What To Ask In Restaurants?

[CeliacMom]

My daughter (2 1/2) was dx 2 wks ago and we are leaving for a family vacation this week (LA area), where we will have to eat out at least a few nights.

What do I ask when eating out at a regular restaurant, especially where the words "celiac" and "gluten-free" may as well be Greek to most people? Should I question every ingredient/brand/pan used etc? I can't imagine that's feasible in most places. Do most people with celiac disease never eat in restaurants without gluten-free menus? Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, we may visit Legoland - any idea is anything is gluten-free there?

Thanks!

[KaitiUSA]

For me I will not eat at a place where they do not have a policy about gluten free items.

There are places like the Outback that have gluten free menus. Also, McDonalds has some gluten free items...there are more places too.

There are restaurant card that you can get through different websites to give to the waiter/waitress too which tells them what you can't have, etc.

You should maybe call and talk to the manager ahead of time if you know where you will be to see if they can accomodate you.

[jenvan]

I echo Kaiti and also recommend the restaurants. It helps if you are having trouble articulating your needs. I bought mine off of Living Without.

[kabowman]

I usually call in advance except to a few known places. However, I have traveled without calling and had fine experiences. I don't know if California has Max and Erma's (or Chili's) but they are willing to cook food in a clean skillet and keep it away from bread, etc. Just tell the waiters/managers that you daughter is alergic, it cuts out the confusion and also lets them know that this is a serious problem, that she cannot tolerate ANY.

I have good luck at steak and burger joints, which may not help with a 2 1/2 YO, but she can probably eat a burger.

In addition to anything you find in the Living Without Dining Guide - I mean, pasta in Chicago??? I would never have thought to go there without knowing in advance, now we are planning a trip to Chicago and it will include a stop there (can't remember the name right now though).

Good luck - we eat out regularly without many problems. I hate getting sick.

[jenvan]

here is some info on legoland, might help you:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (their gluten-free menu)

on LA:

Open Original Shared Link

You could also ck with the LA celiac support group on restaurant ideas. I have to take off, or I would track down their website for you. Good luck-have a great trip!

[MySuicidalTurtle]

My Mother and Brother, who have Celiacs, eat out often. They eat animals so they usually have plain meats for their meals. The main thing you can do is talk to the manager and/or the chef. You must let them know that this is serious and you are paying for your food and expect to come out of there healthy. Also, contacting the support group there is also a great resource like Jenvan said.