Was gonna tell you all about eating gluten-free in Italy (yes it's possible!). But first, a milestone: I bought my first pair of real Italian shoes! Found this sweet pair of kicks (technically ankle boots) at Igi & Co. a small chain that prides itself on shoes made-in-Italy. They are sturdy but comfy, just like most Italians!
OK back to food! Many of you have worried about us, just a little, living over here, because as you know Barbara and I are gluten-free. Well worry not! We've been amazed at how easy it has been to eat a truly Italian diet with very little trouble avoiding gluten.
The supermarkets have large, dedicated "Bio" sections with products appealing to vegans, vegetarians, GF'ers, those who are lactose-intolerant, etc. Schar brand bread and pasta is available everywhere.
One supermarket chain here is LIDL, a German company you may have seen making inroads in the Eastern U.S., with its low-cost, good-variety, efficiently organized stores. Our LIDL is a great source for GF supplies, in addition, the Carrefour and Basko within walking distance also are well-stocked.
Restaurants almost always have a GF menu, and waitstaff here always know the drill. Some aperitivo offerings can be heavy on bread/sandwiches, but we've scoped them all out and even have Alessandro at our favorite place Oche Rosa, hook us up with a "bread-free" platter of nibbles every Thursday!
There've been lots of pleasant GF surprises on the road, too: During our week in Merano (last August) at the Hotel Terme - while checking in, I mentioned to the front desk that we were hoping there might be GF options at dinner. The response - they made us a personalized menu each night (printed out and set at our table; see below) with suggested options. Now that's service! In January we went to Rome and found a great GF pizza place literally next to the famed Trevi Fountain.
The special GF menu at the Hotel Terme and GF pizza next to the Trevi Fountain in Rome
Two unexpected places we found GF options: Most Italian trains, and McDonald's! (Is McDonald's doing a GF burger in the U.S. yet? The one here is basically a regular burger with a Schar-brand bun, wrapped tight).
We found this great place right in the middle of Torino. The "Yogurteria" has excellent yogurt, smoothies (a "frullato" made with a "centrifuge"), and crêpes...check out the way they wrap up the crêpe so you can take it away and eat it on the run (sorry if this is sacrilege, my French friends!).
But the top Gluten-Free discovery so far, has got to be CapaToast - a "toasteria" in Torino with a growing number of locations across Italy.
We loved this place! They make inexpensive toast sandwiches with any kind of bread, and an array of options (see below for just half of the menu). Some of the combinations are bizarre - Check out the Magico (Prague ham, peanut butter, salad!) or the Superlativo (pork, provolone, potatoes!). And of course beer and wine are available for your convenience.
The ultimate seal of approval - Celeste loved her Caprese sandwich!
---------------------------------------------
I also should mention one of the perks of working at IST - free lunch (yes, the irony of an Economics teacher bragging about a free lunch is not lost on me...)
The school provides all students, faculty and staff a really healthy and delicious lunch every day, with lots of options, including yes, GF options (they make for me and a dozen students). Haven't gained any weight yet, but the struggle is real!
Thanks for reading...Ciao amici!