Explaining Gluten-free And Cc

[Mtndog]

Hi Everyone- I hope people take this the right way, but I have been surprised by the experiences some people have had with dining out and servers. Maybe I have had really good luck, but I was talking to a server this weekend and she told me that she has encountered many defensive/angry celiac's. I was really surprised to hear this as she was super-sweet. She said that many people come in with an attitude of what sounds like entitlement (my word, not hers).

It's best to call ahead and let them know you'll be coming (I've gotten the royal treatment just by doing this on SEVERAL occasions). Explain what gluten is and the most common culprits (flour, bread, pasta, breadcrumbs). And Courtney (corkdarr) just posted in her thread a great analogy for CC Here it is:

"Then came my most clever analogy. I explained that one of the biggest problems eating out for celiacs is cross contamination. This is found in the salad area if a salad is not freshly made, and can be found on the grills, etc...So I explained it to him using terms HE understood - I said, "Bill, just like how you don't cut chicken on the counter and then use the same knife and workspace to prepare your veggies and bread, etc...you can't use the same stuff when gluten is around." This goes for utensils, bowls, plates, pans, everything.

I know it sounds extreme, but what a great analogy for a lifelong chef who also teaches food safety.

Haha..when you think of gluten, think of salmonella!" SUCH A GREAT ANALOGY!!!!!

I think you'll catch a lot more butterflies with sugar than with vinegar. I thought everyone who had celiac was nice At least everyone on here is!

[Kaycee]

Yes it is a great analogy, but I don't quite like the reference to salmonella, I just hate that word, and all the tummy aches associated with it, but I guess the results will be similar if we had samonella poisoning or gluten.

Yes we are all nice and wonderful on here. I personally think I am a nicer person gluten free, I have had a personality change, as I don't get so cranky.

Cathy

[Mtndog]

Yes it is a great analogy, but I don't quite like the reference to salmonella, I just hate that word, and all the tummy aches associated with it, but I guess the results will be similar if we had samonella poisoning or gluten.

Yes we are all nice and wonderful on here. I personally think I am a nicer person gluten free, I have had a personality change, as I don't get so cranky.

Cathy

Maybe that's the problem....maybe her customers weren't fully gluten-free yet!

Then again, you see all those rude customers who don't have celiacs anyway.

I just thought I'd put it out there, because if you want to educate someone, it's best not to "school" them.

[mommida]

So what do you do when they say, "Sal?, Sal who? I don't think I've ever met a Sal Minila."

L.

[Nancym]

So what do you do when they say, "Sal?, Sal who? I don't think I've ever met a Sal Minila."

L.

They're friends of the Ptomaine's and they always go out to eat at Sam N' Ella's Cafe. You remember, the couple with the little daughter named Listeria?

[2Boys4Me]

[Mtndog]

OMG- too funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[breann6]

thanks good analogy for sure. i'll be using it when i work my nerve up to go back out...sticking to gluten free home now, or at most gluten-free menu establishments now though. i am not having any success with dining out yet. two tries and two strikes even with the triumph cards...actually the first (japanese) -tried- to accomodate but thought i meant no SOY instead of gluten....stupid story and got sick.....second time was tonite and the waitress read the triumph card out loud in the middle of the restaraunt at our table- the can't eat part- and said okay so just don't eat these things and you'll be fine....no crap (no pun) but I kinda needed to know- if the derivatives were in any sauces or seasonings etc....whatever, didn't eat and won't ever go back....sorry this kinda turned into a vent...

anyhoo; i like the analogy and i'll use it