Strong-armed By Boss To Go To Lunch

[Wandering Hermit]

Well my boss has decided to take us to lunch on Friday. I told him about my restrictions and he kept pushing me to go anyway. Dang it. I'd really rather not.

The only thing around here I dare try is PF Changs - I told him it was that or nothing.

So I will call the manager this week and make sure he understands. I will also try to find the safest possible item. Even if I don't like it, that is what I am eating. Wish me luck. Even under the best circumstances this is playing Russian roulette, as you all know.

If it makes me sick I am taking a few days off work and telling him why and then he can reap the rewards of his insistence that I not 'sit this one out.' He is a nice guy and all, and the point of the lunch is a reward for me and others for some work we did. Still, I asked him first please not to include me, but no......

[mytummyhurts]

Maybe, if you don't want to risk it you could bring your own lunch to work and eat before you go and then just have a drink when everyone else is eating. Of course, then you have to put up with everybody asking why you're not eating. At least it's PF Changs and not some place that's never heard of celiac.

[KaitiUSA]

Don't you hate that when that happens. I hope you have a good experience with the place you go and hopefully you don't get glutened. Tell us how it goes

I have had that happen before but I usually bring something in my pocketbook to eat. Maybe you could do that or just order a drink you can have.

[higgins]

Hermit: You might find the restaruant has a book/binder/brochure detailing their menu items and how they fit with standard food issues. The next procedure is to cross-examine the staff (that's always fun) Otherwise, it's salad, no croutons, watch that dressing!

I've given up going to chain-type restaurants, as I find it's too much trouble cross-examining the inexperienced staff (usually the last thing on their mind is the content of the food they serve)

Also (and this is not encouraging for restaurant goers) I have heard horror stories of kitchen staff - after having been warned of a patron's Celiac condition - deliberately including the offending material in the food: "Aw, what they don't know won't hurt 'em." Yikes!

My condition is quite advanced, such that the slightest exposure to gluten sets off a bout that lasts roughly 3 weeks; with that type of down-side, I can't afford the risk so I simply don't go out to those places. There is a chef at the restaurant here at the local Marina that "understands" me , and he is very good. In fact, when we go for dinner there, the chef's gluten-free "improvisations" are often more fun than the menu items, and I very much appreciate his efforts. I am lucky in that regard, but nonetheless restricted to one place that I can rely upon.

On the up side, I have discovered after years of extensive research and field-testing that Martinis are OK for me; so, if the salad won't work for you, you could try some of those gluten-free olives, annointed in your favorite gin. Who says gluten-free is a drag?? Good luck.

[ianm]

I have to travel a lot for work and frequently go out for lunch with clients and suppliers. I can honestly say that I have only had a few bad experiences but that was when I was still a gluten-free rookie. I stick with salads mostly or some food that is obviously gluten-free. It just hasn't been as bad as you might think. Try suggesting some places to your boss that will be a safe bet for you. It isn't as hard as it seems right now.

[lovegrov]

Although some people occasioanlly have had a bad meal at a PF Changs, this wouldc ertainly seem to be one of the safer choices. For those who don't know, PF Changs has a gluten-free menu.

richard

[Wandering Hermit]

So, two days before the lunch, I called PF Changs and spoke with the manager (this is in Edina, MN). He seemd to understand the gluten-free issue very well, and said they were frequenctly asked to make gluten-free dishes.

He also said that they will have Bard's Tale Beer this week!!!!

Anyway, no beer at lunch today, but I had the mango chicken and told the waiter to make sure it had the gluten-free precautions taken.

3 hours later I feel fine.

So, tentatively... hooray for PF Changs.

[jenvan]

PF Changs is getting Bards...that's cool!

[Wandering Hermit]

I impressed enough with PF Changs that my wife and I went there for dinner last night....

And I had a Bard's Tale...very, very tasty!! It felt SO GOOD to finally have a beer again!!!

[higgins]

hmmm...still looking for a gluten-free beer in Canada (quest for the holy stein?). I hear there is a beer out of Quebec that's gluten-free - rumor or fact?

Richard

[Billygoat]

I've been to almost every large beer, health food, and specialty store in the Dallas area. Nobody has gluten-free beer. When I spoke with the beer master at WF in Plano, they said as far as they know, you can't get it in Texas.

[psawyer]

La Messagere beer from Les bieres de Nouvelle-France Inc in Saint-Poulin, Quebec is gluten free, and good (although a bit expensive). I live in Ontario, and it is carried at selected LCBO outlets, including the one in Richmond Hill on Yonge Street north of Highway 7. It is made from rice, buckwheat, hops and spring water, and says "gluten free" right on the label.