"gluten Free" Creperie A Charade?

[C-Girl]

I went on a brief getaway weekend with the hubs this weekend, and we stayed in a place with a kitchen so I could have safe food. But when we got there I googled a bit and found a nearby crepe restaurant that purported itself to be 100% gluten free. I decided we should patronize the place just because!

We went, I had some crepes, they were decent enough. Then I met the owner and thanked him, asked him what inspired him to open a gluten-free place. He admitted it was because of the trend, and nothing else. RED FLAGS flew up in my mind, especially when he couldn't say what was in the mix other than rice flour. The next night, I was up half the night with gut wrenching cramps, diarrhea, chills, nausea. The next day I was so tired. Now, I'm super depressed and really just do not want to go on living in a world where someone would take advantage of people like us just to make a buck, and not even get it right. I know I was glutened by this place, because I only ate my own food for days before and after eating there. I feel sick in my body, my heart and my soul over this.

[cyclinglady]

I am so sorry that you got sick!

I would comment on Yelp, FB, or Find Me gluten-free to alert others that is place is not for those with celiac disease.

[bartfull]

Wow. Just wow.

 

Have you contacted the guy since you got sick to let him know? Maybe if you inform him he'll at least post a disclaimer so others in the future won't get sick.

[lpellegr]

A small crepe place near me offered gluten-free crepes, and yes, she had a pitcher of gluten-free batter, but she could not dedicate one of the crepe bakers (like a big round stone) to the gluten-free crepes, so I let her know that she couldn't call them gluten-free.  I don't think she even has that on her menu any more.  Some restaurants need more education.

[Nikki2777]

That's really scary - please post at least what city this was in (if not the name of the place), so we can be forewarned.  But also, I would call them and tell them you got sick, as well as posting on Find Me gluten-free or any local Celiac Meet Up sites.

 

I did manage to find a place that does gluten-free Crepes (Well, "Gallettes" made with buckwheat) when travelling recently, and I felt it was worth the risk because I asked them about the stone they used and it was dedicated.  They seemed to know what they were talking about.  

 

But no one should be calling themselves 100% gluten-free without knowing what they're using!  It's worth calling, because I think when restaurants don't see us getting sick, they figure they're in the clear.  They don't realize it's not like an immediate allergic reaction, and they justify further laxness (laxity?) based on this.

 

Sorry you had to go through that.

[C-Girl]

I've put a review up on FMGF. IT's the Creperie and Cafe in Weaverville, NC.

[cyclinglady]

Read it. I try to find postings by folks who actually have celiac disease. Those are rare. Hope you are feeling a bit better!

[w8in4dave]

I cannot imagine a restaurant advertising gluten-free and not being state inspected. Wow! So sorry you got so sick! It's like starting back on square 1. 

[icelandgirl]

I am so sorry this happened to you! How awful! I'm so glad you wrote a review...hopefully that saves someone else your pain. We have one gluten free restaurant where I live...started by a mom and daughter. The daughter is gluten intolerant. I love eating there because I know I can order anything and not have to worry. Eating anywhere else makes me nervous.

Big hugs to you...feel better!