Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Gluten Free Travel , Flying and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

This was my first time traveling gluten free. I went for 4 days, we flew, and went to stay with my in-laws with children in tow. Months before we left, I was panicking, thinking about what on earth I was going to do. I would think about how this gluten free life was changing me, and would change how I would travel too. No just stopping in diners for quick breakfasts or lunches. No just trying a restaurant, or going out for the day without food prepped and ready.

And every time I thought about it, something would tighten in my chest, and I would start to cry. I loved to travel, and I wanted to travel the same way I always did. I put travel off while my children were young, and I wasn't feeling well, and now, I am feeling better, the kids are a great age, and now, I have to worry about my food.

Then I decided to forget about it, and let it just happen. And, it did, it was wonderful. I didn't get glutened once, and we ate out twice, and I shared a kitchen with a bunch of gluten eaters as well.

My mother-in-law was incredible - planning her menus around what I could eat. She even bought an all purpose gluten free flour and made a banana bread for us. My mother-in-law is awesome. I was really touched by her efforts and understanding.

I wanted to share a great restaurant we went out to eat at, the Old Oyster Factory right on Hilton Head Island. I called ahead, and was treated wonderfully, and most importantly, I was not served anything with gluten in it, or on it. I apologize for not taking pictures, I forgot my camera. I consulted with the waitress and she communicated with the chef, and I got blacked mahi-mahi with veggies with olive oil and lemon. It was fabulous. Go there if you are in Hilton Head, it was wonderful, and child friendly.

Of course I brought my own food for the plane ride, and we all know what to do for that; it was a short flight so I didn't need too much. I was lucky that Logan Airport, in the gates for Delta, had a Wendy's. I got a baked potato and chili to carry on board for lunch.

My family is planning to go to Ireland in June; this was a good practice run since that one will be a longer flight, and a longer trip. I really wanted to post this since when I googled Hilton Head and gluten free nothing came up; I am hoping that this helps some one else.

7 comments:

  1. How funny! I was at the Old Oyster Factory in March and here is where I wrote about my experience. http://freshginger.org/uncategorized/gf-road-tripping-contd-cider-oysters/
    Sounds like your experience was a little smoother than mine!
    Ireland should be easier as there are a lot more Celiacs there.
    Ginger

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  2. Ginger that is funny.

    I wonder if they had different staff on...the chef was very cautious, which of course I appreciated. :)

    Yes, I am getting a lot more information about Ireland...it should be very interesting.

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  3. Mrs. G.F.
    I was happy to read your post about South Carolina. We will be travelling to Foley Beach and Hilton Head next week. I am looking for gluten free friendly places to eat and am not having a lot of luck. Thanks for the tip about the Old Oyster Factory. Did you have any luck with other restaurants? My e-mail address is rachel_mccutchen@yahoo.com

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  4. Thanks so much for the tip on the Old Oyster Factory! I am on my way to Hilton Head tomorrow and have not found anything online to help. I am taking my usual GF stash of food for the plane ride (much longer for me).

    A tip for you on your overseas trip: order a gluten free meal ahead of time for the plane. I flew recently to Paris on AA and their GF meals were so good others were envious. I also researched GF resources in Paris before I went. Health food stores were helpful, but generally waitstaff in Paris and Brussels were more aware of gluten intolerance and were more accomodating than here.

    Have fun!

    Karen

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  5. Karen,
    I hope you had a great trip!! And, thanks for leaving me one as well, I love how helpful all the gluten free people are. It is a great community.

    Let me know how it went!

    take care,
    Mrs. G.F.

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  6. Thank you for your post! I am going to Hilton Head tomorrow, and was also disappointed at the lack of restaurant reviews. If anyone has a tip please email me... cbear749@yahoo.com

    Thanks!

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  7. I just ate there last night! I had delicious grilled tilapia, also with the lemon sauce and steamed veggies. The server was very helpful in communicating with the chef, and made my experience there quite enjoyable. I would definitely go back!

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