jungle jim's eastgate

Hello, Gluten Free World!

This post is overdue, but here it is!  Jungle Jim's Eastgate is a reality.  Tomorrow it will have been open three weeks, and I've been there four times now. 

Tip specifically for my readers:
Follow the beer/wine/cigar signs around the Danbarry Dollar Saver to pull around the back of the store.  There is a smaller express checkout area, and I have yet to wait more than five minutes to check out.

There is a wine bar with 25 cent tastings.  This is what was available when my mom & I visited on October 7:

At the entrance of the beer cave, the beer section includes a variety of ciders...

 ...and gluten free beer.

I refuse to ruin the experiences, so this only shows the pertinent landmarks as you navigate your way to the gluten free section.  This (often mobile) honey display is by the bakery, which is adjacent to the gluten free and natural food section.

To the right, is the first glimpse of the gluten free section: shelf-stable breads and baked goods.  I'm really pleased with the prominence the store is giving these Ohio-grown, small, gluten free businesses.

The first glimpse shown here includes items from Tina's Sweet Treats out of Franklin (on the pink shelves) and Eban Bakery of Grove City (on the top shelf).

Chef Braddock of Eban Bakery was there on October 6th, giving samples of their seeded, flax seed oat, and cinnamon raisin breads.  (The cinnamon raisin is so good, it was sold out, & I returned later in the week to get some for breakfast.)  He plans to be there on Saturdays as often as he can.

From the bread section, turn to the left, and see the start of the aisles.  Now, you still have to read the labels, but WOW.  I was thrilled.

From here, the freezer case is behind you.  Sonny Marie's (a Cincinnati-area gluten free bakery with pizza crusts available at the new Mac's location) and Moondance (a Cincinnati gluten free bakery with goods available nationwide now in Whole Foods stores)

So, this is in the international section not natural foods, but it made me happy.  On vacation in May, while on a layover in Chicago, I discovered Vosges Haut Chocolat (which I just realized is way overdue for a review).

Shown here: the variety purchased at Chicago's O'Hare Airport

Jungle Jim's has a great selection of it!  I'm not usually a chocoholic, but I am for this tastiness.
Do note, though, that not all flavors are gluten free.  Those that are that I've tried...mmm...

Have fun, explore, and let me know what you think of the new, long-awaited Jungle Jim's Eastgate!  Are there additional products I'd like to see?  Sure!  But in my opinion, this a gluten free foodie's delight.  It's an amusement park of food, and I'm hungry. 

Happy eating! :)