Gluten Free Madison
Trina La Susa launched her Instagram page, @GlutenFreeMadison, back in 2017 after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Her immediate need for a lifestyle change inspired her to embrace a gluten-free diet, and through her Instagram and blog, La Susa has been able to share original gluten-free recipesーalong with some of the best hidden, gluten-free gems of Wisconsin’s food sceneーto the world.
Your go-to spot for an authentic taste of Wisconsin’s unique cuisine: On Friday nights, I love grabbing a gluten-free fish fry and deep-fried cheese curds from Liliana’s Restaurant in Fitchburg. Liliana’s is a New Orleans-style restaurant focused on sourcing local, organic ingredients from Wisconsin. Chef Dave Heide is well-versed in accommodating Celiac Disease and allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy these classic staples in Wisconsin cuisine.
Biggest misconception about being a blogger/influencer in the food space: Gluten-free eating and dining isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle for those with Celiac Disease and non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease back in 2017, and the only treatment for the disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. It brings me joy to be able to spread awareness of this disease and share what I’ve learned to help others adapt to a gluten-free diet.
One thing you’d like to see change (or rather, see more of) in Wisconsin’s restaurant offerings: Proper allergy training for kitchen staff is always important. I’d love to see more restaurants not only offer gluten-free menu items but also have separate kitchen spaces, pans, fryers and other cooking utensils to ensure that cross contact with gluten-containing foods does not occur. It only takes a crumb for someone with Celiac Disease to have an autoimmune reaction.
A Wisconsin-based chef or restaurateur who inspires you and why: Chef Tory Miller’s support for the Madison community starts in the kitchen, exudes on the plate and extends to the local farmers and producers he sources his ingredients from. Tory’s restaurants all boast different flavors and cuisines, and trying his dishes has inspired me to become more adventurous in the kitchen with my finds from the farmer’s market. He also inspires me to some day perfect my gluten-free bread recipe — he’s got one of the best gluten-free bread recipes in the state!
For more information, visit www.instagram.com/glutenfreemadison.