a f o s r i o m Me d e t c e f f celiac a
Chef by Nikita Riley
Food is life, and that is so very true for people who have allergic reactions to some of the most common or popular things we normally enjoy. Nikita Riley, a chef who is gluten-intolerant, shares her perspective from someone on the other side of the kitchen. So foodies, if you are allergic to gluten, read on to find out things to flag when you eat out.
I
t was my birthday and I went to dine at one of the island’s prestigious local restaurants to celebrate. I had looked forward to this moment for months since the restaurant introduced wonderful gluten-free options to their fine dining menu. I was having a nostalgic feeling of royalty in my new stylish black dress, red heels and my tiara glistening in the full moonlight. Perfectly seated in the restaurant overlooking the stunning ocean view, the fresh smell of the sea sprays influenced my menu choice to a sea food option. I chose shrimp Alfredo with Linguine gluten-free pasta and when it was presented at the table it gave off a mouthwatering aroma which rivalled one of my signature dishes.
8 FineCuisine | DECEMBER 2020
Caught in the moment of the first taste I felt bliss and immediately thought nothing should spoil this exquisite moment. Or so I thought. Fifteen minutes after consuming the meal I started to experience excruciating abdominal pains and feelings of nausea. My stomach became extremely bloated to the extent I could have passed for a fourmonth pregnant woman. It was then I realised the meal was not entirely gluten-free. What exactly went wrong? As the awareness of celiac disease grows, more restaurants across the island are offering gluten-free options on their menu. However the question is, are they truly offering gluten-free options? Anytime persons suffering from celiac disease or any other form of gluten-intolerance sit
to have a meal, they all wish to feel safe and secure that what they are eating will not only be delicious, but will not cause any allergic reactions. Thus, restaurants/business owners
Nikita’s Gluten-free Chicken
