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

Pf Changs

olalisa

By olalisa
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted

So I bravely tried PF CHANGS today for lunch. Asked for the gluten free menu and then when our server began mixing the sauce for the table I asked it it was also gluten free. She said no, but she'd make me some up special.

When I ordered, I asked her to take my Triumph dining card to the chef. She said, "Oh, it's okay, we put clean oil in the pan whenever we make someting gluten free."

WHAT????? :(

I (trying to remain calm) asked, "Do you use a clean PAN? Because I'm concerned about cross contamination issues." to which she replied, "You mean, like, WASH the pan? No, but we use clean oil."

WHAT????? :angry::blink:

I asked her to show the card to the chef and to ask them to WASH THE PAN. I said I am VERY sensitive and will get sick if you don't wash the pan. She rolled her eyes, but I asked when my food came out if they'd used a clean pan, and I still feel fine and it is 8 hours later so I'm guessing they did.

HOWEVER, shouldn't they ALWAYS wash the pan? Do you think I should call the manager and have a little chat? (I was in a hurry today and didn't have time to do it there). Or do you think that particular server was just a flake? Discuss.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guhlia Rising Star
Guhlia
Posted

Absolutely, they should ALWAYS wash the pan or use a fresh, clean pan. That server sounds totally irresponsible. I'm glad you haven't gotten sick. I'm afraid I'd be scared to go back after something like that. I would definitely call the restaurant and speak to the manager. Even if you never go back, it may save some other poor sap from getting horribly sick.

Becky6 Enthusiast
Becky6
Posted

I have never gotten sick and really trust them there. They do a great job and I have been lucky to have great servers. Sorry about your exp!

hez Enthusiast
hez
Posted

The only two places I have tried are PF Changs and Outback. I had really great experiences at both places. Sorry.

Hez

LKelly8 Rookie
LKelly8
Posted

A server there once refused to give us the steamed rice because she thought it contained gluten. We tried to explain that only, "Wheat, rye, oats or barley. . ." were on the forbidden list but she just said, "well, it (the steamed rice) has loads of all that!" then she hurried away. With difficult waiters it's hard to say sometimes, some are truely ignorant, most are just nervous and unsure. Alot depends on the quality of the training (especially at places that boast a gluten-free menu) and that's up to the manager.

minibabe Contributor
minibabe
Posted

the last time me and my boyfriend went there the food was HORRIBLE!!!!! It was so bad that we did not even eat our dinner and they took it off of our check. I have gotten sick there so many times but I keep on going back because they say that the place is "gluten-free". I dunno, I am extremely sensitive and there have been times when I go home and I dont feel anything.

I dont know, maybe they are a little carless but it is def. going to be a while before I go back there because the food left such a bad taste in my mouth. <_< (but at least I did not get sick :) )

Amanda NY

penguin Community Regular
penguin
Posted
A server there once refused to give us the steamed rice because she thought it contained gluten. We tried to explain that only, "Wheat, rye, oats or barley. . ." were on the forbidden list but she just said, "well, it (the steamed rice) has loads of all that!" then she hurried away. With difficult waiters it's hard to say sometimes, some are truely ignorant, most are just nervous and unsure. Alot depends on the quality of the training (especially at places that boast a gluten-free menu) and that's up to the manager.

I've had that happen before, too, but not at Chang's. I was like, "steamed rice - water and rice, right?" Server: "yeah, but the chef says that's not gluten-free" :blink: Whatever. :rolleyes:

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

olalisa-

Sounds like you just had a server who didn't know as much as she thought she did... When I go I to PF Changs (going tonight actually) they always assure me clean pans etc are used. So, yes, in this case, I'd say your server was at fault. Next time ask for the manager. PF Changs, for me, has been the most knowledgeable and assuring chain restaurant I've been to. Good luck next time !! :)

olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted
  • Author

Thanks, guys. Just so you know, I did not end up getting sick, and the food was wonderful, so I will be going back :) . I think I will talk to the manager about my experience, though, and ask him to make sure about the clean pans and about making sure the wait staff knows the procedure as well. Dining out causes enough anxiety without being given incorrect info!

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

I would say it was a misinformed server. Just because the cooks know what to do, doesn't mean the servers are well informed. I would imagine the turnover in the restaurant business is pretty high.

Once when I was there, they cooked my food on the side of the kitchen that wasn't even open. I've been assured that they always clean the pan or the grill. It's one place I feel safe.

VegasCeliacBuckeye Collaborator
VegasCeliacBuckeye
Posted
So I bravely tried PF CHANGS today for lunch. Asked for the gluten free menu and then when our server began mixing the sauce for the table I asked it it was also gluten free. She said no, but she'd make me some up special.

When I ordered, I asked her to take my Triumph dining card to the chef. She said, "Oh, it's okay, we put clean oil in the pan whenever we make someting gluten free."

WHAT????? :(

I (trying to remain calm) asked, "Do you use a clean PAN? Because I'm concerned about cross contamination issues." to which she replied, "You mean, like, WASH the pan? No, but we use clean oil."

WHAT????? :angry::blink:

I asked her to show the card to the chef and to ask them to WASH THE PAN. I said I am VERY sensitive and will get sick if you don't wash the pan. She rolled her eyes, but I asked when my food came out if they'd used a clean pan, and I still feel fine and it is 8 hours later so I'm guessing they did.

HOWEVER, shouldn't they ALWAYS wash the pan? Do you think I should call the manager and have a little chat? (I was in a hurry today and didn't have time to do it there). Or do you think that particular server was just a flake? Discuss.

From my experience in the restaurant industry (10 years), this server has no idea what she is talking about.

Pf chang's prides itself on good food and consistent food. Food can neither be good or consistent if they reuse pans.

Furthermore, I have never worked in a restaurant (we're talking like 15 restaurants - LOL) where they "reused" pans.

She is misinformed and you should go back and get 5 orders of the gluten free lettuce wraps -- YUMMMY!!!!!!

tiffjake Enthusiast
tiffjake
Posted
I've had that happen before, too, but not at Chang's. I was like, "steamed rice - water and rice, right?" Server: "yeah, but the chef says that's not gluten-free" :blink: Whatever. :rolleyes:

I had that happen as a sushi place in Vegas. Guess I made such a stick with the server that they sent ofer the HEAD CHEF and he explained that they put malt vinegar in the rice/water steamer to help soften the rice, and that made it not gluten-free. Just wanted to let you know incase you hear this again somewhere!!!!!

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

I believe some restaurants use chicken broth for their rice, too. Also to steam veggies.

emcmaster Collaborator
emcmaster
Posted

I went there last night and had a fantastically informed server.

She explained that not only do they use clean, new pans when preparing something for a celiac guest, but they will actually send someone out to a store to buy something if necessary. They stock gluten-free sauces and will bring them out to the table to show the guest. They steam their rice, both brown & white, in a dedicated steamer that is never used for anything besides rice and water. They will use clean ladles and utensils in preparing food for celiacs.

I was thoroughly impressed. I typically refuse to eat even a bite at a restaurant, regardless of their supposed "gluten-free" status. I was so confident in her knowledge that I had some brown rice with gluten-free soy sauce and I'm not sick this morning. :D

penguin Community Regular
penguin
Posted
I went there last night and had a fantastically informed server.

She explained that not only do they use clean, new pans when preparing something for a celiac guest, but they will actually send someone out to a store to buy something if necessary. They stock gluten-free sauces and will bring them out to the table to show the guest. They steam their rice, both brown & white, in a dedicated steamer that is never used for anything besides rice and water. They will use clean ladles and utensils in preparing food for celiacs.

I was thoroughly impressed. I typically refuse to eat even a bite at a restaurant, regardless of their supposed "gluten-free" status. I was so confident in her knowledge that I had some brown rice with gluten-free soy sauce and I'm not sick this morning. :D

Hang on - is your signature true? Are you really getting married tomorrow? What the heck are you doing on the board today? :blink:

emcmaster Collaborator
emcmaster
Posted
Hang on - is your signature true? Are you really getting married tomorrow? What the heck are you doing on the board today? :blink:

:D Yes, I am getting married tomorrow (or actually later today, as it is 2am here). I was very good at planning and got everything taken care of well before this past week, so I've done a lot of relaxing in these past few days. I'm wired right now, so I can't sleep. I'll share pictures and experiences from the wedding when we get back from our honeymoon!

LKelly8 Rookie
LKelly8
Posted
:D Yes, I am getting married tomorrow

WooHoo! Congrats! Everybody throw gluten-free rice! :D

DrMom Apprentice
DrMom
Posted

Please tell me about this Triumph dining card. I have never heard of that, but then we do not have a Chang's either.

Please tell me about this Triumph dining card. I have never heard of that, but then we do not have a Chang's either.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted
Please tell me about this Triumph dining card. I have never heard of that, but then we do not have a Chang's either.

The Open Original Shared Link are just cards that explain what ingredients need to be avoided by celiacs. (They only cover gluten.) They are focused on six main types of cuisine (American, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and Indian), and have translations in the native language on the back for each one. They were well researched and tested, and quite frankly are amazingly well written. They're not foolproof; a chef or server can still make a mistake. But they are a very effective, consistent form of communication for getting across your needs in a restaurant. (And, I think the whole set of 6 cards is something like $12. Since you reuse them, and they are well recieved, I'm quite happy with the value I've gotten out of them.)

Guest arnelwendy
Guest arnelwendy
Posted
So I bravely tried PF CHANGS today for lunch. Asked for the gluten free menu and then when our server began mixing the sauce for the table I asked it it was also gluten free. She said no, but she'd make me some up special.

When I ordered, I asked her to take my Triumph dining card to the chef. She said, "Oh, it's okay, we put clean oil in the pan whenever we make someting gluten free."

WHAT????? :(

I (trying to remain calm) asked, "Do you use a clean PAN? Because I'm concerned about cross contamination issues." to which she replied, "You mean, like, WASH the pan? No, but we use clean oil."

WHAT????? :angry::blink:

I asked her to show the card to the chef and to ask them to WASH THE PAN. I said I am VERY sensitive and will get sick if you don't wash the pan. She rolled her eyes, but I asked when my food came out if they'd used a clean pan, and I still feel fine and it is 8 hours later so I'm guessing they did.

HOWEVER, shouldn't they ALWAYS wash the pan? Do you think I should call the manager and have a little chat? (I was in a hurry today and didn't have time to do it there). Or do you think that particular server was just a flake? Discuss.

I WENT TO PF CHANGS IN WESTBURY

tHE STAFF DID NOT BRING OVER ONE OF 4 DISHES.

tHEY REALIZED THEY USED THE GLUTEN NOODLES.

oRDER DESERT i WAS SURE IF IT WAS ON THE GLUTEN FREE MENU

CHOCLATE VAN TARTRE?

olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted
  • Author

I HAD the lettuce wraps! WOWZA they were GREAT!!

WooHoo! Congrats! Everybody throw gluten-free rice! :D

YESSSS!!! CONGRATULATIONS :D

dionnek Enthusiast
dionnek
Posted

I just went to PF Changs last night - Singapore Noodles are wonderful! Does anyone know if the brown rice is also gluten-free? I thought I had read somewhere that only their white rice was gluten-free, not the brown, so I didn't order it, but I'd prefer brown if I could.....

On the dessert thing, the gluten-free menu that they gave me did not have any desserts on it, so we did not order dessert.

DingoGirl Enthusiast
DingoGirl
Posted
Hang on - is your signature true? Are you really getting married tomorrow? What the heck are you doing on the board today? :blink:

:D Maybe it's calming to check the Celiac board??

I had such a great experience at Chang's - - told the manager I couldn't eat gluten, HE was the one that used the term Celiac, informed everyone who attended our table, came to our table several times to check, etc. He was a really knowledgeable guy and made the experience safe and wonderful. So much so that I wrote a letter to corporate headquarters, and CC'd it to the restaurant (they sent me a free appetizer card for doing so). I'll always go back to Chang's.

olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted
  • Author
I just went to PF Changs last night - Singapore Noodles are wonderful! Does anyone know if the brown rice is also gluten-free? I thought I had read somewhere that only their white rice was gluten-free, not the brown, so I didn't order it, but I'd prefer brown if I could.....

On the dessert thing, the gluten-free menu that they gave me did not have any desserts on it, so we did not order dessert.

I'm pretty sure the brown rice is okay. It came with my meal (I had lettuce wraps and sugar snap peas) and I ate it and didn't get sick :)

Now I gotta try the noodles. yay!

LyndaK Rookie
LyndaK
Posted

I have to say that I really enjoy PF's. I had the lettuce wraps but noticed that the gluten-free sauce has rice wine (or vinegar) in it so I had the waiter take my web site printed menu to the chef and asked if it could be made without the rice (I'm allgeric to rice). And they did!! I did get sick but I believe I forgot to ask if the gluten-free soy sauce had rice in it too. I will for sure go back again!!!!

Have a good day!

LyndaK

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      9

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,323
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    bttyknight83
    Newest Member
    bttyknight83
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen1Nc7EtAlJyJbU8EhB89ElCGFPRavEQkTFHv9V2Zh1EMAPRno7UajBpLCQ-1JfC5jKUyzfgsf7jN5L6yfZSgjhnwEbg6KKwWrKeghga8W_CAhEEw9N0.eDBrhYWsjgEFud6ZE03iun0-AEaGfNS1q4ILLjZz7Fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=buckwheat%2Bgroats&qid=1769980587&s=grocery&sprefix=buchwheat%2Bgroats%2Cgrocery%2C249&sr=1-4&th=1 Takes about 10 minutes to cook. Incidentally, I don't like quinoa either. Reminds me and smells to me like wet grass seed. When its not washed before cooking it makes me ill because of saponins in the seed coat. Yes, it can be difficult to get much dietary calcium without dairy. But in many cases, it's not the amount of calcium in the diet that is the problem but the poor uptake of it. And too much calcium supplementation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in general because it raises gut pH.
    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
×
×
  • 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.