Sheraton Maui

[Adelle]

So my husband WON a trip to Maui (for the both of us) through his work!! We're going with a bunch of other people and we'll be staying at the Sheraton resort/hotel for 5 days. His work is clueless when it comes to dietary restrictions. But I found the phone # and called this morning and they said they had experience with gluten-free meals before. Just to let the trip coordinator (for his company) know beforehand and they'll be sure to have gluten-free menu's available at the banquets and such we'll be attending, and to let the front desk people know and they'll take care of us for the meals that we won't be at banquets.

Well, that was easy.

Anyone have experence with them? I hope it really IS that easy!! Thanks!

Oh and the trip is in March, so we have plenty of time to prepare. Eeep!! Thanks!

[kenlove]

I work with a lot of chefs in Hawaii although not on Maui. Make sure you let the executive chef and Sous chef at the Sheraton know too. Some chefs here do not realize that soy sauce, ponzu and terriyaki sauce that they use contains wheat. You can also tell them if they want more information they can contact the ACF (American Culinary Federation) in Kona which will get sent to me and I can give them more details.

Generally the hotels on the Big Island keep Gluten Free pasta and breads on hand for guests but sometimes forget that sauces or use some milk that in Hawaii can contain wheat additives.

Good luck

ken

So my husband WON a trip to Maui (for the both of us) through his work!! We're going with a bunch of other people and we'll be staying at the Sheraton resort/hotel for 5 days. His work is clueless when it comes to dietary restrictions. But I found the phone # and called this morning and they said they had experience with gluten-free meals before. Just to let the trip coordinator (for his company) know beforehand and they'll be sure to have gluten-free menu's available at the banquets and such we'll be attending, and to let the front desk people know and they'll take care of us for the meals that we won't be at banquets.

Well, that was easy.

Anyone have experence with them? I hope it really IS that easy!! Thanks!

Oh and the trip is in March, so we have plenty of time to prepare. Eeep!! Thanks!

[Adelle]

Thanks, I will double check with the restraunt as the trip gets closer. They did say that they handle special diets (specifically gluten-free stuff) regularly. So that helps.

DH informed his trip coordinator of our dietary requirements via e-mail yesterday and her response was "well all breakfasts and 3 dinners will be buffets, so you will just have to make wise choices and only get what you can eat". Um.... no. So he sent her another e-mail explaining CC and how serious this issue is for us. He also said that all SHE needs to do is put us both on the "special diet list", OR increase our food budget (they give everyone a budget for lunches and the non-buffet dinners) and we'll work with the kitchen staff ourselves. He'll see what she responds with later. The problem is that we have 0 money right now, so we CAN'T afford to just buy our own food at the resort!!

Thanks

[kenlove]

Your right to be concerned about CC, it is a big issue here. Just a few weeks ago at a dinner they were making me special checked on a newly cleaned grill but then used the tongs that were sitting in the soy sauce laden chicken to turn it. At another dinner Sunday night I just didnt eat as watching people at the buffet use the same tongs to grap everything within reach -- or use fingers. Too bad your not on this island where I could make sure you were taken care of. Often as hotel guests, if you let the chef know ahead of time, they will fix you a special plate even when the event menu is a buffet.

I usually bypass the trip coordinators altogether.

Good Luck

Thanks, I will double check with the restraunt as the trip gets closer. They did say that they handle special diets (specifically gluten-free stuff) regularly. So that helps.

DH informed his trip coordinator of our dietary requirements via e-mail yesterday and her response was "well all breakfasts and 3 dinners will be buffets, so you will just have to make wise choices and only get what you can eat". Um.... no. So he sent her another e-mail explaining CC and how serious this issue is for us. He also said that all SHE needs to do is put us both on the "special diet list", OR increase our food budget (they give everyone a budget for lunches and the non-buffet dinners) and we'll work with the kitchen staff ourselves. He'll see what she responds with later. The problem is that we have 0 money right now, so we CAN'T afford to just buy our own food at the resort!!

Thanks

[Adelle]

So the trip coordinator e-mailed him back (we have to deal with her because she controls the food budget, we can't afford not to deal with her!). She said that we could review the buffet dinner and if nothing was acceptable (duh it won't be) she can ensure the kitchen staff know to make a separate meal and bring it to the banquet hall (where we'll all be eating) OR we can eat in the dining hall. Whichever we choose. So she'll put us on the "special diet" list (which is all we needed from her anyway!) and the hotel can take care of us from here.

As we get closer I'll contact the kitchen staff guys and ask what exactly their gluten-free food looks like. When DH called a few days ago the head kitchen guy said that they have done gluten-free meals in the past and they have a separate menu and we'll be well taken care of. So I'm hoping they know their stuff!! If not, we can tell them to contact you!! yay!!

Yeah so our food is financially covered (which is really important), so mainly we'll just have to deal with the kitchen staff (who seemed fairly knowledgable). So here's hoping!!

[kenlove]

The kitchen staff and executive chefs are usually very helpful getting around the buffet + you dont have to wait in line!

I just hope you have a great trip.

Ken

So the trip coordinator e-mailed him back (we have to deal with her because she controls the food budget, we can't afford not to deal with her!). She said that we could review the buffet dinner and if nothing was acceptable (duh it won't be) she can ensure the kitchen staff know to make a separate meal and bring it to the banquet hall (where we'll all be eating) OR we can eat in the dining hall. Whichever we choose. So she'll put us on the "special diet" list (which is all we needed from her anyway!) and the hotel can take care of us from here.

As we get closer I'll contact the kitchen staff guys and ask what exactly their gluten-free food looks like. When DH called a few days ago the head kitchen guy said that they have done gluten-free meals in the past and they have a separate menu and we'll be well taken care of. So I'm hoping they know their stuff!! If not, we can tell them to contact you!! yay!!

Yeah so our food is financially covered (which is really important), so mainly we'll just have to deal with the kitchen staff (who seemed fairly knowledgable). So here's hoping!!