These are a few of my favorite things....

If you live in the metro Atlanta area and have to follow a gluten-free diet, there isn't much to complain about.  Obviously, the initial shock of being told you have to stop eating the way you have all your life and learn how to eat gluten-free is daunting.  But these days, it's easier than ever to treat yourself during that trying project - and for long after you've accomplished it as well!

I can't name everything I've found to be insanely delicious in the ATL (that could fill a book!), but here are a few of my absolutely fave finds.

• Cheese straws from Marilyn's gluten-free.  I get these at Whole Foods and ship them as gifts from the website.  Warning: these are one of the most addictive indulgences I've come across in a long while!
• Pound cake from Sally's Gluten Free Bakery.  Topping this old fashioned pound cake with fresh strawberries (marinated in sugar and almond extract) and whipped cream will rock your world!
• Cinnamon scones and cheese biscuits from Gluten-Free Cutie. Both items freeze well so I order them by the dozen, especially for the holidays! 
• NEW! hamburger buns and bread from Pure Knead.  If you like soft white bread and buns that do not need to be heated, toasted or altered in any way, check out this fabulous new bread!  Rolling out to many Kroger stores presently and the new hot dog bun (not available retail currently) is hitting the gluten-free cart at Turner Field soon. *These two new items from Pure Knead are also egg-free, but you'd never know it by the taste!
• Pizza and Cheesy Bread at Blue Moon Pizza.  I used to try new gluten-free pizza options around town and after being thoroughly unimpressed (or disgusted) with various crusts, I finally stopped.  Like my Grandmother used to say "once you've had the best, why try the rest?"  The pizza at Blue Moon ranks among the best gluten-free options in NYC!  
• Linguini from RP's Pasta.  Several Whole Foods carry some gluten-free products from this incredible line.  I've been known to buy every package at the Whole Foods where I shop because they are often out of stock for weeks on end.  Hand down my favorite fresh gluten-free pasta!  

Blue Moon Pizza open in Buckhead!

Yes - it's true! The newest location of Blue Moon Pizza is now open in the heart of Buckhead.  And believe me, it was worth the wait!  Be sure to check out the delicious gluten-free pizza being served up at three metro Atlanta locations. The fourth location in the Sandy Springs area is slated to open in October 2011.

If you check out the Buckhead store, please note the parking is directly across the street from the front door in an unmarked lot.  Alternatively, there is a Blue Moon parking lot (look for sign) down at the adjacent corner of the building the restaurant is in. Free parking is offered at both lots.

Since I was at the new location of Blue Moon for lunch, I didn't think to ask about the gluten-free beer selection, but the other locations typically stock both Redbridge and Green's.  There is a gluten-free menu that explains the company's cross contamination procedures. The staff works very hard to keep their gluten-free pizza truly safe.  And in the over two years I've been enjoyed meals there, my pizzas have always been gluten-free indeed!      

Finally - delicious gluten-free pizza is available in Buckhead!!!!!!