Iavarone's Gluten-Free Graduation Party

There is increasing awareness of how gluten -- a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats -- affects some people, particularly those with celiac disease, which is an inherited auto-immune disease lacking a gene that allows you to process gluten.

Estimates of the numbers of people in the U.S. with celiac disease vary widely, from 1 in 1750 to 1 in 105 people. The Celiac Disease Foundation thinks the number is even greater – 1 in 33, asserting that 97 percent of the people affected don’t know they have it, attributing abdominal problems to other causes.

The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a commitment to a gluten-free diet.

To the rescue is where a menu can be created that will allow those with celiac disease to enjoy the same food as everyone else at the party.

“Gluten free is on everyone’s radar now,” says Christopher Iavarone, vice president of operations.

Iavarone says that in place of wheat flour, they use other flours such as those made from chickpeas or rice.

“You won’t be able to taste the difference,” he assures.

Chicken Francaise, turkey meatballs and chicken burgers with sun-dried tomatoes, grated cheese and parsley are some of Iavarone’s gluten-free creations. There are other items such as stuffed pork loin, roasted salmon, Asian cole slaw and grilled vegetables that are naturally gluten free and the store carries a line of gluten-free breads.

Locations:

New Hyde Park

1538 Union Turnpike

Lake Success Center

 (516) 488-5600

MON-FRI 8 AM - 9 PM,
 SAT 8 AM - 7 PM, SUN 9 AM - 6 PM

Wantagh

1166 Wantagh Avenue

(516) 781-6400

MON-FRI 8 AM - 9 PM,
 SAT 8 AM - 7 PM, SUN 9 AM - 6 PM

Woodbury

7929 Jericho Turnpike

Woodbury Village Shopping Center

(516) 921-5400

MON-FRI 9 AM - 9 PM,
 SAT 8 AM - 7 PM, 
SUN 9 AM - 6 PM

Maspeth

6900 Grand Avenue

(718) 639-3623

MON-THURS 8 AM - 7 PM,
 FRI. 8 AM - 8 PM,  SAT 8 AM - 6 PM, 
SUN 9 AM - 6 PM