Can I Eat Here?

[KarenFe]

My husband and I just celebrated our 18th year anniversary. We had planned on going out to dinner together as we do every year, but the kid's activities postponed our plans. Then I found out I can not have gluten and we have not gone out yet.

We really wanted to try this restaurant that has gotten good reviews. I am not sure if there is anything I can eat. I have looked at the menu, but am not knowledgeable enough to know what sauces, etc I can have. Items like this, "finished with Chianti demi-glace" throw me. Could you please take a peak and see if there is anything I can have?

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Thanks!

Karen

[bigbird16]

Happy Anniversary!

Your best bet is to e-mail or call the chef at the restaurant and inquire about specific things that look tasty to you or ask what he can recommend that are already gluten free in preparation or can easily be adapted. Ask how the meats (beef, fowl, or fish) are prepared--whether they are doused in flour before searing, etc., if there are any of the gluteny ingredients in the stocks and sauces. Ask lots of questions about the preparation and ingredients, because it will surprise you where gluten can hide. (I recently went to a place and inquired about a dessert I would never have used wheat flour in, even when I was a wheateater. My mom even said why bother asking. And what was one of the ingredients? Wheat flour, to make it stickier and thicker.) Ask ahead of time and let the restaurant know when you'll be coming. When you get there, reiterate your questions/concerns. Don't be afraid to ask; it's your health, and you're not paying good money to get sick. And if they are responsive to your needs, tip well and thank them for their help in making it a good evening out. They know that if they treat you well, you're more likely to come back and bring other business with you.

For dessert the pears with gelato look good. (The demi-glace shouldn't be much more than wine, sugar, and spices--but ask.) The strip steak and the tilapia, if they aren't already prepared gluten free, could probably be easily adapted. Cream sauces often contain flour. Ask, though, about anything you want to put in your mouth. You never know what they do to add flavor or texture. Ask them, too, to use clean cooking and cutting surfaces & utensils.

Kat