Welcome to Friday Photos, a weekly feature here on Celiac in the City — you can read how it all started by clicking HERE.
Last week was the grand opening of Greater Grain Gluten-Free Foods in Racine, so I took a little trip down to check things out. Although I’m blessed with all kinds of options near my place, I like to get a feel for what’s out there — and then share my field trip findings with you guys.
Take a peek.
Owner Joe Greene (pictured left) was on hand to chat and show me around. He is experiencing the gluten-free life firsthand with his wife, who has celiac disease.
Joe is the executive director of Careers Industries, the non-profit organization that runs Greater Grain and provides work opportunities and training for persons with disabilities, serving over 450 people in southeastern Wisconsin.
Because they have already been eating gluten-free for eight years — they are pros on knowing what’s “in” on the GF market.
They started stocking the shelves with their personal favorites, but are open to suggestions from their customers too. (they have a mailing list and a product suggestion list going near the register)
*UPDATE 3/10/12* Just heard from Joe — and they added SIXTY new products this week all from customer requests!
Plenty of snack foods — including some of my top picks from Food Should Taste Good. If you haven’t tried “The Works” chips yet, do yourself a favor and pick some up today.
Sweet treats galore — who knew there are a variety of gluten-free ice cream cone options?
All your flour needs. (kind of looks like my “pantry” doesn’t it?
A freezer section with some familiar finds…
and some I’ve never seen — anyone tried this pizza?
You know I’m off the sugar when Udi’s is cranking out new products and I have no idea. Have you had these?
I know some family members that will be happy to see these cream soups, for a certain cheesy potato recipe.
I was tempted to snag a bag of these, but I didn’t. I bet they taste just like those peach rings. Easter basket maybe?
Picking pasta could be a tad overwhelming — options galore!
They also carry organic meats — beef, chicken, lamb, and more. Those beef sticks were gone in no time.
The store is decked out in one of a kind, handmade art pieces from clients of Careers Industries — giving it a warm feeling in the store, reminding you that when you shop there, your dollars are going to a good cause.
Hopefully they’ll add Elizabeth Barbone’s new book to the mix — I’ll be previewing some recipes from the book this weekend, my copy has shipped and Amazon promises it will be here soon.
Give a warm welcome to Greater Grain — stop in and say hello, stock up (in one trip instead of three different stores) on all your go-to favorites and see what’s new. Check out their website for a money saving coupon! And stop by OnMilwaukee.com for Lori’s (from Burp! Where Food Happens) article featuring Greater Grain.
Did you see your top GF product in the photos? Did I miss anything?
