Legal Seaffods, Peabody Ma

[Mtndog]

OK- I must be an idiot. I've eaten at this one location three times since I've been gluten-free (2 years) and EVERY TIME I have gotten glutened.

Yesterday I ate there after a trying day, figuring it had been almost a year since the last incident, so it would probably be OK. I ordered the seafood casserole with gluten-free bread crumbs and today I am so sick.

The previous two times it was the seafood casserole and the grilled swordfish. After the second time, the manager Robert was extremely uncooperative so I contacted corporate. This time I called Peabody and spoke to a new manager, Alex, who was actually very concerned. In his words, "We talk allergies very seriously here. What disturbs me is that if you had a true allergy, we might not even be having this conversation." At least he "got it" but WTH?????????? He is supposed to check into it and get back to me.

AmI the only one? I've eaten at Burlington and Prudential at least 6-7 times and NEVER had a problem!

[2Boys4Me]

Oh Beverly that's awful!

I suppose he thinks anaphylaxis is worse than feeling crappy for 2 weeks and he's thankful you didn't die in the restaurant (instead of wishing you were dead).

I guess when he calls you back you'll have to emphasize that you have a disease that thankfully can be controlled by diet and that unfortunately when you get sick at his restaurant, it leads not to a quick anaphylactic death, but a long slow one from cancer. (and during your long, slow death, you can bleed him and his restaurant dry with your lawsuits.)

[Mtndog]

Oh Beverly that's awful!

I suppose he thinks anaphylaxis is worse than feeling crappy for 2 weeks and he's thankful you didn't die in the restaurant (instead of wishing you were dead).

I guess when he calls you back you'll have to emphasize that you have a disease that thankfully can be controlled by diet and that unfortunately when you get sick at his restaurant, it leads not to a quick anaphylactic death, but a long slow one from cancer (and during your long, slow death, you can bleed him and his restaurant dry with your lawsuits.)

Thanks Linda- well said! I think I am going to write a letter to him, ask him to show it to everyone that works there and CC it (no not cross-contaminate it, except maybe with avian bird flu!) to corporate explaining what it's REALLY like to get glutened including the long term and neuro effects. I'll post it here if you want one I get unbrainfogged enough to write it.

I know that eating out is risky but don't offer me a gluten-free menu and then have untrained staff! I've had better luck in good restaurants around here without gluten-free menus!

[bklynceliac]

This really surprises me. I've had great experiences with the Legal at Chestnut Hill. I would definitely contact corporate, as I know each branch is told to be very careful about allergens and are well trained in how it's supposed to be handled. If they're screwing up it's because of laziness or carelessness, which is not acceptable. Sorry you're not feeling well - why does eating out have to be a two week health gamble?!

[Mtndog]

This really surprises me. I've had great experiences with the Legal at Chestnut Hill. I would definitely contact corporate, as I know each branch is told to be very careful about allergens and are well trained in how it's supposed to be handled. If they're screwing up it's because of laziness or carelessness, which is not acceptable. Sorry you're not feeling well - why does eating out have to be a two week health gamble?!

I know, I've NEVER had a problem at any of their other locations. Corporate contacted me and the woman I talked to said, if you order off the gluten-free menu, a manager should always deliver your food. This NEVER happens at the Peabody location. She said refuse any food that is not delivered by a manger as it is their responsibility.

Here's the letter I sent:

Dear (Insert name):

I am writing this letter in the hopes that you will share it with your managers and staff; I want people to be aware of what happens when a person who orders off the gluten-free menu and a mistake is made.

As you know I ate at your restaurant on January 31st and became ill. In my conversation with the manager there, he assured me that allergies are taken very seriously and that this concerned him as had I had a true allergy, we may not be having this conversation. While he