Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork,Hot Spot BBQ,Pensacola Fl.

Can People With Food Allergies Eat BBQ?

by Chef Mick Brown

Courtesy of http://www.bbqrescues.org

Dr. Ruchi Gupta MD,Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Food Allergies,2018 World Food Championships,Orange Beach, AL.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD and Chef Elizabeth Falkner presenting Addressing Food Allergies seminar at 2018 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, AL.

As long as you are not allergic to meat or fresh vegetables, there is no reason a person with allergies cannot eat BBQ. The important thing is to be conscious of all ingredients being used, and to guard against cross contamination. While judging my first World Food Championships last week, I got to attend a seminar called Addressing Allergies in Food Service. It was a half day program including experts: Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD and Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner (of Food Network’s Next Iron Chef and Bravo TV’s Top Chef Masters fame). The seminar was skillfully moderated by Tonya Winders, President & CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Allergy Friendly Food,2018 World Food Championships
Chef Elizabeth Falkner prepares Allergy Friendly Menu at 2018 World Food Championships.

Of course the highlight was tasting food made by Chef Falkner, who is also known for her famous San Fransisco restaurant Citizen Cake. It was one of my favorite go-to places whenever I visited the city (the Short Ribs were amazing).  Unfortunately they closed in 2012, when the chef relocated to New York City. While preparing two dishes (plus dessert), Dr. Gupta, Chef Falkner and Tonya Winders gave us the scoop on cooking for people with Food Allergies.

Yes, they kind enough to do Photo Ops, upon request.

Though Gluten Free foods have taken the public spotlight, the eight most common allergies are:

  • Tree Nuts
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Other common allergens include Chocolate, Mustard Seed, Sesame, Citrus, Onion/Garlic and Sulfites.

Allergy Friendly,Gluten Free,Roasted Pumpkin,Gnocchi,Chia,Herb,Pesto,Roasted Pumpkin Seeds,Chef Elizabeth Falkner
Allergy Friendly Gluten Free Roasted Pumpkin Gnocchi with a Chia Herb Pesto and Zesty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds prepared by Chef Elizabeth Falkner. Light and Delicious.

Most of us are fortunate to live without food allergies. However, people with allergies suffer from anaphylaxis, a condition that can go from causing discomfort to life threatening reactions. They depend on having Epinephrine available to combat these reactions. So if you are cooking anything, including BBQ, for someone with an allergy, please take it very seriously. To be safe, it is best to make everything from scratch instead of using processed foods- that can be manufactured in facilities with Nuts or Wheat. If you must use prepared foods, be sure to read the label carefully.

Collard Greens,Enchiladas,Salad,Corn,Black Beans,Chef Elizabeth Falkner,2018 World Food Championships.
Collard Green Enchiladas Salad with Corn, Black Beans and Rice prepared by Chef Elizabeth Falkner at the 2018 World Food Championships.

Sadly, some restaurants and other eateries will not accommodate those with allergies. They think allergic people are just picky eaters. Moderator Winders shared the sad story of she and her young daughter being kicked out of a restaurant that refused to alter their menu. If you are cooking for those with allergies, be sure to determine how sensitive they are to certain foods. For example, many Pizza places offer Gluten Free crusts, but there’s regular flour all over the place. Someone with severe Celiac disease would be wise to take a pass.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Dairy Free,Chocolate,Flax Seed,Mousse ,Carob,Mesquite Powder,Streusel,2018 World Food Championships
Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s Dairy Free Chocolate Flax Seed Mousse with Carob/Mesquite Streusel at 2018 World Food Championships.

Chef Falkner’s menu for the day included Gluten Free Roasted Pumpkin Gnocchi with a Chia Herb Pesto and Zesty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. It was light and delicious. She also made a salad with components of her Collard Green Enchiladas dish. The original recipe uses whole Collard leaves as a substitute for Tortillas, but only chopped leaves were available that day. For dessert, the chef prepared a Chocolate Flax Seed Mousse with Carob/Mesquite Streusel. She somehow made the preparation of these Iron Chef worthy dishes look simple.

For more on Cooking BBQ (or anything) for People with Food Allergies, check out these links:

Allergy and Asthma Network (general information and resources) http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/

Allergy Safe Dining (free download of great info for food professionals) http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/outreach/publications/special-publications/allergy-safe-dining/

AllergyHome (emphasis on schools and kids) https://www.allergyhome.org/

Summer Barbeque Tips for Hosts and Guests (allergy safe suggestions) https://www.foodallergy.org/about-fare/blog/summer-barbeque-tips-for-hosts-and-guests

Have an Allergy Friendly Barbecue (more tips for people with allergies) https://blog.americanmedical-id.com/2017/07/allergy-friendly-barbecue/

Eating Safely at the Family BBQ (Gluten Free suggestions) https://www.allergicliving.com/2010/07/02/ask-the-celiac-expert/

More on Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s Books and Online Classes https://www.elizabethfalkner.com/books-television

The Food Allergy Experience (book by Dr. Ruchi Gupta with free links to allergy research) http://www.ruchigupta.com/the-food-allergy-experience-1/

Tasty Freedom- How We Mastered Fear, Illness and Foreign Travel with Severe Food Allergies (a charming little book by my friend Chef Jaquy Yngvason and hubby Josh Greenfield, available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other outlets) https://www.amazon.com/Tasty-Freedom-Mastered-Illness-Allergies/dp/0692982825

AllergyEats- website is like the Yelp for people all over the country for reviewing restaurants https://www.allergyeats.com/

#ChefMickBrown #BBQRESCUESFoundation #LaniDapolani #Volunteers #HBNH #HomelessButNotHelpless #Ministries #Salads #ChristmasEve #2017 #LosAngeles

Spotlight on BBQ RESCUES! Foundation- Part III- Closing out 2017 from Arizona to Skid Row

#BBQRESCUESFoundation #Redfoo #LMFAO #ChefMickBrown #VeganBBQ
Chef Mick Brown of the BBQ RESCUES Foundation seen with pop sensation Redfoo of group LMFAO (“Party Rock Anthem”) fame. The Foundation was challenged to create a Vegan BBQ Menu for the star and his family’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Pictured Dish- Smoked Sweet Potato/Rainbow Carrot Mash with Mint and Smoked Coconut Flakes.

To end out 2017, the BBQ RESCUES! Foundation was active with Social Media outreach to promote Fitness and Healthier Grilling, as well as participate other important Community Projects. We traveled from Arizona, to Palm Springs and spent Christmas Eve handing out hundreds of Holiday Salads to the Homeless on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Here are some Highlights of our Activities. Check back soon for Updates.

September 2017

#BBQRESCUESFoundation #FraternalOrderofEagles #AgapeHouseofPrescott #PrescottArizona #BBQFundraiser
Promotional sign for Fraternal Order of Eagles BBQ fundraiser to benefit the Agape House of Prescott in Prescott, AZ.

Chef Mick Brown made appearance at Fundraiser in Prescott, Arizona to promote Healthy Grilling and support the Fraternal Order of Eagles’ efforts to help Agape House of Prescott in their mission to serve the Homeless.

http://agapehouseprescott.org/about-us/

https://www.foe.com/

#ElksTheatre #ChefMickBrown #PrescottArizona
Chef Mick Brown of the BBQ RESCUES! Foundation, meets with Volunteers to tour the Historic Elks Theatre in Prescott, Arizona.

Met with Staff at historic Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center. Agreed to work on bringing “Broadway to Prescott” benefit to support local youth charities, and serve Healthy Gourmet BBQ to Supporters.

http://www.prescottelkstheater.com/

#FarmatSouthMountain #Phoenix
Creative Warning Sign at the Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix, where they specialize in fresh Farm-to-Table Cuisine, including BBQ!

#FarmatSouthMountain #Phoenix #ChefMickBrown
Chef Mick Brown at the Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix. Hoping to hitchhike ride in old Pick-up.

Met with staff at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix, Az. Along with tasting some amazing food from their Grill, we agreed to come back sometime for a workshop to teach Phoenix how to smoke the nuts from their Pecan Trees.

https://www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com

#ChefMickBrown #BBQ #HardrockPalmSprings
Caught last year of Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. Chef Mick Brown with poolside Grill Master.

Talked with Executive Chefs at Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs about doing a poolside “Bikini BBQ” fundraiser. Unfortunately, the resort closed before we could make it happen.

https://www.kesq.com/news/breaking-hard-rock-hotel-in-palm-springs-to-cease-operations/733590471

October 2017

Did healthy Spooky Grilled Shrimp Video sponsored by Luvafoodie.com. Has over 55,000 views to date.

https://luvafoodie.com

#ChefMickBrown #AmericanCancerSociety #WeCanSurvive
Chef Mick Brown at We Can Survive 2017 concert to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Attended We Can Survive concert to benefit the Breast Cancer Awareness. Enjoyed Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Sam Smith, The Weekend and surprise act Rihanna.

https://variety.com/2017/music/news/pink-harry-styles-hollywood-bowl-we-can-survive-concert-1202596126/

#ChefMickBrown #NaheedenceStudios #CutThroatKitchen #Winner #BBQ #GrillMaster #Champion
Chef Mick Brown in “BBQ and Politics Don’t Mix” by Naheedence Studios.

Released iconic “BBQ and Politics Don’t Mix” Photos courtesy of Naheedence Photography.

http://www.naheedence.com/

November 2017

#ChefMickBrown #SaharAndrade #ReinventYourself
Chef Mick Brown with Ted Talk Speaker and Reinvent Yourself motivational coach Sahar Andrade.

Attended first “Dream and Brainstorm Together” workshop with expert motivational coach (and Ted Talk Speaker) Sahar Andrade in Burbank, CA.

https://www.saharconsulting.com/

#ChefMickBrown #MarkCasanova #StephanyCampos #HomelessHealthcareLA #Thanksgiving #2017
Chef Mick Brown with Mark Casanova and Stephany Campos of Homeless Healthcare LA. Thanksgiving 2017.

Foundation donated services to prepare Thanksgiving Turkeys, Stuffing and Vegan Glazed Yellow Squash & Veggies for Homeless Healthcare LA Holiday Party for Staff.

https://www.hhcla.org/

#Vegan #Thanksgiving #2017 #ChefMickBrown #BBQRESCUES #Foundation #Redfoo #Smoky #RainbowCarrot #SweetPotato #Grilled #MixedGreens #Kale
Vegan Thanksgiving 2017 dishes prepared by Chef Mick Brown of the BBQ RESCUES Foundation for pop star Redfoo and Family. Smoky Rainbow Carrot & Sweet Potato Mash with Mint, Coconut and Grilled Veggie Mixed Greens with Kale.

Foundation answered challenge to demo Vegan Thanksgiving dishes for pop star Redfoo . and Family.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redfoo

https://partyrockclothing.com/

December 2017

#ChefMickBrown #HawaiianDancers #2017 #IslandBeerandFoodFest #San Diego
Chef Mick Brown with Hawaiian Dancers at 2017 Island Beer and Food Fest in San Diego, CA.

Mick+IslandFest

Promoted Foundation and Healthier BBQ at 2017 Island Beer and Food Fest in San Diego, CA.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/events/2017/dec/02/island-food-and-beer-fest-san-diego/

#SimonsCafeandCatering #SanDiego
Simon’s Cafe & Catering, San Diego

Discovered Simon’s Cafe and Catering in San Diego. One of the highlights of national food tour. They do Charity and Grill Veggies!

Released the first nutritious White Asparagus Mac N Cheese video on Youtube.

#Volunteers #LosAngelesMission #Holiday #Luncheon #2017.
Volunteers at Los Angeles Mission’s Holiday Luncheon 2017.

Promoted LA Mission’s annual Holiday Luncheon. Hope to be invited to participate more next year.

http://abc7.com/society/la-mission-provides-holiday-feast-toys-to-families-in-need/2812851/

#BBQRESCUESFoundation #LosAngeles #Volunteers #ChristmasEve #Homeless #SkidRow #Downtown #LA #JackeyHall #AaronCollins #RachelMilstein #December #2017
BBQ RESCUES! Foundation’s Los Angeles Volunteers preparing Christmas Eve Grilled Salads for the Homeless on Skid Row, Downtown LA December 2017. Pictured: Actress Jackey Hall, Aaron Collins, Rachel Milstein.

#BBQRESCUES #Foundation #GrilledVeggie #Salad #SmokedHam.
BBQ RESCUES! Foundation’s Grilled Veggie Salad with Smoked Ham.

#BBQRESCUES #Foundation's #GrilledVeggie #Salad #SmokedHam #SkidRow #ChristmasEve #2017
BBQ RESCUES! Foundation’s Grilled Veggie Salad with Smoked Ham. Handed out hundreds to people on Skid Row on Christmas Eve 2017.

#ChefMickBrown #BBQRESCUESFoundation #LaniDapolani #Volunteers #HBNH #HomelessButNotHelpless #Ministries #Salads #ChristmasEve #2017 #LosAngeles
Chef Mick Brown of BBQ RESCUES Foundation with Lani Dapolani and Volunteers of HBNH (Homeless But Not Helpless) Ministries passing out Salads Christmas Eve 2017, Downtown Los Angeles.

Foundation donated nearly 300 Salads to Homeless people on Skid Row, Christmas Eve 2017. Others necessities also passed out by Lani Dapolani, founder of HBNH (Homeless But Not Helpless) Ministries and the LA Mission.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/HBNHMinistry

Stay Tuned For Exciting 2018 Updates!

#chefmickbrown #mickbrown

BBQ RESCUES Foundation and Chef Mick Brown featured in new NBBQA Article

-From the National Barbecue and Grilling Association (NBBQA)

VEGAN BBQ JOINTS POPPING UP AROUND THE COUNTRY

Posted By: Stover Edward Harger III  NBBQA eNewsletter

It takes just two words to elicit laughter from some BBQ folks: vegan BBQ.

That’s the reaction Chef Mick Brown sometimes gets when he explains his passion for promoting vegan, vegetarian and healthier BBQ food. It is hard for some in the meat-centric trade of barbecue to conceptualize an outdoor cook without a single bite of steak or heaping pile of pulled pork. To many, BBQ means meat, but Mick wants to challenge that notion; he believes eating veggies can save your life.

“They basically laugh at the concept. That’s the attitude I get from some people,” the California chef said about vegan BBQ. “(But) I’m finding, surprisingly, people are really receptive to it when you discuss it with them seriously.”

Mick is passionate proponent of getting people to eat healthier, and explaining the benefits of a vegetable-focused BBQ diet is a mission that drove him to found the nonprofit BBQ Rescues! and its website/blog www.bbqrescues.com. This past Christmas Eve, Mick helped serve fresh salads with L.A. Mission to homeless in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles.

As a diabetic whose weight has fluctuated, Mick finds motivation to help others from his own health struggles.

Mick is challenging BBQ restaurants and caterers to add a healthier — not fried — vegetable or vegan option to their menus by 2020 as part of his recent #BBQProject2020 campaign. Using the #BBQProject2020 hashtag on social media is meant to let others know the establishment has made a stride to make their menu healthier.

The chef was part of a presentation during the NBBQA’s 2018 I Am BBQ Conference called “Making BBQ Healthy and Authentic.” After he grilled up some vegan BBQ for attendees, the extras were served with lunch that day. The crowd devoured them.

“I’m finding the key is letting people taste it,” Mick said about persuading others to eat more veggies at BBQ. “If you make the vegetables as hearty and good-tasting as the meat, people will want to eat them more.”

VEGAN BBQ, A GROWING TREND

Though you might not personally know anybody serving “vegan BBQ,” there are a restaurants and food carts around the country doing just that. In Portland, Ore., home to a number of vegan-friendly restaurants, there’s Homegrown Smokers which is getting local acclaim for their “tempeh ribs” and smoked “soy curls.” There’s even a vegan BBQ place smack-dab in the center of a celebrated BBQ Mecca. BBQ Revolution in Austin, Texas, makes their “No Bull Brisket” from a “wheat roast” that includes peanut butter. 

You might have already heard of the meat-free “Impossible Burger” which has been getting lots of attention for tasting — as some people proclaim — just like meat. The patty is made of wheat and potato proteins.

But it’s not meat substitutes that Mick is pushing. He wants people to eat whole, not processed, foods. His personal favorite vegetables to grill are bell peppers and onions. With some fire, smoke and robust seasoning, Mick said a vegetable starts to taste closer to what most people imagine as “BBQ.”

“We don’t need tons of meat to enjoy BBQ, we can have meats and veggies,” he said, adding that it’s less the meat that’s the problem with health, but more in the carbohydrate- and fat-heavy traditional BBQ sides. “If all you do is grill meats and veggies, you’ll be fine.”

LESS MEAT EATING PREDICTED

As word has spread of his healthy, but still flavorful, vegan barbecue and cuisine, Mick got invites to cook for all sorts of celebrities, including catering a “Vegan BBQ Thanksgiving” for musician Redfoo, best known for his mega-hit “Party Rock Anthem” with his group LMFAO.

For that meal he served a smoked sweet potato/carrot mash with fresh mint and a mix of smoked greens.

Mick was also crowned Grill Master Champion on an episode of the Food Network show “Cutthroat Kitchen,” hosted by Alton Brown, a culinary idol of his.

Alton Brown, a master of cooking meat and all sorts of foods, penned an article for Wired magazine on “the end of meat as we know it.” In that 2013 story, Brown explains that the future will likely be much less meat-centric, due to overpopulation and evolving food culture. There’s all sorts of science food being cooked up to mimic the tastes, smells and physical sensations of actual meat, he reported.

“Meat is largely water. But when we taste it, we’re mostly sensing fat and protein. Proteins are simply long chains of amino acids,” he said in the article. “Plants build aminos as well, but carnivores love meat so much because its proteins — unlike plants — are relatively easy to access and digest (once you catch the animal). What’s more, meat gives us all the “essential” amino acids our bodies can’t produce, a trick that almost no plant can pull off, which is why vegetarians must carefully combine foods — like nuts and grains — to stay well nourished.

“Replicating the flavor of animal flesh is just a matter of gathering certain amino acids, especially the yummiest acid of all, glutamic acid, the key component of monosodium glutamate, or MSG.”

Even with the option to mimic meat using plant protein, Alton Brown concludes, he’s not ready to shutter the butcher shops.

“Plenty of people live just fine on veggies and grains. We could just lay off the real meat, right? Not bloody likely,” he wrote.

 

Link

https://www.nbbqa.org/blog/vegan-bbq-joints-popping-up