According to the Foundation for Celiac Awareness, more than 18 million people across the U.S. have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Gluten is essentially a mixture of two proteins– a substance present in cereal grains, especially wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough. While many people have a gluten intolerance, many others are realizing that even without an intolerance, gluten, additives, and other preservatives are causing inflammation within the digestive system that creates a whole host of illnesses–rheumatoid arthritis for example. For some, it can become debilitating, causing extreme pain, joint issues, stomach upset, and immobility.
As Buffalo scales the walls, climbing through the ranks of the food world, it has expanded its repertoire, meeting the needs of the most discerning of patrons. Two cafes located in Buffalo, NY are opening our minds and our palates to give us a new take on what it means to eat healthy.
Two Wheels Cafe, on Ellicott St. in Buffalo, offers a quick-service breakfast and lunchtime destination that stands to be the first of its kind in the neighborhood.
Having just opened in April, Two Wheels Café’s is dedicated to the gluten-free community. Owners Susan Adamucci and Lisa Biggs turn out a truly delectable selection of baked treats like scones, cupcakes, quick breads, and whoopee pies, as well as savory, substantial fare like wraps, salads, and quiche. Just about everything is made in house, including two daily soups and all their salad dressings. And every day, sweet and savory vegan and vegetarian options abound. With a dedicated kitchen that takes the worry out of cross-contamination, Adamucci and Bigg’s efforts to cater to as much of the gluten-free population as possible has not gone unnoticed.
The menu includes, a selection of breakfast sandwiches, egg dishes, focaccia breads, deli sandwiches, Public Espresso coffee, and a tantalizingly diverse pastry assortment. As they continue to grow, the owners hope to introduce a more diverse array of gluten-free vegan and gluten-free dairy free options to their menu.
Prices range from $3.00-$12.00. I recently had their homemade chicken salad. It was well seasoned, light, and not overly watery or creamy (not that they use cream). You would never know their cookies aren’t gluten-free, and they offer an interesting Tofu Scramble I have yet to try (but will on my next visit!)
For those who feel frustrated and isolated by the lack of gluten-free offerings, and places to enjoy a nice meal out of the house–it’s worth a trip downtown to meet these two lovely ladies, and try some of the best gluten-free food I’ve ever had (and I’m not gluten sensitive).
In Orchard Park, a relatively new kitchen and juice bar has opened, called Green Eats. Offering a menu full of unique, homemade cold-pressed juices, smoothies and healthy meals, along with meal plan packages and juice cleanses (for those looking to reinvigorate their healthy eating habits), Green Eats is bringing healthy to the Southtowns.
Smoothies include, Take Me to Key West: key lime juice, banana, avocado, yogurt, vanilla, coconut milk, agave and organic graham sprinkle; Honey Lavender Berry smoothie: wild blueberries, yogurt, lavender, vanilla and almond milk; Beenana Split smoothie: banana, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla, honey, cocoa nibs, almond milk and a cherry on top, and one of my favorites–Drop the Beet: raspberries, kale, pineapple, beets, peach, and organic apple juice.
They also offer a selection of beautifully creamy homemade soups, all made with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for example. The berry puddings are made with fresh berries (a wide selection), Chia seeds, almond milk, agave, and vanilla. The pudding is thick and yummy…and guilt free! For the sweet tooth, try one of their coconut almond or peanut butter balls. 
Prices vary, but are relatively inexpensive (my entire meal, including pudding, coconut ball, and smoothie) was no more than $15.00. Everything is made in house and from scratch, using primarily local ingredients. But, what I love most is that Green Eats offers an explanation on why all the ingredients used are so healthy and how each impacts our body in a positive way. Now that will keep me coming back for more!
