Vacationing In Southern California

[Anonymousgurl]

I'm taking a senior trip for 7 days in June and I was just trying to begin to plan it out now, because I know it's going to be difficult as a Celiac (plus many many other food sensitivities). We're driving to L.A. (From San Francisco) and we're renting out a beach house there (which is convenient for me because it has a kitchen). We don't know what we'll do or what we'll go see, all we really know is that we're going to Disneyland one day So anyways, I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me on how to eat in L.A., like does anyone know of any good restaraunts that are accomidating, any good grocery stores or health food stores? Any tips or hints would be great

[uclangel422]

Disneyland is definitely the easiest place I have ever been to to eat gluten free. You can either call and speak to the chef if you are planning on eating at a nice restaurant, or pick up the gluten free list at City Hall. I had pizza, a burger with a bun, and chicken skewers. I was in heaven!

So Cal. has Whole Foods everywhere so it will be easy to get gluten free food there. And Wild Oats is also a good place, they are in Santa Monica if you are staying there.

I have found that most restaurants will be very accomodating with the exception of the trendy ones. In & Out is a great fast food option for a quick meal. There are PF Changs around here as well as Outback with the gluten free menu's.

I think you should have no problem down here...

[tarnalberry]

Many celiacs live there with no problems. I used to live there, and found a number of options - from grocery stores to restaurants (not just a number of the big chains). The west coast in general (SoCal, NorCal, Portland, Seattle, anyway) is relatively gluten-free-friendly (even if I haven't found a Gluten-free Casein-free pizza place ).

[Phyllis28]

Below is the link to the restuarant page of Gluten Free in San Diego. This only gives the San Diego addresses. Many of restuarants also have stores through out Southern California. There is also a link called "On you way to LA" that should be helpful.

Open Original Shared Link

In addition to the places already mentioned Wendy's and Chili's are plentiful.

You might want to consider calling before you go and asking how long it will take to get there. Rush hour can double or triple drive times.

[Anonymousgurl]

Thanks Everyone for your advice so far.

So far I think Outback Steakhouse sounds like a great option because it looks like i can get plan steamed veggies and a yam. That's what i eat at home anyway, since im so restricted. LoL. Not being able to do very much oil makes this hard though...

But here's what I've found so far (please let me know if you've been to any of these places!):

Sushi: Kifune Sushi Bar, Tsujino Hana, Hakata, Hama, Kabuki Japanese Restaraunt, Senju, Sushi Boy, Shima (sushi sounds great because it looks gluten AND oil free! [vegetarian sushi])

Lighthouse Buffet

Souplantation

Koo Koo Roo

Panera (soup?)

Mimi's Cafe

Cheebo

Real Food Daily

El Pollo Loco

Edward's Steak house (maybe I could get a baked potato?)

Old Spaghetti Factory

Gosh I really need suggestions. Im going to be there for a week! This is SO hard. LoL.

[Mango04]

I'm not sure which part of LA you'll be staying in (it's a big place ), but I like The Green Temple in Redondo Beach and The Spot in Hermosa Beach. Both specialize in organic vegetarian food and would probably be able to accomodate you. Also, like others have said, you won't have a problem finding large health food stores.

[uclangel422]

Ruth Chris' Steak House is also a good option. All their steaks are gluten free and all of their sides with the exception of their creamed and au gratin.

And they have a fantastic flourless chocolate cake called Sin Cake, it is amazing.

[brendygirl]

Be careful with sushi, with the imitation crab being a no-no. They also like to sprinkle fried things on the rolls, so stick with regular sushi or sashimi. You probably are aware of naughty soy sauce. Miso soup is a maybe- I can't have it.

LOTS OF ASIAN restaurants serve PAD THAI, which is flavorful and YUMMY noodles!

You can also get shrimp or meat (unmarinated and NO SOY sauce) with steamed rice and plain veg.

I think you CAN have egg drop soup.

We have TONS of Mexican food here. You'd have to request grilled meat or seafood without oil. I can eat taquitos (fried), grilled shrimp tacos with corn tortillas (they're not fried), Many celiacs eat the fresh salsa, beans and rice with no problem, but I'm not positive about the oil on that issue. Some celiacs say Mex. beans and rice can have gluten.

They also have salads or plain fish that you can garnish with tomatoes and avocado and other veggies.

RED ROBIN also has gluten free items.

Desserts: flan, arroz con leche, and creme brulee, as well as things on gluten-free menus.

We also have CHILI's where they have a gluten-free menu. I like the babyback ribs and the steak. We can also have the caesar salad with meat but no croutons.

Mimi's is really good, but in my experience they're really busy and make lots of mistakes.

Putting gravy on my food and having a bakery there they have crumbs and croutons all over.