It’s time for another Monthly Recap!
February was a short month but it was packed with gluten-free food and travel!
Most of my meals this month were enjoyed in Portland, Oregon during a 10-day trip, though I also explored some local gluten-free options around Boston. I used to share these recaps in my email newsletter, and now I post them on the blog so they’re easier to reference.
Let’s get to it!
- It’s time for another Monthly Recap!
- TNF Travels In February 2023
- TNF Eats in February 2023
- Boston Area Gluten-Free Eats
- TNF Reflections on February 2023
- Thanks for Reading!
- Looking for more celiac travel posts?
TNF Travels In February 2023
Number of States Visited: 3 (Vermont, Washington, Oregon)
February moved quickly. We made a cold weekend trip to Vermont to visit family — it was bitterly cold that weekend — and shortly after, I flew west. My itinerary included a short layover in Seattle before a quick flight to Portland. I packed food for the long travel day, which made the journey much easier.
I had three solo days in Portland before Dylan and my sister-in-law Lindsay arrived. Traveling alone felt empowering: I learned the MAX light rail and bus systems, met local gluten-free business owners, walked five miles or more a day, and enjoyed doing things at my own pace.
One highlight of my solo time was visiting the Bob’s Red Mill store and meeting Bob Moore at his 94th birthday celebration — a memorable moment made possible through connections in the celiac community.
When Dylan and Lindsay joined me we snowshoed on Mount Hood, explored Cannon Beach and Astoria, and continued to wander Portland. We drank great coffee, spent lots of time outdoors, and admired the coast’s majestic trees. On returning to Boston, we relaxed with friends in Plymouth before March arrived — the month flew by.
TNF Eats in February 2023
The star this month was Portland’s gluten-free scene, especially the many 100% gluten-free spots. I felt great, never got sick, and enjoyed outstanding food and drink. Portland’s reputation for an exceptional gluten-free culture is well deserved.
You can read a full roundup of everything I ate in Portland on the blog, but below are some notable places I visited closer to home in February.
Boston Area Gluten-Free Eats
Twist Bakery & Cafe
Twist is a regular stop for us. The bakery is 100% dedicated gluten-free, making it a reliable weekend choice for breakfast or lunch before heading out on adventures. This visit I enjoyed breakfast tacos and a ham and cheese pinwheel — both delicious.
Danvers Pizza & Subs
We returned to Danvers Pizza & Subs because their approach to gluten-free pizza is exceptional. Many pizzerias pose cross-contact risks from airborne flour, but Danvers uses rice flour as their bench flour and maintains a dedicated gluten-free prep area, utensils, and process. Their care for the celiac community is evident and reassuring.
I ordered the Fenway pizza (sausage, peppers, and onions) and Dylan had the meat lovers. I loved my choice — flavorful without feeling overly salty — and we continue to be impressed by their commitment to safety and quality.
Tavern on the Wharf (Plymouth, MA)
On a friends’ weekend in Plymouth we ate at Tavern on the Wharf. Our friends researched gluten-free options in advance — a thoughtful gesture that led us to a highly rated, celiac-friendly restaurant with dedicated fryers, separate prep spaces, and staff knowledgeable about gluten-free needs. We shared gluten-free fried pickles and I enjoyed a chicken sandwich with fries. It was a relaxed, worry-free meal and much appreciated.
TNF Reflections on February 2023
February felt restorative. After a difficult start to the year and some business challenges, taking time to travel and be on my own helped me regain energy and perspective. My Oregon trip revived a sense of independence and purpose I last felt backpacking in 2019. I spent much of the month doing inner work and healing, and I’m heading into March feeling ready and optimistic.
Thanks for Reading!
That wraps up this food and travel recap. February was short and centered around my Oregon trip, so the recap is a bit smaller than usual. I’ll have more to share next month.
Follow me on Instagram @thenomadicfitz for updates on what I’m doing, where I’m traveling, and what I’m eating.
Looking for more celiac travel posts?
Check my other posts for tips on dining out with celiac disease, flying with celiac, and managing celiac with IBS. I also have gluten-free travel guides for cities like Boston, New York, Madrid, and Buenos Aires in my destinations section for more travel planning inspiration.