Jo' Burger - Ordering Food-Allergy Free is a Definite Option

One of the major bonuses of Jo’ Burger (Rathmines) is that the entire menu is set up for customization. Although they do not claim anything to be ‘allergen free’ this is still an obvious benefit for anybody with food allergies because the staff are used to taking ‘with’ and ‘without’ customized orders.
‘Mix ‘n Match’ is the name of the game and even though I was going to limit myself to a snack of sweet potato chips/fries (which are très tasty!) Jo himself sat down beside us and went through what I could and couldn’t have on the menu which eased my weary mind and totally tempted my taste buds! I ended up with a lamb burger (no bun or wrap) with a very tasty (although I was initially doubtful) beetroot and horseradish relish on top with a side of mixed leaf salad with a lemon and oil dressing.

- Wheat free & Gluten free burgers (without the bun or wrap)
are still tasty and even recommended
- Dairy free (if you exclude the mayo fraiche)
- Onion free burgers: made from a variety of meats as well as
vegetarian options
- Potato free chips: made from Sweet Potato

The only ingredients to be aware of are the mayo. If you are dairy free and used to eating most mayo’s Jo’ Burger’s mayo is actually ‘mayo fraiche’ which is mayonnaise mixed with crème fraiche and therefore not dairy free. But this is not a major problem because there are sauces and relishes aplenty on all of the burger options. Also, do note that most of the sauces have some form of spicy chili, including the ketchup, so be sure to question your waiter if you have problems with chili or anything similar… This is why I chose the roasted beet and horseradish option but I very surprised with the great taste because I am traditionally a beetroot hater but this relish came up trumps!
To top it all off, Jo’ Burger is a great little place with live DJ’s (which can get a wee bit loud later in the evening if you mind that sort of thing) and changing graffiti clad walls with games to play should you desire- although we are the only ones I have ever seen playing them :) … the games are possibly more suited to the quiet times in the day like lazy Sunday afternoons as there can sometimes be a line outside the door to get in!
The truly great thing is that I didn’t feel like a contrary customer who was an annoyance to the staff… If anything I felt that they really wanted me to enjoy my meal. Definitely one of the happiest and relaxed days that I’ve had in a while!

Jo’ Burger
Location: 137 Rathmines rd,
Rathmines, Dublin 6.
tel: 01 4913731
web: www.joburger.ie
Opening Times: Mon-Wed, Sun 12:00-22:00; Thu 12:00-22:30; Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00

Roadtrip! – A Visit to Cork without Dairy, Wheat, Gluten or the other Usual Suspects

Despite Dublin with Food Allergies’ main focus there is, of course, WAY more to Ireland than Dublin and it's so important to get out and about!... and so, with this in mind, last weekend I found myself in Cork. I have been there a good few times since I moved to Ireland and every time I go I like it more and more. It is a compact city (123,000 population & 3,731 hectares) but it’s the 2nd largest in Ireland. At first glance Cork can feel as small as it looks on paper because it can be hard to get beyond the main shopping thoroughfare but with a little bit of an exploratory nature there is a full and vibrant city waiting to unfold.
During my weekend visit I had the lucky privilege of staying with some friends who are knowledgeable long term residents of the city with a foodie flare and a thoughtful awareness of food intolerances. Although we only had a limited time we managed to hit two spots which had my taste buds thumping!

1st Stop:
Cork Coffee Roasters

OK, from what I can gather, Cork Coffee Roasters is the bee’s knees when it comes to coffee in Cork, if not all of Ireland – or so is the word on the street! They hand roast their own coffee using traditional methods and produce a variety of home blends. Their main deal is roasted, ground and blended coffee made to order for delivery. HOWEVER, for the purposes of Survival Guide I would like to talk about their funky little café on Bridge St. Coffee is coffee and there can be some pretty good coffee but in my opinion the thing that puts Cork Coffee Roasters on the map is the fact that they not only offer soya milk as an alternative to cow’s milk but they also offer Rice Milk! I have NEVER seen this in Ireland! I simply couldn’t believe my eyes.
Soya Milk has become the major substitute for cow’s milk and although I am genuinely thrilled to see a boom in dairy free milk substitution in our cafes and restaurants, the killer is that a lot of people can’t handle soya so rice milk as another alternative shows signs of true flexibility and understanding in my opinion. It is my milk of choice and I seriously hope that this catches on!

Location: 2 Bridge St, Cork
Tel: 021 7319158
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 07:30-18:30; Sat 08:00-18:30; Sun 09:00-17:00
Web: www.corkcoffee.com


2nd Stop:
Quay Co-op

With a whole-food shop downstairs a vegetarian restaurant upstairs which also caters to food intolerances, AND an in-house bakery, the Quay Co-op have it covered. After my dairy free high in Cork Coffee Roasters I was really excited when my friends brought me to the Quay Co-op Vegetarian restaurant for dinner. Road trips can be hungry events and after having to limit myself to a banana and pistachio nuts on the four hour bus journey from Dublin to Cork I couldn’t wait to dig into something warm, hearty and food allergy friendly!
The Quay Co-op caters to:

- Dairy free
- Egg free
- Wheat free
- Gluten free
- Sugar free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian

Although the Co-op is set up in a canteen style the seating resembles a bright fresh café style restaurant with two floors of seating spread across three rooms. It’s similar to Dublin’s Cornucopia by way of the menu and service but an important element of the Quay Co-op is that it is a worker’s co-operative!
Choices for food are between two soups, two daily specials, lasagna, pizza, burgers and tarts with a selection of salads and/or warm vegetables. In addition to this there is a selection of sweet cakes and beverages.

Location: 24 Sullivan’s Quay, Cork City
Tel: 021 431 7026
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00; Sun 12:00-21:00
Web: www.quaycoop.com

Chocolate Chunk & Brazil Nut Cookies – Gluten, Dairy, Egg & Wheat Free

I used to make these cookies just dairy free and always found it hard to refrain from eating the full dozen, but when my food allergy blood test came back with the list of foods to eliminate from my diet I thought my favourite cookies were going to be off limits entirely but after a little bit of thinking, reading and experimenting I made it happen… And yes, I'm still finding it hard to not eat the full dozen!
Obviously if you don't have problems with eggs, wheat or gluten feel free to substitute all of the flours for just 150g (1¼ cup) white wheat flour and 1 egg for the flax and water mixture seeing as that is the original recipe but I think that you will find either variation acceptable.

-Dairy free
-Egg free
-Wheat free
-Gluten free
-Potato free
-Soya free (if you use soya free margarine and chocolate)
-Yeast free
-Vegan
-Vegetarian


Chocolate Chunk & Brazil Nut Cookies – Gluten, Dairy, Egg & Wheat Free
Makes 12

30g (¼ cup) Millet flour
30g (¼ cup) Gram flour
30g (¼ cup) Quinoa flour
30g (¼ cup) Brown Rice flour
30g (¼ cup) Tapioca flour
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp salt
125g (½ cup) allergy-safe margarine
45g (¼ firmly packed cup) brown sugar
125g (½ cup) white sugar
2tbsp ground flax mixed with a pinch of baking powder and 3tbsp water
1tsp vanilla extract
100g brazil nuts cut into sizable chunks (approx 3-4 pieces per nut)
100g allergy-safe chocolate cut into sizable chips (similar to nuts)

Preheat oven to 180C/350F Gas Mark 4
Sift the flours, soda and salt together.
Blend or Cream margarine with sugars until ‘fluffy’. Add flax mixture and vanilla to margarine and sugar and beat together.
Stir in dry ingredients. When fully blended stir in chocolate and nuts.
Grease two cookie sheets with margarine. Roughly form six 2 inch balls of cookie dough onto each cookie sheet (totaling 12), leaving room for spreading.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cookies retain some firmness when touched.

Important: The cookies will be rather delicate when first taken out of the oven so let them cool on the cookie sheets for 5 or 6 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Ideally use a flat metal spatula when removing cookies from the pan.

also, thanks to the intolerant gourmet (see link under web excursions) for the egg replacement help!

Fresh 'n Tasty

Fresh has been around longer than Blazing Salads (which is owned by a different branch of the Blazing Salads blood line) and yet I must admit that I have only been there twice! I think that it is because it is out of the way up in the rafters of the Powerscourt Townhouse. But truly that is a very poor excuse when food allergy eating is such a scarce commodity so get thee/me to Powerscourt! Fresh is set up very much like a canteen up on the top floor of the townhouse. There are two entrances – one is through the Italian balcony based restaurant and the second is at the back from the Clarendon St side of the building by the washrooms.
The only way I can describe Fresh is as a bridge between Cornucopia (see my Aug 4th 2010 log) and Blazing Salads (see my Sept 11th 2011 log). There is a large chalk board upon entering (behind the counter) which lists all of the foods available and their allergy free attributes as well as a counter where you can view the salads and sweets.
With ample seating it is a great place to perch after a shopping expedition for a quiet snack or a lunch with friends. It is particularly laid back early in the day during weekdays before the lunch rush if you have the time…

Fresh is a vegetarian café which caters to a range of food allergy friendly diets such as:

- Dairy free
- Wheat free
- Gluten free
- Yeast free
- Egg free
- Sugar free
- Raw
- Vegan
- and Vegetarian, obviously

Possibly one of the more exciting elements of Fresh is their catering service available for large or small business functions or home based events which will ensure that all of your guests can fill up without leaving anyone out (A major benefit for those familiar with the plight of office functions for the food allergy worker!).
The last time I was there I had some refreshing bean salads and peppermint tea and my sister had a dairy free baklava which was easy on the filo and heavy on the nutty filling with a sweet sauce drizzled on top which she said was the perfect level of sweetness. And of course I will point out that dairy free baklava is welcome at any time in my life! ;)
So take a hike up to the third floor of the Powerscourt shopping centre and rejuvenate with a happy, healthy food allergy free lunch or bring it to the office if you know of an employee who is always bringing their own snacks along so as not to draw attention by going hungry during that lunch meeting!


Cafe Fresh
Location: Top Floor, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
South William St
Dublin 2
tel: (01) 671 9669
web: www.cafe-fresh.com
Opening times: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00;Sat 09:00-18:00 (note: hot food finishes 17:15)

A Valentine In The Raw

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for loved ones with food allergies or special dietary requirements. It’s the day when love is in the air and a lot of people want to bring their special someone out for a romantic meal but between allergies and commericialism it can end up being a bit of a mess. However, if you want to get his or her heart all a flutter by bringing them somewhere special and showing that you love and understand them AND their allergies take a trip to Wicklow this February 14th.
I don’t know if there are still places left at this late hour but for all you last minute valentine participants - The SOL Studio in the Healthy Habits Café in Wicklow is having a ‘St. Valentine’s Day Raw Gourmet Dinner’. It costs €30 per person and is a ‘bring your own wine’ occasion. Of course being raw will meet the obvious dietary requirements:

- Raw
- Vegetarian

But where there is raw there is usually understanding and a lack of many common food allergens but do be sure to ask details about then menu before booking.
So if all of this sounds good call the number below to book your place and bring your valentine out for a romantic raw meal in Ireland's garden!

When:
14th February 7:00pm
Where:
St Valentine’s Day Raw Gourmet Dinner
SOL Studio, Healthy Habits Café
Wicklow Town, Quarantine Hill

Tel: 0404 68645
or call Veronica on 087 1460812

Did You Know 5 - Food Allergy Friendly Snacks

This week I bring you another ‘Did You Know’ to help you find treats, snacks and/or healthy food-allergy friendly options when you’re roaming the streets of Dublin. It seems we went all green this week but the flavours are diverse, I assure you! As always I would like to stress the importance of reading the labels before you buy anything and the importance of studying them extra hard if your product has recently changed packaging because it’s usually a sign of ‘improved’ taste which means altered ingredient lists – the dread of food allergy diets everywhere!

Siesta Carob Luxury Confectionery Mint Flavour
Carob is not chocolate. I think that the majority of people who hate carob are the people who eat it expecting chocolate. Although carob is often used as a chocolate substitute it really is a very different flavour which can be something of an acquired taste. Personally I love it and I especially love Siesta’s mint flavoured bar - yum yum yum! The biggest problem for me is that it contains soya and has a crazy fat content. Other than that the ingredients are so simple, there is no sugar and the taste is one to be craved once you get the hang of it ;) … Down to Earth, Nourish and the Hopsack are all stockists and a Carob Mint bar can be yours for about €1.50. There is also an ‘Original’ flavour and ‘Orange’ flavoured bar which always seems to be in stock but Mint has my heart.

- Dairy free
- Wheat free
- Gluten free
- Egg free
- Corn free
- Sugar free
- Yeast free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Nut free

Lyme Regis’ Fruit Break Plum & Apricot Bar
I have been a fan of this little bar for a number of years. It’s really affordable and tasty as could be. It resembles the consistency of nakd bars and fits in great for a quick snack. I have to limit myself when purchasing them though because I find them quite addictive and will eat as many as I buy all in one day! They are almost always available in Holland & Barrett.

- Dairy free
- Wheat free
- Gluten free
- Egg free
- Soya free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- No added sugar


Lyme Regis’ Fruitus Moist Organic Apple & Oat Bar
Yet another option on the snack bar circuit. Fruitus has a very simple ingredient list and doesn’t try to be too much other than an organic snack bar which doubles as one portion of your five-a-day. It reminds me of health food bars from my youth. Available in Holland & Barrett.

- Dairy free
- Wheat free (although does contain oats)
- Corn free
- Egg free
- Soya free
- Yeast free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- No added sugar
- Organic

Farmbake Apple Turnovers
There are four turnovers our in a package and if you are like me you will want all four to yourself! That’s not to say that they are small, it’s more of a representation of my own gluttonous behaviour. Anyway, these apple turnovers are a treat whether you have just one or all four. F says that they taste a bit artificial … and yes, I can taste what he’s talking about but then he has the option of picking up almost any fresh baked pastry with very few restrictions and Farmbake are not claiming to be pure and healthy. The real trouble is that they are made in a factory that processes milk protein/lactose, soya, egg and nuts so bear that in mind according to your own gambling nature. My rule is to generally stay away from ‘produced on a line’ products and proceed with caution when ‘made in a factory that processes’. If you do decide to give them a go they are available at many corner stores/newsagents for in or about €2.00 and I think that they are best eaten by first biting off the corners and then squishing the filling so it’s evenly disbursed! ;) -do check the best before date though and try to get the freshest batch.

- Dairy free
- Egg free
- Soya free
- Yeast free

Veggie Juice in a Bar
If you’re looking for an opposite to Farmbake’s Apple Turnovers then you might find it in Juice Master’s Veggie Juice in a Bar. This pure health bar is packed with vegetables, plants, algaes and friendly bacteria. I had seen it on the market a few times and had been a bit apprehensive… Frankly it sounded gross to me. The ingredients made me think that this bar couldn’t possibly be an enjoyable experience then when I opened the wrapper and saw the black/dark green coloured bar (just like powedered spirulina in water) my fears were intensified. When I took a bite my instant reaction was: yuck… but then I chewed… took another bite... chewed some more and before you know it I was thinking that Veggie Juice in a Bar is actually a decent tasting and very healthy sounding possibility for a breakfast on the run or a snack while hiking and it’s really not half bad considering all the goodness that is packed in! I say go for it. I haven’t tried the Fruit Juice in a Bar, which I’m sure sounds more appealing but don’t let appearances deceive you, some things just take a little getting used to.

- Dairy free
- Egg free
- Gluten free
- Soya free
- Yeast free
- Corn free
- Vegetarian
- Raw
- No added sugar
- No artificial flavours, colours or fats


PRODUCT INFORMATION:

Siesta’s Carob Luxury Confectionery Mint Flavoured Bar
Ingredients: Carob powder, non-hydrogenated vegetable fat, soya powder, emulsifier (lecithin), peppermint oil flavouring (0.3%)
Nutritional Information per 100g:
Energy 2458kJ/559.6kcal
Protein 13.3g
Carbohydrates 17.97g
Fat 44.3g


Lyme Regis’ Fruit Break Plum & Apricot Bar
Ingredients: Fruit 67% [prunes 19% (contains vegetable oil, preservative: potassium sorbate), dates, sultanas, apricot 10%, apple juice concentrate], cashew, sunflower seeds
Nutritional Information per 100g:
Energy 1568kJ/ 374kcal
Protein 8.8g
Carbohydrate 45.9g
of which sugars 36.6g
Fat 17.7g
of which saturates 3.5g
Fibre 4.6g
Sodium trace

Lyme Regis’ Fruitus Moist Organic Apple & Oat Bar
Ingredients: Fruit 51% (sultanas, apple 8%, apple juice concentrate 6%), oasts, sunflower oil
Nutritional Information per 100g:
Energy 1629g/387kcal
Protein 6.0g
Carbohydrates 60.2g
of which sugars 37.1g
Fat 13.6g
of which saturates 3.1g
Fibre 3.8g
Sodium trace

Farmbake Apple Turnovers
Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, water, vegetable oil and fat partly hydrogenated, glucose-fructose syrup, apple (10%), gelling agent (pectin), acidity regulator (citric acid, potassium citrate, calcium citrate), flavor, salt, modified potato starch, emulsifier (mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids), preservative (potassium sorbate), colour (carotene)
Nutritional Information per 100g:
Not available

Juice Master’s Veggie Juice in a Bar
Ingredients: Raw dates, raw almond butter, barley grass, wheatgrass, nettle leaf, shavegrass, alfalfa juice, dandelion juice, kamut grass juice, barley grass juice, oat grass juice, burdock root, broccoli juice, kale juice, spinach juice, parsley juice, carob pod, ginger root, nopal cactus, amia berry,Algaes: spirulina, broken cell wall chlorella, Icelandic kelp, nova scotia dulse, Digestive Enzymes: amylase, lipase, protease, cellulose, bromelain, papain
Nutritional Information per 100g:
Energy 1497kJ/356kcal
Protein 9.0g
Carbohydrate 47.3g
Fats 15.6g

Going Strong Since 1979 - The Hopsack

The Hopsack is a small and friendly family run health food shop based in Rathmines’ Swan Centre in Dublin 6. It was established in 1979 and has been going strong ever since. From the moment I moved to Dublin I have been frequenting the Hopsack (that’s almost 10 years! –which is a crazy thought in itself) and I have always been impressed with the staff's knowledge and their willingness to obtain any product that I’m looking for even if it is not part of their regular stock.

In addition to their vast knowledge, the Hopsack's large team is extremely helpful and very generous with their time. Sometimes I wonder how they all fit in the small shop but don’t let the square footage fool you! Every inch is packed full with supplements, homeopathic remedies, tonics, natural beauty products, wholefoods, baby food, teas, spices–and of course that includes a whole rake of food allergy friendly products like ice creams, breads, cheeses, pastas, cereals, sweeteners, spreads, flours, snack bars and I know not what else!

Something else unique to the Hopsack, which I find 'somewhat' rare with healthfood shops, is their active internet existence. www.hopsack.ie is a vibrant online site with local news, health tips and adventures. I definitely suggest logging on because there is an online shop, an active blog/news page, a handy link page for related resources and even a members forum (although it seems to be a bit quiet since mid 2009 but there is still some golden information stashed away in them there hills).

Every healthfood shop has its specialties and personal reasons for you to frequent but I can safely say that if you are seeking advice, guidance or clarification on your allergies/intolerances or indeed any health query then the Hopsack is one of your best options.

Location: Swan Shopping Centre, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Tel: 01 496 0399
Web: www.hopsack.ie
Opening Times: Mon-Wed 09:00-19:30; Thurs-Fri 09:00-21:00; Sat 09:30-18:30; Sun 13:00-18:00