Celiac in the City: A Student's Guide to Gluten-Free Pittsburgh - Megan Piechowicz

Over the past twenty-three years of my life, an abundance of experiences has shaped me into the person I am today. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. A year of my family’s life was spent visiting at least a dozen pediatric gastroenterologists and other specialists. At a surface level, the solution seemed simple. However, seventeen years ago, eating gluten free (especially in first grade) was not as easy as it is today. Now, discovering new foods, and finding new restaurants to eat at, is one of my favorite parts of life. When I found out I would be leaving my small hometown to pursue my education almost 500 miles away, one of my first tasks became finding places to eat. Below is an abbreviated list, with photos, of some of my favorites that I have discovered in Pittsburgh within the last eight months!

 

Strip Steak, asparagus, and potatoes at Urban Tap in Shadyside

   

Pasta and salad at Girasole in Shadyside

   

Pizza and gelato at Mercurio’s in Shadyside

 

Chicken cashew dinner at Nicky’s Thai, downtown 

 

Grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and asparagus at Jason Aldean’s in North Shore

 

Sweet potato glass noodles at City Kitchen in Bakery Square

 

Crème Brulé at the Porch in Oakland

 

Pancakes at Square Cafe in Shadyside

In conclusion, my journey navigating gluten-free options in Pittsburgh as a student in the genetic counseling program has not only been an exciting adventure, but also a vital aspect of my self-care. Whether exploring new restaurants or indulging in homemade dishes with classmates, like our memorable Friendsgiving feast, the experience of sharing meals has provided a much needed rest from the rigors of our curriculum. I've embraced the profound value of taking time to savor moments spent eating, preparing, and conversing around food. It’s a simple, yet powerful, form of self-care that’s not only essential, but delicious as well.