I’ve lived in Arizona my complete life. Earlier this yr, I graduated from ASU’s Walter Cronkite College of Journalism, a part of a protracted line of Solar Devils in my household. Over the summer time, I coated native politics and information within the West Valley, the place I grew up, as a fellow. Now, I am right here to remain as your new meals and eating reporter, and I could not be happier. I really like dwelling right here and sharing tales about my hometown.
My favourite factor about Arizona is its variety. Geographically, you’ll be able to go to the desert, the mountains and the forest in just some hours. Every metropolis appears to have its personal distinctive tradition, and the individuals are numerous, too. And that is mirrored within the eating places.
I’ve all the time cherished going out to eat. As a child, consuming out collectively at eating places was a giant method my household bonded. We have been regulars in any respect of our favorites and had a weekly custom of going out to eat after faculty on Fridays.
That custom turned a little bit of a problem when a number of members of my household have been identified with Celiac illness and we needed to go gluten-free. It began with my mother once I was 10 years outdated, then I used to be identified once I was 15. I’ve adopted a strict gluten-free food plan ever since. Due to that, I’ve a singular relationship with meals and eating.
Meals writing could be a lifesaver
Again then, in 2010, the phrase “gluten” was loads much less generally heard. Discovering meals that my mother may eat was tough. She upgraded her telephone to an iPhone in order that she may lookup merchandise and eating places on-line to see in the event that they have been protected.
There wasn’t a lot data on the market, however gluten-free meals bloggers turned her savior.
That is why accessible details about meals and eating choices is so necessary to me. I understand how scary it feels to not know the place you will discover your subsequent meal while you’re not at residence and the way necessary it’s to have a dependable supply of data. I’ve seen firsthand the ability of journalism to assist folks of their on a regular basis lives.
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Attending to know the Valley via meals
After I lived within the dorm at ASU, I could not eat on the campus eating corridor, which did not provide gluten-free choices. As a substitute, I had to determine the place to seek out reasonably priced gluten-free meals by myself.
As a substitute of this being a hardship, I discovered that I actually loved trying up opinions and attempting new eating places with my mates. It was an entire new strategy to get to know Phoenix and Tempe.
Extra than simply discovering an ideal place to eat gluten-free choices, I wanted to dig somewhat deeper to ensure the kitchen was following correct protocol to keep away from cross-contamination.
Since then, I’ve change into fairly educated in regards to the Valley meals scene from the attitude of an individual with dietary restrictions. A lot of my gluten-free favorites additionally serve vegan, vegetarian or different allergy-friendly meals.
As your meals and eating reporter, I plan to dig deep into eating protection of all types, from celebrating eating places that welcome these with dietary restrictions, to reporting on the problems dealing with restaurant house owners within the Valley.
My favourite gluten-free meals are … carbs
You could be questioning what my favourite meals are. Pasta might be primary, then possibly burgers after which sushi.
For pasta, I frequent Picazzo’s, an area chain of Italian eating places that makes nice pesto ravioli and hen parmesan. After I want a consolation dish, their mac and cheese has by no means let me down.
I am additionally a sushi lover, so I’ve most likely eaten my method via your entire gluten-free menu at Harumi Sushi and Sake in central Phoenix, and extra just lately, at their second location that opened in Peoria this yr.
And, for those who ever end up in Flagstaff, a cease at Diablo Burger is a should.
I am unable to get sufficient of something candy, like muffins, cookies, brownies and milkshakes. My present favourite gluten-free bakery is Spooky’s Swirls in Chandler, which mixes two of my favourite issues: desserts and Halloween.
As a breakfast fanatic, I like to recommend the waffles at Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe.
Should you want any suggestions on the place to seek out different good eats in metro Phoenix on a gluten-free food plan, preserve studying. I am your particular person and I am on the case.
Touchdown a job the place I will help others join over a meal the way in which my household all the time has or assist level folks in the correct course to allow them to fall in love with the metro space the place I grew up is a big honor.
For folks like my mother, who wish to preserve household traditions even when well being points make it onerous, I hope that my protection will help you try this.
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Attain the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Observe @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.
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