Charlotte Celiac Connection - Event #12!
When? March 18, 2006
Time? 12:00 noon
Where? P.F. Changs
~ in Phillips Place (near South Park Mall)
When? March 18, 2006
Time? 12:00 noon
Where? P.F. Changs
~ in Phillips Place (near South Park Mall)
Summary
Hi Everyone!
The Dining Experience:
This month’s luncheon at PF Changs tops our list as one of the best experiences ever! I’m sure
everyone across the nation knows that PF Changs is a classy and upscale restaurant but the one in
people and when Tony, our headwaiter, took me back to show me the room, I almost cried. They had
two long beautifully laid out tables in a large private dining area. Tony was eager to hear all about
celiac and even immediately put on the CFCR celiac bracelet I gave him. Then, I had some no shows
and some unexpected guests but Tony took charge and made everything pull together nicely!
I was so busy in the beginning I couldn’t sit down for 5 minutes with Matt, the manager. I did meet
with Matt at the end to tell him what a wonderful and fantastic experience we had. I gave Matt my
restaurant folder of information on celiac and he was so grateful. He mentioned how he might have
his employees read through the material and look at my web-site. Shhh…I think his employees might
have a quiz coming soon! I also told Matt about the rapid growth of our group and questioned him on
how PF Changs could accommodate us if we grow even bigger. Matt said they would definitely be able
to accommodate us. The back room can hold up to 50 people and if we need more, we’ll split up and
spread out. Therefore, if we ever get too big for other restaurants, then we will always be able to
meet monthly at PF Changs. I personally could eat there everyday!
New Members:
We welcomed several new members. Nicky brought her son, Marc, who is five. Marc was so shy at
first but seemed to open up by the end of lunch. Pat was just diagnosed with celiac four months ago.
She struggles with the same fears every asymptomatic celiac has which is how do you make sure you
don’t get exposed when you can’t rely on symptoms? I think it just means Pat needs to be more
diligent in her approach and never relax her critical thinking skills. Pat also struggles with the rest
of us in trying to explain celiac to family and friends as well as explaining how our life has been
dramatically altered. Ted also joined us and he was just diagnosed last August. He had suffered
terribly with various neuropathies and some sight and bone problems. Ted is improving on the gluten-
free diet but has a ways to go. Also, a huge big Happy Birthday to Ted (we won’t mention his age,
since I would like mine to slip by silently). Vicky was recently diagnosed, as gluten intolerant and is
still feeling very overwhelmed. We all know how overwhelming our dietary change is but it really
does get easier. It’s like anything, the more you do it the easier and better you get at doing it!
Vicky brought her friend Diane who is also having some problems. I hope that we will all get to chat
more next time!
Finally, we welcomed Mary who is a psychologist in Rock Hill and was diagnosed gluten sensitive this
past December. Her supportive husband, John, also came to lunch today. Mary is actually Dr.
McKemy and is a licensed counseling psychologist. Dr. McKemy has practiced as a therapist since
1992 and has worked with children in a variety of roles for 25 years. Dr. McKemy is very warm,
friendly and easy to talk to. Therefore, if you have a young child or teenager diagnosed with celiac
and they are having a hard time adjusting, maybe Dr. McKemy could help them. Heck, even if you’re an
adult and have a difficult spouse or family member, she may be able to help you! Dr. McKemy is also
starting up a celiac support group in her Office in Rock Hill! The first meeting is April 4th. I’m
not sure about the frequency or if there are fees. Also, if you are thinking about seeking
professional help, you can call her at (803) 985-5999 or write her at copes@comporium.net
Rebecca Says:
Rebecca (our teenage future doctor) says we learned that stress is a primary boundary for many
autoimmune diseases….interesting, so how do you prevent them? The food was excellent especially
for never really eating Chinese for five years. [Rebecca brought her gentleman friend, Chris, who
seems like a very nice young man. Rebecca’s mom told me that he even ordered like Rebecca. Although
they are way to young to date and just really good friends, they look really cute together… Rebecca,
that’s my “Janet Says” commentary]
Miscellaneous Items:
Little Andrew couldn’t join us today because he wasn’t feeling well. We missed you Andrew! We hope
you get better soon and you enjoyed your treats.
Lisa & Eddie learned that the Texas Roadhouse has a gluten-free menu. This gives everyone another
restaurant to try! They also learned that wine barrels are sometimes sealed with a wheat paste
during fermentation. Therefore, many wines are not gluten-free. This has me troubled too … I enjoy
a glass of wine now and then! I now have another research project… my DaVinci Chianti!
Joyce requested some simple recipes that have a lot of fiber. Our diets are already rich in veggies
and fruit. If anyone has any easy fiber recipes they would like to share, send them to me and I’ll
forward to the group. Joyce, I have a good fiber article I’ll bring to April’s meeting.
Shhh, Charlotte did it and had the Godiva Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. You might recall a
few emails going back and forth on this subject. We talked about whether or not it would be wise to
share her excursion but I think she approached it in a very careful manner. The ingredients are safe
but the risk was really that of cross contamination. Moreover, a prior national listserv post said it
was safe. Therefore, Charlotte took a calculated risk and had the cheesecake. Charlotte did not get
sick and she is highly sensitive. In addition, she was very careful to make sure the server knew to
have a clean knife. I personally do not get too paranoid over possible cross contamination since I
know a lot of companies but disclaimers as a CYA and not that there is a risk in reality. In reality,
most manufacturers do not want the tastes to blend so equipment is thoroughly cleaned. Everyone
needs to make their own decisions because we can only blame ourselves if we get sick in these cases.
So…shhh, now you know where to find Charlotte and I, if we don’t answer our phones.
Rose is determined to create a gluten-free Italian bread. As an Italian, she terribly misses her
pasta and bread. I think she will have the right energy and drive to come up with the first gluten-
free Italian bread. I am pulling for her and if it wasn’t for Breads from Anna, I would never eat
bread again! Many people asked me where to find the breads from Anna so here’s the web-site: www.
glutenevolution.com. If, Rose is able to create the first real gluten-free Italian bread, then we can
all say we knew her when and we will be her first customers…:>)
You might recall that last month I mentioned whispers of a gluten-free bakery in Charlotte. Well,
Pam came this month and shared that they are actually thinking of a different business concept.
They are thinking about developing frozen gluten-free meals. We could purchase these meals that
would keep for several weeks. Didn’t I tell you that life in Charlotte is just getting easier every
day! I don’t know about you but I’m getting a little tired of cooking all the time. Stay tuned for
details on this new business.
If anyone is ever at a loss as to where to go on vacation, see Nancy and Ben. Every time I talk to
Nancy, they are off to another vacation spot! This time they are going to Vegas… what am I doing
wrong?
Treats:
We had a very pleasant surprise when The Silly Yak bakery sent our group some sweets to try!
Holly sent us Snicker Doodle and M&M Cookies, Blueberry and Raspberry Scones, St. Patty Day’s
Muffins, etc. and they were just beautiful and oh so tasty. I highly recommend you place your order
with her for a whole new experience in gluten-free baked goods. To order, I believe you need to call
and talk to Holly since I couldn’t find an online mechanism. Holly’s web-site is: www.sillyyakbakery.
com. Thank you Holly, that was so nice of you and they were all absolutely wonderful. I think you
need to make franchise plans!
In addition, since we had such a large turnout, I needed to supplement the treats. Everyone was
amazed at my baking ability, but since I cannot lie, I had to confess, the brownies and chocolate chip
cookies were mixes from The Gluten-Free Pantry. The brownies are my favorite because they are so
rich in chocolate (they even have chocolate chips). Even Jim commented how they are better than
regular non-gf brownies (Jim is Joyce’s husband and does not have celiac). So, I would say that is a
high complement! To place your order, go to: www.glutenfree.com
2006 International Celiac Walk:
I would like to thank again those who have already sponsored me! I also had several people tell me
they plan to donate. So, thank you in advance for helping our cause! Everyone should know that Dr.
Fasano’s celiac initiatives are the best in the world. He is very close to finding a cure! We still
have a long ways to go, though, to make “celiac” well known and to get diagnosis to the real rate of
1%.
Closing Note:
Another shhhh, I think I have a secret admirer. I found a note that was left behind saying “I love
you”…could this be my new buddy, Marc? I love you too…:>)
I wish I could have spent more time chatting with each of you but these luncheons always go so
fast. I hope you had a great learning and sharing experience. Everyone should know they can call
anyone anytime. Although we meet monthly, if you need a question answered or just a voice who
understands then we all need to be there for each other – that’s what support means! That’s also,
why I also put a members list together and let everyone know each other’s phone numbers and email
addresses. Let’s work together to build a stronger us and to make celiac more a household word!
See you next month at Carrabba’s and, yes, I will be making the famous Bread from Anna!
Warm Regards, Janet
Hi Everyone!
The Dining Experience:
This month’s luncheon at PF Changs tops our list as one of the best experiences ever! I’m sure
everyone across the nation knows that PF Changs is a classy and upscale restaurant but the one in
people and when Tony, our headwaiter, took me back to show me the room, I almost cried. They had
two long beautifully laid out tables in a large private dining area. Tony was eager to hear all about
celiac and even immediately put on the CFCR celiac bracelet I gave him. Then, I had some no shows
and some unexpected guests but Tony took charge and made everything pull together nicely!
I was so busy in the beginning I couldn’t sit down for 5 minutes with Matt, the manager. I did meet
with Matt at the end to tell him what a wonderful and fantastic experience we had. I gave Matt my
restaurant folder of information on celiac and he was so grateful. He mentioned how he might have
his employees read through the material and look at my web-site. Shhh…I think his employees might
have a quiz coming soon! I also told Matt about the rapid growth of our group and questioned him on
how PF Changs could accommodate us if we grow even bigger. Matt said they would definitely be able
to accommodate us. The back room can hold up to 50 people and if we need more, we’ll split up and
spread out. Therefore, if we ever get too big for other restaurants, then we will always be able to
meet monthly at PF Changs. I personally could eat there everyday!
New Members:
We welcomed several new members. Nicky brought her son, Marc, who is five. Marc was so shy at
first but seemed to open up by the end of lunch. Pat was just diagnosed with celiac four months ago.
She struggles with the same fears every asymptomatic celiac has which is how do you make sure you
don’t get exposed when you can’t rely on symptoms? I think it just means Pat needs to be more
diligent in her approach and never relax her critical thinking skills. Pat also struggles with the rest
of us in trying to explain celiac to family and friends as well as explaining how our life has been
dramatically altered. Ted also joined us and he was just diagnosed last August. He had suffered
terribly with various neuropathies and some sight and bone problems. Ted is improving on the gluten-
free diet but has a ways to go. Also, a huge big Happy Birthday to Ted (we won’t mention his age,
since I would like mine to slip by silently). Vicky was recently diagnosed, as gluten intolerant and is
still feeling very overwhelmed. We all know how overwhelming our dietary change is but it really
does get easier. It’s like anything, the more you do it the easier and better you get at doing it!
Vicky brought her friend Diane who is also having some problems. I hope that we will all get to chat
more next time!
Finally, we welcomed Mary who is a psychologist in Rock Hill and was diagnosed gluten sensitive this
past December. Her supportive husband, John, also came to lunch today. Mary is actually Dr.
McKemy and is a licensed counseling psychologist. Dr. McKemy has practiced as a therapist since
1992 and has worked with children in a variety of roles for 25 years. Dr. McKemy is very warm,
friendly and easy to talk to. Therefore, if you have a young child or teenager diagnosed with celiac
and they are having a hard time adjusting, maybe Dr. McKemy could help them. Heck, even if you’re an
adult and have a difficult spouse or family member, she may be able to help you! Dr. McKemy is also
starting up a celiac support group in her Office in Rock Hill! The first meeting is April 4th. I’m
not sure about the frequency or if there are fees. Also, if you are thinking about seeking
professional help, you can call her at (803) 985-5999 or write her at copes@comporium.net
Rebecca Says:
Rebecca (our teenage future doctor) says we learned that stress is a primary boundary for many
autoimmune diseases….interesting, so how do you prevent them? The food was excellent especially
for never really eating Chinese for five years. [Rebecca brought her gentleman friend, Chris, who
seems like a very nice young man. Rebecca’s mom told me that he even ordered like Rebecca. Although
they are way to young to date and just really good friends, they look really cute together… Rebecca,
that’s my “Janet Says” commentary]
Miscellaneous Items:
Little Andrew couldn’t join us today because he wasn’t feeling well. We missed you Andrew! We hope
you get better soon and you enjoyed your treats.
Lisa & Eddie learned that the Texas Roadhouse has a gluten-free menu. This gives everyone another
restaurant to try! They also learned that wine barrels are sometimes sealed with a wheat paste
during fermentation. Therefore, many wines are not gluten-free. This has me troubled too … I enjoy
a glass of wine now and then! I now have another research project… my DaVinci Chianti!
Joyce requested some simple recipes that have a lot of fiber. Our diets are already rich in veggies
and fruit. If anyone has any easy fiber recipes they would like to share, send them to me and I’ll
forward to the group. Joyce, I have a good fiber article I’ll bring to April’s meeting.
Shhh, Charlotte did it and had the Godiva Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. You might recall a
few emails going back and forth on this subject. We talked about whether or not it would be wise to
share her excursion but I think she approached it in a very careful manner. The ingredients are safe
but the risk was really that of cross contamination. Moreover, a prior national listserv post said it
was safe. Therefore, Charlotte took a calculated risk and had the cheesecake. Charlotte did not get
sick and she is highly sensitive. In addition, she was very careful to make sure the server knew to
have a clean knife. I personally do not get too paranoid over possible cross contamination since I
know a lot of companies but disclaimers as a CYA and not that there is a risk in reality. In reality,
most manufacturers do not want the tastes to blend so equipment is thoroughly cleaned. Everyone
needs to make their own decisions because we can only blame ourselves if we get sick in these cases.
So…shhh, now you know where to find Charlotte and I, if we don’t answer our phones.
Rose is determined to create a gluten-free Italian bread. As an Italian, she terribly misses her
pasta and bread. I think she will have the right energy and drive to come up with the first gluten-
free Italian bread. I am pulling for her and if it wasn’t for Breads from Anna, I would never eat
bread again! Many people asked me where to find the breads from Anna so here’s the web-site: www.
glutenevolution.com. If, Rose is able to create the first real gluten-free Italian bread, then we can
all say we knew her when and we will be her first customers…:>)
You might recall that last month I mentioned whispers of a gluten-free bakery in Charlotte. Well,
Pam came this month and shared that they are actually thinking of a different business concept.
They are thinking about developing frozen gluten-free meals. We could purchase these meals that
would keep for several weeks. Didn’t I tell you that life in Charlotte is just getting easier every
day! I don’t know about you but I’m getting a little tired of cooking all the time. Stay tuned for
details on this new business.
If anyone is ever at a loss as to where to go on vacation, see Nancy and Ben. Every time I talk to
Nancy, they are off to another vacation spot! This time they are going to Vegas… what am I doing
wrong?
Treats:
We had a very pleasant surprise when The Silly Yak bakery sent our group some sweets to try!
Holly sent us Snicker Doodle and M&M Cookies, Blueberry and Raspberry Scones, St. Patty Day’s
Muffins, etc. and they were just beautiful and oh so tasty. I highly recommend you place your order
with her for a whole new experience in gluten-free baked goods. To order, I believe you need to call
and talk to Holly since I couldn’t find an online mechanism. Holly’s web-site is: www.sillyyakbakery.
com. Thank you Holly, that was so nice of you and they were all absolutely wonderful. I think you
need to make franchise plans!
In addition, since we had such a large turnout, I needed to supplement the treats. Everyone was
amazed at my baking ability, but since I cannot lie, I had to confess, the brownies and chocolate chip
cookies were mixes from The Gluten-Free Pantry. The brownies are my favorite because they are so
rich in chocolate (they even have chocolate chips). Even Jim commented how they are better than
regular non-gf brownies (Jim is Joyce’s husband and does not have celiac). So, I would say that is a
high complement! To place your order, go to: www.glutenfree.com
2006 International Celiac Walk:
I would like to thank again those who have already sponsored me! I also had several people tell me
they plan to donate. So, thank you in advance for helping our cause! Everyone should know that Dr.
Fasano’s celiac initiatives are the best in the world. He is very close to finding a cure! We still
have a long ways to go, though, to make “celiac” well known and to get diagnosis to the real rate of
1%.
Closing Note:
Another shhhh, I think I have a secret admirer. I found a note that was left behind saying “I love
you”…could this be my new buddy, Marc? I love you too…:>)
I wish I could have spent more time chatting with each of you but these luncheons always go so
fast. I hope you had a great learning and sharing experience. Everyone should know they can call
anyone anytime. Although we meet monthly, if you need a question answered or just a voice who
understands then we all need to be there for each other – that’s what support means! That’s also,
why I also put a members list together and let everyone know each other’s phone numbers and email
addresses. Let’s work together to build a stronger us and to make celiac more a household word!
See you next month at Carrabba’s and, yes, I will be making the famous Bread from Anna!
Warm Regards, Janet
P.F. Chang's
6809 F. Phillips Place Court
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 552-6644
~ in Phillips Place Mall which approximately 1 mile east of South Park Mall
~ for a current gluten-free menu, visit: www.pfchangs.com
~ for the menu as of 1.28.06 {click here}
6809 F. Phillips Place Court
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 552-6644
~ in Phillips Place Mall which approximately 1 mile east of South Park Mall
~ for a current gluten-free menu, visit: www.pfchangs.com
~ for the menu as of 1.28.06 {click here}
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