The Old Spaghetti Factory

[lonewolf]

My husband took one of my kids out for a special dinner tonight and they went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. They came home excited because there was a note on the menu saying that gluten-free pasta was available. I haven't eaten there in over 10 years and used to love it. Has anyone eaten there or do you think the risk of CC would be too high?

[Ursa Major]

Well, life is full of risks, right? I would call them and ask them some questions to see how knowledgable they are about celiac disease, and about cc, to see if it's worth the risk of eating there.

If they sound like they know what they're doing, it would be worth a try in my opinion. If you get glutened (and I hope you won't, of course), then you won't go again. But if you are fine, then you'll have a fun place to go to for going out!

[AndreaB]

Hmmm, I don't know. We have an OSF near us so I will make a point to call and find out about that and what they do to make sure they minimize the risk of cross contamination. We used to go there quite a bit, would be nice to possibly have that option again. I would think as with any restaurant that cross contamination is possible though.

[DingoGirl]

I worked at one in college briefly, CHAOS in the kitchen.....you would have to check that they made the pasta using a dedicated container and colander....and check the sauce ingredients - but I'd do as Andrea said and call them in advance...

[ArtGirl]

Another option is to bring your own pasta and just order the dish wihout the their pasta. I do this and it works out well. (We don't have a Spaghetti Factory where I live.)

[wolfie]

Wow....that would be great!!! I agree about calling and asking some questions. Let us know what you find out!

[katshow]

I hate to be the downer on this because I when to OSF and was really excited that they had gluten-free noodles. The meal tasted great, but I was SOOO sick after. I was told the only sauce to have was the brown butter and cheese and it may have been gluten-free, but I think just all the gluten in the environment there might have done me in. This was at the OSF in Seattle.

[lonewolf]

I hate to be the downer on this because I when to OSF and was really excited that they had gluten-free noodles. The meal tasted great, but I was SOOO sick after. I was told the only sauce to have was the brown butter and cheese and it may have been gluten-free, but I think just all the gluten in the environment there might have done me in. This was at the OSF in Seattle.

You're not being a downer - I was wondering if anyone had tried it. I live between Seattle and Tacoma and would be going to one of those OSF's. On one hand I'd like to try it, but on the other hand I'm afraid. My husband was told that only the mizithra and browned butter sauce was gluten-free, but I'm trying to figure out why they would put gluten in red sauce.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

They probably use a seasoning blend that has wheat starch in it.

[floridanative]

I take my own gluten-free pasta to the OSF in Atlanta and never get sick but I only go when I know the head cook Ken is working. Also, I get there between opening 11:30 and 11:45 so they are not busy at all. They put my pasta in a clean pot and the sauce and dressing I like are gluten free. Ken even reminded me when I first called to make sure and tell the server not to put croutons on my salad which of course I knew but still thought it was nice. If you ever do this, attach a post-it to your baggie of pasta saying how long to cook and if they can add in oil while cooking.

[ArtGirl]

If you ever do this, attach a post-it to your baggie of pasta saying how long to cook and if they can add in oil while cooking.

I take my pasta already cooked, then add it to the dish when it comes to the table. It doesn't take but a minute for it to get warmed up when mixed in with the sauce.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

It should not be a big problem.

You just need to communicate with the chef and the GM.

Here is what they have to do.

1. Tell you which pasta they use...

2. Tell you they will use a clean pan with clean water (not water they use for other pastas)

3. Use clean untensils

4. Talk about thir sauces -- many red pasta sauces should be fine as wheat/flour/thickening agent has no purpose in them (However, in white sauces, flour is added for texture).

5. Ask them if you can also bring in some Chebe breadsticks and enjoy your meal.

Most places will be accomodating, you just need to have a sit down or a talk with the chef and GM before hand detailing HOW they can accomodate you (some people have no clue).

I would definitely give it a chance. I love the gluten free pasta at Maggianos...

[connole1056]

I have never been to that restaurant, but have found that chefs are very careful about cross-contamination. You have to do what you feel comfortable with. I think bringing your own food defeats the purpose and fun of going out to dinner though. If I am going out to eat I am certainly not doing any cooking. Why pay for something at a reastaurant you already paid for once??

[floridanative]

I would love OSF to serve gluten-free pasta (that I don't have to bring) but according to the corp. office, they offered it in Atlanta years ago and no one ever ordered it. Now at the Atlanta OSF, they have several gluten-free patrons a week that bring in their own pasta so I suggested they bring it back. I would even pay an upcharge for it since the lunch is about $7 including salad which is very cheap for this city.