More Trouble At Pf Changs?

[jmreed]

To see background issue with PF Chang's see my previous post at Open Original Shared Link

My wife had more issues at PF Chang's. This is the only restaurant with a gluten free menu we have ever had issues with. This is the third time. While we are not 100% sure she got glutened this time (since she refused to eat the entre), I am convinced she was unless they recently changed the recipe.

Here is the new complaint conversation so far. I wil post updates if there are any.

Jake

On 2008-11-10 LIsa Silverthorn wrote:

Today I went to PF Change's in Down Town Sacramento for lunch with some colleagues. I have celiac's disease and become extremely ill if I eat Gluten. I ordered the Singapore Street Noodles off the Gluten free menu. I eat this dish often so I know that the sauce is lighter in color and it is not spicy like the version with gluten. When the food arrived the sauce was dark in color. I had a friend taste it and she told me it was spicy. While the waiter insisted that it was gluten free I sent it back. It came back out and was again spicy with a dark sauce. I asked about it again and the waiter told me that the Singapore street noodles are always gluten free. I insisted that wasn't true (I have gotten extremely sick from eating the wrong ones before). The cook was called out and they also told me that all Singapore street noodles are gluten free. I asked him if it had soy sauce in it, and he told me that it did. As I am sure you know, soy sauce has gluten in it.

In the end he told me that the recipe had been changed and they now use a gluten free soy sauce and both versions are gluten free. Is this true?

I was not convinced so I did not eat. I cannot risk getting sick. I have been fed gluten at PF Chang's multiple times.

Please get back to me ASAP. FYI - I will be publishing this conversation on glutenfreeforum.com

On 2008-11-15 LIsa Silverthorn wrote:

So was anyone going to get back to me regarding this? I expected a response by now.

On 2008-11-15 P.F. Chang's China Bistro wrote:

Lisa,

Thank you so much for your patience in this matter. I am sorry for the delayed response but I wanted to be absolutely certain that I had as much information to offer you as possible in regards to this situation. The gluten free Singapore Street noodles are savory, dark in color (due to the wheat free soy), and a bit spicy when prepared correctly. When preparing the sauce for the gluten free Singapore Street noodles we use a sauce called `Tamari` which has many of the characteristics of regular soy sauce but contains no gluten. It is this sauce that gives the entree the dark color and savory flavor. I believe that the miscommunication in regards to whether or not it contained soy sauce arose from that question and that our sever and Chef were referring to the gluten free soy sauce that it contained. There are in fact two versions of our Singapore Street Noodle and I have spent a great deal of time ensuring that there is no room for error when it comes to dietary needs. I can assure you that if you order a Gluten Free Singapore Street noodle or any other item off of our Gluten Free Menu; you are 100% safe from exposure. Our Chefs are the only individuals allowed to prepare any special dietary request including gluten free dishes. I apologize for any miscommunications we may have had in the past but I have stressed to my Operating Partner, Jason Ortega, as well as my Chef in this location that there can be absolutely no exceptions to this rule. If you would be so kind as to provide me with your address I would love to send you certificates to enjoy on your next visit, as a bit of additional apology for the inconvenience of your last visit and as an incentive to give us the opportunity to show you how well we can perform. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Nicole Thornburg

Market Partner

On 2008-11-16 LIsa Silverthorn wrote:

I am certainly willing to give P.F. Chang's another chance. I understand that occasional mistakes may be unavoidable. Unfortunately, if I am fed gluten, I will be sick for several days.

My question is, was the recipe for the gluten free Singapore Street Noodles changed?

I have ordered this meal at least 20 times and this is the 3rd occasion I have be given a version that had a darker, more spicy sauce. On the two other occasions, the waiter discovered that I had been given the wrong entree (the gluten filled version). The first time I had already eaten several bites, causing me to be sick (so much for "100% safe from exposure"). I have been told by wait staff on 5 of my visits that I can be sure I am getting gluten free food because the sauce will be lighter in color. I know this to be true with the lettuce wraps as well as well as the Singapore street noodles. If the recipe was not changed, then it is clear I was for a 3rd time served food with gluten.

Next time there is a concern I will be sure to talk to the manager on duty instead of the waiter and chef.

Please let me know if the recipe has been change.

Thanks so much for your concern regarding Celiac (gluten free) issues!

Lisa Silverthorn

[lovegrov]

I have no way of knowing whether or not the noodles were gluten-free, but it's obvious she doesn't want to try them if they come out dark no matter what the company and the cooks say (note you now have both the company AND the local chef or cook saying it's gluten-free). So why keep ordering the noodles? Try something else.

richard

[GFqueen17]

I am so confused...the last time I ate there I was told that the gluten-free things are LIGHTER in color...your story goes back and forth abotu the color but the person who responded to your email said gluten-free things are DARKER?! so which is it..i need to know, i eat there often.

[jmreed]

I am so confused...the last time I ate there I was told that the gluten-free things are LIGHTER in color...your story goes back and forth abotu the color but the person who responded to your email said gluten-free things are DARKER?! so which is it..i need to know, i eat there often.

Well I believe I have solved the mystery... I went to San Diego for a conference the other day and I went to PF changs because a colleague is gluten free. Because I am a creature of habit, I ordered the singapore street noodles from the gluten free menu that I normally share with my wife (the celiac ). Well the food came out light in color and it was not spicy. So they obviously have not changed the recipe.

I realized that the entre on the regular menu is marked as spicy. The entre on the gluten free menu is not. On the regular menu it also says it has a red curry flavor. That's the issue. The red curry must be have gluten. That's why the chef gave my wife a meal that was spicy and still said it was gluten free. He must not have known that there is gluten in their curry spice. Just a theory but it sounds plausible to me.

PF Changs sent my wife and appology letter with a gift certificate. We are certainly going to try them again. But as with every restaurant we go to, we will remain cautious.

[munchkinette]

I knew it! I just did a search to determine if anyone else had been glutened by PF Chang's. I went for lunch yesterday. I woke up with a huge belly this morning. The last time I went to a restaurant before PF Chang's was a few days earlier, with no symptoms. The waiter seemed new, and his English wasn't very good. I should have known better and asked for a manager. I had the same food I've ordered from them before, but not the same location. Grrr.

[glutenada]

I used to get sick everytime we ate at PFC's, but after the 5th or 6th trip (over several years) I finally figured out what the problem was.

They bring out that normal soy sauce/mustard/pepper combo thing at the beginning. I would ask for gluten-free soy sauce so they would go get that and then USE THE SAME SPOON that had been in the non-gluten-free soy sauce to prepare the sauce.

Now I ask for a new bowl, no spoon, no other added ingredients. That has solved the problem for me.

HTH

[ShayFL]

I just ate there myself last week with a friend. It was my first time. I got the lettuce wraps. They were very good and very careful. The server brought me my own condiment dish (though I didnt use it) and reiterated it was gluten-free when he brought my food. I didnt get sick.

[zansu]

the PF Changs near me bought new plates a couple of years ago, and brings out the gluten-free entrees on the old plates. So I know when they think it's gluten-free. They've gotten me once or twice but it has been mild, so obviously minor cross contamination. I also tend to take the "order it special" approach (no scallions or such) just to make sure it gets attention and the waiter doesn't pick up a wrong (read gluten full) plate of whatever I ordered.

[GFLisa]

I had the Singapore Street noodles this summer when I was in San Diego and they were light in color. It was my first experience eating there since going gluten-free and I was with a friend, who is actually a member of this forum. I don't recall them being spicy at all. She had the same thing and we had double checked with the kitchen because we were curious about the friend onions on top (I can't remember if we ever got a straight answer about that).

Later, back home in Raleigh I went to PF Chang's with a friend and ordered the noodles for my daughter. After while I noticed they looked different and I went ahead and tasted them anyway. My daughter and I both had a reaction within 45 minutes. The noodles were definitely spicier than I remembered, I think that is what first caught my attention. My daughter eats spicy food, but she's only 4 and can only handle so much. I can't remember what the other dish was that I ordered of the gluten-free menu (I think it had potatoes and curry), but she didn't have any of that so I'm 99.9% sure it was the noodles.

[digmom1014]

A very gluten-free savy waiter at Chang's told me that their code in the kitchen for gluten-free food is on round plates the non-gluten-free version is on square plates. I live in Charlotte, NC.

However, I got caught on the Singapore Street Noodles once too. (before I knew the round/square trick) They served me plate with a shaker full of what looks like fish food to me sprinkled on top of the noodles. I immediately spoke with the waiter and he asked the chef what was in the sprinkles-soy sauce!!!!

Brought the manager over and he took care of it and compped the meal. Nice but....

[GFLisa]

Later, back home in Raleigh....

I didn't see anywhere to edit, so I wanted to include that it wasn't actually the Raleigh PF Chang's that glutened us, it was the one in Durham at Southpoint Mall. I was mixing it up with a trip we took the following week to the Raleigh one.

[mef]

I didn't see anywhere to edit, so I wanted to include that it wasn't actually the Raleigh PF Chang's that glutened us, it was the one in Durham at Southpoint Mall. I was mixing it up with a trip we took the following week to the Raleigh one.

I eat there all the time and haven't had a problem. I noticed that my gluten-free giner chicken always comes on a plate marked with PFC and my friend's plate doesn't have that marking.

But, I only eat there if there is not a huge crowd.

[mesmerize]

I just saw this thread and wanted to say that I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at PF Chang's! It is one of the few places that I consider truly "safe" based on the fact that I have eaten there at least 20-25 times and never once gotten sick. I usually get the lettuce wraps or the lemon scallops. The servers have always been very knowledgeable, and I especially like how they usually present your food to you by saying "Here are your GLUTEN FREE lettuce wraps!" or whatever it is.

I guess experiences can vary by location, but I'm definitely a big fan of the Pittsburgh/Homestead PFC!

[GFLisa]

I eat there all the time and haven't had a problem. I noticed that my gluten-free giner chicken always comes on a plate marked with PFC and my friend's plate doesn't have that marking.

But, I only eat there if there is not a huge crowd.

It was pretty busy that night, but we didn't have a ton of options. We could have waited until we got back to Raleigh, but it was getting late and we had children to feed. It doesn't mean we wouldn't go back though. It's still a lot easier to go there and risk it than to go elsewhere that doesn't have a gluten-free menu and try to find something to eat and explain to the wait staff. I'm not out in Durham a ton, but if I were it would probably be my first choice of places.

[rana]

I can't help but add to this thread even if a bit dated, I have eaten at P.F. Chang's twice now and had very minor reactions both times (I'm guessing cross contamination, I am quite sensitive). I love this place, I can't help but want to try it again, but so far they are zero for two. Fair warning!

[sandsurfgirl]

I got glutened at Pei Wei, which is an offshoot of PF Chang's. They got me BAD on July 4th weekend.I was sick for a week. Then last night I bit into a wonton noodle in my gluten free salad. I spit it out and washed my mouth out so I only got trace amounts but I still had pain, bloating and anxiety.

I'm never ever eating there again. It's not worth it.

[cyberprof]

I can't help but add to this thread even if a bit dated, I have eaten at P.F. Chang's twice now and had very minor reactions both times (I'm guessing cross contamination, I am quite sensitive). I love this place, I can't help but want to try it again, but so far they are zero for two. Fair warning!

I'm not disputing anyone who has had a reaction, but I just want to say that I'm sensitive but have not gotten any reaction to speak of in the 15+ times I've eaten at PFChangs in the past year. I've eaten at the Seattle, Lynnwood and Bellevue (just last night) restaurants plus Portland Oregon(by Whole Foods) and at Southpoint Mall in Durham and also in Raleigh North Carolina.

Make sure that you look at the PFChang plate...it should have the PFChang name on it. Gluten dishes have plain plates. And I always ask a second time when they serve it - as in ?Are you sure that this is gluten-free???

They have always been so helpful to me. I just love their expanded gluten-free menu.

I have gotten ill at other restaurants, so I think I'm moderately sensitive. I don't eat things that are made on shared equipment or processed in facilities that process wheat products, as I have reactions to those.

Eating out gluten-free always has a risk. It's up to each person to gauge the risk for themselves.

[BrookeT]

Hello,

I am new to the forums. I was just diagnosed with celiac a month ago. I think I just got "glutened" at PF Chang's on Friday night. I felt like crap & had major anxiety all day yesterday! I didn't feel well in the morning. I went Starbuck's, had some green tea and then went to the gym and did some cardio. I started to feel a little better. Then, I had lunch at Pei Wei because that was the closest place to go. After that, I started to feel bad again. It's so hard to track down what it was that made you sick, especially when you're in the beginning stages of healing and don't feel well to begin with. At Chang's, I verified my meal was gluten free and it came on the special plate. I also had a glass and a half of white wine. (I'm not sure if the wine could have been the culprit or not.) I also had some microwave popcorn later that night which I called the store to verify that it was gluten free. So, who knows! It's so frustrating!! I feel like I can't even go out anymore. Have you found any restaurants that you have had good luck with? Are there any tips when ordering off of a gluten free menu? (You would think that because they have a gluten free menu, they are trained on how to prepare your meal that way.)

Thanks!

Brooke

I got glutened at Pei Wei, which is an offshoot of PF Chang's. They got me BAD on July 4th weekend.I was sick for a week. Then last night I bit into a wonton noodle in my gluten free salad. I spit it out and washed my mouth out so I only got trace amounts but I still had pain, bloating and anxiety.

I'm never ever eating there again. It's not worth it.

[i-geek]

I've eaten at two local PF Chang's restaurants a total of three times since going gluten-free almost 9 months ago. The first time I had a reaction, but I was a "new" celiac and reacting to a lot of things so it's hard to say if it was gluten or one of the myriad other foods that were making me sick then. We ate at a different location for my dad's birthday in April and I had no problems. My mom and I ate at the first location for lunch yesterday, split the gluten-free lettuce wraps and two gluten-free entrees and had no problems. I wonder if it's because we went during slow early afternoon times on Sundays the last two times. We were the first customers in the restaurant yesterday so there wasn't time for accidental CC, etc. and the kitchen wasn't busy yet. Our waiter was very attentive and brought out gluten-free soy and dipping sauces without us even asking, all of our foods were on the correct plates, and he specifically offered only the gluten-free desserts.

I suspect if someone does have a problem, contacting the corporate office would have an effect. PF Chang's really seems to be making an effort to reach out to the gluten-free community and I think complaints would be taken seriously.

[i-geek]

Hello,

I am new to the forums. I was just diagnosed with celiac a month ago. I think I just got "glutened" at PF Chang's on Friday night. I felt like crap & had major anxiety all day yesterday! I didn't feel well in the morning. I went Starbuck's, had some green tea and then went to the gym and did some cardio. I started to feel a little better. Then, I had lunch at Pei Wei because that was the closest place to go. After that, I started to feel bad again. It's so hard to track down what it was that made you sick, especially when you're in the beginning stages of healing and don't feel well to begin with. At Chang's, I verified my meal was gluten free and it came on the special plate. I also had a glass and a half of white wine. (I'm not sure if the wine could have been the culprit or not.) I also had some microwave popcorn later that night which I called the store to verify that it was gluten free. So, who knows! It's so frustrating!! I feel like I can't even go out anymore. Have you found any restaurants that you have had good luck with? Are there any tips when ordering off of a gluten free menu? (You would think that because they have a gluten free menu, they are trained on how to prepare your meal that way.)

Thanks!

Brooke

Brooke, in the early stages a lot of things made me sick and it was very difficult to pinpoint gluten or otherwise. In fact, alcohol did irritate my gut for the first month or so (along with all dairy for several months, all cruciferous veggies, all peppers, tapioca and pork). But there's always a risk if someone else is preparing your meal and you can't watch and intervene. I don't eat out often so as to minimize the risk, but it's nice to have options for date nights and special occasions.

So far I've had good luck at local PF Chang's but as with anything, the safety of the location is going to depend on management. I also enjoyed a bunless burger and fries at Five Guys (they only put potatoes in their fryers, so the fries are totally safe and the burger patties plus all toppings are gluten-free). I don't know where you live, but Buddy's Pizza chain in the Detroit area does an awesome job with gluten-free pizza and dedicated gluten-free toppings. They even have Redbridge beer on the menu. I've eaten there at least a half-dozen times and haven't ever gotten sick. In fact, it seems like a lot of famous regional pizza chains are bringing out gluten-free options.

I've had a couple of nice meals at smaller non-chain restaurants: one was a simple steak, baked potato, and green salad with vinaigrette and no croutons at a local tavern. The other was at a very accomodating Italian restaurant (Palio in Ann Arbor, MI- they were awesome) for a group dinner with food that had been pre-ordered (of which I was not previously informed) where, when I explained my condition, they brought out a safe salad, pointed out the safe entrees, and even brought me a special dessert. We also go out for sushi on occasion, and as long as I bring my own wheat-free soy sauce and avoid things with tempura coating, sauces, or imitation crab, I have lovely meals.

[bincongo]

I am still a fan of PF Chang's since I think they are really trying where other resturants aren't but I have a funny story. My very first gluten free dining out experience was a PF Chang's and at the end I got the fortune cookie. Out of habit I ate it and to this day I don't know if they are gluten free. I went again to PF Chang's last week and when she brought the fortune cookie I said - Is that gluten free and she said no. I asked why she brought it out and she said so I could read the fortune. I passed on that one.

[twe0708]

I went to PF Chang's a few weeks ago in Tampa, FL and ordered the beef broccoli and lettuce wraps, and within 45 minutes I was in the bathroom as if I had had a laxative for lunch. I just ate there last week and had the lettuce wrap and was fine, so not sure if the cook mixed up my order or used a utensil that was contaminated. I also went to Publix a couple of weeks ago to get my daughter some olives from the deli and saw the guy take the spoon from the macaroni bowl and use that to serve the olives. Glad I don't like olives and was able to see how they serve them, because I would have definitely been glutened. You just never know and sometimes people don't focus on what they are doing unless they are really familiar with your condition.

[glutenfreeinminnesota]

I just have to add..I have eaten at PF Changs here in Minnesota 3 times since going gluten free. The first time I did not order the lettuce wraps GLUTEN FREE...there is a gluten free version of them and the normal version...I asked when they brought it out and they immediately moved the plate to the other side of the table and said no! I will go get you some gluten free lettuce wraps. And no...not all their condiments on that little tray are gluten free. If you ask they will bring you your own soy sauce. I could see how people would get CC'ed maybe from their own spoons and such. I have never gotten sick from our PF Changs...too bad you had these experinces!!

[jackay]

I am still a fan of PF Chang's since I think they are really trying where other resturants aren't but I have a funny story. My very first gluten free dining out experience was a PF Chang's and at the end I got the fortune cookie. Out of habit I ate it and to this day I don't know if they are gluten free. I went again to PF Chang's last week and when she brought the fortune cookie I said - Is that gluten free and she said no. I asked why she brought it out and she said so I could read the fortune. I passed on that one.

And your fortune from touching the cookie could have been cc! I had that happen a while back at LeAnn Chin. When I told the server I couldn't have it, she said she wan't thinking. If people do take them, they might think we aren't too strict eating gluten free and wonder why they even bother catering to us.

[CarolinaKip]

I am still a fan of PF Chang's since I think they are really trying where other resturants aren't but I have a funny story. My very first gluten free dining out experience was a PF Chang's and at the end I got the fortune cookie. Out of habit I ate it and to this day I don't know if they are gluten free. I went again to PF Chang's last week and when she brought the fortune cookie I said - Is that gluten free and she said no. I asked why she brought it out and she said so I could read the fortune. I passed on that one.

I enjoy pfChangs a lot. My daughter and I went for her birthday. I usually go at 2 or 4 in the afternoon. The waiter asked if anyone had food allergies right up front. He's been the best one I've had yet! He was very careful and also brought out the fortune cookie. He told me I could not eat it, but wanted me to read my message. My daughter opened it for me. I know I take a chance eating out, but thinkk my odds are better with a gluten-free menu for now.