Everyone knows someone who can't eat certain foods - be it wheat, dairy, peanuts or red wine.
Some people do it because it just makes them feel better and others have to follow a strict diet because of a medical condition.
I fall in the latter camp after being diagnosed as a coeliac in 2007 and all I have to do is stick strictly to a gluten free diet and I will suffer no ills.
Life is easier since 2012 when new laws came in meaning restaurants, cafés and retailers have stringent rules about declaring allergens in foods.
As it is Coeliac UK's annual awareness week, May 9-15, here is a guide to eateries in Chester where I feel confident of a gluten free meal without just relying on a jacket potato or a salad (without dressing), which can end up being the only choice in many places.
Marmalade, Northgate Street
If you are new to Chester, this is basically where the gluten free fairy lives. All cakes are gluten free (although double check about the scones as occasionally they are not). Everything is well labelled GF and delicious - from blueberry sponge to coffee and walnut cake, through an enormous Victoria sponge to pecan brownies, there is something to tempt all palettes.
Sandwiches and toasties can all be made with gluten free bread and the cafe is open on Sundays from 10am-4pm for a gluten free Sunday lunch. They also serve gluten free beer - Estrella's Daura Damm - to quench the thirst.
Opening hours Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm and Sunday: 10am - 4pm.
Tel 01244 314565.
Chez Jules
Next door to Marmalade, Chez Jules is always a relatively safe place for a coeliac. Food is prepared freshly and most sauces are gluten free but check every time. A G on the menu indicates that there is gluten in the dish but this can often just mean bread with the soup, so just ask. There is usually something on the pudding menu to whet your appetite, like a crème brûlée .
Open every day from 12pm.
Tel 01244 400014.
Porta
Still in the Northgate Quarter and just across the road from Marmalade and Chez Jules is the tapas bar Porta, nestled beneath the city walls where they also serve the lovely Daura Damm beer. As far as I know only Marmalade, Porta and La Tasca serve gluten free beer in the city and I ask at every pub I visit.
There isn't anything specifically gluten free on the menu at Porta but most things are prepared freshly by staff in the tiniest kitchen possible so they are happy to oblige when they can. For example, I love their deep fried Padron peppers but they are fried with other items containing batter or breadcrumbs. So they always do me a portion for me a la plancha to avoid cross contamination. They often have a gluten free pudding on the menu like chocolate mousse with honeycomb, which is delicious.
Open every night from 5pm. Last food orders 10.30pm.
Tel 01244 344295.
La Fattoria
A lovely Italian family restaurant on Lower Bridge Street where they serve gluten free pasta. Check the sauce is also gluten free but they are very helpful. Many of the main courses are also gluten free and their potatoes are just done in the oven with oil. They also offer gluten free pizza which tastes good and is only a tiny bit smaller than the usual one. And if it's a coeliac birthday they have no problem with you taking your own cake for a special saucepan-banging cacophony with a candle.
Closed on Monday and open Tuesday to Sunday from 12-11pm.
Tel 01244 317330.
Fish & Chips at Weston Grove, Upton
Out of town, you will get a good fish and chip supper in Upton. The guys at Weston Grove serve gluten free fish, sausage and chips every day but it is always advisable to ring in advance in case they are busy.
Open Monday–Saturday from 11.30am–1.30pm and then 4.30-8.30pm.
Tel: 01244 669009.
Indian Brasserie, Upton
Upton offers up another take-away/restaurant which offers gluten free options which are made clear on the menu. I haven't booked a table at The Indian Brasserie on Long Lane but have ordered a successful gluten free takeway.
Open Monday-Saturday 12-2pm and 5-11pm and Sunday, between 12-10.30pm.
Tel: 01244 381657.
