Eating Out Gluten Free

[Nicole H.]

I know I may sound silly. And I am even very new. But, I was wondering if we should trust restaurants. I went out last night and there was a place that served gluten free pizza and gluten free pasta. My husband got the pasta so we could share and I got pizza. Could I have been glutened? I dont think im feeling any side effects today but...should we trust that they really understand and are very careful? Also Im not too sensitive either, I really just get tired...oh what do I know, that can mean im sensitive!...

[caek-is-a-lie]

Pizza's tricky because the flour can get everywhere, even if they clean the area they're making gluten-free pizza in.

But I've been eating at other restaurants lately...the kind with special gluten-free menus. I have had good luck so far. I just make it very clear to the server what my needs are down to the pots and pans, and they've been excellent about making sure my meal is as safe as they can make it. I haven't gotten sick yet. knock on wood.

It seems restaurants are deathly afraid of people with allergies and the ones I've been to over the years have always worked extra hard to make sure I have a meal that is safe. Sometimes it helps to call ahead and talk to the manager and explain the situation so you don't have to be "that person" being so picky during the ordering.

I like the big chains that have gluten-free menus because it makes my life so much easier when they already have meals and substitutions and list what seasonings are unsafe, and dressings are safe, etc. Ordering is so much simpler. I love it!

I went to Outback Steakhouse last night and had the salmon. I couldn't believe eating gluten-free could taste so good! And the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under....oh. my. god. Pure ecstasy!

[Crystal Brown]

Restaurants are really tricky. Places that serve both, can sometimes be really good about avoiding CC and then other times, they can accidentally contaminate you.

Which restaurant did you go to?

I know I have been having some reservations about checking out the gluten-free pizza at Mary's Pizza Shack. I'm really concerned about the CC. But, I guess I'll bite the bullet and check it out.

[mushroom]

I was initially very afraid to eat out. I had one place in town I would go to but even they tossed croutons on my salad once. I just said to the waitress, "Excuse me, but are these gluten-free croutons?" and made her leave the plate on the table while she brought me another, to be sure she didn't just take the croutons off!

Lately I have been a little more adventurous, eating gluten free foods from a serving case and making sure they used a clean utensil to handle them. Yesterday I went to a church fellowship breakfast and ate the yogurt, fresh fruit, bacon, egg, cheese and tomato, and took my own pre-toasted bread to have in place of the croissant.

But you do have to be very careful and specific about your requirements. I don't go so far as to stand behind the chef when he is cooking , but it doesn't hurt to talk to him, or pre-arrange your visit with the manager and then follow up with the waiter and/or chef. I have only ever once eaten at a restaurant that didn't have a gluten free menu of some kind and without calling ahead, and I came through unscathed, and this was from just being very specific with the waiter and ordering pretty safe items.