The upswing of celiac disease and gluten intolerance in todays population has created some new challenges for those who like to dine out, but it is possible for those individuals to enjoy a break from cooking in Fallbrook! For those unfamiliar with it, gluten is a shorthand term for a family of storage proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some patients experience mild difficulties consuming those substances, while others have severe reactions and go on to develop celiac disease. In essence, gluten sensitivity causes the body to turn on itself and attack the small intestine. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Joseph Murray, M.D., Celiac disease is becoming a public health issue. Studies show four times the incidence compared to 1950, with fatal complications if it goes untreated. Celiac disease was rare, but its now more common in all age groups. In addition, Mayo Clinic reports that it has found a fourfold higher death risk for people with undiagnosed gluten intolerance.Hence the reason more and more restaurant menus include notations next to choices indicating that they are gluten-free, because the demand has heightened. Servers, chefs, and managers have become accustomed to being posed questions relating to this topic from individuals. And celiac patients should not hesitate to do so.Never assume anything is gluten-free should be the motto. Have a desire for Italian food? Eating gluten-free is made easy at Fresco Grill in Bonsalls River Village. Owner Leone Darcangelo was sincere when he said, Its very easy to eat in my restaurant if you have dietary restrictions. Frescos offers gluten-free pasta in three forms: spaghetti, penne, and fettucine noodles. All sauces are adaptable to gluten-free preparation and cross-contamination is not a concern at this professional eatery. Imagine the Gamberoni alla Senape jumbo shrimp sauted with garlic, white wine, and artichoke hearts in a creamy Dijon sauce, or Veal Marsala where tender veal and mushrooms are sauteed in a Marsala sauce perfectly acceptable for a celiac patient. The possibilities are endless at Fresco, as each dish is prepared fresh, to order and as special as it needs to be. Whether a customer needs gluten-free, or is vegetarian or vegan, we can prepare their meal accordingly, however they want, said DArcangelo. Starving for Mexican food? Delos Eyer, owner of La Caseta Fine Mexican Food, said he has many customers who adhere to gluten-free diets. We have lots of options in gluten-free dining, said Eyer. All taco and enchilada plates (made with corn tortillas) are good choices, including the beans and rice. Our tamales and nachos are gluten-free also and none of our meat preparation techniques include gluten. In the variety of sauces Eyer uses on his cuisine, only one is not gluten-free he said. Our Ranchero, Verde, and Yucatan sauces are all gluten-free, as well as our salsas, said Eyer. Those who adhere to a vegetarian diet as well would enjoy La Casetas Lite Tostada with its tasty cilantro lime dressing or the flavorful Lettuce Wraps. At Fallbrooks popular Garden Center Caf, it is refreshing to find an interesting selection of tasty, house-made salad dressings that work for gluten-free dining.All of our (salad) dressings are gluten free the Raspberry Vinaigrette, Garden Center Sweet Onion, Tomatillo Cilantro, and Jalapeno Sesame, said server Tammie Faught. Paired with fresh salad choices, it is optimally palatable for those with the gluten intolerance. Their sandwich creations can be enjoyed as well, with a slight change. Our customers can also order any of our sandwiches without the bread and we will make it like a stack, or do a lettuce wrap on it, explained Faught. In Fallbrook, restaurant proprietors, servers, and chefs are making significant efforts to meet the dietary needs of those with gluten intolerance. Isnt it time to take a break and let someone else do the work for a change?

FALLBROOK Gullah Folk Art will be offered as a new exhibit and purchase opportunity at Le Bistro restaurant, 119 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook from June 8 through Aug. 31.For decades the East Coast has enjoyed this uniquely American art form that tells the story of the descendants of African slaves in paint and canvas. The Gullah culture that melds African roots with the American experience celebrates daily life and deeply-held family values in dance, song, dress and most colorfully in its folk art. On Saturday, June 8, Le Bistro restaurant will introduce the works of Allen Fireall a renowned Gullah artist of Savannah, Georgia to Southern California. The three-month long exhibition will open with a pre-view from 4 to 7 p.m. for those with a serious eye to acquire a piece of American history. Fireall will be traveling from Georgia for the opening. An RSVP is required for the opening reception. Please call (760) 723-0384. Dinner reservations are available for that evening from 7 to 10 p.m.Now owned and operated by longtime art collectors Steve and Colleen Aichle, Le Bistro is hung as a fine art gallery, combining two passions food and art. Normal viewing of the art will be available during restaurant hours Wednesdays through Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m. Call (760) 723-3559 for more information or visit www.lebistrofallbrook.com.