Did you know? It is estimated that 1 in 133 persons in Canada are affected by celiac disease.
Perhaps what is more shocking is that for every person diagnosed with Celiac disease there are a thousand more who suffer to some degree, but have not yet been diagnosed.
Celiac disease is a condition that renders a person intolerant to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. People who suffer from this condition experience symptoms that range from mild to severe and even life threatening. According to some experts, this condition has the potential to become the next major public health issue. All you have to do is read any food label to discover how prevalent one or more of these ingredients are in our baked goods, pastas, processed foods, snack items, breads and cereals.
At the present time the only way to treat Celiac disease is to adopt a life long eating regime that avoids any foods containing Gluten. This solution may sound fairly easy, but it is by no means a simple task. Other factors to consider about Gluten free eating include: the ease and convenience of finding gluten alternatives, the affordability of these products and of course, the flavour/indulgence component.
At the present time the only way to treat Celiac disease is to adopt a life long eating regime that avoids any foods containing Gluten. This solution may sound fairly easy, but it is by no means a simple task. Other factors to consider about Gluten free eating include: the ease and convenience of finding gluten alternatives, the affordability of these products and of course, the flavour/indulgence component.
Over the past 20 years as a restaurant owner, it has been quite common to have many of our Guests alert us to their peanut, shellfish and even cow milk allergies. Because of their prevalence and our own understanding of these intolerances we have always been able to accommodate peanut, shellfish and milk allergies with ease.
It wasn’t until about two years ago, did we start hearing our Guests ask for Gluten free options. As the months passed the inquiries became more and more common, so much so that we took action.
It wasn’t until about two years ago, did we start hearing our Guests ask for Gluten free options. As the months passed the inquiries became more and more common, so much so that we took action.
As Gavin, our General Manager, explains: "When I started working at the restaurant I can only remember one Guest that was affected by celiac. Now we have numerous Guests affected. As a result we have introduced gluten free products to our menu such as bread and even beer. "
The first step for Jawny Bakers was to introduce a few choice Gluten free items through our special or seasonal offerings. When we brought these items to our Guests we were extremely pleased with the overwhelming demand. It was apparent that Gluten free eating was on the rise! Not only were people with Gluten intolerances ordering these items, so were Guests looking for healthier eating alternatives, and to be quite honest some were just curious about flavour. Whatever the reason, the Gluten free items were gaining popularity and this is when we decided to really step it up! Our chef, Russell Pratt, together with his team developed a list of Gluten free items that were showcased on our Feature Menu.
In September 2012, due to popular demand and in keeping with our mandate to stay on the cutting edge of hospitality we introduced our Gluten Free Menu that boasts over 30 items including appetizers, steaks, ribs, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, brunch items and Yes, even Gluten Free Beer and Crème Brûlée.
Jennifer Heaton, one of our long standing Front of the House team members, said it best when asked how our Guests have reacted to our Gluten Free menu. "Our Guests are so excited to see that we have a whole menu devoted to Gluten free choices, they are amazed at the offering."
Jawny Bakers is always looking for ways to give our Guests exactly what they are looking for. Starting in May of 2013, Jawny Bakers is proud to expand its already fantastic offering to include - Gluten Free Pizza - topped with the finest and freshest ingredients. Look for it this month!
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Olga Kiriakou
Jawny Bakers Restaurant & Caters
