Guest guest Posted August 22, 2010 Report Share Posted August 22, 2010 I don't think asking if anyone has had a reaction is very productive, since not having a reaction doesn't mean that you haven't been damaged by gluten... I also don't think that it is overly precautious not to eat a "gf" item that is sitting next to a gluten item - crumbs happen, and if the company doesn't recognize the problems of cross contamination in display cases then I wouldn't trust them to recognize and prevent problems of cross contamination in the baking process, either. It seems that a lot of companies are jumping on the gf bandwagon because so many people are going gf as a choice (thinking it will help them lose weight, etc) and those are the people they are catering to, not those of us with celiac who really can't tolerate any gluten... Sent from my tin can and string. Please excuse mumbling and static. -----Original Message----- From: Martha Putnam <mqputnam@...> < > Sent: Sun, Aug 22, 2010 11:36 am Subject: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes I have bought them several times from Santana row from the front of the store and not had problems. The frosting is pretty thick on the cupcakes so I felt there was a good seal. Mp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Well, I ask about reactions because my 7 year old daughter is the one with Celiac, and she doesn't really have reactions. I'm well aware of the silent damage, and am possibly overcautious because we don't ever have a clear indication if she has been exposed to gluten. I really appreciate when people post on here where they have and haven't had good luck eating without getting sick, so that we can avoid places that seem to cause problems for more " reactive " people. Thanks to everyone for all the feedback. Hopefully they'll have cupcakes in the back again one of these times! -On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 2:05 PM, <TrVerb@...> wrote: I don't think asking if anyone has had a reaction is very productive, since not having a reaction doesn't mean that you haven't been damaged by gluten... I also don't think that it is overly precautious not to eat a " gf " item that is sitting next to a gluten item - crumbs happen, and if the company doesn't recognize the problems of cross contamination in display cases then I wouldn't trust them to recognize and prevent problems of cross contamination in the baking process, either. It seems that a lot of companies are jumping on the gf bandwagon because so many people are going gf as a choice (thinking it will help them lose weight, etc) and those are the people they are catering to, not those of us with celiac who really can't tolerate any gluten... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 As someone with celiac disease, I can't say I am pleased with this response from Kara at all, other than that it's honest -- she is clearly telling all of us with celiac to stay away from her products. It seems clear to me that she does not have any process in place to assure that her gf items are not cross contaminated in the baking process, because if she did she would have mentioned it. Instead, she is telling us to stay away from her cupcakes because they are very likely contaminated in the baking process. As for the display, one shouldn't need a special "consultant" to realize the gf cupcakes need to be kept in a separate case. I would categorize these cupcakes as perfect for anyone who merely is trying to avoid gluten but a big no-no for anyone with celiac or a gluten allergy/insensitivity. I think we ought to be throwing our support -- and money -- behind companies that are doing everything they can to serve the celiac community and not spend our cash and potentially hurt our health by patronizing businesses that are only going gf to accommodate the "I want to lose weight so I'm on a gluten free diet" community... When we allow businesses the wiggle room of "going gf" without really doing everything necessary to assure their products are gf, we only hurt ourselves and our chances of getting the government to change labeling laws to include all gluten ingredients and to have companies have to test their products before being allowed to declare them to be gf -- the only we will be able to be sure that what we eat is truly gf... Sent from my tin can and string. Please excuse mumbling and static. -----Original Message----- From: jeansomlo <jina68@...> Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 12:23 pm Subject: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes I emailed Kara yesterday and got a response within 10 minutes (good timing I guess). I am pleased with her response and plan to keep going there. Here is her response to my request to segregate the gluten free stuff in the main shop: As well, thank you for your concern regarding our display of the GF cupcakes. We take all suggestions seriously and we are currently working with a consultant on the GF cupcakes display. While we offer a GF option at Kara's, we do let people know that we are not a gluten free kitchen. So if someone has a very strong allergy I would reco mmend sticking with a gluten free bakery in town. (just to be safe) . A short term solution for you is to ask for the cupcakes not on display. They are in the kitchen on a gluten free tray. You can also pre order your GF cupcakes and we do not have a minimum for pre orders...so if you want us to box up 1 or 2 cupcakes, call ahead and we can have that ready.... we can even deliver it curbside right to you car! Just ask for your order to be curbside and give us a 15-30 min notice. If you want a large order we do like a few hours advance call...... I hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback.... Have a sweet day! Best, Kara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 I agree, and Miglet's Cupcakes in Danville, ROCK!From: "TrVerb@..." <TrVerb@...> Sent: Mon, August 23, 2010 12:47:55 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes As someone with celiac disease, I can't say I am pleased with this response from Kara at all, other than that it's honest -- she is clearly telling all of us with celiac to stay away from her products. It seems clear to me that she does not have any process in place to assure that her gf items are not cross contaminated in the baking process, because if she did she would have mentioned it. Instead, she is telling us to stay away from her cupcakes because they are very likely contaminated in the baking process. As for the display, one shouldn't need a special "consultant" to realize the gf cupcakes need to be kept in a separate case. I would categorize these cupcakes as perfect for anyone who merely is trying to avoid gluten but a big no-no for anyone with celiac or a gluten allergy/insensitivity. I think we ought to be throwing our support -- and money -- behind companies that are doing everything they can to serve the celiac community and not spend our cash and potentially hurt our health by patronizing businesses that are only going gf to accommodate the "I want to lose weight so I'm on a gluten free diet" community... When we allow businesses the wiggle room of "going gf" without really doing everything necessary to assure their products are gf, we only hurt ourselves and our chances of getting the government to change labeling laws to include all gluten ingredients and to have companies have to test their products before being allowed to declare them to be gf -- the only we will be able to be sure that what we eat is truly gf... Sent from my tin can and string. Please excuse mumbling and static. -----Original Message----- From: jeansomlo <jina68@...> Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 12:23 pm Subject: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes I emailed Kara yesterday and got a response within 10 minutes (good timing I guess). I am pleased with her response and plan to keep going there. Here is her response to my request to segregate the gluten free stuff in the main shop: As well, thank you for your concern regarding our display of the GF cupcakes. We take all suggestions seriously and we are currently working with a consultant on the GF cupcakes display. While we offer a GF option at Kara's, we do let people know that we are not a gluten free kitchen. So if someone has a very strong allergy I would reco mmend sticking with a gluten free bakery in town. (just to be safe) . A short term solution for you is to ask for the cupcakes not on display. They are in the kitchen on a gluten free tray. You can also pre order your GF cupcakes and we do not have a minimum for pre orders...so if you want us to box up 1 or 2 cupcakes, call ahead and we can have that ready.... we can even deliver it curbside right to you car! Just ask for your order to be curbside and give us a 15-30 min notice. If you want a large order we do like a few hours advance call...... I hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback.... Have a sweet day! Best, Kara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 I would also be very disappointed if Kara's stopped offering their GF cupcakes because of pressure for processes that they cannot sustain. My daughter has biopsy-confirmed celiac and loves these cupcakes, and she's never had a problem with them. Last we went, the Kara's at the Town and Country in Palo Alto did have them in a separate cake plate outside the general display and the staff did get it about contact. However, I also don't feel they have to be presented in a separate display case or made in a separate bakery. I just want them kept from touching the other cupcakes, and they have done that. We intend to continue to shop there.I hope too many demands won't put them off of offering this great service. On Aug 23, 2010, at 2:07 PM, thecraeg wrote: I think we all as consumers have the right to not purchase a product that we feel might not be safe. I appreciate Karas honest response. I am thrilled to have an option in SF for cupcakes, and I would be very disappointed if Kara felt pressured to stop offering gluten free cupcakes because some people felt she wasn't dedicated enough to offer a completely gluten free environment. I don't think it is realistic to expect someone to open up an entirely gluten free cupcake store - and stay in business. I am celiac, and I do not think the cupcakes need to be kept in a separate case. I accept that eating out - anywhere really - comes with some risk. Some restaurant owners are more upfront with that risk, some arent. > > I agree, and Miglet's Cupcakes in Danville, ROCK! > > > > ________________________________ > From: "TrVerb@..." <TrVerb@...> > > Sent: Mon, August 23, 2010 12:47:55 PM > Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes > > > As someone with celiac disease, I can't say I am pleased with this response from > Kara at all, other than that it's honest -- she is clearly telling all of us > with celiac to stay away from her products. It seems clear to me that she does > not have any process in place to assure that her gf items are not cross > contaminated in the baking process, because if she did she would have mentioned > it. Instead, she is telling us to stay away from her cupcakes because they are > very likely contaminated in the baking process. As for the display, one > shouldn't need a special "consultant" to realize the gf cupcakes need to be kept > in a separate case. I would categorize these cupcakes as perfect for anyone who > merely is trying to avoid gluten but a big no-no for anyone with celiac or a > gluten allergy/insensitivity. > > > I think we ought to be throwing our support -- and money -- behind companies > that are doing everything they can to serve the celiac community and not spend > our cash and potentially hurt our health by patronizing businesses that are only > going gf to accommodate the "I want to lose weight so I'm on a gluten free diet" > community... When we allow businesses the wiggle room of "going gf" without > really doing everything necessary to assure their products are gf, we only hurt > ourselves and our chances of getting the government to change labeling laws to > include all gluten ingredients and to have companies have to test their products > before being allowed to declare them to be gf -- the only we will be able to be > sure that what we eat is truly gf... > > > Sent from my tin can and string. Please excuse mumbling and static. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: jeansomlo <jina68@...> > > Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 12:23 pm > Subject: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes > > > > I emailed Kara yesterday and got a response within 10 minutes (good timing I > guess). I am pleased with her response and plan to keep going there. Here is > her response to my request to segregate the gluten free stuff in the main shop: > > As well, thank you for your concern regarding our display of the GF cupcakes. > We take all suggestions seriously and we are currently working with a > consultant on the GF cupcakes display. While we offer a GF option at Kara's, > we do let people know that we are not a gluten free kitchen. So if someone has > a very strong allergy I would reco mmend sticking with a gluten free bakery in > town. (just to be safe) . > > A short term solution for you is to ask for the cupcakes not on display. They > are in the kitchen on a gluten free tray. You can also pre order your GF > cupcakes and we do not have a minimum for pre orders...so if you want us to box > up 1 or 2 cupcakes, call ahead and we can have that ready.... we can even > deliver it curbside right to you car! Just ask for your order to be curbside > and give us a 15-30 min notice. If you want a large order we do like a few > hours advance call...... > > > I hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback.... > > Have a sweet day! Best, Kara > Darcyddarcy@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Keep in mind that some people don't always have a reaction from gluten. One can have damage without a reaction. Just be aware of this, then make choices. I may take a chance on the cupcakes, as there's one near my house. A little lush indulgence! Or maybe not, as I have responded dramatically from a trace of gluten. H. -----Original Message----- From: Darcy <ddarcy@...> < > Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 6:42 pm Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes I would also be very disappointed if Kara's stopped offering their GF cupcakes because of pressure for processes that they cannot sustain. My daughter has biopsy-confirmed celiac and loves these cupcakes, and she's never had a problem with them. Last we went, the Kara's at the Town and Country in Palo Alto did have them in a separate cake plate outside the general display and the staff did get it about contact. However, I also don't feel they have to be presented in a separate display case or made in a separate bakery. I just want them kept from touching the other cupcakes, and they have done that. We intend to continue to shop there. I hope too many demands won't put them off of offering this great service. On Aug 23, 2010, at 2:07 PM, thecraeg wrote: I think we all as consumers have the right to not purchase a product that we feel might not be safe. I appreciate Karas honest response. I am thrilled to have an option in SF for cupcakes, and I would be very disappointed if Kara felt pressured to stop offering gluten free cupcakes because some people felt she wasn't dedicated enough to offer a completely gluten free environment. I don't think it is realistic to expect someone to open up an entirely gluten free cupcake store - and stay in business. I am celiac, and I do not think the cupcakes need to be kept in a separate case. I accept that eating out - anywhere really - comes with some risk. Some restaurant owners are more upfront with that risk, some arent. > > I agree, and Miglet's Cupcakes in Danville, ROCK! > > > > ________________________________ > From: "TrVerb@..." <TrVerb@...> > > Sent: Mon, August 23, 2010 12:47:55 PM > Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes > > > As someone with celiac disease, I can't say I am pleased with this response from > Kara at all, other than that it's honest -- she is clearly telling all of us > with celiac to stay away from her products. It seems clear to me that she does > not have any process in place to assure that her gf items are not cross > contaminated in the baking process, because if she did she would have mentioned > it. Instead, she is telling us to stay away from her cupcakes because they are > very likely contaminated in the baking process. As for the display, one > shouldn't need a special "consultant" to realize the gf cupcakes need to be kept > in a separate case. I would categorize these cupcakes as perfect for anyone who > merely is trying to avoid gluten but a big no-no for anyone with celiac or a > gluten allergy/insensitivity. > > > I think we ought to be throwing our support -- and money -- behind companies > that are doing everything they can to serve the celiac community and not spend > our cash and potentially hurt our health by patronizing businesses that are only > going gf to accommodate the "I want to lose weight so I'm on a gluten free diet" > community... When we allow businesses the wiggle room of "going gf" without > really doing everything necessary to assure their products are gf, we only hurt > ourselves and our chances of getting the government to change labeling laws to > include all gluten ingredients and to have companies have to test their products > before being allowed to declare them to be gf -- the only we will be able to be > sure that what we eat is truly gf... > > > Sent from my tin can and string. Please excuse mumbling and static. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: jeansomlo <jina68@...> > > Sent: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 12:23 pm > Subject: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes > > > > I emailed Kara yesterday and got a response within 10 minutes (good timing I > guess). I am pleased with her response and plan to keep going there. Here is > her response to my request to segregate the gluten free stuff in the main shop: > > As well, thank you for your concern regarding our display of the GF cupcakes. > We take all suggestions seriously and we are currently working with a > consultant on the GF cupcakes display. While we offer a GF option at Kara's, > we do let people know that we are not a gluten free kitchen. So if someone has > a very strong allergy I would reco mmend sticking with a gluten free bakery in > town. (just to be safe) . > > A short term solution for you is to ask for the cupcakes not on display. They > are in the kitchen on a gluten free tray. You can also pre order your GF > cupcakes and we do not have a minimum for pre orders...so if you want us to box > up 1 or 2 cupcakes, call ahead and we can have that ready.... we can even > deliver it curbside right to you car! Just ask for your order to be curbside > and give us a 15-30 min notice. If you want a large order we do like a few > hours advance call...... > > > I hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback.... > > Have a sweet day! Best, Kara > Darcy ddarcy@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Agree. All that silent damage can accumulate over time. Routine blood tests aren’t always going to catch it. There can be a trace ofwheat flour that got into a sole GF cupcake through cross contamination. Eventhose who say “I react to the slightest bit of gluten†might eat it and notreact. You still got glutened and put stress on your system whether you feelit outwardly or not. Bottom line is, you have Celiac disease…there aren’t levelsof tolerance regarding gluten. Some people may react differently and it’s caseby case. Why risk it? In my opinion, I wouldn’t touch those cupcakes. If they’retouching in the case, or even in the back row, im sure when someone pulls outthe trays next to the gluten free cupcakes, they can easily bump into thecupcakes in the back, or even fall off onto the GF ones, in which an employee mightjust pick it up and leave the contaminated product there. I’m in no way say the cupcakes should stop, I’m happy they’reout there. There are plenty of people out there with gluten sensitivity orwheat allergies that would benefit from this and it’s a step in the rightdirection towards supply and demand in our “communityâ€. - From: [mailto: ] OnBehalf Of HarperSent: Monday, August 23, 2010 6:57 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes Keep in mind that some people don't always have a reaction fromgluten. One can have damage without a reaction. Just be aware ofthis, then make choices.I may take a chance on the cupcakes, as there's one near my house. A littlelush indulgence! Or maybe not, as I have responded dramatically from a trace ofgluten.H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Unfortunately all businesses must cover their you know what's!Santana row has many gluten free options and I appreciate all of the businesses efforts. Straights even asked for suggestions on their rough draft of their gf menu!Sent from my iPhoneK8 On Aug 23, 2010, at 12:23 PM, "jeansomlo" <jina68@...> wrote: I emailed Kara yesterday and got a response within 10 minutes (good timing I guess). I am pleased with her response and plan to keep going there. Here is her response to my request to segregate the gluten free stuff in the main shop:As well, thank you for your concern regarding our display of the GF cupcakes. We take all suggestions seriously and we are currently working with a consultant on the GF cupcakes display. While we offer a GF option at Kara's, we do let people know that we are not a gluten free kitchen. So if someone has a very strong allergy I would recommend sticking with a gluten free bakery in town. (just to be safe) . A short term solution for you is to ask for the cupcakes not on display. They are in the kitchen on a gluten free tray. You can also pre order your GF cupcakes and we do not have a minimum for pre orders...so if you want us to box up 1 or 2 cupcakes, call ahead and we can have that ready.... we can even deliver it curbside right to you car! Just ask for your order to be curbside and give us a 15-30 min notice. If you want a large order we do like a few hours advance call......I hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback.... Have a sweet day! Best, Kara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Just fyi, my daughter does react, and she has also had a repeat biopsy which showed complete healing about 18 months after going GF. This eased our worries about trace gluten considerably. I'm sure Kara's is just covering it's "bases" legally by not swearing to a lack of cross contam.On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:06 PM, Wallace wrote: Agree. All that silent damage can accumulate over time. Routine blood tests aren’t always going to catch it. There can be a trace of wheat flour that got into a sole GF cupcake through cross contamination. Even those who say “I react to the slightest bit of gluten” might eat it and not react. You still got glutened and put stress on your system whether you feel it outwardly or not. Bottom line is, you have Celiac disease…there aren’t levels of tolerance regarding gluten. Some people may react differently and it’s case by case. Why risk it? In my opinion, I wouldn’t touch those cupcakes. If they’re touching in the case, or even in the back row, im sure when someone pulls out the trays next to the gluten free cupcakes, they can easily bump into the cupcakes in the back, or even fall off onto the GF ones, in which an employee might just pick it up and leave the contaminated product there. I’m in no way say the cupcakes should stop, I’m happy they’re out there. There are plenty of people out there with gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies that would benefit from this and it’s a step in the right direction towards supply and demand in our “community”. - From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Harper Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 6:57 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes Keep in mind that some people don't always have a reaction from gluten. One can have damage without a reaction. Just be aware of this, then make choices. I may take a chance on the cupcakes, as there's one near my house. A little lush indulgence! Or maybe not, as I have responded dramatically from a trace of gluten. H. Darcyddarcy@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 I understand. I had a repeat biopsy that showed healing. it wasn't until a capsule endoscopy that revealed damage lower in my tract inwhich an endoscopy or colonoscopy wouldnt have picked up. We are free to take our own risks. I am in no way perferct or claim to be...just sharing my opinions & experience since my diagnosis in 2004. Bakeries that are not 100% GF scare me (personally) I can't evevn stand to walk in a donut shop for coffee, the smell alone makes me nauceous, but that's just me. I'm glad ur daughter is well. It took me 3 years to get there. I'm grateful for learning from this group as well as elsewhere. I'm sure it would have taken me longer to heal without everyones advice, experiences & opinions. Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 23, 2010, at 9:21 PM, " Darcy" <ddarcy@...> wrote: Just fyi, my daughter does react, and she has also had a repeat biopsy which showed complete healing about 18 months after going GF. This eased our worries about trace gluten considerably. I'm sure Kara's is just covering it's "bases" legally by not swearing to a lack of cross contam.On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:06 PM, Wallace wrote: Agree. All that silent damage can accumulate over time. Routine blood tests aren’t always going to catch it. There can be a trace ofwheat flour that got into a sole GF cupcake through cross contamination. Eventhose who say “I react to the slightest bit of gluten†might eat it and notreact. You still got glutened and put stress on your system whether you feelit outwardly or not. Bottom line is, you have Celiac disease…there aren’t levelsof tolerance regarding gluten. Some people may react differently and it’s caseby case. Why risk it? In my opinion, I wouldn’t touch those cupcakes. If they’retouching in the case, or even in the back row, im sure when someone pulls outthe trays next to the gluten free cupcakes, they can easily bump into thecupcakes in the back, or even fall off onto the GF ones, in which an employee mightjust pick it up and leave the contaminated product there. I’m in no way say the cupcakes should stop, I’m happy they’reout there. There are plenty of people out there with gluten sensitivity orwheat allergies that would benefit from this and it’s a step in the rightdirection towards supply and demand in our “communityâ€. - From: [mailto: ] OnBehalf Of HarperSent: Monday, August 23, 2010 6:57 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Kara's Cupcakes Keep in mind that some people don't always have a reaction fromgluten. One can have damage without a reaction. Just be aware ofthis, then make choices.I may take a chance on the cupcakes, as there's one near my house. A littlelush indulgence! Or maybe not, as I have responded dramatically from a trace ofgluten.H. Darcyddarcy@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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