Where From? Goodie Girl Cookies Available in Supermarkets Across the US and in Starbucks
Back in the gluten days, one of the best times of year for me was undoubtedly Girl Scout Cookie season. I have fond [and somewhat stressful] memories of driving around Columbia, South Carolina when I was at school desperately trying to find stands selling these cookies. There is no denying however, that these delectable cookies were made all the more moreish by the fact that they were not available year-round! It has taken the Girl Scouts a long time to develop a gluten free alternative but Goodie Girl Cookies – an entirely gluten free cookie company – has hit the US by storm and sells seven varieties of their melt-in-the-mouth Girl Scout replica cookie boxes in supermarkets including Walmart, Whole Foods and Stop & Shop as well as online. Now you can also grab a small handy packet of Mint Slims at major coffee stores including Starbucks. And yes folks, they’re available ALL YEAR LONG!
As the cost of living in London seems to rise on almost a daily basis, I have started to make more of breakfasts and even brunches at home in my efforts to cut costs. That said, I’ve come to realise that there is nothing quite like having brunch made for you and being able to walk away well fed without a pile of dishes the size of a small building to tend to. I recently found the perfect excuse therefore to venture to my newest local brunch spot: Milk Teeth.
Located along Mitcham High Road, Milk Teeth opened its doors to the public in August and has done a roaring trade since day one. Many of you reading this will know its sister restaurant Milk in Balham, famous for its indulgent, photograph-worthy breakfasts and brunches but infamous at the same time for its overbearing queues and wait times. I expected a similar fate when we braved Milk Teeth on a Sunday at 11am but was pleasantly surprised to be told at the door to “wait two minutes” while a polite waiter prepared our table.
While the simple wooden shopfront is small and understated, the restaurant itself stretches out a good way at the back. This allows a lot of room for multiple bench style and low wooden tables, which immediately makes for a more comfortable setting than the Balham layout where space is limited.
Milk fans fret not – the Milk Teeth menu is the same as in Balham. After taking their pick from the freshly brewed coffee menu, gluten free diners can choose from a range of egg dishes, including the Eggs Bene, which come lavishly topped with a special Espresso Hollandaise. Homemade chunky corn bread slices can be ordered in place of the classic sourdough to make it gluten free friendly, which the helpful staff who are all clued up allergy-wise will tell you.
As the Eggs Bene has been my go-to dish in the past, this time I decided to opt for the Sweetcorn Fritters which come interspersed with grilled halloumi cheese slices, smashed avocado, all smothered in kasundi – a sort of Indian spiced ketchup – and served with a wedge of lime. Because I cannot face a brunch without eggs, I ordered one to have on top, as well as the drycure smoked bacon that Milk Teeth staff recommend as an extra. The fritters did not disappoint and were like fluffy, savoury pancakes peppered with juicy bits of corn. The kasundi was fragrant and certainly added an extra dimension to the dish, which overall was incredibly filling and provided me with fuel until dinnertime.
That said, I could not resist a slice of the gluten free cake of the day – Pistachio and Polenta with a Buttercream Frosting – to finish off the meal. The cake was moist, fragrant and made all the more sweet by the creamy topping which was sprinkled with edible purple flowers – the perfect ending to an overall relaxing and efficient brunch experience. With that said, I urge you all to consider the trip to Tooting Broadway (a mere two stops on the underground from Balham) next time you’re craving a Milk breakfast or brunch. Milk Teeth is open until 5pm everyday and is a must-visit!
Milk Teeth 110 Mitcham Road London SW17 9NG (The cafe works on a first come first served basis)
A croissant lover’s paradise, Paris at first glance can seem like a nightmare for anyone gluten free. I have come to learn that the opposite is in fact true. Within the past couple years, an array of gluten free dedicated patisseries, cafes and lunch spots have popped up around the French capital leaving us spoilt for choice. I have been lucky enough to venture to Paris on multiple occasions in the past few years and have finally brought together a selection of my favourites in what I hope will be a handy guide for any non-gluten-eaters heading to the most romantic (and pastry-heavy) city in the world!
Paris’ original, 100% gluten free bakery and patisserie has two locations across the city. An array of breads, cakes, sandwiches and mouth watering tarts will leave you panicking over just how much choice you have! Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and a selection of beautiful pastries and cakes. This famous spot also has a sister restaurant in New York City.
This brand new addition to the Parisian gluten free scene is stuffed to the brim with fresh pastries, cakes, tarts, breads and even sandwiches at lunchtime. I couldn’t believe the selection, especially when it came to the pastries as you can take your pick from the classics or try something more adventurous (ahem, check out this picture!). So grab an array of treats and a coffee to go, and enjoy them on the bench outside the shop because let’s face it, they won’t last the journey!
This absolute Parisian staple went away for a while during the pandemic but is now thankfully back (even if it’s open only on Saturdays). Arguably offering the best eclairs in the city, Helmut Newcake’s top flavours include chocolate, coffee and salted caramel and more, as well as a chocolate and hazelnut flavour for the lactose free among us. This beautiful patisserie also has a selection of melt-in-the-mouth patisserie cakes and bread to take away or enjoy in store with a coffee. Open on Saturdays only.
Home to the freshest gluten free bread in Paris, Chambelland boasts savoury and sweet option alike. Chocolate bread is a specialty here, as is the house choux pastry. The bakery offers daily quiche and pizzas, as well as two sandwich flavours on delicious flat bread – a meat option and a vegetarian option but the meat option sells out quickly so grab yours early in the day and head to a nearby park for a wonderfully picturesque lunch. A small number of tables are tucked away in the corner for anyone wishing to pause for a minute during their busy Parisian day.
This 100% gluten free waffle shop has an impressive menu of both sweet and savoury options, including my all-time favourite Croque Monsieur flavour. Do save room for a sweet waffle for afters and pair with a coffee – you may even want to try several while you’re here as the choices make it next to impossible to just settle on one. Another lovely place to not have to worry in the slightest about cross contamination.
This 100% gluten free concept with a healthy twist is perfect for lunches and snacks to go. Established by the wonderful and organic-inspired Angèle A Baigné, you will find an array of gluten free options prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients. The 11th Arrondissement tea room has a lovely breakfast and lunch menu to enjoy in or out and for those with a sweet tooth – the tarte au citron here is unbeatable and a must-try. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Arguably one of the most Instagrammed cafe in Paris, Ob-La-Di is so small you may not even be able to get in, especially if you come armed with shopping bags. However, I suggest you grab a coffee and whatever the gluten free cake of the day is and take it outside to one of the small benches directly outside the shop entrance. This is not a gluten free dedicated eatery by any means, but some cakes are suitable for the GF crowd and really are something quite special, as well as the gluten free granola on offer most days too.
Another 100% gluten free staple when in Paris, Café Mareva has a gorgeous and entirely waffle-themed menu as well as a case of beautiful cakes and patisserie items to enjoy instore or to take away. The house sweet potato waffles are world famous and perfect for breakfast or brunch with eggs, bacon and other toppings. You can also opt for a fried chicken waffle sandwich but warning this may make you emotional it’s so good!
Spend an afternoon in this unique vegan concept store where you can not only enjoy delicious coffee and cakes but browse the aisles for gluten free treats in the adjoining shop. This little cafe is covered from head to toe in luscious plants and work by local artists which I could quite happily stare at all day long. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial to eat, the fully vegan menu offers up burgers, sandwiches and depending on the day, the house mac’ and cheese can aso be made gluten free. Just be sure to check with the staff on duty what the gluten free options of the day are.
A 100% gluten free pizzeria, Little Nonna is one my favourite spots to visit whenever I’m in Paris. Another place you can rest assured that you are being served only safely prepped gluten free food, everything here is delicious from the pizzas to the pastas to the dessert. While I’ve enjoyed the gnocchi here several times, the menu is subject to change and features a number of seasonal specials when it comes to pasta, but the tiramisu seems to stick around so order that if it’s the last thing you do!
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to eat while in Paris or have a special occasion to celebrate, book yourself a table at Dessance where the entire tasting menu can be adapted to be gluten free and coeliac safe. We tried an array of incredible dishes here, which we matched with the wine pairing and it was spectacular. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
One of my absolute favourites in Paris – LouLou is a modern bistro with an Australian twist and a menu loaded with gluten free options to boot. Gluten free diners can enjoy a number of novelties including a loaded club sandwich or indulgent fish and chips. LouLou Friendly Diner also serves up brunch and breakfast where you can enjoy buddha bowls and a selection of gluten free muffins, banana bread and more. Don’t forget – happy hour drinks are served Monday to Friday from 4-7:30pm!
All of your pizza dreams can come true in Paris – and they will be presented to you in the shape of a heart! This classic Italian restaurant goes above and beyond for gluten free customers who can choose between their signature pizzas or a number of pasta dishes. You’ll even be served your own bread basket upon arrival. It’s hard to save room for dessert here but do know that you have options! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
When in search of steak frites in Paris, Camille should be your number one destination. The chips are fried separately (music to any coeliac’s ears) and the staff have a good understanding of allergies and cross contamination. I can’t vouch for anything else on the menu as I literally only was there for steak frites, so take my recommendation and try them with a nice glass of red for the perfect Parisian lunch or dinner. Booking ahead essential but some walk-ins seated if you’re lucky.
A 100% gluten free and organic Italian restaurant, Tasca Bio is any coeliac’s dream with fresh pizzas to die for as well as a huge pasta menu. Do check out their starters (the focaccia is unreal) and leave room for dessert because it’s all incredible. Great selection of gluten free beers on offer too. If you don’t fancy dining in, grab a pizza to go and sit by the river and watch the world go by.
The original location of what has now become a global chain, branching off into other major global cities including London and New York, still remains the best around. A paradise for meat eaters, this eatery has no menu and offers the tenderest steak, frites and secret recipe sauce to all hungry patrons. While the restaurant has no gluten free bread on offer, the main attraction is entirely gluten free, including the sauce. Be warned that the plate you are first given will not be your last, and once you have finished the wait staff will top up your plate with more food. The mouthwatering experience makes the waiting time worth it, so do not give up!
Where?
271 Boulevard Pereire 75017 Paris
Shopping
Parisian supermarkets are fantastic for gluten free. Those of you in search of packaged bread, biscuits, pasta and other items will be able to source them from stores including Bio c’ Bon, Monoprix and Carrefour, all of which have multiple locations across the city. Check their websites for your nearest branch.
An amazing selection of dry and frozen gluten free goods can also be purchased at La Maison du Sans Gluten in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris. This petite treasure trove of gluten free treats is closed on Sundays.
Where? 12 Rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris
Gluten Free Food Tour of Paris
For those of you wanting to be led around some of the city’s top gluten free spots in style, Chiara of Baci Di Dama is your first port of call! Chiara is one of the gluten free world’s most established bloggers and organises day tours around Paris with multiple stop offs at some of the most beautiful and gluten free friendly cafes and restaurants. Chiara also organises cooking classes on demand should you have the energy after your tour so contact her for more information via her website!
Anyone with a bit more time in Paris can also take gluten free cooking classes with wonderful chef Celine. Again, venture to her webpage for more details and what she has in store for you!
Anyone keen to see the sights of Paris by river and with a side of champagne should book onto the Ô Chateau boat cruise which sets sail from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The cruise lasts around an hour, during which you can sample fantastic local champagnes and learn all about the architectural history of Paris. We opted for a night tour so we could see the city lit up and it did not disappoint. Booking ahead essential to secure the date you want.
Everyday when I get off the tube at Tooting Broadway, I think to myself – I am home. Not only physically but emotionally. The sights, smells and sounds are a hectic and eclectic mix which all harmoniously come together to create what Lonely Planet this summer named as one of 10 of the world’s “coolest neighbourhoods to visit right now.” While I don’t think Tooting is quite there yet, I definitely delight in inviting friends from near and far to visit and explore the surroundings with me, knowing that there is something for absolutely everyone here.
Growing up near Brixton has already made me a witness to one major London marketplace transformation. Judging from the wide array of trendy eateries popping up alongside the traditional Pakistani and Sri Lankan restaurants surrounding my Tooting abode, I now believe I’m witnessing another. Plot is but one of many new hot spots which no matter the day of the week is always bustling, with all seats both at the elegant marble bar and at lower tables permanently occupied by hungry patrons.
The restaurant opened its market stall to the public this year with a kitchen headed up by former Roux at Parliament Square chef Giles Elstob and an emphasis on locally sourced produce. The concept is small plates, with staff recommending two to three plates each. This week I ventured there for the second time since its opening with fond memories of gluten free friendly options and a kitchen willing to adapt. I was delighted to learn upon being seated that five out of six plates on the small menu were naturally gluten free with the final option – Smoked Salmon, Beetroot & Douglas Fir Mayo – easily made me-friendly by removing the Treacle Soda Bread.
I opted for the London Burrata cheese – a long-time favourite of mine – served with walnut pesto and crispy Oxspring’s ham, the latter of which added a delectably salty edge to a traditionally creamy and understated flavour.
This I shared with my partner, alongside a Cured Beef Carpaccio with the most decadent and flavourful celeriac remoulade I think I have ever tasted. The carpaccio came drizzled with truffle mayo and pickled girolles.
For a heartier plate, we decided on the Roast Shetland Cod, atop a bed of creamy butternut squash puree and sea vegetables. Everything was delicious and beautifully put together on an array of ceramic and white enamel plates with that familiar farm kitchen-style blue rim.
While I enjoyed another relatively carefree night at Plot, a friend I dined with was sadly not privy to the same experience as a vegetarian and was left with incredibly limited options. Amazingly, the kitchen had only one entirely vegetarian friendly plate on offer: Charred Hispi Cabbage. While another dish was adaptable, there appeared to be no sides or additional vegetables that the restaurant was willing to improvise with to create an additional small plate.
After much debate, our waiter finally got word that some fried potatoes from a meat dish could and would be brought to the table as a small dish themselves, but we were told that the kitchen did not want to “just throw other ingredients together.”
The vegetarian plates which arrived my friend said were flavourful, but by that point fatigue from negotiating choices had already clouded the atmosphere around the table. As a meat eater through and through, that night I counted my blessings for having to cut out only one thing and one thing alone: gluten. To appeal to a wider array of eaters however, I realised that Plot’s “modern” kitchen still has some distance to go.
Plot 70-72 Broadway Market 29 Tooting High Street London SW17 0RL Tel: 020 8767 2639 (Tables bookable over the phone or via Opentable)
The Gluten Free Suitcase 