How Do I Attend Family Brunch At Non gluten-free-friendly Hotel?

[Jenbirds]

Our niece's communion brunch is being held at a local hotel chain's banquet facility. When I phoned the banquet manager if they could prepare a gluten-free meal for me, on a dedicated grill (i.e., chicken breast), he hesitated and questioned the need to have my meat, potato, etc., prepared on a separate area. At the time of the phone call, I was taking care of a sick child, and offered to call him back. Since then, I've left 2 voicemails with no returns from him.

So, do I bring my own food and sit there with others, and indulge on my own food? I guess it's my only option?

It's times like these I feel sorry for myself. with this diet I am 100% dedicated to. Maybe I'll bake a real gooey gluten-free dessert for myself that makes others drool for it?!?

Any advice is greatly appreciated - the brunch is 5/3/09.

gluten-free since March 2008; positive endoscopy March 2008, after being diagnosed w/ osteopenia, low Calcium & Vitamin D levels

[one more mile]

Eating things there could be a risk. Some places will not make allergy free meals because they are afraid of the liability.

He may not have a separate area to cook. Better safe then sorry, cooking in mass is so different then cooking for one.

I would probably eat what I though was safe but also bring a meal for myself. You just have to ask yourself is it worth the risk? I can safely eat cheese and olives and pickles but that makes for an odd meal.

Personally I would rather have people see me eat my own food then have them see me sick. I just say I have very bad food allergy's and leave it at that.

[eringopaint]

I would either eat before or bring your own food. Don't make a big deal about it but if asked say that you have severe allergies and leave it at that ,as OneMoreM said.

I usually try to eat before I go to any party, bring something with me - and then pick and choose with what is available... usually fruit and cheese.

It would be easier if you could just eat there like everyone else - I think this is the biggest problem I face, but the risk of being ill is just not worth it.

Good luck - and enjoy. Focus on the socializing part.

erin

[Crystalkd]

Your family knows your issue so I'd bring my own food. I understand how you feel about being diffrent. Since I went gluten-free I haven't eaten at other peoples houses other than my moms and I get nervous leaving the safety of my kitchen. I only eat at places that I know work well with gluten-free which aren't many.

[Jenbirds]

Thank you all for your responses. I plan to attend the brunch w/ a full stomach and focus on the socializing!

Thanks again!

[GottaSki]

Great advise...thanks everyone.

New to gluten-free and while I have very loving family and friends that are trying to help...I find that I too prefer to show up having already eaten a little something so that I don't have to worry about my stomach growling through the meal.

I am letting everyone know -- they don't have to plan the entire meal around me that I am perfectly content to eat the salad and or vegies...I just bring my own salad dressing! Now that being said, it is very nice when I find they have tried to prepare gluten-free for me.

[Ahorsesoul]

Make sure to write a letter to the Corporate Headquarter of the company about the treatment you received from this place. If they don't hear from us, business places will not offer a solution.

[JNBunnie1]

Make sure to write a letter to the Corporate Headquarter of the company about the treatment you received from this place. If they don't hear from us, business places will not offer a solution.

This is very good advice. I work for a hotel chain, and most managers don't listen to anything that doesn't come in on a survey or letter to corporate.

Also keep in mind, fruit, cheese, veggies that weren't prepped with you in mind probably aren't safe. In a big banquet kitchen, all the food is prepped simultaneously, and the risks of cross-contamination are astronomical. I personally do not eat anything from our hotel's kitchen. The response you got from the hotel staff you spoke with tells me you're not safe there.

[Jenbirds]

This is very good advice. I work for a hotel chain, and most managers don't listen to anything that doesn't come in on a survey or letter to corporate.

Also keep in mind, fruit, cheese, veggies that weren't prepped with you in mind probably aren't safe. In a big banquet kitchen, all the food is prepped simultaneously, and the risks of cross-contamination are astronomical. I personally do not eat anything from our hotel's kitchen. The response you got from the hotel staff you spoke with tells me you're not safe there.

Thanks JNBUnnie1 for your candid feedback. The day after this event, I'm planning to send a letter to their corporate office, to let the company know about my dissatisfaction with their customer service, or lack thereof. Between the hotel staff and family who question why I can't eat the fruits, cheeses, etc., I know by refraining from eating at this function, I'm doing the best for my diet and health.

[kenlove]

HI,

I would bypass the banquet manager and go directly to the chef. The manager often has no idea whats going on but the chef, by law in most places, has to be on top of things when it comes to whats being served. You can simply call the chefs office, and ask for the executive chef and tell him/her that you read that it was a good idea to call the chefs off when you had a serious food allergy.

In the April 09 National Culinary Review of the American Culinary Federation there is a article on food allergies including ours.

You can always ask the chef if they checked it. Where as hotel management, especially middle managers are often out of the loop when it comes to food knowledge. The chefs should know better.

Good luck

Ken

Our niece's communion brunch is being held at a local hotel chain's banquet facility. When I phoned the banquet manager if they could prepare a gluten-free meal for me, on a dedicated grill (i.e., chicken breast), he hesitated and questioned the need to have my meat, potato, etc., prepared on a separate area. At the time of the phone call, I was taking care of a sick child, and offered to call him back. Since then, I've left 2 voicemails with no returns from him.

So, do I bring my own food and sit there with others, and indulge on my own food? I guess it's my only option?

It's times like these I feel sorry for myself. with this diet I am 100% dedicated to. Maybe I'll bake a real gooey gluten-free dessert for myself that makes others drool for it?!?

Any advice is greatly appreciated - the brunch is 5/3/09.

gluten-free since March 2008; positive endoscopy March 2008, after being diagnosed w/ osteopenia, low Calcium & Vitamin D levels