Monday Motivation 08/31/2015

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

~ Dr. Wayne Dyer (1940-2015)

EAT: Spencer's, Palm Springs, CA

 

 I love downtown Palm Springs, CA! When in Palm Springs, I am always on the lookout for great restaurants and highly recommend the weekly Thursday night VillageFest in downtown. Spencer's Restaurant caught my eye during this year's trip. It has all gluten free menu items listed right on the menu. The dinner menu has a nice selection of gluten free options.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Spencer's. If you dined inside, there are quaint tables surrounding a piano. The pianist plays during your meal offering nice musical accompaniment. Dining outside on the patio also has a nice atmosphere with lighted globes hanging from the trees and misters overhead to keep the heat at bay. The patio also offers a nice view of the base of the San Jacinto Mountains.

I decided to try the Sauteed Nantucket Sea Scallops with Potato Leek Confit and Noilly Prat Cream. Even though it is listed as an appetizer, the four large scallops were definitely enough for light eaters and those who do not want a heavy meal. After a long, hot day on the golf course, the scallops were plenty. The potato confit was a nice balance to the scallops. They even had Udi's gluten free bread upon request.

Spencer's Restaurant is a quaint, quiet spot just a couple blocks off Hwy 111/Palm Canyon Dr. It is nestled right up to the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. Spencer's also has an extensive wine and cocktail list.

Spencer's Restaurant

701 W. Baristo Rd.

Palm Springs, CA 92262

http://www.spencersrestaurant.com

 

Eat: Goodness Me! Natural Food Market, Ontario, Canada

I found a great natural food market in Ontario, Canada. With 9 locations throughout the western part of Ontario, Goodness Me! Natural Food Markets are a great option for people outside of Toronto looking for healthy food choices and specialty items. Locations in Guelph, Mississauga, Waterloo, Waterdown, Burlington, Brantford, Barrie, and two locations in Hamilton cover most of western Ontario. I checked out the store in Burlington, as it was close to one of my golf tournaments.

Fun displays make the store inviting. I really enjoyed looking for items I had not seen before including gluten free breads, pastas, cookies, etc. I found the Canyon Bread Gluten Free "Rye" Bread I had been hearing about, but never could find. Also, I found Tolerant Pasta made from black beans and red lentils. 

The hot bar has some great options. With information about allergens listed right on the glass, choosing the safest option for your needs was easy. Many people stopped at the hot bar to grab lunch or dinner to take home.

Another exciting feature in Goodness Me! is the separation of gluten free items in the bakery section. I did not inquire about preparation methods, but notice the top shelf has gluten free items wrapped in red wax paper and red handled tongs to designate their gluten free status. I have not been to many health food stores where the bakery had gluten free options.

Goodness Me! also had a great health and beauty section with a great selection of vitamins, protein powders, lotions, and other essentials. If you are in Western Ontario, be sure to check out the local store. The one in Burlington was definitely my go-to during my golf tournament.

Goodness Me!
https://goodnessme.ca/

New Breakfast Option When Traveling

Being gluten free, corn free, and egg free is extremely difficult on the road. All restaurants serve a plethora of eggs, omelettes, breads, and pastries. I get tired of my usual fruit and breakfast meat when dining out. This week, while staying  at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel in Asheville, NC, my server at breakfast, Kimberely, made a great suggestion when dining at a hotel breakfast buffet that serves omelettes. She offered to bring me some sautéed spinach, which evolved into asking the chef at the omelette station to clean the pan and then load up on all of those yummy omelette additions. I really like sautéed spinach, tomatoes, ham, and a sprinkle of cheese. It has become my new favorite! I am excited for the possibilities it opens up when traveling now. Let me know if you have tried this new allergy free breakfast option!