Kati Brick likes to think of herself as a go-to girl for all things gluten-free. Since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2001, friends, family and coworkers have turned to Brick for her insights on the digestive ailment that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. (People who have Celiac cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley.)

The increasing number of people who have requested Brick’s insights on living a gluten-free lifestyle enticed her to create her own blog, efgfmom.wordpress.com. “Part environmentally friendly, part gluten-free,” Brick’s site offers tips and resources.

“Many readers of my blog offer thank yous, a few have additional questions, and some have even offered up their ideas, which I love to hear and learn about, too,” she says. Thinking about going gluten-free yourself? Brick shares her top local shops exclusively at plymouthmag.com.  —Maura Keller

Axel's Bonfire
3000 Harbor Ln.
763.398.7408
Offers a gluten-free menu, including bun-less burgers and the signature Bull Bites. 

Christos
15600 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka
952.912.1000
Ask about a variety of gluten-free options.

Fresh and Natural Foods
Four Seasons Mall, 4234 Lancaster Ln.
763.559.0754
An organic and natural grocer, Fresh and Natural Foods offers the overall largest assortment of gluten-free products in Plymouth.

Lakewind Natural Foods
17501 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka
952.473.0292
A great co-op that offers daily gluten-free bakery items, including birthday cakes.

The Original House of Pancakes
Both the Wayzata and Maple Grove locations offer gluten-free pancakes.

Starbucks
2661 Campus Dr., 763.553.3087
4175 Vinewood Ln. N.,  763.553.0302
16725 Cty. Rd. 24 #108, 763.559.0439
Starbucks now offers a seasonal gluten-free treat to go with your favorite java.