Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

I Have Been To 2 Restaurants Recently Who Said They Are Working On New Menu Options But Did Not Currently Have Gluten Free Menus Available

margieclex

By margieclex
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

margieclex Newbie
margieclex
Posted

I was told the server would be able to assist with gluten free options, she directed me to food I knew contained gluten...thank goodness I was aware, so tired of asking for a gluten free menu and then just get handed a printout everyone has to search for!

 

 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

One of the many reasons we just don't eat out anymore, sadly.

HumanDecency Contributor
HumanDecency
Posted

I went to Logan's Steakhouse with family last weekend. I didn't eat anything (of course) but I still like to go out. The waitress asked me why I wasn't eating. I told her I have Celiac and I was worried about contamination. She laughed at me and said. "I'm a bio major. I know that gluten isn't a contaminant." This is why I don't eat at many restaurants. 

  • 1 month later...
Rissa019 Newbie
Rissa019
Posted

I was told the server would be able to assist with gluten free options, she directed me to food I knew contained gluten...thank goodness I was aware, so tired of asking for a gluten free menu and then just get handed a printout everyone has to search for!

I am sorry you had that experience.. However, I am very impressed with how quickly restaurants are adapting to the gluten-free customers' needs.. Almost every restaurant I go to knows exactly what is on the menu that is gluten free. I used to have to look at an app to tell what was gluten-free before entering the restaurant, because so many were not educated on it. Now though, SO many restaurants have their own gluten free menus and have WONDERFUL options. Red Robin, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, Carrabba's, and Cheddar's are some of my recent brags. Lovely service and each waiter/waitress knew exactly what gluten was and how critical it is when ingested by a celiac.

GF Lover Rising Star
GF Lover
Posted

I am sorry you had that experience.. However, I am very impressed with how quickly restaurants are adapting to the gluten-free customers' needs.. Almost every restaurant I go to knows exactly what is on the menu that is gluten free. I used to have to look at an app to tell what was gluten-free before entering the restaurant, because so many were not educated on it. Now though, SO many restaurants have their own gluten free menus and have WONDERFUL options. Red Robin, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, Carrabba's, and Cheddar's are some of my recent brags. Lovely service and each waiter/waitress knew exactly what gluten was and how critical it is when ingested by a celiac.

 

Hi Rissa, and Welcome to the Forum.

 

I'm afraid I don't know your history.  Are you Celiac/NCGI?  Do you have a medical diagnosis and how long have you been diagnosed?  I'm asking these questions because on this thread and another I saw you are portraying a very cavalier attitude on eating out.  I would hate to have our newer members think that they can eat anywhere and not get glutened.  Getting the hang of this diet is hard enough without throwing "restaurants" into the mix.  Unless a restaurant is completely gluten free (no gluten food served) would I consider it a safe bet.  Otherwise the risk of contamination runs extremely high.  For instance:  I went to a great waterfront restaurant with my whole family for Christmas.  I had looked at the menu on-line before hand and they had quite a few gluten free selections.  When I arrived I asked for the Dining Room Manager and asked him some questions.  My first question was: Is the gluten free food prepared in a separate space in the Kitchen with its own equipment.  He did not hesitate to tell me that everything was prepared together and they do not guarantee the food to be 100% gluten fee due to contamination issues.  Needless to say I had a few snacks that I always carry with me for just this type of situation.  Many people will order the gluten free items and then wonder why they are a mess.  When you have Celiac, there is a "Process" to go through when ordering and even then you take a chance.

 

Good Luck,

 

Colleen

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Good tips, Colleen!

 

The only restaurant I have eaten safely was a completely gluten free restaurant and bakery located in Tucson, Arizona.  How I wish we had a gluten-free restaurant in my hometown!  We have a few bakeries, but then I can bake with the best of them!

 

We spent Christmas out-of-state but fortunately, my parents can accommodate our gluten free diet.  I have have purchased lots of new cooking pans, colanders, etc. for their home.   We did eat out three times.  I was able to find three restaurants who had reviews written by Celiacs.  Each time, I questioned their procedures.  One restaurant was owned by a Celiac and that was nice.  The other was a very expensive restaurant and the chef and manager came out to discuss our meals.  All their steaks and prime rib are cooked on a gluten free grille.  No gluten in their seasonings.   Since my parents are loyal customers, you can bet they made sure we did not get glutened!  The third restaurant was a crap shoot.  Luckily, we did not get glutened.

 

Now, I'm home.  As tempting as it is, to go out for dinner (we have a meeting to go to and frankly, I'm sick of cooking breakfast, lunch and now the prospect of dinner), I'm pulling out some bacon for some BLT's and some fries.  Getting glutened is not worth it!

 

I strongly recommend that newbies avoid eating out until they are feeling better.  I also want everyone to know that we have walked out of many restaurants when answers to our questions did not satisfy us.  We've been at this way too long!  I never go anywhere without gluten-free cereal bars, fruit leathers, etc. in my purse.  You just never know when you'll need them.  

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I am sorry you had that experience.. However, I am very impressed with how quickly restaurants are adapting to the gluten-free customers' needs.. Almost every restaurant I go to knows exactly what is on the menu that is gluten free. I used to have to look at an app to tell what was gluten-free before entering the restaurant, because so many were not educated on it. Now though, SO many restaurants have their own gluten free menus and have WONDERFUL options. Red Robin, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, Carrabba's, and Cheddar's are some of my recent brags. Lovely service and each waiter/waitress knew exactly what gluten was and how critical it is when ingested by a celiac.

 

Sorry, but a "Gluten free menu" does NOT equate with "safely prepared for a celiac" and an app

is not a guarantee. (i was burned once or twice this way and learned valuable lessons)

 

Preparation, kitchen practices, understanding of CC---- is key. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

Yeah... been there... done it. I've ordered off of gluten-free menus... had the "talk" with wait staff and managers... and been given items with obvious gluten in them. It's all about talking to wait staff and managers and having THEM make sure the cooks in the kitchen are following protocol. It's such a crap shoot... we don't eat out anymore. I miss it!

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I post on Find Me Gluten Free when I have a good experience and say "I have celiac and I ate here safely!!"  . LOL

If we all did that, it would widen our options, IMHO.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,902
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Patty6133
    Newest Member
    Patty6133
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.