Suzyrox

My daughter has celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease and she cannot eat any wheat or gluten at all. Cannot even eat fried foods unless cooked in a segregated flyer.

Any suggestions on restaurants in Paris that are accomodating or stores which may sell gluten-free products?

Thanks

willie--wonka

Naturalia, an organic AB grocery, has numerous outlets in Paris. They will be able to provide gluten-free products without any problem. See Naturalia.fr

iff

For restaurants and such, a Google search for paris gluten free restaurant brings up a lot of info you may find helpful.

grenouille

They may be of great help, but sorry, link in French only:
http://www.afdiag.org/index.php?page=32&article=8

Suzyrox

Thanks all for your help. Now if I can only get that french site translated.

b1513

I have the same problem as your daughter and have traveled to Paris numerous times. It is difficult because the French use a lot of sauces thickened, many times, with flour. But, the upside is that the French take their cooking seriously and know what ingredients are in their dishes. For the most part, they understand the word gluten. I always say I am allergic to it even though I know it isn't an allergy. It was just easier to say that. Europeans, for some reason, are more in tune to Celiac disease than are Americans although we're catching up.

Triumph Dining has cards, succinctly describing the issue, in French (and other languages) that she can give to the waiter so he understands. I, personally, never did that. I am always just careful with what I order.

You might have some luck logging on and searching on the travel section at celiac.comhttp://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showforum=35.

Bobette

Louie_LI

Paris now has its first gluten-free restaurant:

Des Si et des mets
63, rue Lepic
75018 Paris

http://www.dessietdesmets.com/

Apparently it is very popular with non-celiacs as well and it is recommended to reserve for Friday and Saturday nights.

Suzyrox

Thanks all for the reply. We will definately make a reservation at the gluten free restaurant. We are not leaving until 11/19/09. If anyone comes accross anything helpful between now and then, I would be most gratiful if you would let me know.

keisari

I have Celiac Disease myself and I find that eating out in France is many times easier than other places in Europe. The waiters in most restaurants, expensive and inexpensive, tend to be very knowledgeable of allergies and special diets and usually are willing to work with me. There are many dishes that do not have flour in them and many times they can change it to cornstarch. Worse comes to worse, a nice omelette is usually safe and steak with a salad (no croutons) is a great alternative.
Look at this website:
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archive...free_eati.html

Gluten free foods are sometimes available in the supermarket but usually are sold in "bio" stores or health-food/natural food stores and the variety is very nice. (there is a rather large one on Mouffetard street in the 5th arr - http://www.dietetiquemouffetard.com/) I usually buy some bread, bring aluminum foil with me and ask the restaurant or hotel to warm it up in the oven/toaster. Rarely I have been told it is not possible.

Having said all that, France is gluten hell or gluten paradise depending on your genetics.
Enjoy

gregomck23

I found this restaurant called Le Reminet: http://www.lereminet.com/
Apparently the chef's wife has Celiac disease, so he is accomodating.

Also, I found this little guide with a list of Celiac-conscious restaurants in France: http://www.celiachandbook.com/france.html

I just found these little cards you can print out (if you do not speak French) here: http://www.celiactravel.com/gluten-f...14-french.html

Bon voyage !

Suzyrox

Just wanted to report that we had nothing but good experiences with restaurants on our trip accommodating my daughter's celiac. Thanks to all for your advice.

I used the french speaking cards. I found restaurants to be very receptive, with every waiter reading the cards and discussing our options. This is in contrast to Long Island, NY where restaurants often give lip service but do not understand or care about gluten and cross contamination. We went to the gluten free restaurant. It was good. Also, as I understand that the french do not fry food other than pom frittes, my daughter was able to have french fries.


Thanks again.

Louie_LI

Newsday has resources for gluten-free dining on Long Island. Here's some links:

http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/foo...land-1.1484914

http://www.exploreli.com/restaurants...food-1.1487908