Eating At Restaurants?

[1spendr]

Hi,

My husband was diagnosed with celiac disease about 6 wks ago. He wants to go out and eat but we are scared, because we don't have any gluten-free restaurants near. He doesn't like fruits or vegeatables. So what should he order. Breakfast ordering is easy, but as far as for lunch and dinner we are confused. Any ideas?

[olalisa]

Hi,

My husband was diagnosed with celiac disease about 6 wks ago. He wants to go out and eat but we are scared, because we don't have any gluten-free restaurants near. He doesn't like fruits or vegeatables. So what should he order. Breakfast ordering is easy, but as far as for lunch and dinner we are confused. Any ideas?

he could try steak,chicken, or fish grilled with just salt, pepper, and garlic. Tell them to clean the grill, or to use foil or a saute pan. I know you siad he doesn't like veggies, but does he like potatoes? A baked potato is a good choice, too. I always ask for mine uncut. Be sure to stress about cross-contamination. You also might want to order dining cards from triumphdining.com. They are great for eating out--I usually try to get a manager involved from the outset, and ask them to show the card to the chef....which reminds me....you're much safer at a nicer restaurant with a chef and not just a line cook. Good luck, and Bon Apetit!

[bmzob]

i've only been gluten free for two months now and i am asymptomatic so i don't now when i eat gluten. but i enjoy eating out and not having to cook so i've been out to eat since i found out i had celiacs.

when i go out i tell my server and the manager that i have a severe allergy (even though it's not really an allergy it seems to get the point across better and they take you more seriously). then i tell them what i want....like tonite i went out to dewclaw's...i wanted the baked potato they have w/all the vegetables and the grilled chicken, but no sause or seasoning what so ever, and i can't have it cooked on/with anything thats been used on other items b/c i can still get a rxn. everything still tastes delicious.

the only problems i've had are with people who do not speak english as their first language. even when i reiterated myself two to three times it still came out wrong so i had to send it back. they apoligize of course and i tell them it's fine. it is frustrating though, b/c i do not like to be that picky eater who annoys the servers and probly got their food spit in for sending it back.

it will be a learning experience and you may have to send the food back. but for me, i don't want to live in a bubble and fear outside food...ya know?

hope that helps

[olalisa]

the only problems i've had are with people who do not speak english as their first language. even when i reiterated myself two to three times it still came out wrong so i had to send it back. they apoligize of course and i tell them it's fine. it is frustrating though, b/c i do not like to be that picky eater who annoys the servers and probly got their food spit in for sending it back.

One good thing about the triumph dining cards is that they have one for almost every kind of cuisine--mexican, chinese, japanese, indian....you name it. And of course they have "american" cuisine. Each card is in english on one side and the native language on the other. The "american" one is in english and spanish, which is GREAT. There's also a box on there that explains about cc issues--just a couple sentences but very good.