Horrible Experience At Chipotle

[pah77]

I went to Chipotle in North Druid Hills (Atlanta) a couple of days ago and it was the worst experience I've had eating out since starting the diet.

I wanted to order a salad and was wondering whether the dressing had gluten in it. I had checked their website, but their info is VERY incomplete...dressing is not even listed. I asked the manager about allergen information and she had no idea what I was talking about! She handed me a little brochure that talked about how they use organic ingredients! When I tried to explain that I can't eat gluten, she responded that their food is sugar free!...wtf??

I was already there so I ordered the salad and ate it w/o dressing. Luckily I speak spanish and was able to explain to the food handler that I'm 'allergic to wheat' and he should change his gloves. I still got sick...I guess everything in that place is cross-contaminated. I'm never going back!

[lizard00]

That's such a bummer. You should write to their company. They are really great at responding.

I've had nothing but good luck with Chipotle, but as always, it's the people behind the counter, and they way they run their store. At mine, different people handle different stages of the process. So with that and the only gluten containing item being the flour tortillas, my risk of cc is pretty low.

[skyepie]

I've had great experiences at Chipotle, but have learned not to have them add anything they reach into the food bins for with gloved hands (cheese & lettuce). The risk of cc is especially high for those, even if they change their gloves, as someone elses' gloved hands may have touched some of the lettuce or cheese in the bin.

I love Chipotle!

[Nancym]

I learned early on that trying to talk to people about gluten in fast food restaurants is like trying to talk to a 3 year old about particle physics.

[626Belle]

I learned early on that trying to talk to people about gluten in fast food restaurants is like trying to talk to a 3 year old about particle physics.

+1 to that.

I have had excellent experiences at Chipotle. They are one of very few quickie restaurants I can get a normal menu item at without making a bunch of specifications. I get a burrito bol with whatever meat and toppings I want (so far it doesn't seem like I'm sensitive to a little bit of glove cross-contamination) and voila! I have a meal that'll feed me for two sittings.

I've done some searching around on the internet and have finally found a card that I want to print out and carry around with me that lists what I'm allergic to and some other basic info so a waitress can easily hand it to the cook or their manager instead of trying to paraphrase whatever I tell them verbally. I find a lot gets lost in translation and it's just frustrating, as I'm sure all of the other members have experienced.

[GFLisa]

That's such a bummer. You should write to their company. They are really great at responding.

I've had nothing but good luck with Chipotle, but as always, it's the people behind the counter, and they way they run their store. At mine, different people handle different stages of the process. So with that and the only gluten containing item being the flour tortillas, my risk of cc is pretty low.

Same here, but I noticed we are in the same town so we're probably going to the same location(s). One is slightly better than the other about it, but they recognize me when I come in.

[CeliacAndCfsCrusader]

I eat at Chipotle 3x per week, for 18 months.

Never once glutened. Multiple states and locations.

don't get the tortilla (obviously) or the red salsa (possibly contains non-gluten-free vinegar.

All else is NO problem, just avoid cross-contamination at assembly. THIS part is up to YOU, not just them.

[Susanna]

I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. I've had wonderful service at multiple Chipotles in both Arizona and Colorado. In Breckenridge, I asked what do you have that is gluten free? The gal behind the counter got her manager, and he gave me a card that listed all their foods with common allergens (lots of soy)--all their marinades and dressings are gluten-free--the only thing you have to worry about is the flour tortillas--the gal changed her gloves and served me up a bowl with great stuff. I've never gotten sick there.

Anyway, maybe you could give them another chance? It's good healthy food.

Good luck,

Susanna

[hippiegirl2001]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I agree with another person who says they order whatever doesn't require someone to put their gloved hand in it. So, although I want lettuce and cheese, I do without it (maybe I will bring some from home in a little baggie someday). I get the burrito bowl, and everything at Chipotle except the flour tortilla is supposed to be gluten-free, including the salad dressing. (someone else mentioned vinegar in the red salsa).

The salad dressing, while delicious, is very, very salty. Before I decided not to order the salad anymore, I would water the salad dressing down, in effect, by squeezing lemon juice into it, then not using it all. Another option is to bring your own packets of salad dressing. I carry some around with me, I order a Balsamic dressing, Newman's own, from a website called Minimus.biz.

I also order some gluten-free soy sauce from them to carry around also, for when I have rice at a restaurant. It is lower in salt than any gluten-free tamari (like the one they use at PF Changs) or any other I've had.

Good luck,

Patty

[candrews]

The red salsa is a problem at Chipotle?? Thanks for this tip--didn't know that.