GREAT Kitchens 10-City Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour Launches in New York

With more than 30 percent of Americans reducing or eliminating gluten from their diet, the demand for gluten-free food items in restaurants and schools has never been higher. In order to educate foodservice providers on offering safe, high-quality, gluten-free foods to diners, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has partnered with New York City chef and restaurateur, Jehangir Mehta, to announce the launch of the GREAT Kitchens Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour on October 22-23 in New York City.

"Dietary restrictions shouldn't limit access to restaurant dining," says Chef Jehangir Mehta, NFCA chef ambassador and Next Iron Chef finalist. "For diners with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, having access to safe gluten-free food is a necessity and not a luxury. Through the GREAT Kitchens Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour, we hope to educate chefs across the country about the need for gluten-free menu items and the knowledge required to prepare gluten-free foods safely."

The GREAT Kitchens Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour will debut in New York with a series of exclusive chef's table events held at Chef Mehta's Tribeca restaurant Mehtaphor. Mehtaphor will also feature a gluten-free prix fixe menu for the public on Wednesday, October 23.

Aimed at educating restaurants, caterers and universities on preparing gluten-free foods with front- and back-of-house skills and strategies, the GREAT Kitchens Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour will also partner with New York University (NYU) to increase awareness of the needs of gluten-free college students. Chef Mehta will join NYU Resident District Executive Chef Edward Nagy to prepare a gluten-free tasting menu for students to empower them to advocate for safe food on campus so that gluten-free students can eat without fear.

Follow NFCA's Gluten-Free Chef's Table Tour and join the gluten-free conversation on Twitter through @CeliacAwareness and @jehangir_mehta or by tweeting #GFChefsTable or #GREATKitchens. Photo updates can also be found through NFCA's Instagram account. To partake in Graffiti Food and Wine Bar's gluten-free menu night, please make reservations at www.graffitinyc.com.