​I'm sitting on the other side of the snowy, windy and brusk environment of Utah's cold climate. Living here gives one many opportunities for outdoor fun, especially in the winter. Even so, on days like today, I will reminisce about the smell of beach air, that salty, humid air which wraps around your skin and clings on like a small, hungry child. One of my best beach memories from last summer is stopping in Newport Coast at Ruby's Diner. I found Ruby's at the suggestion of a local who worked at the beach (which is also a California Park) which paralleled the diner. The diner had been the staple restaurant for locals at the beach for more than 50 years. It is quaint, mom and pop shop little diner, right off the main road, without ample parking, but the location does offer a gorgeous view of the ocean!

I open my car door, hop out and experience the warm, humid air that only a beachfront area can gift to your senses. Walking up, there is a myriad of people waiting in line for the most popular item on their menu: 

One afternoon while driving home, it came to fruition how finding a good restaurant with options is similar to finding a good guy to date. At first glance, you may wonder how I came to connect these two (you may also wonder about my sanity, but that's a subject for a different kind of blog). 

No. 1
Comfort
When looking for a good restaurant, you want to find a place that makes you feel comfortable. Your date should also make you feel comfortable as well, because, if he (or she) seriously isn't then you're not going to go back out with that person again, at least you shouldn't. Who wants to spend time at a restaurant (or on a date) in an uncomfortable situation? Only masochists, and I for sure, do not fall into that category!

No. 2
Smell and Taste
One of the very first senses that picks up good food is your sense of smell. If the food smells good, then for the most part, it will taste good. We all like to eat food that tastes good, no matter what foods we cannot eat. For those of us who are gluten-free, we are limited, but still look for yummy food! Like your food, your date 

When you're gluten-free there are items that you'll need to keep in your pantry. I've been gluten free for about a year-and-a-half, and have found out which items I need to keep in my pantry for everyday use. Here are a list of items I keep in my pantry:

1. A good gluten-free flour mix. My favorite is Namaste gluten-free flour mix. Why? This mix is free from the 8 allergens, tastes great, has a good blend of gluten-free flours and is economically priced. I get a 5lb bag at Costco every 2 months or so. Keep this handy and don't run out!
2. Cornstarch. This seems like a funny thing to keep around, but cornstarch and gluten-free flour combination are perfect for thickening sauces or gravy. I use a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of Namaste gluten-free flour mix. I add these in combination until the sauce or gravy is the thickness I desire.
3. Gluten-free bread mix. My favorite so far is 

Gluten is the protein found in many varieties of grain. Gluten can be found in  wheat, rye, barley and triticale. Just in the category of wheat alone, there are several sub-categories of grains: wheatberries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, KAMUT® khorasan wheat and einkorn. Gluten is the glue that helps maintain the shape of your dough when baking. Gluten is sticky and keeps moisture locked into that yummy loaf of bread that you're making. This is the reason why gluten-free baked goods are more dry and fall apart easier than their gluten counterparts. 

Yes, there are foods you can commonly find wheat (and other gluten containing grains). Here is a list of common gluten-containing foods: