Truimph Dining Cards

[2tired]

I was wondering if anyone has used the Truimph Dining Cards? I was also wondering if they listed any american restaurants and if you could remember any of them. I am getting tired of not being able to eat out anymore. I am also tired of eating the same old foods over and over again. Basically I am tired of celiacs. I have been gluten-free for 4 mths. and I cannot tell a difference yet except losing 10 lbs. which made me pretty happy.

[Judyin Philly]

I love the cards and have used them with success..tried a mexican restaurant unsucessfully with them but think if was the waiter cause the manager took to kitchen and helped me.

the dining out guide I'm not sure is worth the $$ most restrurants if they have a gluten-free menu will have it one line so there were a few i didn't know about but learn more on this forum then in the dining guide and it's more $than the cards.

judy in philly

[NicoleAJ]

The cards have been helpful for me, but I found the dining guide almost completely useless--I agree that it's not worth the money, and when I tried to contact the owner about the weaknesses of the product, he was not really responsive or attentive to my comments.

[Judyin Philly]

yEP, AFTER RACHEL POSTED THE CONTENTS OF THE CARD IN ENGLISH ON HERE HE WROTE A NOTE BERATING US ..I WROTE HIM BACK A NICE PERSONAL NOTE TO HIS EMAIL AND POSTED ON HERE THAT I THINK 'THO HER COPY WRITE VIOLATION WAS WRONG..THINK HE WAS GOING TO GET MANY SALES FROM SEEING WHAT THE CONTENTS WERE...HE NEVER RESPONDED TO EITHER..

CK THE PUBLICITY POST ON PHIL INQUIRER AND YOU'LL SEE A PICTURE OF HIM AND ARTICLE THEY DID ON HIS CARDS..

JUDY IN PHILLY DON'T GET THE BOOK, SORRY I DID

[elonwy]

I didn't get the book, but I have the cards, and they are great. The waiter at Hamburger Hamlet (its like an upscale Coco's) hugged me on Sunday night because of the card. Its a great help and the only time I've been glutened in a restaurant since I got them was when the waiter ignored tha card and wouldn't read it. i have found that I do my best not to be STARVING when I go in, because it affects my judgement on whether or not I will "risk" something. I always have food in my bag, and I have just resorted to eating that when with larger parties and recieving lukewarm service. If the wait staff isn't receptive, I don't push it cause they aren't going to pay attention and I know I'll get sick.

Elonwy

[Judyin Philly]

'elonwy'

HI THERE--WROTE YOU WHEN I GOT BACK FROM CA..SORRY I MISSED YOUR OUT THERE IF I DID INDEED LEAVE THE MESSAGE ON YOUR CELL PHONE AND NOT SOMEONE ELSES.

If the wait staff isn't receptive, I don't push it cause they aren't going to pay attention and I know I'll get sick.

BEST ADVICE ELONWY, SO AGREE.

JUDY IN PHILLY

[2tired]

'elonwy'

HI THERE--WROTE YOU WHEN I GOT BACK FROM CA..SORRY I MISSED YOUR OUT THERE IF I DID INDEED LEAVE THE MESSAGE ON YOUR CELL PHONE AND NOT SOMEONE ELSES.

If the wait staff isn't receptive, I don't push it cause they aren't going to pay attention and I know I'll get sick.

BEST ADVICE ELONWY, SO AGREE.

JUDY IN PHILLY

Why is the book not helpful. I am not understanding all of this since I am new to it all. I ordered the book and the cards. I guess I should have waited until I got some feedback. Thanks.

[Judyin Philly]

jERRI

SORRY, I GOT IT WHEN I WAS TRAVELING TO CA AND WANTED TO HAVE NAMES IN A STRANGE STATE.

I JUST THINK YOU CAN FIND ALL THIS INFO ON THE WEB SITES...BUT IF YOU NEW TO celiac disease AND EATING OUT

(I DIDN'T EAT OUT FOR 7 MONTHS DUE TO CC ISSUES ) BUT YOU MIGHT JUST FIND IT HELFUL...

JUDY IN PHILLY

[NicoleAJ]

The book does list those restaurants that we all mostly know have gluten-free menus, such as Outback, Carrabas, McDonald's, etc. What I find a major flaw in the book is that it lists a lot of restaurants that don't have any icon next to them indicating why they are included in the book--there's no sense of why that restaurant is listed or how willing to help they actually are--it's just a list of random restaurants. So when I travelled with the book and called restaurants in it and asked if they would be able to accomodate my dietary restrictions, they had no idea what gluten was or why they were listed in the book. If the book actually gave suggestions about entrees that in the past that they were able to make gluten-free, then you might have a starting point for explaining to them why they've been recommended as a place that is celiac friendly and they might be able to modify that dish's current recipe to make it gluten free. When I sent Ross Cohen an email about this issue with a detailed list of all of the places in State College, PA where they don't have gluten-free menus but are celiac friendly and willing to make particular entrees, he never responded.

By the way, elonwy, great quotation--I LOVE Firefly and Serenity!

[jaten]

I just got my cards yesterday!! I haven't used them, and probably won't for awhile because I'm feeling really bad these days and won't do anything to compromise an already bad situation. BUT, I love the cards already. Explicit directions, quick read, politely written. I've never worked in a restaurant, but if I did, I know I'd do anything I could to help someone who handed me one of these.

I, too, ordered the guide without reading the reviews here. I agree with the reviews here. Great cards, book is not necessary. But I'm a celiac newbie and I forgive myself the bad purchase. Way too happy with the cards to waste time being grumpy re: the book.

[Nancym]

I have a silly question... how do you use them? Do you give them to the person seating you? If so, what do you say? Or do you give it to the wait-staff?

[elonwy]

Hey JUdy, I'm glad your trip was good. Sorry i missed your call, I was at work . I've been mad busy, its exhausting.

When I go to a restaurant I look over the menu during drink ordering and find at least three things that look naturally gluten free, or easy to leave something off of. I've started frequenting only more upscale restaurants just because they seem to pay more attention. When the waitperson comes to take the order I explain that I "come with instructions" and give them the card to read. If they have trouble, I point out specific areas. THen I tell them that I've picked out some things on the menu to work with, at which point they sigh with relief. Never ask "what do you have that gluten free" you gotta help em out.

I tell them they can take the card to show to the chef ( many volunteer to show it to the manager) if they don't seem to be "getting it" I ask that they show it to the manager or bring me the manager. I'm always VERY polite.

We work out my order, I ask them again when they bring it out, especially if someone else brings it out, I ask them, and then double-check with the original wait staff. Then I eat, and usually I'm just fine.

Sound complicated? Not really, and the most important part , don't feel bad if you think you need to say no to a restaurant or suggestion from thier staff. I have very politely paid for my drink order and left places because they weren't paying attention. On the other hand, don't be offended if the bus boy who you never spoke to slaps some bread on the table in front of you. Its not the end of the world. ( I've done this and trust me, its not worth it).

I go out to eat about once a week, once every two weeks. I do pretty well with it, and I NEVER EVER let myself go in starving. We make bad decisions when we're hungry.

Peace,

Elonwy

[jaten]

Thanks, Elonwy, for the tutorial. I was having the same question. Your method sounds practical and painless. I have another question re: the cards.

What language is on the reverse of the American Cuisine? Obviously the English didn't need to be translated into English, so the space was otherwise used, but I don't know when to offer that other side. What is it?

[Judyin Philly]

Elonwy--great tips..thanks still learning..

seems if it goes great IT DOES and if it DOESN'T manybe i'll have the courage one day to get up.

also if the menu is posted on the front door, ALWAYS LOOK FIRST IF WE DON'T HAVE TIME OR ARE TRAVELING...TO CALL AHEAD.

JUDY IN PHILLY

[IronedOut]

Thanks, Elonwy, for the tutorial. I was having the same question. Your method sounds practical and painless. I have another question re: the cards.

What language is on the reverse of the American Cuisine? Obviously the English didn't need to be translated into English, so the space was otherwise used, but I don't know when to offer that other side. What is it?

It's the American cuisine guidelines written in Spanish. The Mexican card is the mexican cuisine written in Spanish and English.

[once and again]

I use the cards the same way another poster does. I identify several items I think will work and ask the wait staff to check with the cook/manager/chef. I have found the restaurant guide useful. For example, I had avoided Panera's and Smoky Bones since dx because I didn't think I would find anything there. Have eaten in both places without problems. Have not tried them yet, but am excited that there are soups at Panera's that are supposed to be okay. I miss eating soup that I have not made from scratch.

[jerseyangel]

Elonwy--I love the phrase "I come with instructions"! If you don't mind, I'm going to use it myself--I'm okay with explaining what I need, I just never know what to say first. Thanks for a great opening line

[elonwy]

Go ahead I find that opening with something humerous usually breaks the ice and sends a signal that you don't want to be a pain in the butt, where as coming across strong can put them on the defensive. I have no problem getting stern, but I try to wait until its neccesary.

Elonwy

[Judyin Philly]

HI Guys & Elonwy,

Elonwy, used your 'opening' at a restaurant we have gone to before and knew a least one chef was used to cooking for 8-9 patrons on a regular basis.

This time I'm on my own terf and called, made reservations, talked to the chef..had 2 options in mind I thought would work, we decided on the entree and told him about what time we'd be there. OUTSTANDING MEAL and felt like a normal person. Hubby was parking the car when our guest and I were seated and ran through the 'stuff' "I come with instructions" and I think the server was assigned to me as she had a Aunt with celiac disease. Also had a trainee with her

FAR CRY FROM MY 'EASTER FEASCO'

After the meal while hubby getting car again.. HE HATES TO STAND AND HEAR ALL THIS TALK.

I went to find the manager and 'raved' about the service and the meal. She told me her staff went on the interenet that afternoon before I came and 'got the servers and chefs' informed....

The restaurent was the Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester PA.

It works, it just takes some practice....Didn't even have to use the cards but were in my purse

Judy

[Lollie]

Yeah Judy! You deserve a great night out and a meal to boot!!!! It's so good you didn't let your Easter debacle to keep you down! I'm so happy for you!

Lollie