Restaurant Review: Mumon

Over the weekend my husband and I went out for sushi to Mumon in Garden City, New York. It was the first time we've done that since I was pregnant with our son (he was born in February).  I usually have a hard time going out to Japanese restaurants because I feel so limited in that almost EVERYTHING has soy sauce in it.  When I try to explain why I can't have soy sauce it never seems to work because it always ends up on my plate. The safe choices are limited and not so exciting. I can only eat so many spicy tuna and avocado rolls!

We were pleasantly surprised at our experience at Mumon. When my husband suggested we order the "Love Boat" I was dreading having to explain to our server to hold most of the sauces and "crunchies" that came on the Love Boat. The Love Boat consists of 10 different sushi rolls that you pick out.

As it turns out our server, Emiko, was incredibly helpful. I literally asked 10 questions about the menu before we even got to the Love Boat order (another 10 questions). She went to the kitchen 3 times to check with the chef to make sure my choices were safe to eat. Emiko even offered gluten free tamari for me. My husband and I were so impressed! It was so refreshing to not feel limited at all in what I could order.

When our Love Boat was brought out to our table the couple sitting next to us offered to take a picture because it was such a masterpiece (see below)!

The Love Boat!

We ate most of the Love Boat and it was so delicious. Some of the sauces were mango based and really complimented spicy rolls we had ordered. We had salmon, tuna, lobster and crab that were super fresh.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys Japanese cuisine. The quality of the food fantastic and the wait staff is knowledgeable and kind.

Check out the menu here: http://www.mumonrestaurant.com/index.htm

Enjoy!!

xo, Devon

Kicking 4 Celiac

Happy 2012 everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season with lots of sans gluten treats. I thought a great way to kick off 2012 would be to fill you in on an amazing organization, Kicking 4 Celiac, that combines Celiac awareness and physical activity. I was lucky enough to chat with Craig Pinto, founder of Kicking 4 Celiac and learn about what inspires him.

Hopefully I'll see some of you at their upcoming events....

What inspired you to create Kicking 4 Celiac?

When I started playing arena football I really wanted to use it as a platform to raise awareness and education for Celiac Disease. Late 2010 I had the opportunity to do an event with Guinness World Records and the response that was received from the Celiac Disease community really made me feel like I was doing the right thing, and to pursue it even further. The foundation really got its roots from that event.

As an athlete living with Celiac disease did you find that your performance improved once you eliminated gluten from your diet?

It took a little while to get the right diet together, so that I was able to sustain energy and also be strong enough for competition, but I do feel like it helped me overall. I also have Crohn’s Disease, so eating gluten-free and being aware of what I ate helped me stay on top of my game.


Do you think that Celiac awareness has increased in the athletic community since you have been diagnosed?

I think as a whole it has increased, but as far as the athletic community I wouldn’t be too sure. I have not heard many athletes having Celiac Disease, though I have heard of athletes feeling better on a gluten-free diet.


What do you think about the current trend of professional athletes removing gluten from their diet even if they haven’t been diagnosed with Celiac disease?

I think if it works for them, to continue on that path. The only thing I usually stress is that when you don’t have Celiac Disease and it is not a necessary diet for daily health, to make sure you will be putting back in your body the nutrients you will be deficient in when eating gluten-free. At times it gets too glorified as just a diet, and not enough goes into what it causes your body to lack.


What are some of your favorite gluten free ways to refuel before and after exercise?

I usually eat pretty basic before exercising, bananas, yogurts. Afterwards I will have eggs, turkey, and a protein shake or bar. Throughout the day is important as well for an evening workout, and I will usually eat grilled chicken salad, and quinoa pasta (my favorite) in the evening.


What is a typical day like at Kicking 4 Celiac?

I’m usually in the office early and getting right to reaching out to different areas that we may be looking to expand and work with. We will also pitch around different out-of-the-box ideas on new fundraisers and activities to bring to certain areas as well. It is a great office environment, I love doing what I do everyday and hope to continue to expand for a long time.

For more information about Kicking 4 Celiac check out http://www.kicking4celiac.org/

Thanks Craig!!!