I'm blaming some crisps I ate on the journey. I took them with me and were the only different thing I had eaten before being unwell. Nevertheless, the allergy info stated they were safe, so I won't name and shame just in case I am maligning them unnecessarily.....but we know that feeling don't we?! There's no mistaking it is there?!......The gluten got me and I'm pointing the finger of blame to the crisps!
So, a little weak, sore and uncomfortable (wearing the same pair of jeans each day as they were the only thing that didn't "dig in") we embarked on a sightseeing extravaganza! Under the circumstances I didn't really give Parisian Gluten Free a full work out but here's what I have to report....
An interesting find was Au Pied de Cochin (www.pieddecochon.com), renowned for nose to tail pork eating we approached with mild trepidation but a certain fascination!
No mention of GF but we were feeling bold and I was armed with my GF translation app on my phone! Didn't need the app! Really friendly, helpful staff with great English who sorted me out with pork chop and mash!
Now, call me old fashioned but I like my pork cooked! I don't buy into this pink pork lark even if it is THE way to have it these days! So, rather embarrassingly, I sent it back! I did feel a little like "the-gluten -free -weirdo -in -the -corner -who -fussed -about -the -menu -and -is -now -sending -perfectly -good -pork -back -to -be -ruined -and -over -cooked -in -the -kitchen!" BUT to give them credit, they didn't bat an eyelid, nothing was too much of a problem! If you're a pork fan in Paris, (GF, or not) they are definitely worth a visit!
I must say I was bowled over at how helpful restaurants were when faced with my GF translation. It may have only been a meat / veg combo but I could always eat....and there's always creme brûlée!
For all those crepe fans a visit to Aux Ducs de Bourgogne is a must! (www.creperieauxducsdebourgogne.com) Look....
Ok, technically it's a galette which uses buckwheat flour so is naturally GF. However, they have a dedicated section in their menu which reassuringly talks about the GF options and the measures they have in place to reduce cross contamination. Would have loved a second visit but stomach / time did not allow!
I finally convinced Dale to take a 20 min journey out of our way to find the famous Helmut Newcake, GF bakery. I had been tempted by stories of GF choux buns and eclairs galore and must admit to feeling a little excited. Typically, after schlepping across Paris to get there, we discovered the builders were in and clearly there were no GF choux buns to be had! Much disappointment and GF strops followed but my next discovery put a smile on my face!
La Vie Claire (www.lavieclaire.com) had a branch just over the road from our apartment! Obviously, I had to take a look. Most people come back from Paris with an Eiffel Tower model or maybe a beret?! But not me...I came back with an amazing Schar stash! (www.schar.com)
Schar in Europe always has soooo much more than here! I know the panini rolls have just been launched here but they are not that easy to come by! I was particularly excited to try the gnocchi and the fig roll style biscuits! Thank goodness Eurostar allow you to take a bigger case that Easyjet! I'll let you know how I get on as I sample them over the next few weeks.
The journey home saw a 2 hour wait just before entering the tunnel making the journey just over 5 hours!!! I couldn't have been happier when Dale braved a trip to the buffet car and returned with this....
Hurrah! The Handmade Cake Company (www.handmadecake.co.uk) brownie was a very welcome sight. Gooey and rich and a good little pick me up on a long journey home. It's nice to see Eurostar stocking GF options but it would be even nice if they had some GF meal/ light options too. We can dream.....?!
Well, my stomach has just about recovered and I've prised myself out of my comfy jeans so things are looking up! Imagine how much eating I could have done if I was on top form!?!
Have a good couple of weeks! Xx (@lizprice79)
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