A Coeliac in Spain - Gluten Free at Cambrils Park, Salou & PortAventura

We spent this August at the fantastic Cambrils Park resort. Before we left I spent hours on the internet researching gluten free food options and didn't find much. I asked Cambrils Park themselves via their Facebook site if we would be able to eat anything and whilst they replied "you will be able to find gluten free food here" I was more than a little concerned due to my lack of google findings.

After a disappointing experience flying with British Airways (BA) to Barcelona airport (where there were no gluten free food options available on board) and a long bus journey we finally arrived at Cambrils Park just before 8pm, exhausted and starving. After checking in we headed straight to the onsite supermarket, with 10 minutes left until closing time.

I can't tell you the relief we felt when we turned down the second aisle and came face to face with an impressive gluten free selection - everything from bread to cakes, pasta, biscuits, flour and even frozen gluten free pizzas and baguettes!

On the off-chance we wandered over to the poolside bar restaurant and asked if they had any gluten free items. At first the waiter was confused as his English was not so good (but far better than my Spanish!), then he had a lightbulb moment and said "ahhh menu celiaco, I bring menu celiaco", I could have cried when he returned with a whole menu just for coeliacs! It wasn't very huge, but had enough to keep us happy. We ordered a ham and cheese pizza and whilst it was very small it was delicious. We also ate the rotisserie chicken a couple of times which was gorgeous and gluten free (though the chips were not) So a big thumbs up to Cambrils Park for their gluten free offerings, my only complaint is that I was disappointed not to be able to eat their paella.

I hadn't read good things about Port Aventura's gluten free catering and having been to Universal in Florida (they are owned by the same company) and experiencing their shockingly awful gluten free catering (which is pretty much non-existant) I wasn't holding out much hope. When it came to lunch time we decided to try the Mexican restaurant (Restaurant La Hacienda) as we figured we may be able to eat the nachos if nothing else. I thought it was worth a short asking if they had a "menu coeliaco" - instantly the waitress said "Si, si" and appeared a minute later with a dedicated gluten free menu. We opted for a pizza (again! 11 year old boys aren't so adventurous!) with a side of gluten free fries from a dedicated fryer, though the menu did have a lot more choice.

I had heard a rumour that McDonalds in Spain serves gluten free buns so whilst waiting for our flight home from Barcelona El Prat airport we popped into the airside McDonalds. Thankfully they had automated ordering machines with English translations so we didn't have to try to explain what we wanted and lo and behold - gluten free bun options! I have to confess they weren't the nicest buns, typically dry and powdery, but it really was a treat to be able to get a burger in a bun!

So - in summary, if you're heading to Cambrils, Salou, Barcelona or Port Aventura as a Coeliac, don't panic, there will be plenty of options available.

Happy Holidays!

Review - The Smurfs 2 and Jakks Pacific Toys

Summer holiday fatigue has just begun to set in, so it came as very welcome relief to be invited to a special Smurfs 2 screening with Jakks Pacific toys last weekend.

The children loved the first Smurfs film and had been badgering me to see the second one. On Sunday we set off early to the Covent Garden Odeon and were greeted by an array of Smurf characters who welcomed us into the cinema. After selecting drinks and a bag of toffee popcorn each we settled down to watch the film, which was actually pretty good! I'm really not a fan of kids' movies and have had to watch my fair share lately, but even my hardened adult heart softened at this one. I was also surprised at Katy Perry's Smurfette which was actually pretty convincingly good! 

The film centres around Smurfette who has been captured by the evil Gargomel in a devious plan to extract Smurf essence to enact world domination. As you would expect the day is saved, by a very old looking Dougie Howser MD (am I *really* that old too?!) and Emma from Glee, along with Papa Smurf and crew. Lots of laughs and even a few tears ensued and everyone left happy and uplifted. 

After the film it was time for some crazy entertainment Smurf style (that even my 'too cool' 11 year old enjoyed - though of course, he'd never actually tell you that!) and a look at the new Jakks Smurf toy range which are available from most large UK toy retailers now. The children were all given a little character to take away which they absolutely loved and have taken pride of place in their bedrooms.

My 6 year old daughter fell in love with the Smurfette fashion doll which is quite reasonably priced at £14.99. The official description for the toy reads: "Measuring 3 apples high, Smurfette has been transformed into a 7.5” Fashion Doll  complete with fabulous mix and match outfits to brighten any blue day! Simply snap on one of her Smurfy dress combinations, add a stylish accessory, pop on shoes and Smurfette is ready for anything! With flowing stylable hair and a unique Smurf Berry scent, this glamorous jet set Smurf has everything she needs to help her stay up to date with the latest Smurf trends!" 

All in all we had a great day, so a big thank you to Norton and Co. for inviting us! 

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post though we did receive free tickets for the movie.

Adventure Puzzle Party Box Review

So last week Seb turned 11! Gone are the days of him wanting traditional party games like pass the parcel, musical bumps and pin the tail on the donkey, but he's not quite old enough for more adult birthday celebrations, sitting in a bit of a tricky no-mans birthday land!

After inviting 5 friends for a sleepover we struggled to find some age appropriate entertainment. I was lucky enough to be sent a free puzzle box from http://www.talltalespuzzleparties.co.uk/, we opted for the detective puzzle box which is described as:

"Turn detective with one of our ever-popular detective adventure puzzle parties.Solve the puzzles and quests to unlock a clue that will allow you to clear one of the seven suspects. Choose who you think is the thief and discover whether you are right!"

We chose 'The Jewel Thief' Adventure which is all about a family heirloom that has been stolen from Puzzle Hall. The instructions suggest that the party guests should "get out your magnifying glass and find the clues with every puzzle you solve until you discover the identity of The Jewel Thief!". Along the way they will meet the Emerald family and their guests at a celebration dinner when the theft was uncovered. We had a box for 8 which retails at £39.99 and I think it was very good value.

Shortly after choosing a big box was delivered containing lots of secret envelopes and tasks, a full set of instructions, a detective notebook for each child with stickers and pens to decorate and personalise them, a party bag to put the notebook in (and perhaps some other goodies - we used the ever popular haribos!) and a badge to give each child upon completion.

The boys (and my three younger children, two boys aged 8 and 9 and a girl aged 6) all got stuck in solving the puzzles and really got into the spirit of the adventure. The box is aimed at age 7 years plus and I think this is a good estimate.

One of the boys at the party is almost 12 and he thought the activities were a little babyish but the rest of them were all very happy. My 6, 8 and 9 year olds really enjoyed the activities and I think this would be the best age range for them. The 6 and 8 year olds have already requested a box for their birthday parties, my daughter likes the look of the Mermaid puzzle party and my 8 yr old son wants another detective party, so it looks like Tall Tales Puzzle Parties has found a new repeat customer in our family!

Tall Tales Puzzle Parties have kindly given me a discount code BLOG13 to pass on to you all which gets you a 15% discount. Click HERE to order