Nandos...gluten freeeer eatin' out

Me and my ol' mate Charlotte met up for some dinner out tonight. Food and gossip were our plans.  She picked me up and we headed to the chain restaurant Nandos to get us some chicken. I havent been to a Nando's restaurant since my 17th birthday (that's 6 years ago) A ll i could remember was greasy fried food and I didnt really hold much hopes for getting myself some tasty that Gluten Free. but I was pleasantly proven very wrong!

 I ordered me some seasoned chicken breast with a massive Mediterranean salad comprising of feta, black and green marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, sun dried toms and chilli peppers. all tossed in a  simple GF salad dressing of olive oil and lemon juice is used. Check out those massive olives they were the size of a meloooon! so flavourful!

The staff were really helpful and well educated in Gluten and food intolerance matters, the servers made sure I knew exactly what I could and couldn't have. Pretty much the whole menu was ayyy ohh kay apart from breads. I was really surprised by how great my meal was and will defiantly be back for more! some of the roasted veggie and bean side dishes sounded mouth watering.

But the best part was unlimited diet cola from the machines and refills of honey frozen yogurt.

 

Several servings were consumed... Helped by an old friend of ours worked there and willingly fetched us more.

Annnnd my box of cookies that I won arrived from the U.S today!  I have only tried the banana + walnut one so far but it was absolutely scrummy! A massive thank you to Tia at Glugle Gluten free who hosted the review and giveaway and sent me these Nutritious Creations cookies!

What I Ate Wednesday.

I photographed everything i ate today, wednesday. Can't wait for my studies to be over so I can post some proper recipes and blog to my hearts content. so here is... W.I.A.W.

 Breakfast.

 

Homemade oaty appley protein bar. recipe to come ;)

 Bobbin assissted in helping me sort out some University work.

 

Then we ate Lunch

A sort of luxurious student's lunch of Smoked Salmon a top of scrambled egg whites and the M&S gluten free bread I purchased yesterday.Bobbin looked longingly on as a chowed down. The bread roll weighed a ton! It was dense and very dry, but toasting it halved, and a good slavering of 'I can't believe its not butter.' sorted it out.

 

Obligitory Diet cola

 On research, The internet reliably informs me that all of the American candy stash i have if GF! Waaaahey... snacks ahoy.
Banana and mini mallow cup consumed...

 Dinner Time!
Curried butternut squash with roasted chick peas and aload of veggies.

Sippin' on hot cocoa and cuddling up this is creature now.

Gulten Free day one. Challenge one: eating out.

Today I had a very busy day at Uni, im currently running around running errands and constantly seem to have my stress head on as this is my final week of University studies... everrrr. Scary stuff. My looming deadline for my exhibition is Monday so its all go at the moment. This afternoon however I took a little moment to have lunch with my cousin, Amy, whose in town at the moment working.

  We decided to head to the lanes for a ladies luncheon and catch up, Our destination was one of my favourite eateries Iydea. Iydea is a wonderful canteen-style restaurant in North Laine catering for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs, ( gluten free me catered for! hurrah!) All of their dishes are clearly marked as to their suitability for each of these dietary requirements meaning that I find it an incredibly easy and delicious place to eat. They have a range of tempting, delicious and healthy hot and cold food, which always varies on a day-to-day basis.

Tofu and Aubergine Madras with
parsely butter carrots, roasted broccoli,
pickled beetroot and tzatzki

I spent a good while weighing up the vast option and was torn between gluten free Falafel or  Tofu madras curry. Amy instantly chose the curry, so I followed suit. You get given the option to add your choice of vegetables, salad and toppings...

 I opted for carrots served in parsley butter, Roasted rocked and pepper broccoli, pickled beetroot chutney and a cooling tzaziki dip... I'm not too sure what Amy chose to accompany hers i was too interested in scoffing mine...

manic food happiness

 after lunch we said our goodbyes and I headed to Infinity health foods to purchase some gluten free baking produce.

Also picked up some Gluten and wheat free bread buns from marks and sparks... Miss bread already (I think its a case of you always want what you cant have.)  I will be road testing these tomorrow!

AHHH yes... Confession, I can't help myself when it comes to Brighton's to American Candy Store... I momentarily went crazy in the aisle and bought,  PB cookie dough bites, mini mallow cup and Charleston chew... not sure if there GF friendly (will have to hide them til i know for sure) but the Betty Crocker chocolate peanut butter cookie lip balm certainly is, Ohhhh it tastes just like a nutty cookie, I am reapplying every 5 minutes... no exaggeration. It will just have to satisfy my sweet tooth for now whilst i read up on some gluten free baking recipes!