Cafe Coco, Oxford - Coeliac-Friendly

Last night we visited Cafe Coco on the Cowley Road in Oxford. First time I'd eaten out since being a coeliac. I took my dietitian's advice - call first. Top marks to Cafe Coco: they knew about GF diets, advised on menu items that were GF and (despite it not being policy on a Friday night) reserved us a table for four people.

It was just as good when we arrived: a table waiting, more menu items high-lighted and a luck of fuss and worry (which meant I didn't feel like a troublemaker).

If you're planning on a visit: suitable items include Greek salad, salmon salad, garlic potatoes and prawns.

Find directions here: http://www.cafe-coco.co.uk/



Why were we in Oxford? Just before we'd been to the Ultimate Picture Palace where (in association with Film Oxford) they were screening Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - followed by a Q&A with Tim Bevan. 

Tim Bevan is one of the founders of Working Title, Britain’s largest independent production company and his string of producing credits include O Brother Where Art Thou, Bridget Jones Diary, Notting Hill, and Shaun of the Dead . 

The film captured perfectly the era of Wimpy bars and the Cold War. The Q and A was worthy, but no-one asked the question I wanted to know: what was Tim Bevan (denizon of Universal Studios, multi-millionaire, etc.) doing in a tiny (but beautiful) cinema on Friday night?

Bit of a coup for Film Oxford and the UPP!

Snacks, snacks, snacks...

I'm traveling to London today for a meeting with young fashion brand Goldie (www.goldielondon.com). Obviously popping out for a sandwich is no longer straight-forward. So I've learned to assemble a picnic on-the-go, which will mean that I don't go hungry.

My favourite snack is Tyrells Sweet & Salty pop-corn (labeled gluten-free). It's also suitable for vegans and is not too fatty or calorific. I'll combine this with some cubes of lacto-free cheese, rice cakes, grapes and Waitrose gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. I've had problems finding Tyrells in the main supermarkets, but my local Majestic Wine stocks it, and I buy it in bulk by the box. My dogs adore popcorn too.

 

First Trip to the Dietitian

My consultant at the John Radcliffe, Oxford, arranged for me to have my first appointment with a dietitian, Yvonne. 

The appointment covered a review of my vitamin and calcium intake, knowledge about gluten-free, the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and tips on how to eat out and go on holiday successfully. Yvonne is a specialist in gastro-intestinal nutrition and was a kind, professional lady, who quickly adapted the session to accommodate the fact that I was already clued-up. You can find her at www.digestiblenutrition.co.uk

I took my family, and I'd advise anyone else to do the same. When I was first diagnosed, they pondered whether coeliac disease was just another faux food fad of mine. Of course it isn't and the session explained to everyone the importance of a strict and lifelong avoidance of gluten.

What is true (and I wonder how many coeliacs are the same?) is that over many years I'd gone through phases of avoiding different foods. In retrospect, this was a kind of recognition that something was amiss with my gut.

The picture above was taken on a summer holiday to Florida this year. It was pre-diagnosis and I was rushing to the loo lots - in an effort to have some control over this I became a fussy eater - one day avoiding dairy, another day avoiding fibre. On bad days, probably like many of you, I would only eat a simple biscuit or toast - unknowingly the worse thing I could choose.

I left the dietitian with lots of fab recipes for gluten-free meals (stuffing was one)  and a bag of freebies from Juevla (manufacturer of gluten-free products that are available on prescription).I also left with a very understanding family, who now accompany me on special trips to the Free-From aisle in Waitrose (in fact, some of the Free-From products have become new household favourites... but more of that in a later post).