Dealing With Special Events/catered Events

[june bug]

Hi all!

I was only diagnosed with celiac 6 months ago, so I am still sort of new to this. The sad goodbye to my favorite foods is not so bad. I am a good cook and am able to work around the gluten at home quite easily. MY question for everyone is: What do you do when you must attend special events or catered functions. My approach, until now, has been to avoid them and just not attend. I have several events coming up, though, that I must attend, and I am unsure how to handle the "food part". One function in particular is a charity event. Black tie with a sit down dinner. We are sitting with the honoree and I can't do my trusty "slip to the bathroom and eat a protein bar and then leave my food untouched thing" What would you all do?????

This is the thing I hate most...being different, or an inconvenience.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

June bug

[Skylark]

At events where I have to eat, like conferences, I contact the organizer ahead of time and politely ask about gluten-free food. I've always been accommodated with very little fuss. People who run dinner events are accustomed to vegetarians and people with allergies, and I find a lot of them are getting very used to celiacs as well. As you know, it's really easy for a chef to work around gluten.

[ChristieKate]

I had my first post-diagnosis black tie event just this past Monday. As it was for my husband's work (not mine) he called the caterer and spoke to their executive chef and explained my "special needs" right when he RSVP'd. They said no problem - they're used to accommodating gluten-free and allergies. At the event, I did accidentally get the regular dinner served, but as soon as I mentioned it the head waitress (I don't know the proper title) came over, apologized discretely and brought my proper meal. Same with all courses - no problem. I had a delicious dinner and nobody at the table even mentioned it (which was also a great part!).

[Lisa]

I would eat before hand. Do not arrive hungry and don't worry about the catered event. If, by chance, you see steamed shrimp or crab claws, a cheese assortment or various non-gluten display - all the better.

I don't bother the catering team. They are too busy and hired by someone other than ME.

Generally, at these events, I talk too much to eat - so I don't miss much. I do enjoy the wine that's offered.

A must attend sit down event... I would contact the caterer and state your dietary issues. Find some options to the offered menu..just meat, just veggies, just salads. And an extra gratuity is always appreciated if known in advance, for that extra service.

[ryebaby0]

Like the others, we've contacted the caterer or event organizer, and if we give them specific brands or specific directions, they can usually provide something. High-end events are even more likely to be able to accomodate. My husband does always eat before he goes, however, just in case something goes wrong.

Remember -- every time we ask for gluten-free food, or peanut-free, or whatever, the caterer/planner gets a reminder that we are out here! Remember when vegetarian selections were "weird"? Progress is made one plate at a time

[LynnJ]

Similar to previous responses, I contact the organizer of the event to let them know that I am gluten-intolerant, and they have always been very accommodating. My family, as well as my husband's family also are aware of my special dietary needs, and have many gluten-free dishes available at holiday and other family gatherings. I've been very fortunate.