Gluten Free is One Way to Be

Let's talk about Gluten. WHAT IS GLUTEN? Everybody is always talking about it. Some might even say people are obsessed with talking about gluten these days. It's probably one of society's biggest food trends right now; a gluten free diet. Turns out it may not just be trendy but something everyone should follow. Gluten is a substance that is present in cereal grains, especially wheat. It is a mixture of two different proteins: gliadin & glutenin... and it is responsible for the elastic texture of dough.

Many people do not have a problem eating food containing gluten, but for people with celiac disease ingesting gluten can make you very ill. Celiac disease is the most common form of gluten intolerance, affecting 1 in every 140 people in the US these days. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages their intestines, preventing them from absorbing vital nutrients. And that's not all... more than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten. And 99% of people who have either celiac disease or gluten intolerance are never diagnosed. Now research reveals that proteins in wheat may be detrimental to all humans. As the gluten free diet has become more of a fad and people who don't necessarily have sensitivities to gluten are giving up bread, etc. there have been cases where they have eliminated other ailments. Google search provides millions of results for gluten-free websites with incredible testimonials of miraculous improvements following the adoption of a gluten-free diet in a wide range of medical issues including migraines, joint paint, skin disorders, epilepsy, depression, insomnia, and ADHD to list a few.

So what does it all mean? Being gluten free means that you cannot eat ANY bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, crusts, bagels, things breaded and fried, pancakes, waffles, brownies, even gravy in which they use a gluten based flour to thicken it... the list goes on and on. (Unless these things are made with a gluten free flour). Now, what happens to people who are gluten intolerant and still eat gluten? Well, a few symptoms may be gas, bloating, chronic fatigue, brain fog or feeling very tired after eating a meal containing gluten, migraine headaches, diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, swelling or pain in joints.

What CAN I eat, you may be asking yourself. Well, think about it this way... If your body were a car, would you put gas in it that you knew might be bad for your car? A gluten free diet consists of mainly of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains (that do not contain gluten), and meat (if you eat that stuff).

Working at Jimmy T's, I have realized that many days the average Costa Rican breakfast consists of white bread with cream cheese or some type of sweet bread, cake, or muffins. If only everyone woke up one morning and realized how damaging bread and therefore gluten can be for us all. Goodbye to the days of surviving solely off of bread.

At Jimmy T's we are working on having more gluten free options for people. As we all know, Costa Rica can be fairly limiting on specialty items, especially gluten free items so far. If you or someone you know suffers from celiac disease or gluten intolerance, feel free to contact Jimmy T's to see how we can make your life easier.

Thanks for reading.

Having a party?

 

Jimmy T’s does

Event Planning

and

Catering.

 

 

Whatever the event, whatever the size, Jimmy can help make the party happen!

 

From gourmet food to beverages, chefs and serving staff, flowers and decorations, we take the hassle out of party planning.

 

Ask inside for details or contact us on:

 

011 506 2637 8638 Shop

011 506 8879 1325 Cell

 

Croc, Macaws & Butterflies

         This past week I had the privilege of going on 2 awesome tours. Even living in Costa Rica you fall into your routine and sometimes tend to overlook the fun stuff. Having friends or family visit often gives you a great excuse to do something touristy.
       
          Costa Rican Quad Tours are so much fun! Not only do you get to zip up and down the mountains on some super nifty machines, but you get to experience the beauty of the rolling hills beyond the beaches. From Jaco, tours often go up to the neighboring community of Bijagual. With a population of around 600 people, you won't find much glamour, but you'll catch a glimpse of what real Tico life is about; dirt roads, men on horseback, fields of palms, and ponds of Tilapia. The Paz Del Campo Tilapia farm in Bijagual is owned by the family of one of our Chefs at Jimmy T's and is a perfectly serene setting for a delicious lunch. Many quad tours often stop there for lunch depending on the length of the tour. I had the opportunity to have lunch there this past Wednesday and let's just say it made me want to move the Bijagual. The typical Casado plate of Rice & Beans with salad, veggies & of course... Tilapia, was filled with flavor. Butterflies fluttered all around the garden as we sat and ate. I could have stayed all day.

On the way back to Jaco from Bijagual we saw two beautiful Scarlet Macaws sitting in a tree together about 3 meters off the ground. I had never seen these magnificent birds so close-up before and they really take your breath away. They even sat there for a while as we took some photos and listened to me tell them how pretty they are. I absolutely love these love birds. And remember when you see two together that they're mates for life! 

On Thursday, even though it was a bit rainy we went and checked out Jose's Crocodile tour on the Tarcoles River. Let me just say this was a fairly "National Geographic" experience. I'm not sure if these guys are real crocodile whisperers or just plain crazy but they did not disappoint. We saw dozens of crocodiles of all different sizes including Osama Bin Laden & Monica Lewinski. And we had all different varieties of birds following us looking for food. Any avid bird watchers would probably love this tour. And these guys have no problem jumping out of the boat to show you how their pet crocs can sit, stay and roll over. I know the croc whisperers have probably been doing that their whole lives, but they make it looks so easy. Those gigantic crocodiles look like well-trained dogs taking orders from their owner.  

Even though it's rainy season, remember there are always fun things to see and do. And if you need help booking any tours, come to Jimmy T's and we can help you out. 

Welcome to Jimmy T's Provisions & Gourmet Foods

Dear good friends of Jimmy T's and new clients from all over the world,

We're excited to be launching this new blog to keep you up-to-date on what's happening here at Jimmy T's Provisions at the Los Suenos Marina in Herradura, 5 minutes North of Jaco Beach on Costa Rica's beautiful Central Pacific Coast.

Check this blog weekly for updates on store specials, events and all things Pura Vida in the Jaco area. We're here for all of your catering and personal chef services, private parties and weddings--just give us a call and we'll work with your budget to deliver an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

011-506-2637-8636
www.jimmytsprovisions.com
jimmytsprovisions@live.com


What's happening this week at Jimmy T's Provisions & Gourmet:

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Chicken Fingers, Marinated Pulled Pork and Chile Con Carne -- All fresh and delicious for you to taste today in the store and bring home for dinner tonight. Mmmmm...

This week come in and stock up on your favorite everyday items & specialty foods, plus try our specials for something new: Prime Rib, Ahi Tuna Salad, Whole Roasted Chicken, Florida Stone Crab Claw and Greek Salad.

Make tonight a sunset patio party with cocktails and to-go party platters from Jimmy T's: imported cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, deli meat and crackers... just give us a call and we'll help you pick out the perfect platter.

And don't forget, we carry your favorite spices, condiments, Asian specialty products and Italian essentials at affordable prices. When you know you can't find it anywhere else, we've got it here!

This week we're featuring:

'We're Talking Serious' Bone Suckin' Sauce

Milano Cookies

Silk Soymilk

Capers

Dijon Mustard

Camembert and Brie Cheeses

All in stock here at the store... come see us at the Marina today!

About Jimmy T's Provisions

Everyday Items & Specialty Foods, International Imports, Concierge, Private Chef and Catering Services

011-506-2637-8636 www.jimmytsprovisions.com jimmytsprovisions@live.com

Open dockside at the Los Suenos Marina at Playa Herradura, Jimmy T's Provisions and Gourmet Foods offers a wide variety of imported and local food stuffs for the most discerning chef or ambitious land-locked amateur Cook.Jimmy T's offers local and international everyday items and specialty goods, including those hard-to-find American quality products you can't find anywhere else. Products include always-fresh Fish & Seafood, Grade A Steaks and Beef, Pork, Lamb and Chicken in savory marinades, organic produce, local & imported cheeses, fresh salads and deli cuts, Asian & Italian specialty products, coffee, cookies & familiar snacks, plus spices, BBQ sauces and condiments necessary to stock a gourmet kitchen or boat galley.

In addition to offering a well stocked gourmet store complete with fresh deli products, Jimmy T's is your one-stop shop for a full range of ready-to-go platters for your sunset patio gathering, intimate luncheon or celebratory brunch. Busy hosts and hostesses thank us for imported cheeses, cold cuts and vegetable platters, shrimp cocktail, and fresh salads--just to name a few of our delicious creations available to-go and ready to serve. Take-Out and Delivery available for your convenience. Enjoy your vacation while we take care of the details -- just give us a call or visit our store to pick out your perfect party platter today!

Take advantage of Jimmy's new concierge and chef services for those who come to Costa Rica to vacation, not to cook. Concierge services include both shopping and stocking the refrigerator in your home or condo. Or, relax and let our experienced chefs provides a three-meal-per-day prix fixe menu for the duration of you or your client's vacation.

Looking for delicious food, top quality beverage service and good-looking wait staff for an elegant and memorable private event? Take it to the next level with Jimmy T's professional catering service for your bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding, business affair or private social gathering of any size or theme. We work with you on menus, providing beverage service and well-trained wait staff to deliver a tasteful event experience you and your guests will never forget.

Discover what vacation living in paradise is all about. Visit or call us today.

About Jimmy Tancrell, Owner

As a former chef on a megayacht, Jimmy often had difficulty finding local suppliers who could provide the foodstuffs and condiments necessary for the gourmet meals his clients expected. During long days at sea under star-filled skies, the crew and staff would talk about their dreams of 'life after yachting'. And for Jimmy Tancrell a dream was born ... to provide a service for other 'yachty' chefs who were in the same boat as he was: in need of adequately stocked galleys complete with condiments, spices, quality beef & assorted meats, fresh vegetables, fruits and cheeses. Life after yachting led Jimmy to Los Suenos Marina in Herradura on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast where he had already discovered the year-round availability of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables offered at local farmers' markets. The dream came true when Jimmy T's Provisions and Gourmet Foods opened dockside at Los Suenos Marina in May 2007.

Add us on facebook or write us an email! jimmytsprovisions@live.com

Visit our website! www.jimmytsprovisions.com

Call us at the store! 011-506-2637-8636

Pura Vida!

Jimmy T