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Posts Tagged ‘gluten free bed and breakfasts’

Getting Ready For Our Annual Gluten Free Weekend!

October 26th, 2012 by mainestayinn

It’s hard to believe that Halloween is almost upon us, but with the help of our trusty new friend and social media invention, Pinterest, we’ve got that covered – it’s our annual gluten free weekend that’s got me frazzled!  Now, at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, handling gluten free diets at any point is no biggie.  Since our family has well over a decade of gluten-free cooking under our belts (not combined – that is in real, calendar years!), we’re very familiar with the quirks of working with gluten free substitutes

pinterest breakfast recipes

Help us decide on gluten free recipes that we’re considering on our Pinterest board of breakfast recipes!

and tweaking almost any recipe so it is safe for our gluten intolerant visitors (and for me, the resident taste-tester).  But somehow making everything we serve during the first weekend of November something GF seems like a way bigger deal!  I’ve spent the last year trying to figure out exactly what we’re going to serve.  Now, it doesn’t help that I am in love with what we served last year…  Seriously, I dream about the almond angel food cake whoopie pies with peach preserves basically daily.

Like I have mentioned before, I have a new addiction.  Pinterest.  Oh lordy, it’s worse for procrastination that Facebook!  I digress, but I have been scouring Pinterest for the prettiest and most inventive breakfast recipes that are naturally gluten free or lend themselves to effective substitutions.  And snacks.  And candies.  And non-breakfast deliciousness.  The problem, now, is that there are just too many options!  Thanks goodness that at the Maine Stay Inn we alternate sweet and savory breakfasts, because if I had to choose I would really be up the creek!  So instead of sharing a sneak peek at our upcoming menu, I need your help to narrow it down.  So hop online and check out the recipes that I am deciding between on our board called “Yummy Breakfast Recipes” and let me know what sounds best!  It’s hard to believe that our annual Gluten Free weekend is just around the corner, but with your help, I know we can make it the best one yet!

Eating Gluten Free at a Maine Bed and Breakfast

July 15th, 2012 by mainestayinn

When most people think of a Maine Bed and Breakfast, the morning meal conjures up images of Betty Crocker breads, muffins, and pastries, but when you’re gluten free, that isn’t really going to fly.  And truthfully, that smorgasbord of starchy and sticky pre-made goodies doesn’t fly at all, especially at the Maine Stay Inn.  We put a tremendous amount of thought into planning breakfast, making sure that we prepare something that’s fresh and nutritious.  It may seem strange, but we eat the very same breakfast you are served each and every day.  So if it doesn’t leave me satisfied, that recipe is given the heave-ho.  By the same token, though, if I am

Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean fun free or meals full of salads!

not feeling energized and raring to go, that breakfast just doesn’t cut it.  Balance is key for our morning meals, as we try to include meats (though never in entrees out of respect for vegetarian and less-carnivorous visitors), high quality lean proteins, fresh fruits, veggies, and something just a little bit sweet and decadent.  But what if you’re gluten-free?

Not to worry, because I am allergic to gluten myself, making sure that our Maine Bed and Breakfast can provide you with a safe and satisfying meal is not a problem.  But because we order our supplies in advance and plan our menus just once a week, we ask for 7 days’ notice just to make sure we have everything we need.  Letting us know the day you arrive just doesn’t give us enough warning to ensure that your breakfast will be just right .  I mean, it takes lots of time, patience, and practice to master the art of gluten-baking, but after 13 years of it, the confidence is certainly building, but no matter what, a true glorious yeast bread doesn’t rise in five minutes, so please give us as much notice as you can! There are some recipes that are easily converted to something gluten free and others that just don’t seem right, so by giving us a shout, that means you can have a delectable and GF friendly meal to start off your vacation.  Plus, when you tell us that you’ll be eating gluten free during your Maine Bed and Breakfast getaway, we’ll make sure to recommend restaurants in town that take special care of their gluten free patrons.  I mean, what’s a vay-cay when you’ve got an empty belly or when you’re stuck noshing on rabbit food?  So next time you’re looking for a Maine Bed and Breakfast that caters to gluten-free foods, the Maine Stay’s got you covered!

Finding Gluten Free Pizza in Kennebunkport Maine

April 27th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Even in a place known for its dining scene like Kennebunkport Maine, there comes a time when visitors and locals alike just need a good pizza.  Now, because of some incredible foresight and strict zoning laws, you’re not going to find a Domino’s or Papa Gino’s anywhere nearby, but even that wouldn’t help us gluten-free folks.  Fortunately, though there are three places in and around Kennebunkport Maine where you can satisfy that craving without compromising your diet (not the waist-watching one – sorry!).

So if you’re anything like me and feel that a cheese-y slice of pizza should be followed by honking helping of ice cream, check out the gluten free pizza offerings at Duffy’s, which is conveniently located a few doors down from Dairy Queen.  With its accessible location on Route 1 in Kennebunk (perfect for your day trip adventures) and a dining room overlooking the Mousam River, it’s probably a better spot to hit for lunch than dinner.  But since any meal warrants dessert, you still shouldn’t miss out on the DQ.  But

gluten free pizza in Kennebunkport Maine

The new gluten free flatbreads at One Dock are a must try!

closer to your home-away-from-home at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find Federal Jack’s Brew Pub.  With a gluten-free menu (but be sure to ask for it), it’s particularly friendly for gluten-free patrons.  But you’ll have to keep looking for a GF beer, because while it would fit their identity as a craft brewery, that option hasn’t yet joined their repertoire.

Sometimes, though, you just want to have it all –  a great grownup atmosphere and some stellar pizza.  Fortunately the new menu at One Dock fits the bill perfectly!  Just steps from the Maine Stay in the heart of Kennebunkport Maine, you can relax in their upscale, lounge-like dining rooms and enjoy the sophisticated setting.  Despite the fact that my server had yet to try the gluten free crusts available for their flatbreads (read: pizza not cooked in a genuine pizza oven) or the inventive crab meat and scallion topped version, I decided to give it a shot.  And, boy, was it ever a win!  As someone who has always been a little skeptical of pizzas without marinara, the combination of mozzarella, scallions, and crab meat atop a white sauce sounded a bit outside my comfort zone, but not anymore.  While the average person might have been a little disappointed by the not-so-crispy crust, that was fine by me, because that signaled on very important thing – it was cooked on a pan.  And any gluten-free eater knows that dramatically reduces your chances for cross-contamination – way to go One Dock!  So despite indulging in a decadent starter, I was somehow able to pack away all six of the generous slices, though it took me so long that I needed the last two pieces sent back for a warm-up (which, I might add, was accommodated with a smile).  There’s no question – this gluten-free pizza is sure to be a hit and a regular staple of my dining routine in Kennebunkport Maine!

How Our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Handles Food Allergies

March 13th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Over the course of the last several mornings, the breakfast conversation has included how our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast handles people with food allergies and other dietary restrictions.  It’s a challenge, that’s for sure!  Since I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy well over a decade ago, my family is very well versed in gluten-free cooking and baking.  In fact, we won’t have a single day without a guest requiring a gluten-free diet for over a week!  Fortunately, we’ve got lots of tasty recipes up our sleeves to

guest brings eggs to kennebunkport bed and breakfast

Gluten-free guest brings a special delivery!

keep these visitors well fed and safe during their trip to Kennebunkport Maine.  Despite being very capable of whipping up GF meals, we do ask that you give us at least a week’s notice (but at the time you book your reservation is best), because we plan our menus about a week at a time and order food supplies accordingly.  We’ve got to make sure that the right ingredients are in the kitchen when you arrive!  As a special “thank you” to the kitchen staff at the Maine Stay, one gluten free guest brought us delicious free range eggs (note the blue color as compared to a regular egg) from her very own farm – boy were they ever delicious!

Of course, there are countless other food allergies to be faced with, and we always ask that you give us at least a week to prepare.  Sometimes we’ve just got to do some extra reading!  And we almost always have to do some extra taste-testing, because even visitors with special diet needs deserve a tasty and nutritious morning meal!  But as with nearly any food-serving establishment, we can’t guarantee that contamination cannot occur.  With a kitchen covering less than 50 square feet, it is even more of a challenge.  When preparing food for someone with a food allergy, we thoroughly clean the kitchen and make sure all the offending substances are away from our preparation area.   So if you or someone in your family has a severe allergy (particularly when it comes to nut allergies), we always understand when you need to bring along some foods you feel comfortable with.

Often, though, dietary restrictions aren’t limited to food allergies, so please let us know about any foods you can’t eat.  Yes, that means grapefruit too!  It interacts with many medications, and since it’s not an allergy, many people forget about mentioning it.   Especially during the colder months, citrus is a great option when it comes to fresh fruits, so don’t keep us in the dark, please! But our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast loves to provide delicious, nutritious, and, most importantly, safe foods for guests with food allergies, so let us know if you have questions about how we’ll handle yours!

Third Annual Gluten Free Weekend

November 3rd, 2011 by avadmin

This weekend marks an exciting event at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast- our third annual gluten-free weekend!  Each year during the first full weekend of November, we treat all of our guests (gluten-free or not) to a delightful assortment of gluten free

gluten free treat at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

A favorite gluten-free treat!

foods. Well over a decade ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, so my family and I have become extremely well versed in preparing foods that keep me safe and healthy.  That means that anyone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity can enjoy a getaway to Kennebunkport Maine without worrying about their diet!

But part of the fun of our gluten free weekend is surprising gluten-lovers with the tastiness of GF foods.  Yes, this weekend visitors will enjoy cookies, cakes, and cobblers – and they won’t have any idea that their plates contain no gluten (yep, barley, malt, rye or even flour).  It means that we get to show everyone that a “gluten free” label doesn’t mean that you’ll sacrifice flavor or texture.  The “yum” factor will still be there! Plus it offers the unique opportunity for visitors to test-drive a gluten free diet.  People recently diagnosed can show their families that following a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean signing up to live on cardboard.  During our last two years, we’ve seen long-term Celiac patients, those newly diagnosed, families testing out a GF lifestyle to help augment treatment for children on the autism spectrum, and even people just interested in what eating gluten free tastes like.  But no matter what, it is always a great event at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, and no one has to sacrifice the yummy breakfasts we are known for! And for those of you who are gluten free, we’ll help steer you to the perfect restaurants that will also keep you healthy – and satisfied!

Don’t forget, though, if you can’t make it this weekend, we are always happy to provide breakfasts that will keep guests happy and healthy, but please give us notice!  We respectfully request that you give us 7 days notice so that we can adequately prepare for your visit.  Please remember, that while we make every attempt to keep gluten and other allergens out of our foods, the kitchen in our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast is not 100% allergen free, so we cannot guarantee that contamination might not occur.

Morning Meal at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

October 3rd, 2011 by avadmin

Because we try to offer as much flexibility to guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast  as possible, there is sometimes a little confusion about how we handle your first meal of the day.  So let’s take a few moments to get the facts straight!

  • Timing  Providing all our guests with a relaxing and enjoyable dining
    Kennebunkport bed and breakfast dining room

    The stained glass in our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast dining room

    experience is incredibly important, so we stagger seatings to give everyone a chance to enjoy a meal without being hurried.  In the dining room of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, we typically offer two seatings (8:30 and 9:30), but occasionally just have one around 9 – we’ll let you know in advance. Those staying in our Cottage Suites (with the exception of #1) all have private breakfast rooms, and thus have the option of having their breakfasts delivered to their door.  It’s the same meal served inside, but just wrapped up in a wicker basket and brought to you!  Delivery times are around 9 and around 10.  If those options don’t suit your schedule, we can always provide a cold breakfast (in the dining room or delivered) for you to eat at your leisure – think homemade granola, fruit, juice, etc.  For the non-morning people among you, fruit, juice, granola, and the baked good of the day (if applicable) is available in the dining room until 10:30.  But for any of these options, we need to know before the office closes at night so we can be ready for you!

  • Food allergies Our family has been managing food allergies for well over a decade, as our daughter, Johanna, has Celiac Disease.  Yes, that means providing gluten-free meals is our specialty!  We are happy to work around nearly any allergy, but need to know a week in advance so that we can plan adequately.  It is, however, important to remember that, as with most dining establishments, our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast is not entirely allergen free (flours, nuts, oils, etc. are on the premise), so while we take every precaution to ensure they aren’t in your food, we can never guarantee that cross-contamination cannot occur.
  • Other dietary restrictions Guests often visit our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast who don’t have food allergies but require other dietary modifications, which we are more than happy to accommodate, as long as they provide ample warning.  Because we plan our menus a week in advance, we request that you give us at least 7 days notice (but preferably when booking) of your special needs.  While we can’t guarantee that you will be served the same meal as everyone else, we’ll do our best to make sure you don’t leave hungry!
  • Families We absolutely love to have families visit our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, but unfortunately accommodations in the main house are not appropriate for little ones under 12.  Fortunately, the Cottage Suites offer ample options that function much better for families!  And because they have breakfast rooms, breakfast will be delivered to their door (or in nice weather to dining sets in the backyard).  This works best for everyone, because kiddos can eat in their jammies or swimsuits and no one has to worry about “indoor voices,” navigating the not-so-kid-friendly dining room furniture, or behaving in the dining room.
  • Menu The menu at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast changes daily, providing guests with a mix of sweet and savory entrees.  It is our goal to ensure that everyone starts their day off right with a hearty, balanced meal.  So that means you’re not going to have muffins or pastries served with your pancakes - think fruit, protein (eggs or meat or both), complex carbs, and sometimes some veggies too!  While we wish that our 1860 Victorian had a palatial kitchen that allowed us to cook to order, the fact is that it doesn’t.  The main house was actually built without a kitchen!  So since our 7′ x 7′ doesn’t really lend itself to ordering off a menu, it is extremely important that you let us know about your needs in advance!

 

Your First Time… At a Maine Bed and Breakfast!

May 12th, 2011 by avadmin

A lovely young couple checked in this afternoon, looking a little nervous, and they revealed that it was their first time at a Maine Bed and Breakfast.  Actually it was their first time at a Bed and Breakfast at all!  Every time this happens I am shocked, but this is such a common occurrence that I shouldn’t be.  So it got me thinking… What can you expect your first time?  At a BnB, of course…

So while I can really only speak for our Maine Bed and Breakfast, my many, many stays at other B&Bs show me that the Maine Stay is not an anomaly.

Catch a perfect sunset at a maine bed and breakfast

We'll help you find that perfect spot!

  • Warmth.  At our Maine Bed and Breakfast, we’ll great you with a smile and treat you like a friend.  But not in the “we’re long lost friends and I need to catch up on every detail of your life” kind of way.  The goal of any innkeeper is to make you comfortable so that you can really relax.  Honestly, I don’t know a single one who doesn’t care more about the comfort and happiness of their guests than themselves. It’s not fake.  We care. And because we care so much, we need to know how to make you the happiest – so give us a hint if you’re not super social or if you absolutely hate spinach, because we’ll do everything in our power to put you at ease.
  • Advice.  I draw the line at relationships and careers, sorry to disappoint!  Kidding.  I mean advice about your vacation.  At a Maine Bed and Breakfast, the staff will become your personal concierge/travel agent.  It’s our job to know area restaurants inside and out.  We’ll give you tips on things to do in Kennebunkport Maine.  Or secrets about when to catch the best glimpse of incredible sailboats or the perfect beach parking spot.
  • Fun rooms.  They’ll all be different, so pay attention when making your reservation!  (You can ask for a tour if you’re interested, but you never have to.)  Back to the caring point – tell us if you need something.  We want you to be happy, comfortable, and relaxed.  So if a lightbulb burns out – tell us!  Don’t sit in the dark.  But remember, it won’t be exactly like your home – that’s why you left it!
  • Great food.  ’Nuff said.  But most innkeepers plan way in advance, so if you have allergies or are super picky, tell someone in advance!  At our Maine Bed and Breakfast we are especially skilled with gluten-free diets and need advance notice to provide something yummy and safe for our GF guests.

Hopefully this cleared up some of the mystery of staying in a Maine Bed and Breakfast – and remember that BnBs cater to your needs as a traveler, so tell us what you need!  In all honesty, B&Bs are the best way to travel, so make your reservation today and lose your BnB virginity!

Pizza Pies in Kennebunkport Maine

April 29th, 2011 by avadmin

At our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, I regularly get asked where to find the best pizza in Kennebunkport Maine. Since I could never eat enough lobster, I can’t imagine looking for pizza when visiting a seafood mecca (Maine does

Pizza at Grissini, a Kennebunkport restaurant

Try a thin crust pizza and salad for a delicious dinner in Kennebunkport Maine!

supply over 75% of the nation’s lobsters).  It doesn’t help, however, that I am gluten-free.  But I seem to be overruled – people just have to know where to find the best pizza pies around.

Hands down, the best pizza comes from Grissini, a restaurant not far from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast in Lower Village Kennebunk.  The upstairs trattoria offers sophisticated Italian dining, while the lower level houses the “Grotto,” a cozier and more intimate space.  When dining downstairs, you can choose from two menus, choosing fine or casual dining, or some combination of the two.  But Grissini’s basement is the only place you can order their amazing pizza.  With its thin, delicate crust and perfect application of gooey cheese, I briefly considered going for the gluten (or maybe I should say “glutton”!).  Nevertheless, with its crisp and non-doughy crust, wood fired and baked to perfection, even the lightest of eaters should have no trouble polishing off a small pie.  So if you’re looking for a delectable dinner with an elegant atmosphere, look no further than Grissini.

Sometimes, though, nothin’ but a pizza and beer will do.  Just off Route 1 in Kennebunk sits Sebago Brewing Co., in the former home of a brick-oven pizzeria and Italian restaurant.  Sebago Brewing is well-known for its Maine-made brews, but its Kennebunk location is the only one to offer “Flatbreads.”  Essentially individual-sized pizzas fired in their brick oven in a variety of flavors (with and without traditional marinara sauce), these are perfect for sharing or for those who can’t (or won’t) compromise!  But don’t enjoy their local beers too much – you can’t walk back to our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.

Sometimes after a long soak in the tub, a phenomenal afternoon nap, or a great game on TV , visitors don’t feel up to walking to dinner in Kennebunkport Maine.  Instead, delivery calls.  Looking for take-out?  Try Lower Village Take-Out for pizza and your favorite fried food.  But be forewarned – they don’t deliver every night of the week!

On a gluten-free getaway?  Duffy’s in downtown Kennebunk offers gluten free pizza crusts with any of your favorite toppings!  They can be a little dry, so be sure to ask for extra sauce, but if you need to join in on the junk food action, Duffy’s will hit the spot.  And best of all, it’s just around the corner from Dairy Queen – the perfect ending to a pizza dinner.