Pf Changs?

[ebrbetty]

Hi everyone, My hubby wants to take me to PF Changs...I was looking at the gluten-free menu and have no idea what I would order, I can't eat spicy foods..If you've been there, what's good?

Thanks!

[missy'smom]

There are several things that are not spicy. I don't remember the correct names for the dishes but this is what I get, the lettuce wraps with ground soy flavor chicken and veg. mixture and the Cantonese scallops and shrimp and snow peas. On the menu it says shrimp OR scallops I think, but I ask them to give me both mixed. I also get the shrimp in lobster sauce. None of these have any spice at all.

[Worriedwife]

The shrimp in lobster suace is VERY good. Also, if you can afford the calories, the dessert is really great!

[SacGFGirl]

Hi everyone, My hubby wants to take me to PF Changs...I was looking at the gluten-free menu and have no idea what I would order, I can't eat spicy foods..If you've been there, what's good?

Thanks!

I love going to Pf Changs! The Cantonese Shrimp or Scallops are quite delicious, and very mellow in flavor. Also the Singapore street noodles are very good, but my and all of my friends' absolute favorite is Chang's Spicy Chicken, and you can actually ask them to mellow out the flavor. I've never made it to dessert but I hear the flour-less cake is to die for.

[ebrbetty]

wow everything sounds so good, thanks for the help...we will be going to the one in Natick ma. I was told on another board to make reservations, is that really needed for a late lunch? also that to avoid problems with the gluten-free food to call ahead, then ask for the manager when I get there?

I just wanted to go have a nice safe meal..ask for the gluten-free menu and order.

[wolfie]

Philip's Better Lemon Chicken and the Ginger Chicken w/Broccoli (or something like that) are both very good and mild. They have an amazing dessert too...the chocolate dome. DS goes crazy for it!

Have a nice dinner!

[SacGFGirl]

wow everything sounds so good, thanks for the help...we will be going to the one in Natick ma. I was told on another board to make reservations, is that really needed for a late lunch? also that to avoid problems with the gluten-free food to call ahead, then ask for the manager when I get there?

I just wanted to go have a nice safe meal..ask for the gluten-free menu and order.

Don't worry about reservations...they don't take them unless you have a group of 8 or more. And I've never found the need to call ahead. The places that have a official printed menu at the restaurant (Outback Steakhouse has one too) have to be more knowledgeable to answer questions about their menu just like they would for a regular menu. For the places that don't have an official gluten-free menu on site but you've contacted their corporate office, those places I would call ahead of time. Enjoy your lunch!

[Gemini]

Hi everyone, My hubby wants to take me to PF Changs...I was looking at the gluten-free menu and have no idea what I would order, I can't eat spicy foods..If you've been there, what's good?

Thanks!

I recently went to P.F. Chang's and, quite frankly, am surprised that so many think their food good. It's just OK but I am also a member of a dining club that goes to very high end restaurants so maybe that's why I was underwhelmed with Chang's. The higher end places do much better with getting a meal right, including CC, because the chef's will have gone to culinary school.....they know what gluten is, where it hides and how to NOT CC.

The lettuce wraps were OK but a few hours later, I was guzzling tons of water. They put a a lot of salt in their food, probably from the soy sauce and I don't eat much salty food. I must have drunk a gallon of water trying to quench my thirst. I won't eat that again. As for the main course, I can't even remember what I ordered because it was that unimpressive. I think it's all perspective. I never went to fast food places before I was diagnosed so never developed a taste for it.

P.F. Chang's is not a high end restaurant and I found their food on the bland side, except for the load of salt. If you are used to eating salt, then you probably won't even notice it.

The dessert they have was another disappointment. The chocolate dome cake is just a lump of chocolate, like fudge, that is served cold. I had a lava chocolate cake at a great restaurant near me, from a gluten-free menu, that was served warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream. After that, nothing else came close.

I know many like the place but I live in an area with a load of fantastic restaurants that cater to Celiacs and all the other places are better than Chang's.

[Gemini]

wow everything sounds so good, thanks for the help...we will be going to the one in Natick ma. I was told on another board to make reservations, is that really needed for a late lunch? also that to avoid problems with the gluten-free food to call ahead, then ask for the manager when I get there?

I just wanted to go have a nice safe meal..ask for the gluten-free menu and order.

I just realized that you will be going to the one in Natick...that's where I ate. We apparently live near to each other. You can give it a try but I won't be eating there again. If you want a listing of some of the other places I go to, let me know. There are many places in Mass. and R.I. that are awesome!

[elonwy]

They served you the dessert cold? ew. They always serve it to me warm. I agree that there food isn't the greatest ever (the fat and calorie content is totally out of control) but it does in a pinch to go to a place that all my friends can afford and that is as safe as it gets without being 100% gluten-free. Of all the chains out there with gluten-free menus, PF Changs is the only one with a consistent level of training on the gluten-free menu and the issues involved that I have found. Every PF Changs I have been to, everyone knew what I was talking about as soon as I asked. You still have to be relatively vigilant, as I accidentally got served the wrong tables' food once, but I eat there knowing that they used different pans, different sauces, etc to make my food. Its also the only place with a gluten-free menu that hasn't accidentally made me sick. I'd love to eat to the level of my palate (my mom was a chef in a 4-star restaurant when I was growing up), but until I have the $$, PF Chang's does nicely in a pinch.

[Gemini]

They served you the dessert cold? ew. They always serve it to me warm. I agree that there food isn't the greatest ever (the fat and calorie content is totally out of control) but it does in a pinch to go to a place that all my friends can afford and that is as safe as it gets without being 100% gluten-free. Of all the chains out there with gluten-free menus, PF Changs is the only one with a consistent level of training on the gluten-free menu and the issues involved that I have found. Every PF Changs I have been to, everyone knew what I was talking about as soon as I asked. You still have to be relatively vigilant, as I accidentally got served the wrong tables' food once, but I eat there knowing that they used different pans, different sauces, etc to make my food. Its also the only place with a gluten-free menu that hasn't accidentally made me sick. I'd love to eat to the level of my palate (my mom was a chef in a 4-star restaurant when I was growing up), but until I have the $$, PF Chang's does nicely in a pinch.

I totally understand what you are saying about the training aspect but I was miffed that it was such an underwhelming experience, especially when many people rave about the place. I have found that most of the chains just do not impress me but at least they know what gluten is. I have also had bad experiences at Outback's and don't bother with them anymore. As for the chocolate dome thing, I KNEW something was amiss when I was served a lump of cold chocolate! I kept thinking why everyone thought this was a dessert to die for. Chocolate cake isn't good unless it's warm and gooey!

The upscale restaurant advice was just to give some people another angle. I only go to these places a couple of times per year because they cost so much more but they are special occasion places and a trained chef, as you obviously know, is well versed in gluten and CC. Those line chefs at most restaurants that cater to the masses do not, for the most part, know that much about food, other than to cook it a certain way. Their training is very limited so is more of a risk. I dine out once a month only, at my favorite gluten-free places, so have more money to spend at the pricey places. Most people go out to eat about twice per week, sometimes more, and that really adds up fast. I am lucky to live in an area where gluten-free dining is becoming the norm at many restaurants so I can't complain. We even have bakeries and pizza parlors that cater to Celiacs and most are very good. Maybe Chang's would do better in future but they have to cut down on the amount of salt they use.....that really ruined it.

[elonwy]

I agree with you on everything except the training aspect at PF Changs. I have had some in depth conversations with two separate managers, one in LA, and one up here in Emeryville, and the training they get on Gluten Free is really astounding considering that they are a national chain. From the information I received, several people high up in the organization either have celiac or spouses/children with it, and they are one of those brands that keep strict control over their branches (ie: the same ingredients are used in every single restaurant).

That being said, yes, too fatty, too salty, but I know that going in. Also, the pear mojito is excellent, for those who drink.

PS: The fortune cookie they bring you at the end... not gluten-free. I break it in the bag and read it through the plastic

[babysteps]

I just realized that you will be going to the one in Natick...that's where I ate. We apparently live near to each other. You can give it a try but I won't be eating there again. If you want a listing of some of the other places I go to, let me know. There are many places in Mass. and R.I. that are awesome!

Hey Gemini, I'd love it if you would post your 'awesome' places in Mass & RI for all to review! Especially since it sounds like you have a great palate. Plus there are probably 1,000's of celiacs who drive past there every month whether they live there or not!

One of my college roommates is about to host a friend who is gluten-free and vegetarian, I helped her find some recommendations around Hartford from this site - was very helpful to have places already posted

[Gemini]

Hey Gemini, I'd love it if you would post your 'awesome' places in Mass & RI for all to review! Especially since it sounds like you have a great palate. Plus there are probably 1,000's of celiacs who drive past there every month whether they live there or not!

One of my college roommates is about to host a friend who is gluten-free and vegetarian, I helped her find some recommendations around Hartford from this site - was very helpful to have places already posted

I will get my list together and post. The gluten-free dining group I belong to is out of R.I. so many places are northern R.I. and southern Mass. As a matter of fact, the next month's gathering is for gluten-free Indian, just outside of Pawtucket, R.I. I was very surprised at how many places offer up a gluten-free menu....they realize it's an untapped market that is very lucrative. Give me a day or so!

[tiffjake]

I LOVE PF Changs! I get the Chang's Spicey Chicken with NO Chili paste and no chili flakes (ie-no spice) and it is GOOD!

[ebrbetty]

I will get my list together and post. The gluten-free dining group I belong to is out of R.I. so many places are northern R.I. and southern Mass. As a matter of fact, the next month's gathering is for gluten-free Indian, just outside of Pawtucket, R.I. I was very surprised at how many places offer up a gluten-free menu....they realize it's an untapped market that is very lucrative. Give me a day or so!

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Gemini..In march I went to dinner at Rancho Chico's with the RI group...the food is always good there.

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Gemini..In march I went to dinner at Rancho Chico's with the RI group...the food is always good there.

You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!! I was there also. I know it was a larger group and if you were not seated near me, we probably missed each other. Those gatherings are a lot of fun. Really nice people and the restaurants they pick are usually very good. I was going to post the link to their website later on today so everyone would get the list of places in New England where they could get a delicious, safe meal. I am pretty sure I will be attending the one for August so maybe we'll get a chance to meet!

[theceliachusband]

When we used to live in vegas, we went a few times and they mae a gluten-free version of their Calamari. Excellent....

[ebrbetty]

You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!! I was there also. I know it was a larger group and if you were not seated near me, we probably missed each other. Those gatherings are a lot of fun. Really nice people and the restaurants they pick are usually very good. I was going to post the link to their website later on today so everyone would get the list of places in New England where they could get a delicious, safe meal. I am pretty sure I will be attending the one for August so maybe we'll get a chance to meet!

lol...we may have said hello?? I was seated at the end of the long table when you first went in the back room, my hubby was there too.

I'm not going to make the August dinner, hopefully the sept one. I live in Mass, so I hope they will do more here.

[babysteps]

Give me a day or so!

no worries! I'll be happy to 'read all about it' whenever you get a chance. Thanks

[Gemini]

no worries! I'll be happy to 'read all about it' whenever you get a chance. Thanks

OK.....here is a link to the website for the Rhode Island dining group I belong to. They have an abundant listing of restaurants, bakeries, etc. that are in New England and cater to Celiacs. I have not been to all of them yet but the ones I have checked out were all very good. The August gathering is at an Indian restaurant and, after checking their on-line menu, was amazed to see that most of it is gluten-free! The link: Open Original Shared Link The couple who started this all up deserve an award for their efforts. The wife is the Celiac and they go and talk to restaurant owners in depth to set these events up. They do an outstanding job.

The Rancho Chico Mexican restaurant has excellent food and I am not even a huge fan of Mexican food! They get it right. Check out all the listings and if anyone has questions, fire away. I think the goal of the group is to dine at ALL the gluten-free places!

The other place I love, and it is VERY high end, is this....Open Original Shared Link It is a special occasion restaurant because it is pricey but they have an extensive gluten-free menu, which is not listed on their website. The waitstaff were very knowledgeable about celiac disease so that's a huge plus. A word of warning....this is one of those high end, small portion type of places. They offer up and encourage courses so that by the time you get through 3-5 courses, you are full. I always mention this because some people get very upset when they dine out and don't get enough food for an army! The chef was a devotee' of Julia Child so it's that kind of gourmet. The food is outstanding and the gluten-free menu is separate from the main menu so there's no mix-ups. The gluten-free menu is very similar to the non-gluten-free menu so you'll get an idea of what to expect. Why they do not advertise more heavily that they service the gluten-free community, I don't know.

I do know it can be a wait for reservations on a week-end. It's easy to find....Harvard Square in Boston, Mass., right down the street from Harvard University.

Hope some of you can make it to try these places out. Many are located right off or close to a major highway so getting there is easy enough. Enjoy!

[Katester]

I had a horrible glutening at PF Chang's. I got the Garlic Chicken and Broccoli. It was tasty but I felt horrible for almost a week. It was the worst I've ever felt after getting glutened. I was very surprised because I've heard such great things about it on here but I was less than impressed. I'm steering clear for quite a while.

[tami28]

Hi everyone, My hubby wants to take me to PF Changs...I was looking at the gluten-free menu and have no idea what I would order, I can't eat spicy foods..If you've been there, what's good?

Thanks!

The dragon tea is quite nice to share. I am not that impressed with this restaurant. I've been to the Palo Alto and Sunnyvale locations. The menu is small and the food takes forever. With so many people in the restaurant, it is easy for them to make a mistake. Our lunch took almost an hour. Why? My observant waiter noticed the spicy chicken was not the gluten-free kind as ordered. Everything had to be redone. It was good, but 13 bucks a la carte was no bargain. I had the ginger chicken a year ago and felt awful after it. Maybe they screwed up that dish too.

[elonwy]

If you get more north and feel up to it, try the one in Emeryville. The manager's wife has celiac, and they don't screw up. The thing about PF Changs is if you go during rush time, its going to be a madhouse. I always go during "off" hours, and never on a Friday or Saturday night.

[babysteps]

Hope some of you can make it to try these places out. Many are located right off or close to a major highway so getting there is easy enough. Enjoy!

Cool!

Thanks

The RI group's site is great.

Will have to try Rialto the next time I'm in Boston. Thanks for being clear it's special occasion/ more a quality than a quantity place - fortunately that's exactly what my spouse likes