Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Olive Garden Gluten Free Penne!


Lombardi25

Recommended Posts

Lombardi25 Apprentice

Well I do my random checking of gluten free menus online here and there and I'm on vacation this week and we were looking for somewhere to go for lunch, and I happened to on a whim check Olive Garden and bam now on their gluten-free menu they have:

Pennine Rigate with Marinara

Marinara sauce made with a blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and Italian herbs. Served over gluten free penne pasta.

I called ahead and they had it, so I went had some and it was very good. No gluten-free bread/breadsticks yet, but this is a step in the right direction.

I don't remember hearing about this prior, so sorry if this is old news, but I'm fairly certain this is new.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



sixtytwo Apprentice

OMGosh, I am so happy about this. I am going on vacation soon and I love Olive Garden. Thanks for sharing.

Judyin Philly Enthusiast

called and talked to ex chef now manager of a olive garden and went last nite' out stanting service.

he mentioned this but they slapped this sticker all over the ingred pannel so he was afraind to serve it to me re seasonings.

so

going to call corp tomorrow and will let you know what i find out

Manager said they are trying to get more items like this is.

all self packaged for one serving so the were very aware of cc.

MySuicidalTurtle Enthusiast

How weird. I wonder why they aren't advertising this since most Celiacs wouldn't be going there!

Judyin Philly Enthusiast

the manager told me they just updated their gluten-free menue

i would have been the first person who tired this product as they just got into the store 4 days ago

i'll report back

Lisa Mentor

Only through my eyes can I believe. ;) I have found Olive Garden to be one of the largest, most unfriendly, restaurant there is. They withdrew their gluten free menu.

Redemption can be a good thing. But, I think I'll wait a while :rolleyes:

Judyin Philly Enthusiast

OH MY God, lisa i'm so glad i didn't see this before last nite

I've only eaten out many 9 times in 5 1/2 years so you know have scarey it is for me too

Ireally have to say, each resturant is different as we know.

This manager seemed so accomodating on the phone and as i said it was a last minute invite.

he seemed to really get it.

ha

we've been fooled before

i didn't get sick and he did the whole thing himself as manager not chef either.

so as i said i'll call tomorrow

today was so busy

sorry you had a really bad experience and I FOR ONE WOULD HAVE NEVER TRIED A O.G. WITH ALL THE PASTA AND FLOUR AND CC ............... :lol: SCAREY THOUGHT FOR SURE


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



butterfl8 Rookie

And here I was tonight browsing the forum, and I see this post. I was going to do my own post on what advice anyone could offer for a business lunch I have to go to in the next few weeks at our local Olive Garden. I'm guessing I'll go for the bring my own lara bar, or look put upon and drink a soda for two hours! Question asked and answered--thanks everyone!

Lombardi25 Apprentice

Like I said, we had called ahead, and I can imagine the cc concerns at a place like this, but in my opinion, you are pretty much always going to be risking cc, at any restaraunt, whether it is the buns/breads/pasta/seasonings/marinades/flour from pizza etc. so I have come to accept it and just make sure I call ahead and give em the ole Celiac quiz to get a seal of approval lol, but yeah this was in Newington, NH (I should have said that) and they were great, no problems, didn't get sick. So I will definitely going back. Again, now if they can only make a gluten-free breadstick or something for us lol :-) Anyone else have good experiences with the gluten-free penne yet?

Oh and PS, I was also wondering why it wasn't advertised etc. that much, maybe they are just "testing" it out before spreading the word.

Wenmin Enthusiast

Ate there last night. Always get the mixed grill. It is a shish ka bob of chicken and steak with grilled zuchini, onions, and potatoes. Never had problems with this dish before.

Wenmin

Judyin Philly Enthusiast

hi

Ok I so agree with the quote from above

so I have come to accept it and just make sure I call ahead and give em the ole Celiac quiz to get a seal of approval lol,

that's what i did before i went and called late afternoon to speak to the manager,,,chef on THE NITE

He passed my TEST

He promised to handle my meal personally. It was in the Springfield PM on Baltimore Pike Manager's name that nite was Greg.

Now that being said....Lisa i so agree with .............if you have a bad experience you won't go back

That happened to me with local PF Changs.

Terrible attitude, service plus i got sick.

Remember how i raved about Red Robbin and wrote a letter to corporate telling them how great they were

they went on a trip for Easter and a RR Franchise refused to serve me.

I guess if we find a local one we can trust or go the nite the manager or chef who treated you right like me. I'd give it another try...........but.............would never in a million years just drop into a olive garden on a road trip.

our 13 day road trip from PA to CA ought to have alot of interesting stories :o:blink::ph34r:

hold me I'm scared. ;):D

Judyin Philly Enthusiast
And here I was tonight browsing the forum, and I see this post. I was going to do my own post on what advice anyone could offer for a business lunch I have to go to in the next few weeks at our local Olive Garden. I'm guessing I'll go for the bring my own lara bar, or look put upon and drink a soda for two hours! Question asked and answered--thanks everyone!

suggestion--

This manager was worried about the 'regular' salad so just gave me a plate of fresh romaine lettuce

they did 2 big chicken breasts halved and sauted in a CLEAN pan with olive, canola oil and fresh garlic

and steamed assparagus.

I forgot my own salad dressing but it was still really good.

ask if ck was fresh and didn't come marinated and he said yes.........

Judy

Gemini Experienced
Only through my eyes can I believe. ;) I have found Olive Garden to be one of the largest, most unfriendly, restaurant there is. They withdrew their gluten free menu.

Redemption can be a good thing. But, I think I'll wait a while :rolleyes:

I was happy to see this post because I went to the Olive garden once, before I knew I had Celiac, and it had to be the worst food I ever ate in a restaurant. For an Italian restaurant, they knew nothing about preparing good Italian food! :huh: The bread sticks were nothing but gummy, over-buttered glue sticks and I could have made a MUCH better meal at home. We have never been back. Even my husband, who isn't as picky about food quality as I am, couldn't understand why so many people like this place. I just wouldn't trust them to get the meal right, as far as it being gluten-free is concerned. Too much flour in the kitchen and staff who are not well trained in food and food prep.

nasalady Contributor
I was happy to see this post because I went to the Olive garden once, before I knew I had Celiac, and it had to be the worst food I ever ate in a restaurant. For an Italian restaurant, they knew nothing about preparing good Italian food! :huh: The bread sticks were nothing but gummy, over-buttered glue sticks and I could have made a MUCH better meal at home. We have never been back. Even my husband, who isn't as picky about food quality as I am, couldn't understand why so many people like this place. I just wouldn't trust them to get the meal right, as far as it being gluten-free is concerned. Too much flour in the kitchen and staff who are not well trained in food and food prep.

In my experience, even with large chain restaurants, every restaurant is an entity unto itself. One Olive Garden (or Red Robin or Outback Steak House or whatever) might be very good, while another can be absolutely terrible!

With respect to gluten free dining at any restaurant, as previous posters have said, I always call ahead and give them a quiz over the telephone before risking it. If the manager is friendly and promises to work with me, I take along my Triumph Dining Cards and go for it!

But everyone should assess the risk and make their own decisions. If you don't want to risk being glutened, don't eat out. Eating out is always a risky business.

Juliebove Rising Star

I wonder if they all have this? We just turned down a dinner there the other night because I didn't think I could eat there. We usually go to The Old Spaghetti Factory if we want pasta.

Lombardi25 Apprentice

It is listed on their online menu nationwide now, but I also called ahead too to make sure for my local restaurant.

We don't have Old Spaghetti Factory here, but when I was on a business trip in St. Louis last year, my hotel was like a minute away from one, so I ate dinner there both nights lol, I love the marinara/butter sauce they put on it, really good.

I wonder if they all have this? We just turned down a dinner there the other night because I didn't think I could eat there. We usually go to The Old Spaghetti Factory if we want pasta.
Juliebove Rising Star
It is listed on their online menu nationwide now, but I also called ahead too to make sure for my local restaurant.

We don't have Old Spaghetti Factory here, but when I was on a business trip in St. Louis last year, my hotel was like a minute away from one, so I ate dinner there both nights lol, I love the marinara/butter sauce they put on it, really good.

Hmmm... I looked on the online menu and didn't see it. I will look again.

Juliebove Rising Star
Hmmm... I looked on the online menu and didn't see it. I will look again.

I found it. Had to google for gluten free pasta and Olive Garden. Sounds good!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

    2. - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

    3. - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

    4. - trents replied to Mark Conway's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Have I got coeliac disease

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,155
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Beccad611
    Newest Member
    Beccad611
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • JudyLou
    • knitty kitty
      I have osteopenia and have cracked three vertebrae.  Niacin is connected to osteoporosis! Do talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with B vitamins.  Blood tests don't reveal the amount of vitamins stored inside cells.  The blood is a transportation system and can reflect vitamins absorbed from food eaten in the previous twenty-four to forty-eight hours.  Those "normal limits" are based on minimum amounts required to prevent disease, not levels for optimal health.   Keep us posted on your progress.   B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9662251/ Association of dietary niacin intake with osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women in the US: NHANES 2007–2018 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11835798/ Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/   Nutritional Imbalances in Adult Celiac Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8398893/ Nutritional Consequences of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7422/15/4/61 Simplifying the B Complex: How Vitamins B6 and B9 Modulate One Carbon Metabolism in Cancer and Beyond https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9609401/
    • JudyLou
      Thank you so much for the clarification! Yes to these questions: Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, or vitamins? I’m within healthy range for nutritional tests, thyroid and am not anemic. I do have osteopenia. I don’t take any medications, and the dietician was actually a nutritionist (not sure if that is the same thing) recommended by my physician at the time to better understand gluten free eating.    I almost wish the gluten exposure had triggered something, so at least I’d know what’s going on. So confusing!    Many thanks! 
    • knitty kitty
      @JudyLou,  I have dermatitis herpetiformis, too!  And...big drum roll... Niacin improves dermatitis herpetiformis!   Niacin is very important to skin health and intestinal health.   You're correct.  dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs on extensor muscles, but dermatitis herpetiformis is also pressure sensitive, so blisters can form where clothing puts pressure on the skin. Elastic waist bands, bulky seams on clothing, watch bands, hats.  Rolled up sleeves or my purse hanging on my arm would make me break out on the insides of my elbows.  I have had a blister on my finger where my pen rested as I write.  Foods high in Iodine can cause an outbreak and exacerbate dermatitis herpetiformis. You've been on the gluten free diet for a long time.  Our gluten free diet can be low in vitamins and minerals, especially if processed gluten free foods are consumed.  Those aren't fortified with vitamins like gluten containing products are.  Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, medicine, or vitamins? Niacin deficiency is connected to anemia.  Anemia can cause false negatives on tTg IgA tests.  A person can be on that borderline where symptoms wax and wane for years, surviving, but not thriving.  We have a higher metabolic need for more nutrients when we're sick or emotionally stressed which can deplete the small amount of vitamins we can store in our bodies and symptoms reappear.   Exposure to gluten (and casein in those sensitive to it) can cause an increased immune response and inflammation for months afterwards. The immune cells that make tTg IgA antibodies which are triggered today are going to live for about two years. During that time, inflammation is heightened.  Those immune cells only replicate when triggered.  If those immune cells don't get triggered again for about two years, they die without leaving any descendents programmed to trigger on gluten and casein.  The immune system forgets gluten and casein need to be attacked.  The Celiac genes turn off.  This is remission.    Some people in remission report being able to consume gluten again without consequence.   However, another triggering event can turn the Celiac genes on again.   Celiac genes are turned on by a triggering event (physical or emotional stress).  There's some evidence that thiamine insufficiency contributes to the turning on of autoimmune genes.  There is an increased biological need for thiamine when we are physically or emotionally stressed.  Thiamine cannot be stored for more than twenty-one days and may be depleted in as little as three during physical and emotional stresses. Mitochondria without sufficient thiamine become damaged and don't function properly.  This gets relayed to the genes and autoimmune disease genes turn on.  Thiamine and other B vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed to replace the dysfunctional mitochondria and repair the damage to the body.   I recommend getting checked for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  More than just Vitamin D and B12.  A gluten challenge would definitely be a stressor capable of precipitating further vitamin deficiencies and health consequences.   Best wishes!    
    • trents
      And I agree with Wheatwacked. When a physician tells you that you can't have celiac disease because you're not losing weight, you can be certain that doctor is operating on a dated understanding of celiac disease. I assume you are in the UK by the way you spelled "coeliac". So, I'm not sure what your options are when it comes to healthcare, but I might suggest you look for another physician who is more up to date in this area and is willing to work with you to get an accurate diagnosis. If, in fact, you do not have celiac disease but you know that gluten causes you problems, you might have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity). There is no test available yet for NCGS. Celiac must first be ruled out. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the lining of the small bowel. NCGS we is not autoimmune and we know less about it's true nature. But we do know it is considerably more common than celiac disease.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.