gluten-free In Vista, California?

[Patti B]

I'm going to be traveling to Vista, California soon and the gluten free list I've compiled from a combo of Urban Spoon, gluten-free Registry and Google is mediocre at best. The towns we will be in include Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Murrieta. Any tips? We'll need to grocery shop but I'd also like to go out to eat.

Also, has anyone eaten at Buca Di Beppo in Carlsbad or Flippin Pizza in Vista? How have you felt afterwards?

Thanks in advance for your replies!!

[Oli]

I'm going to be traveling to Vista, California soon and the gluten free list I've compiled from a combo of Urban Spoon, gluten-free Registry and Google is mediocre at best. The towns we will be in include Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Murrieta. Any tips? We'll need to grocery shop but I'd also like to go out to eat.

Also, has anyone eaten at Buca Di Beppo in Carlsbad or Flippin Pizza in Vista? How have you felt afterwards?

Thanks in advance for your replies!!

Dear Patti B.

Welcome to Vista! I do not eat out much because of the contamination issue, however there are a few places I do go to and have had success. Outback Steakhouse has a gluten free menu and understand cross contamination. Just remind your server you are extremely sensitive to contaminates and he will tell the chef. I have never gotten sick here.

I recently went to the Park Deli on West Vista Way in Vista. They were very helpful to build a sandwich that I could eat. (see my reviews on Park Deli and Frazier Farms on my blog www.celiacscout.com).

There is also IN and OUT and they have been great with the cross contamination issue too. I'ts on Hacienda Dr. I believe. Any IN and OUT works but I KNOW this place is always been great for me. Never had a problem.

As for buying food, I would go to Frazier Farms on Vista Way near the freeway behind Daves' BBQ...it sort of sits back from the street so you won't see it right away. Near the Staples store (which is hard to see too from the street). They have loads of stuff, clean meats, veggies, and a whole isle of gluten-free products even ready made bread called Johann's Bread fresh, and they also carry the frozen kind. Just ask...they are very knowledgeable. Call ahead if there is something specific you want and see if they can get it for you when you will be visiting. They carry Daiya cheese (alternative if allergic to milk). They have stuff for you to make your own sushi! I made some for my sister and I when we went to the Children's Pool in La Jolla. What a great lunch!

There is this place called Boney's (in Oceanside) that carry gluten-free products but I much prefer Frazier Farms. There is Henery's in Carlsbad also that carry gluten-free products. By the beach in Oceanside there is a very small grocery called Cream of the Crop, on the 101 by the end of Vista Way.

If you want something fancy try WEST, it is a hotel and they will do whatever you want, but it is PRICEY. Call ahead for information.

I have not eaten at Flippin Pizza or Buca DeBeppo, but don't bother with California Pizza for Pizza. They are rude and uppity and there is cross contamination badly.

Also there are some reviews from GFREETV.com in the La Jolla area and some others. Take a look.

Hope this helps.

Have a great time! The weather is usually about 72-75 most of the year. Perfect for vacations.

Sincerely,

Oli

[Patti B]

Oli,

Thanks do much for all the info! I'm glad you told me about Frazier Farms- I was planning on going to Boney's but I think we'll hit up Frazier's instead.

Do you have to bring your own wraps to Park Deli or do they have gluten-free wraps there?

Thanks again!

-Patti