As a 20-something-year-old, I travelled the world (well, Europe, East Africa and North America anyway) for many years. I relished having a backpack on my back and going wherever Lonely Planet suggested would be fun. I had no responsibilities and no dietary requirements. The coeliac disease diagnosis for myself and Tom (one of my children) came when the twins were two and a half. I wondered if I could/would ever travel widely again. The thought of navigating safe food in another language left me feeling sick….

Then someone told me about Italy. We did some research and discovered there were restaurants and bakeries which are seriously dedicated to GF. There is a large population of people with coeliac disease in Italy, which means that there is a significant population that needs to eat GF and is focused on good food. As a consequence, the hospitality spaces that make GF food available are either strictly GF or have separate kitchens to prepare the GF menu items – joy oh joy! Who could imagine that a country famous for pizza and pasta could be a gastronomic destination for those with coeliac disease?

In the months leading up to our trip, Tom and I spent many happy afternoons googling GF places in Italy, finding the places we wanted to eat first and then looking at accommodation within walking distance of those places. Food was the priority… this was going to be our food adventure. And to be honest, it was.

Of the cities we visited, I think Milan was my favourite for food. It was where we first landed after 30 hours of travelling, and what a culture shock for the boys! We wandered down the road from our accommodation and booked for dinner at Il Bistro (they couldn’t fit us in for lunch! Be warned….) We then wandered up the road to La Piadineria Tasty Free at Piazza Velasca 4. This is a GF fast-food option which also serves GF fries and GF beer! Tom claims this was his favourite! Not all La Piadineria places are GF, but in central Milan, this one was excellent. Tom and Hugh claim this to be their favourite eating experience.

My favourite dining experience was dinner that night (Via Dalla Spiga - Milano). That first night was everything I imagined and more. Maybe it was the jet lag or the relief at having made it over to the other side of the world with luggage and children intact, but I won’t ever forget that evening. Lasagne for Tom, fettuccine with mushrooms and GF beer for me.  Superb. No room for dessert, but a promise to come back the next day for the delicious-looking bread and pastries at the counter.

Article provided by Katie Martin, a member of the Coeliac New Zealand Board. Photo credit: Tom Martin.