are not chains, and they have higher standards for their employees! It is hard to find gluten-free groceries there, though.

When I lived down there, my strategy was to try products at the expensive local prices, and if they were good, buy them in bulk online at a discount. There is a great health food store in SLO that has lots of gluten-free stuff, but like Lazy Acres and Lassen's, it is really expensive.

As to bread, I love Ener-G light tapioca loaf. It's not dense like most gluten-free breads. It is especially awesome for making grilled sandwiches and garlic toast. I buy it by the case on Amazon. They might carry it at Lassen's (in the Magnolia Shopping Center in Goleta). Whole Foods still says that thier SB location will be opening soon, but it's said that for what, two years now? We'll see.

Good luck!