IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: Jackie McEwan, Founder of Gluten Free Follow Me
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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I'm the founder of Gluten Free Follow Me, the guide to living gluten-free! Seven years ago, I learned that I had celiac disease. I had just graduated from Georgetown University and moved to New York City for my finance job. I had to figure out what gluten was, what foods I could eat, what foods I had to avoid, and the nuances in between. It was incredibly overwhelming, and I wished I had a go-to guide to tell me all I needed to know about following a gluten-free diet. This manual did not yet exist so I did a ton of research and learned how to maneuver being gluten-free at restaurants and in my own kitchen.
I'm so happy that I can share what I've learned and have others benefit from my experiences and research. I want everyone to feel comfortable when eating. Whether you have to be gluten-free, choose to be gluten-free, or have a family member or friend that follows a gluten-free diet, we all deserve to eat well! glutenfreefollowme.com allows users to do their own customized searches across 2,000+ gluten-free friendly eateries, products, and recipes I've personally reviewed and made. I enjoy discovering gluten-free options in my travels, finding the best products, and developing my own gluten-free recipes and creations.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT PROJECTS?
I'm constantly creating recipes for brands and this amazing community which keeps me on my toes and gets my creative juices flowing! A few recent projects are: GODIVA, Kroger, Brazi Bites, and Schar. I also love to travel. I shot a TV commercial in Mexico City for Chase and Marriott Bonvoy, showing how I don’t let celiac stop me from exploring the world! Here's a link to the commercial: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qm4dVHFF7/
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE YOU HAVE COME UP WITH USING AN ACC PRODUCT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
My favorite recipe is my Minty Vodkarita! I combine ACC's Smokin' Margarita, vodka, and lime sparkling water, and then finish it off with sliced lime & mint. I used to drink vodka diet coke with lime in college so this is a classier (& tastier!) version of my former go-to drink ;) It's so easy to make, and it's such a refreshing cocktail!
WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP WITH NEW DISHES OR DRINKS, DO YOU HAVE A SOURCE(S) FOR INSPIRATION?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT OR BAR, WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK DO YOU RECOMMEND IT, AND WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE CAN A VISITOR EXPECT?
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar in Santa Monica, California is a solid restaurant AND bar! More info on https://www.glutenfreefollowme.com/restaurant/the-misfit-restaurant-bar/ They have delicious food with lots of gluten-free options - think comfort food and health-conscious food, executed well. The bar is amazing with a fun vibe and endless list of cocktails!
WHAT INFO ABOUT COCKTAILS DO MOST PEOPLE MAKING DRINKS AT HOME NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THEM?
FAVORITE ACC FLAVOR?
Smokin' Margarita