I've Died and Gone to Gluten-Free HEAVEN!

Every since I heard about Fresh & Natural's "Gluten-Free Fest" I have been counting down the days in eager anticipation. Knowing not everyone would share my excitement to spend a Saturday at a natural foods store I enlisted Backpacker knowing she would be game. After all, on our last vacation together Backpacker did teach me that our produce is not naturally shiny. I'm suddenly grossed out every time I go into the grocery store produce section. Gee thanks Backpacker! (No seriously people, we're all suppose to go read The Omnivore's Dilemma...something about produce being coated in wax and hydrogenated corn syrup among other things, EWWW)

Back to Gluten-Free Fest - when we first entered Fresh & Natural I didn't notice anything special about the store other than it was much busier than an average day. But as we got going through the store I understood what all the hype was. Throughout the store sampling stations were set-up to try the latest and greatest in gluten-free options. AND, much to my delight, many of my gluten-free favorites were on sale for the event. Now for those of you that don't have to buy gluten-free you have no idea how much it costs...take your normal flour-laced shopping bill and double it (at least); a typical loaf of decent gluten-free bread costs over $5 for about 10 slices. And, on top of all the samples and sales Fresh & Natural was giving all customers 10% OFF THEIR ENTIRE PURCHASE! Now that is unheard of!

Even though I didn't win any of the grand prizes from the drawing, and spent WAY more than I had intended, overall I thought Fresh & Natural did a nice job with the event. (Of course being an event planner myself I have some ideas for you Fresh & Natural should you ever want some feedback) I found myself driving home feeling giddy about all my new gluten-free finds...in particular a new gluten-free cookie dough ice cream that is calling my name from the freezer as I write this. If it's any good that may have to be my next post.

Thanks Fresh & Natural for putting on a special day for all your loyal GFs! And thanks Backpacker for coming along!