gluten-free Food At Restaurants

[Franceen]

I have a horrible time with not being able to choose the restaurants I eat in - especially when it's a retirement or going-away party. They LOVE Chinese buffet places and I don't trust anything there except the water and some of the fruit.

Lately I've been traveling a lot and have had to try to eat in the following restaurants with limited success. I broke out this week which means that one or more of the first few restaurants on the list gave me GLUTEN in something that shouldn't have it.

Ruby Tuesday's (#1 suspect)

Applebees (#2 Suspect)

TGI Friday's

IHOP

Local diner-like small restaurant in Springfield VA (Olympians)(good luck there for over 1 yr)

Outback (no problems ever at any location)

Panera Bread (Salads w/o croutons are mostly ok)(get binder with nutrition info locally)

Crispers (Tampa FL) (have gluten-free info in a binder at restaurant)

Local Pizza place in Odenton MD (BAD - broke out from their salad - oil/vinegar only! probably picked croutons off)(DEFINITE SUSPECT for previous breakout) - I am vetoeing ALL pizza places now - even if they have salads).

Wendy's

United Airlines Business Class gluten-free Meal (usually OK)

Hotel Restaurants (never good). Sheraton Suites in Tampa FL (not good)

Breakfast at Residence Inns. Only eat yogurt after reading label, fresh fruit. Scrambled eggs and Bacon (IFFY) - only if I can watch them make them and see brand of bacon.

EATING OUT IS A CHALLENGE and I HAVE to do it......so I'm doing the web thing and Clan Thompson thing and stashing the info in my suitcase.

I found a gluten-free menu at a restaurant in BANGOR MAINE!! Bugaboos (?) - steak place. Good stuff.

People are complaining that they're getting sick of Outback on trips (I love it there). They don't like to spend that kind of money and want pizza delivered, buttets, etc. What a pain.

[Guhlia]

I contacted TGI Fridays about a year ago and they told me to NOT eat at their restaurants because they couldn't accomodate a gluten free diet. Ugh... Applebee's said pretty much the same thing except they weren't quite as polite. Ruby Tuesday was more polite and tried to be accomodating, but eventually ended up admitting there wasn't much they could do for me.

PF Changs, Outback, Carraba's, Chik-fil-A (menu online), Cheeseburger in Paradise, Wendy's (menu online) and UNO's all offer gluten free menus. Perhaps some of those will open up new windows for you when travelling. Also, if you know where you're going in advance you can always try posting it here to see if anyone knows of any reputable restaurants in the area. I know there are a few gluten free pizza places and other gluten free restaurants around the country.

Also, do you need to go with them if they really want to get pizza? Could you maybe just pack a shelf stable meal for yourself so that every once in a while they could choose the place? Hormel Chili and a baked potato make for a decent meal in a pinch if you have a microwave. Some hotels will even let you use a microwave there if there isn't one in your room. I've also resorted to glutino pretzels with jif peanut butter and an apple. If you do this for them, they will probably be much more likely to oblige you on where you want to eat the rest of the time.

[Franceen]

I contacted TGI Fridays about a year ago and they told me to NOT eat at their restaurants because they couldn't accomodate a gluten free diet. Ugh... Applebee's said pretty much the same thing except they weren't quite as polite. Ruby Tuesday was more polite and tried to be accomodating, but eventually ended up admitting there wasn't much they could do for me.

PF Changs, Outback, Carraba's, Chik-fil-A (menu online), Cheeseburger in Paradise, Wendy's (menu online) and UNO's all offer gluten free menus. Perhaps some of those will open up new windows for you when travelling. Also, if you know where you're going in advance you can always try posting it here to see if anyone knows of any reputable restaurants in the area. I know there are a few gluten free pizza places and other gluten free restaurants around the country.

Also, do you need to go with them if they really want to get pizza? Could you maybe just pack a shelf stable meal for yourself so that every once in a while they could choose the place? Hormel Chili and a baked potato make for a decent meal in a pinch if you have a microwave. Some hotels will even let you use a microwave there if there isn't one in your room. I've also resorted to glutino pretzels with jif peanut butter and an apple. If you do this for them, they will probably be much more likely to oblige you on where you want to eat the rest of the time.

Ah Yes, the packing of food!

Just recently I've been trying to stay at suite hotels to get a microwave and fridge.

Hence the Residence Inn. Then I go to a supermarket and buy food that I can eat.

I don't HAVE to go with them, but I'm their boss and I have the car (we work for Gov).

Sometimes there just isn't enough time to go to supermarket (arrive late at night, meeting early next AM).

I've just been trying to accomodating and as unobtrusive/inconveniencing as I can.

I guess I'm going to have to take a tougher stand 'cause the last trip did me in!

And yes, I think I'll start going to supermarket, taking them to dinner and just drinking coffee and maybe have one thing that's safe (if available) and then eat in my room.

I've discovered that even vanilla icecream can have WHEAT or BARLEY MALT in it!

Thanks for suggestion of Glutino Pretzels (I have also had, and like, Ener-G sesame pretzels) and PB (Jiff is my favorite). I'll try that - and it can be put in my suitcase!

Franceen

[Karen B.]

Ah Yes, the packing of food!

Just recently I've been trying to stay at suite hotels to get a microwave and fridge.

Hence the Residence Inn. Then I go to a supermarket and buy food that I can eat.

I don't HAVE to go with them, but I'm their boss and I have the car (we work for Gov).

Sometimes there just isn't enough time to go to supermarket (arrive late at night, meeting early next AM).

I've just been trying to accomodating and as unobtrusive/inconveniencing as I can.

I guess I'm going to have to take a tougher stand 'cause the last trip did me in!

And yes, I think I'll start going to supermarket, taking them to dinner and just drinking coffee and maybe have one thing that's safe (if available) and then eat in my room.

I've discovered that even vanilla icecream can have WHEAT or BARLEY MALT in it!

Thanks for suggestion of Glutino Pretzels (I have also had, and like, Ener-G sesame pretzels) and PB (Jiff is my favorite). I'll try that - and it can be put in my suitcase!

Franceen

Franceen, you might want to pack along Ener-G granola bars, Jif PB-to-go packs, Nut Thins, and my favorite travel food Tostada shells, salsa and cans of Taco Bell Fat Free refried beans (the cans are gluten-free). Just pitch the leftover beans, the cans are cheap. But it makes a good switch-off. Also, there are some gluten-free noodle bowls that only need hot water added and there are dry cup-a-soups that are gluten-free. I don't have the brand names of these handy at the moment. Also, meat comes in pouches that youcan take along.

I sometimes have to travel or eat out because of my job but most nice restaurants are very accomodating. Applebee's was not - there was nothing there that I could eat. That was a few years ago and I haven't checked since.

You might be interested in a product I've become hooked on instant quinoa (like instant oatmeal) from AltiPlano Gold. Open Original Shared Link Just add water and microwave. It even has 5 grams of fiber! It's a great travel breakfast (or dinner). I like to cut an apple up into it and add a handfull of trailmix (nuts and dried fruit).

[Franceen]

Franceen, you might want to pack along Ener-G granola bars, Jif PB-to-go packs, Nut Thins, and my favorite travel food Tostada shells, salsa and cans of Taco Bell Fat Free refried beans (the cans are gluten-free). Just pitch the leftover beans, the cans are cheap. But it makes a good switch-off. Also, there are some gluten-free noodle bowls that only need hot water added and there are dry cup-a-soups that are gluten-free. I don't have the brand names of these handy at the moment. Also, meat comes in pouches that youcan take along.

I sometimes have to travel or eat out because of my job but most nice restaurants are very accomodating. Applebee's was not - there was nothing there that I could eat. That was a few years ago and I haven't checked since.

You might be interested in a product I've become hooked on instant quinoa (like instant oatmeal) from AltiPlano Gold. Open Original Shared Link Just add water and microwave. It even has 5 grams of fiber! It's a great travel breakfast (or dinner). I like to cut an apple up into it and add a handfull of trailmix (nuts and dried fruit).

Wow, thanks for all these suggestions. I'm going to try all of them! Makes for a heavy and checked suitcase, but seems WELL WORTH IT!

I would love the brand of the cup-a-soups when you find them - they are light and easy to carry-on to a plane. (Get hot water from flight attendant).

Again thanks.

[Phyllis28]

I travel for business and I always book a hotel with a kitchen. I stay at a Residence Inn or the TownPlace Suites by Marriott. I believe that Hilton has the Homewood Suites with kitchens. I always book a flight that arrives in time to go grocery shopping and I pack my own food. Since I am usually staying in a different hotel than everyone else I rent my own car. I limit my going out to eat to one meal week at a place with a gluten free menu.

I am not accomodating. I let my co-workers and my company know that this is what I need to do to maintain my health.

[Franceen]

I travel for business and I always book a hotel with a kitchen. I stay at a Residence Inn or the TownPlace Suites by Marriott. I believe that Hilton has the Homewood Suites with kitchens. I always book a flight that arrives in time to go grocery shopping and I pack my own food. Since I am usually staying in a different hotel than everyone else I rent my own car. I limit my going out to eat to one meal week at a place with a gluten free menu.

I am not accomodating. I let my co-workers and my company know that this is what I need to do to maintain my health.

I SHOULD do the same, but am limited by the government "allowances" - e.g. Residence Inn isn't always within the Per Diem, so I'm not allowed to stay there. And can only take the "contract carrier" airline - so end up going on same plane as others and then having to rent one car. But since I'm the boss and approve all their travel and my own, I have to watch the appearance of giving myself special treatment!

I'm thinking about getting a Dr.'s letter to allow me to go Business class on flights more than "x" hours (because you can't bring most foods through security and can't find anything to eat in airports and can only get meal these days in Business Class. I could probably then get "approval" to stay at a hotel with kitchen regardless of cost (within reason). Many time I CAN get Residence, Towne Place, Sheraton Suites, Embassy Suites, Crown Place, Homewood, etc within perdiem but not at some locations during some seasons (Tampa in winter).

Thanks for the "nudge" - I think I'm going to start putting my foot down with myself and do exactly what you do. I'll start with this next trip in 2 weeks to Phoenix (from Virginia).

[Karen B.]

I SHOULD do the same, but am limited by the government "allowances" - e.g. Residence Inn isn't always within the Per Diem, so I'm not allowed to stay there. And can only take the "contract carrier" airline - so end up going on same plane as others and then having to rent one car. But since I'm the boss and approve all their travel and my own, I have to watch the appearance of giving myself special treatment!

I'm thinking about getting a Dr.'s letter to allow me to go Business class on flights more than "x" hours (because you can't bring most foods through security and can't find anything to eat in airports and can only get meal these days in Business Class. I could probably then get "approval" to stay at a hotel with kitchen regardless of cost (within reason). Many time I CAN get Residence, Towne Place, Sheraton Suites, Embassy Suites, Crown Place, Homewood, etc within perdiem but not at some locations during some seasons (Tampa in winter).

Thanks for the "nudge" - I think I'm going to start putting my foot down with myself and do exactly what you do. I'll start with this next trip in 2 weeks to Phoenix (from Virginia).

I do advise having a letter from your doc to put in the suitcase with the food. It helps smooth the way when you are traveling. Homeland Security left me a letter about going through my luggage, in the bag that had cans of TacoBell Fat Free Refried Beans. I suspect the cans looked suspicious in scanning.

I went through the Whole Foods section and looked for cup-a-soups that were gluten-free. Don't have any on the shelves at the moment but I'll check when I go to Whole Foods next.

Thai Kitchen has some gluten-free noodle bowls and noodle cart dishes that are way better than what I remember ramen noodles were like. Open Original Shared Link I get them at Whole Foods but I've noticed some Krogers are carrying Thai Kitchen now. And you can get them on Amazon.

Ener-G Granola Bars taste really good. Open Original Shared Link

Lundberg Farms makes RiceXpress in SanteFe Grill (not hot but spiced like Mexican rice) and Chicken Herb flavors that are brown rice in a microwave package. I really like them and they would travel well. Open Original Shared Link

You may be interested in my favorite recent gluten-free find - a burger bun you can make one at a time in a microwave and if you want it brown, toast it in a toaster. It's called Fast & Fresh Minute Hamburger Bun Mix by Food Tek. Open Original Shared Link

And I always have something like Lara Bars in my carry on for times when the plane is delayed and nothing safe is available.

For travel, I have one suitcase that I bought at WalMart where I could take it to the section that has all the plastic boxes. I found 4 rigid plastic boxes that fit in the suitcase and can accomodate a stack of tostadas in on and boxes of NutThins in another. I use the other 2 boxes for foil packs of chicken and tuna and PB. Hope this helps.

[Franceen]

I do advise having a letter from your doc to put in the suitcase with the food. It helps smooth the way when you are traveling. Homeland Security left me a letter about going through my luggage, in the bag that had cans of TacoBell Fat Free Refried Beans. I suspect the cans looked suspicious in scanning.

I went through the Whole Foods section and looked for cup-a-soups that were gluten-free. Don't have any on the shelves at the moment but I'll check when I go to Whole Foods next.

Thai Kitchen has some gluten-free noodle bowls and noodle cart dishes that are way better than what I remember ramen noodles were like. Open Original Shared Link I get them at Whole Foods but I've noticed some Krogers are carrying Thai Kitchen now. And you can get them on Amazon.

Ener-G Granola Bars taste really good. Open Original Shared Link

Lundberg Farms makes RiceXpress in SanteFe Grill (not hot but spiced like Mexican rice) and Chicken Herb flavors that are brown rice in a microwave package. I really like them and they would travel well. Open Original Shared Link

You may be interested in my favorite recent gluten-free find - a burger bun you can make one at a time in a microwave and if you want it brown, toast it in a toaster. It's called Fast & Fresh Minute Hamburger Bun Mix by Food Tek. Open Original Shared Link

And I always have something like Lara Bars in my carry on for times when the plane is delayed and nothing safe is available.

For travel, I have one suitcase that I bought at WalMart where I could take it to the section that has all the plastic boxes. I found 4 rigid plastic boxes that fit in the suitcase and can accomodate a stack of tostadas in on and boxes of NutThins in another. I use the other 2 boxes for foil packs of chicken and tuna and PB. Hope this helps.

Hey thanks a bunch. That will help a lot.

Coincidentally, my husband came home from Shoppers Food Warehouse tonight with a Thai Kitchen noodle bowl! Nice and lightweight to carry in suitcase.

I have taken the Bumble Bee tuna foil pouches in the past but never could figure out what to eat them with - I got sick of eating plain tuna with a fork - even the flavored ones got old after a whole week of them. The Nut Thins could go with them.

I'm going to try the hamburger bun! I haven't had a good hamburger or hotdog bun since I went gluten-free 18 months ago. I DO make bread myself and freeze slickes in separate plastic baggies. The plastic boxes would be a way for me to carry some slices without the condensation making a mess (even plastic baggies get condensation on outside.

[jaten]

Lundberg Farms makes RiceXpress in SanteFe Grill (not hot but spiced like Mexican rice) and Chicken Herb flavors that are brown rice in a microwave package. I really like them and they would travel well. <a href="Open Original Shared Link .com/Lundberg-Chicken-RiceXpress-8-8-Ounce-Ounces/dp/B000FVUM2A/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl/002-6847553-9850445?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="external ugc nofollow">Open Original Shared Link .com/Lundberg-Chicken-Ric...m=ATVPDKIKX0DER</a>

Be careful with the Lunberg Farms RiceXpress. I know many (all-?) say gluten free right on the front, but read the ingredients. At least one of the flavors that is marked gluten-free, lists Malt Extract as an ingredient. My understanding is that malt can come from rice, but I have twice e-mailed Lundgren Farms for clarification of their Malt Extract since they claim gluten free. I never received a response to either e-mail (written about 4 mos apart).

My husband is a genius at packing safe foods for travel. A few suggestions: The Thai Kitchen noodle bowls are great. Lays Stax (and their container keeps them crush proof), Dinty Moore beef stew (microwave pkg), certain Hormel quick meals (see Hormel site), fresh fruit, pb, EnviroKids bars I prefer the berry), sweet potatoes (pre-wrapped for microwaving), Hormel Turkey pepperoni (shelf-stable until opened).

When I travel by car it's easier still, because a small/med cooler can be packed with carrot sticks, cheese (sticks or slices), bread slices from freezer, condiments, lunch meat, fresh spinach (prefer that to lettuce). Also, the absolute best if I can travel with a cooler is to freeze left-overs for a few weeks in single meal-size containers.

MANY hotels that don't typically have fridge/micro per room, can & will provide you with both. I always call ahead and explain the medical necessity of traveling with my own food. It's rare to run into a hotel that simply can't accommodate this need for an in-room fridge & micro. It makes life a lot easier!

[Karen B.]

Hey thanks a bunch. That will help a lot.

Coincidentally, my husband came home from Shoppers Food Warehouse tonight with a Thai Kitchen noodle bowl! Nice and lightweight to carry in suitcase.

I have taken the Bumble Bee tuna foil pouches in the past but never could figure out what to eat them with - I got sick of eating plain tuna with a fork - even the flavored ones got old after a whole week of them. The Nut Thins could go with them.

I'm going to try the hamburger bun! I haven't had a good hamburger or hotdog bun since I went gluten-free 18 months ago. I DO make bread myself and freeze slickes in separate plastic baggies. The plastic boxes would be a way for me to carry some slices without the condensation making a mess (even plastic baggies get condensation on outside.

Instead of plain tuna, find an deli that carries packages of Hellman's Mayo and packages of pickle relish -- tuna salad on the go. It may not be as good as what you fix at home but it's better than plain tuna night after night.

I mentioned the Lundberg Farm's RiceXpress flavors SantFe Grill and Chicken Herb because I have the packages in my pantry. They are gluten-free and I eat them regularly (order them by the case from Amazon in fact). A package of Chicken Herb with a foil package of chicken would be a good microwave meal, probably more than you'd need but tasty and easy.

[jaten]

I mentioned the Lundberg Farm's RiceXpress flavors SantFe Grill and Chicken Herb because I have the packages in my pantry. They are gluten-free and I eat them regularly (order them by the case from Amazon in fact). A package of Chicken Herb with a foil package of chicken would be a good microwave meal, probably more than you'd need but tasty and easy.

I just had a look online, and the 2 you mentioned specifically, Santa Fe Grill and Chicken Herb indeed do not list a questionable ingredient. (Sorry, absolutely no offense, I just have learned to read, read, read as much as reasonable for myself)

Malt Extract is listed as an ingredient in the Classic Beef RiceXpress even though it carries a gluten free label on the front. My understanding is that, at least in the U. S., malt is most often from barley and should be assumed so unless otherwise stated, and therefore, is not ok for Celiacs.

This post is only a heads up to keep reading those ingredient labels. It's a warning that just because 2 of the "gluten free" RiceXpress may be safe, all of the "gluten free" RiceXpress aren't neccessarily gluten-free. For that matter, I think others would agree if there are gluten-free newbies reading this, please read the ingredients of all products even if they state "gluten free." MANY products with the gluten free claim are perfectly fine...just stay diligent in protecting your health.

[Ykes]

I'm also a government employee on a per diem - I can relate, Franceen. I strongly recommend PureFit bars (Open Original Shared Link). They've carried me through more lengthy meetings and negotiations than I can count, fit easily into purse or briefcase, and go through security gates. They don't melt or squish, taste great (almond is my favorite, but they also come in peanut butter and chocolate), are filling, low fat, and high protein. I rarely go anywhere without one.

[Franceen]

I'm also a government employee on a per diem - I can relate, Franceen. I strongly recommend PureFit bars (Open Original Shared Link). They've carried me through more lengthy meetings and negotiations than I can count, fit easily into purse or briefcase, and go through security gates. They don't melt or squish, taste great (almond is my favorite, but they also come in peanut butter and chocolate), are filling, low fat, and high protein. I rarely go anywhere without one.

THANK YOU! THANKS ALL FOR YOUR GREAT SUGGESTIONS.

I am going to get some "Purefit" bars for my next trip which is to Phoenix and Reno (from DC) in 2 weeks.

I am going to use all your suggestions, in fact.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Franceen

[Karen B.]

I just had a look online, and the 2 you mentioned specifically, Santa Fe Grill and Chicken Herb indeed do not list a questionable ingredient. (Sorry, absolutely no offense, I just have learned to read, read, read as much as reasonable for myself)

Malt Extract is listed as an ingredient in the Classic Beef RiceXpress even though it carries a gluten free label on the front. My understanding is that, at least in the U. S., malt is most often from barley and should be assumed so unless otherwise stated, and therefore, is not ok for Celiacs.

This post is only a heads up to keep reading those ingredient labels. It's a warning that just because 2 of the "gluten free" RiceXpress may be safe, all of the "gluten free" RiceXpress aren't neccessarily gluten-free. For that matter, I think others would agree if there are gluten-free newbies reading this, please read the ingredients of all products even if they state "gluten free." MANY products with the gluten free claim are perfectly fine...just stay diligent in protecting your health.

No offense at all. I posted upstream that I almost bought some Sesame Teriyaki RiceXpress without looking at the label just because I trust the Lundberg name and YOW! it has wheat in it. I should have expected that because of the Teriyaki but I'm used to Lundberg being safe. I haven't bought the Beef flavor because when I first looked at it, the label listed wheat. I figure they must have changed the recipe but I'm stuck on the Chicken Herb and the SanteFe Grill now. :-)

I've taken the SanteFe Grill RiceXpress to work with a foil pouch of chicken and a Tbsp of Benecol and made lunch for me and a co-worker. It was too much for just me and I didn't want to mess with left overs at work. It made a yummy arroz con pollo.

Brown rice takes so long to cook that I use the Chicken Herb like a default flavor. It's a great start for a quick stir-fry but still good as just plain rice too.

[Karen B.]

THANK YOU! THANKS ALL FOR YOUR GREAT SUGGESTIONS.

I am going to get some "Purefit" bars for my next trip which is to Phoenix and Reno (from DC) in 2 weeks.

I am going to use all your suggestions, in fact.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Franceen

One suggestion I just realized I don't remember seeing is you might want to squirrel away a package of Tinkyada pasta in case you guys go to the Olive Garden (and some other Italian places will do it too). I remember someone at my local group saying that they were able to get them to prepare the pasta for them and they could eat out with everyone else.

Here's the catches:

• Call ahead and make sure the one you're going to will do it.
  
• Make sure they realize to us a fresh post of water to boil it in.
  
• Make sure they know not to slap a piece of garlic bread on top.
  
• Make sure you have plenty of time because they'll have to start the water boiling from cold water instead of using the water they keep boiling that they use for gluten pasta.
  

Good luck and stay healthy!