27 replies to this topic

[tgcatmr]

I'm just newly diagnosed- have been eating gluten free for 2 weeks and I can tell it's helping me. I am doing Ok with the diet- still lots of questions but it's not as difficult as I first expected and I feel so much better. Now, I would like to be able to go out to eat with my family or a friend now and then but I don't know what I can safely order. Veterans- have you tryed fast food at all? I mean Wendy's salads or steak at Red Lobster or whatever? Baked potatoes? Anything I can eat? Thanks again.

[seeking_wholeness]

I haven't tried actual fast food since I went gluten-free, but I did have a good experience at an Eat 'n' Park (Western PA chain sort of like Denny's) restaurant recently. I explained my needs to the server and asked whether the plain baked fish would be a good choice, and she replied that she remembered waiting on another celiac customer who had ordered exactly that. I was impressed! (I don't think she was fibbing, either.) I didn't have any problems with the meal (un-floured fish baked in olive oil instead of butter since I am also dairy-free, plain steamed sugar snap peas, and a plain baked potato onto which I poured lots of salt and the puddle of oil from the fish), and it was delicious! I think part of the reason I managed to have a good experience there and not at some other restaurants is that we arrived between the lunch and dinner rushes, so the cook had the time to be careful! I also took along my own gluten-free bread and margarine. My only trouble was that I had to spend the entire meal staring at a picture of their absolutely delicious, now forever forbidden grilled sticky bread a la mode with honey-butter sauce! Oh, well!

At any rate, plain un-marinated, un-seasoned, and un-floured meats and fish are a good bet (but check to see what brand of chicken is used--some are injected with gluten-containing broth!), as are plain steamed vegetables and baked potatoes. Rice pilaf is NOT a safe bet, because it is almost always made with chicken broth. Grilled foods are often risky; a clean skillet is better if they can scrounge one up. Condiments and spreads are really only safe if they come in single-serving packets--you don't want the cook sticking a crumb-covered knife in the mustard jar, for instance! Salad bars are prone to cross-contamination, and you might want to take your own dressing for any salad, just as a precaution. (I believe some mainstream dressings are gluten-free, but I don't know which ones they are--and I am picky, anyway, and don't like most commercial dressings.)

Anyway, that's all I can think of right now. I hope it helps!

[JsBaby_G]

I've eaten Wendy's chili and fries. I almost always order a salad when I go out to eat. I live in Canada, I don't know you guys have Lone Star up there, but I can actually eat fajitas!! I eat there all the time!

[kejohe]

Regarding Outback.. Last I heard, their "chocolate thunder from down under" brownie if flourless and gluten-free! Cool huh?!?!

[JsBaby_G]

Kathleen,

Have you tried it? I heard that they are really good about the gluten free diet, but if this is true it's a whole other level!!!

[tarnalberry]

Yeah, Outback's got a gluten-free menu (you can check it out on their website, but ask for one at the restaurant in case they made any local changes).

We went there for my birthday last year (a few months after going gluten-free) and I HAD to have the brownie (even though I usually don't have dessert). It was tasty. I'll admit to having had better, but I'm also a pretty big food snob! :-) It's definitely something that I would eat again, and yep - totally safe. (Well, as far as gluten is concerned, I don't know about dairy...) :-)

[brendak]

I eat at Outback almost once a week. I love the steaks and the chicken. The Queensland salad is great also! And at least once a month I have to have the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under...the flourless brownie. It is a warm brownie with nuts topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream!!! I it very large so I usually ask for a couple of spoons and share it with my son. Somethimes I will order the grilled shrimp appetizer...minus the toast...so that I have room for the whole dessert!

Brenda
gluten-free for almost 2 years

[shelagh_e]

I am a big Wendy's fan- plain baked potato, fries, chili, and salads.

Caution on their prepared salads, though: the chicken they use in the Mandarin Chicken salad isn't just chicken, so steer clear. I like their burgers (bun free, of course)- one of the only fast food restaurants that's 100% beef, no additives. I always ask for 2 pieces of lettuce; makes it easier to eat.

Check out their website. It has all the nutrition and ingredient info. you'll need.

I love TGIFriday's but have had no success in getting information from their national people on the ingredients. They recommend that you speak directly with the manager at each restaurant to get the real scoop.... ;< which I haven't done yet. I tend to only order the very plain foods and bring along my own salad dressing.

Seafood's always a good bet- steamed plain, or sauteed in olive oil or butter. Don't eat the imitation crab/imitation lobster stuff. I think they call it lobster stick??? It has very bad stuff in it....

[JsBaby_G]

I think I will be making a trip out to Outback's. I need to try this brownie!! Ihave such a sweet tooth and I absolutely cannot cook or bake so all the better when a restaurant does it for me!!

[JsBaby_G]

Stacie,
My boyfriend makes me really good, gluten-free brownies!!! When he gets home I'll post the recipe. They are so good that all my family members and his (non celiacs) love them.

[damcanuk]

Are you guys serious??? A gluten free brownie? I am going there tonight if that is the case!!! Maybe my celiac daughter and I (also celiac) will go on a girl date tonight!!! I can't even tell you how excited I am!

I am brand spanking new to this board...but 8 yr old daughter and me are gluten free for about 5-6 yrs now! It is hard still but having somewhere to go and get goodies will be a nice change!

We always to to Mcdonalds cuz they have a designated fryer for their fries. Also...we do pretty good with most Mexican resteraunts. We get nachos which we both love!!! I just double check ingredients and almost always can't have the sour cream and guacamole (usually has sour cream in it). Every now and then you find a place that makes their own from fresh avacados and YUMMY!!!

Thanks so much for the Outback tip!!!

Can't wait...(did I mention that I was excited to go try it!!!!!!!!!!)

Lynette