Eating At A Buffet

[wowzer]

I've been following the gluten free diet since the beginning of the year. I have a work function that is going to have a buffet. This is my first time in this situation. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on the subject. Wendy

[Corkdarrr]

Personally, I would just eat nothing.

But, since that may not be a reasonable option, I would stick to things like the fresh fruits and veggies. Maybe salad if you bring your own dressing. But certainly nothing that has been prepared in any way.

But please be careful! Not only are you dealing with not knowing how the food has been prepared, but a buffet style set-up makes the cross contamination issue that much higher.

Courtney

[luvs2eat]

I was going to say, "eat nothing, or pack yourself a meal." I go to buffets w/ my husband in Atlantic City occasionally and the foods I COULD eat (plain rice, baked potato, plain steak) are in such danger of cross contamination (spoons, etc.) that I simply don't trust anything.

[jerseyangel]

I feel that there's far to much of a risk for CC at a buffet. I personally wouldn't try it.

I do have an idea for you--could you speak to the chef (and explain about gluten, CC, etc) and see if they could make you a plate of safe foods directly from the kitchen? They would need to know to use clean utensils, plate, pans, etc.

I would bring something to eat, just in case

[kbtoyssni]

I do not eat at buffets because of the risk of CC. When my friends go to a buffet, I bring my own food. Sometimes I'll get the waiter to heat it up for me. Since this is a work function, I would try calling the place and explaining your situation and ask if they can make you something separate on a plate.

[sailorjo]

I have had the experience with business buffets and always talk with the chef or manager. They will have a special plate made up for me, so far have not had a problem and I am very sensitive.

[wowzer]

Thank you for all your input. I appreciate it. Wendy

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

The only buffets I will eat at (here in Vegas) are the super nice breakfast buffets (Bellagio, Venetian, etc). There, I can get made to order omelettes, champagne and fresh fruit.

However, I highly advise against eating at regular buffets. There is too much risk!

[happygirl]

Wendy:

I have to agree....but I am biased because I basically I can't eat out at all, in general, because I am a highly sensitive Celiac and have severe, sudden symptoms and can't risk it.

I was in grad school when I was dx'ed, had my first job for about a year, and just started at my second job. I've never had a problem with going to work-related functions, including lunches, Christmas parties, going away parties, etc. (or social events, etc): I either eat before-hand, or bring something along. If people who don't know ask, I just tell them its more important to me to enjoy/partake in the event than to risk getting sick, and this is the only 100% way to be sure of that. I think that people respect you a lot when you put it that way---that you are taking control of your health and working hard to be healthy. I've only been at my job for 3 months and everyone already knows the routine --- doesn't phase them at all anymore .

Remember...we eat to live, not live to eat (repeat over and over til you finally believe it....I still repeat it )

Good luck and I hope your event goes well! Let us know....

Laura

[Sillyyakdidi]

  wowzer said:

I've been following the gluten free diet since the beginning of the year. I have a work function that is going to have a buffet. This is my first time in this situation. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on the subject. Wendy

there shouldn't be too much of a convo on this one, eat nothing, pack a yummy meal for yourself. its like playing russian roulette with your health.

[katrinamaria]

what about a small salad bar that doesn't have any other gluten containing food on it? my hometown there is only one restaurant and everyone always eats there, i'd like to join but am scared of what everyone says about buffets. this one has lettuce, carrots, pickles, cheese, pudding, eggs, and things of that nature. the croutons and that sort of thing are not actually in the salad bar part. i don't normally eat dressing anyway. does anyone think this would be ok if i just ate some of the lettuce with carrots and some shredded cheese on it?

[cathzozo]

  katrinamaria said:

what about a small salad bar that doesn't have any other gluten containing food on it? my hometown there is only one restaurant and everyone always eats there, i'd like to join but am scared of what everyone says about buffets. this one has lettuce, carrots, pickles, cheese, pudding, eggs, and things of that nature. the croutons and that sort of thing are not actually in the salad bar part. i don't normally eat dressing anyway. does anyone think this would be ok if i just ate some of the lettuce with carrots and some shredded cheese on it?

Since the croutons really are not part of the salad bar, I probably would. But I take more risks than some people. Additionally, technically shredded cheese can have flour on it as an anti-caking agent (especially if it was purchased as shredded cheese). Although I've never seen this on a package, it is possible and one of those things they warn you about that you should check. Also pudding can have gluten in it, so don't eat that unless you check. But since this is the only restaurant in your town, I think it would be completely appropriate to ask them if the grate the cheese themselves, and if not, if you could ask to see the ingredients on the shredded cheese. And I think you should also ask about the dressing. And if you want a salad, they could bring you a serving of the dressing from the back. In a best case scenario, once they get to know your needs, maybe they could just bring you a simple salad from the back and charge the same price as the salad bar. Generally, if people know why you have these needs and if you are a repeat customer, they will make quite a few modifications to keep your business.

[sspitzer5]

  wowzer said:

I've been following the gluten free diet since the beginning of the year. I have a work function that is going to have a buffet. This is my first time in this situation. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on the subject. Wendy

I was just in this situation a few weeks ago. I was at a conference in Vegas and my boss set up a dinner for our team. I didn't know what it was going to be until right before we left. Needless to say, it was a sucky situation because I was out of town and didn't have any food to bring for dinner. I didn't want to eat at the buffet, so, I ended up walking around the casino trying to find a restaurant that would do a take out order for me that would be safe. It took about an hour to find something, so when I got back to the buffet, the dinner was pretty much over. But, at least I didn't get sick. It was one of those frustrating Celiac moments when you feel alone and like a freak. It sucked, but I don't have those moments nearly as often as I used to.

S

[wowzer]

I survived the buffet, had some salad with no dressing and fresh fruit. They had the most awesome dessert table. I went and grabbed the fruit before anybody got into all the pies and cakes on the table. So I survived. I just tried to not look at all those desserts. Before gluten free, that would have been a big part of my meal.