Can You Really Eat Out?

[kkkkaty]

I'm just getting over a terrible reaction from the holiday (probably cc as I can't think of anything else and I was sooo careful) and since then I've been working on getting my kitchen gluten-free - new cutting boards, spoons, toaster etc. I went out to lunch yesterday and , even though the restaurant had gluten free items, I ended up just having a glass of cider because the waiter said they used the same cutting boards etc. in the kitchen. How can you be sure there is no cc in any given restaurant ? (unless it's a total gluten-free place- no such thing in my small city) Am I taking this too far? I really don't want to have another episode like the one I just had! What do other people think about the likelihood of cc in restaurant kitchens?

[Green Eyes]

Eating out is possible but difficult. It just depends on what you are willing to risk. In the beginning I didn't eat out at all, I was afraid too. I started out with the Outback (offer gluten free menu). It worked well so I got a little braver and tried another place. If you can plan ahead and go to some known restaurants (even on an out of town trip) with a gluten free menu it can work.

It is a risk each and every time, but you can also learn things you can have and what to avoid. You have to weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself.

Best Wishes,

Jennifer

[angieInCA]

I think it is possible but you really have to be very careful about the type of resturant you choose.

I have had no luck what so ever with the big chain resturants that say they offer gluten free items. I have tried on 3 occasions, 3 different chains and have been glutened each time.

But I have had great success with 4 of our local privately owned resturants. Each time I asked to speak with the Manager or Owner before we sat down and explained my problem and was assured each time they would see personally that I was taken care of. They each spoke to the server and the kitchen themselves and I had a wonderful experience each time and was able to order pretty much off the regular menu with some discussion of a few alterations. I haven't been glutened yet

I think the bigger chains have a set menu with most of their recipes pre-made so alterations are harder for them to handle. The smaller privately owned resturants cook more made-to-order.

Now of course I haven't tried eating at an Italian resturant but my choices so far have been two different seafood resturants, a steak house and Mexican. All have been wonderful and very understanding and surprisingly knowledgeable of what Gluten is.

At one of the big chains that even had a Gluten Free menu, none of the people there had an understanding of what was acceptable.

[luciddream928]

I have had a few bad experiences eating out, but each time I know more and more how to ask for what I need. I always call before I go, and I talk to the manager on duty first. I explain my situation and if they are familiar with gluten. If they are, great, and I make sure they notify the waitstaff and ask that they suggest some items on the menu that are safe.

If I get ANY impression that they are rude, irritated with my questions, or rushed then I thank them for their time and tell them that I think there is another restaurant better equipped to handle my needs.

If we go for Italian, I ask for squash as a substitute and I make sure it's cooked in a rinsed pot with fresh water (wheat flour flies!). I make sure they don't use any wooden utensils, and I bring my dining cards with me.

My cards have specific instructions that I've lifted from other cards and created my own.

It's difficult but doable, with planning and knowledge of what the waitstaff needs to know. Even with the best of intentions, mistakes happen. The learning curve for me has been huge, especially going somewhere and realizing that it's not up to anyone else to be responsible for my health but ME. If I get cc, it's not necessarily their fault, just mistakes happen and that's the chance I take eating out.

Otherwise it's ten days of misery, and that alone makes me be really careful.

I've always had very good experiences at P.F. Chang's. Never tried Outback or Chili's.

[SandyStPeteFL]

I can identify with you and your problems in eating out. I work seven days a week about 12 hours every day and did not cook. I do now!!!!!! Got me a couple of cookbooks by Ms. Hageman. Very practical books too.

I have learned that when I am out shopping and I get a case of the hungries, I end up trying to find something to eat that is safe. That can be a chore in itself. So I carry a pack of crackers with me till I figure something out.

We have eaten at Outback and it was good, did not get sick. Cheddars is also gluten free friendly. Of course, they say they can't guarantee the gluten free part but I think that may be because of legalities. I have been doctor diagnosed for about two months now. Went thru all the cleaning of the kitchen but am learning how to be safe around the gluten foods.