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

Pf Chang's

Finally-45

By Finally-45
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

Finally-45 Contributor
Finally-45
Posted

I visited a PF Chang's for the first time to try their gluten-free menu. I had the most wonderful waitress who whisked my plate away when she realized they hadn't brought me the gluten-free version of my order. (They'll bring out the gluten-free items on different plates.)

I had had only one bite. Since I've been gluten free for about 6 months, I've of course paid attention to every single thing I eat. I kinda wondered would I ever notice if I even got one bite of gluten-containing food (not bread or anything like that, but soy sauce? Hmmm) would my body tell me. I noticed nothing at first, but about 30min later, I could feel it in my gut and I had a mild diarrhea by morning.

The restaurant apologized and gave me a freebie. I tipped the waitress nicely. But all in all, it was a lesson in the risks we take when we eat out.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


hexon Rookie
hexon
Posted

I visited a PF Chang's for the first time to try their gluten-free menu. I had the most wonderful waitress who whisked my plate away when she realized they hadn't brought me the gluten-free version of my order. (They'll bring out the gluten-free items on different plates.)

I had had only one bite. Since I've been gluten free for about 6 months, I've of course paid attention to every single thing I eat. I kinda wondered would I ever notice if I even got one bite of gluten-containing food (not bread or anything like that, but soy sauce? Hmmm) would my body tell me. I noticed nothing at first, but about 30min later, I could feel it in my gut and I had a mild diarrhea by morning.

The restaurant apologized and gave me a freebie. I tipped the waitress nicely. But all in all, it was a lesson in the risks we take when we eat out.

Yeah, PF Chang's is one of my favorites. Unfortunately they don't have lunch prices for any of their gluten-free options but you can be rest assured they took great care of your food when it comes out on one of those red plates. Just don't eat the fortune cookie, cause they always bring me one...maybe just so I can read the fortune.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Yeah, PF Chang's is one of my favorites. Unfortunately they don't have lunch prices for any of their gluten-free options but you can be rest assured they took great care of your food when it comes out on one of those red plates. Just don't eat the fortune cookie, cause they always bring me one...maybe just so I can read the fortune.

Nor the soy sauce and mix that is already on the table. Always ask for gluten-free soy sauce. But, eating there is always a treat for me. It's and hour and a half away...therefore the treat. :D

Missandi Newbie
Missandi
Posted

I love PF Changs gluten-free menu! They don't have lunch prices you're right...however their plates are so big in quantity that I will eat half and have the other portion for lunch the next day...dinner that night, etc. And that's awesome...two gluten-free meals that I DIDN'T have to cook - yay!!

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Yes, there's always that niggling worry in the back of my head that I was brought regular food. I still take my chances and eat out sometimes and P.F. Chang's is one of my faves. :)

CeliacAndCfsCrusader Apprentice
CeliacAndCfsCrusader
Posted

One thing I ALWAYS do is ask when my food is put down, "this is gluten free, right?".

If there is any hesitation, it goes back for clarification.

Just recently, I ordered a side of steamed asparagus at one of my favorite local places (Ling and Louies) and it was brought out with soy sauce, possibly gluten-free soy sauce. That's never happened before there (always plain) and it was a "runner", not my server. I firmly explained that if she wasn't 100% sure (and she admitted she wasn't), I wouldn't eat it.

So, it's a pain, but double, triple checking is sometimes necessary.

  • 1 month later...
mommabecky Newbie
mommabecky
Posted

One thing I ALWAYS do is ask when my food is put down, "this is gluten free, right?".

If there is any hesitation, it goes back for clarification.

Just recently, I ordered a side of steamed asparagus at one of my favorite local places (Ling and Louies) and it was brought out with soy sauce, possibly gluten-free soy sauce. That's never happened before there (always plain) and it was a "runner", not my server. I firmly explained that if she wasn't 100% sure (and she admitted she wasn't), I wouldn't eat it.

So, it's a pain, but double, triple checking is sometimes necessary.

I go to the Lansing PF Changs and they will serve me a lunch portion with the lunch portion pricing? wonder why they are different than some of yours? I think I just had to ask but it wasn't listed on the menu.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


JNBunnie1 Community Regular
JNBunnie1
Posted

I go to the Lansing PF Changs and they will serve me a lunch portion with the lunch portion pricing? wonder why they are different than some of yours? I think I just had to ask but it wasn't listed on the menu.

My PF's (in CT) has the lunch prices on their gluten-free menu. And some items were recently added as well. I like PF's because when they do have a runner bring the food, they always say "Here's you gluten free - whatever" when they put it down. Always on the special plate. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside!

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

I have learned at PF Changs . . . if it's not on the menu, just ask.

They've changed their menu recently (at least locally) and something was removed. I asked the waiter about it and he said they would still make it.

Just because lunch prices aren't on there, it doesn't hurt to ask if they would do it.

Eleanor Creasey Rookie
Eleanor Creasey
Posted

P.F. Chang's is my favorite! They are a roll model for restaurants that want to truly have a gluten-free menu & trained staff! :)

  • 3 months later...
SanAntonioGF Newbie
SanAntonioGF
Posted

Unfortunately, the LaCantera restaurant in San Antonio doesn't understand the importance of gluten free. I ordered gluten-free lettuce wraps, gluten-free pork/beef fried rice and a gluten-free chocolate dessert. I noticed that gluten-free dessert did not contain a gluten free label. I was assured by the take out cashier it was gluten-free. Like everyone else who accidently gets gluten, I had the diaherra and bloating about 30 minutes after the meal. It's now 3 days later. I'm still bloated and in a fog. I have $30 worth of take out in my refrigerator that I won't eat. Has anyone else in San Antonio had problems with the LaCantera restaurant?

brendygirl Community Regular
brendygirl
Posted

The CLEVER thing about PF Chang's is that the gluten free items come on a DIFFERENT PLATE (i believe it has their logo around the edge and maybe is a different shape,too) so even YOU can tell if they brought you the right or wrong version (not 100% foolproof, but better than most)! I wish EVERY place would do this! It's a sign to all servers not to "helpfully" add an egg roll or something to the plate, too (as in other restaurants where a "helpful" server will add the "forgotten" bread stick onto my salad, for example).

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Thye don't do that with the things that are always gluten-free - egg drop soup or the 2 gluten-free desserts. They are made the same for everyone. Some may put the egg drop soup bowl on a gluten-free plate.

ChristineWas Rookie
ChristineWas
Posted

I love the separate plate. And the gluten free chocolate dome is amazing. I have been glutened just about every time I have taken the risk of eating out, but never at PF Chang's. I'm learning not to take those risks anymore, but I intend to keep this place as an option for those scenarios where eating out is hard to avoid.

LauraB0927 Apprentice
LauraB0927
Posted

I LOVE PF Changs - its the only place I go to eat where I not only feel "normal," but I am completely at ease because I never had an issue there. The one by me (Hackensack, NJ - well its about 40 mins away but worth the drive!!) is very careful and everyone is so knowledgeable. If I had one closer to my house my wallet would be in even bigger trouble - can't get enough of those lettuce wraps....(salivating)

  • 2 weeks later...
Lizanne Newbie
Lizanne
Posted

Thanks for the info on PF Changs. I think I will eat there this weekend for the first time. I already viewed their gluten free menu online and thought they had a large selection of items to choose from. I get nervous trying new places but know I have to expand from the 2 restaurants I have trusted since finding out I have Celiac Disease in July.

Javamom Newbie
Javamom
Posted

Had a great experience at PF Changs! The server made a rather comical error though. The gluten-free menu stated that the entrees came with brown or white steamed rice, or you could sub gluten-free fried rice instead for a dollar more. We went for the sub, or so we thought. The server didn't know the gluten-free menu very well (I am hoping his mistake was not intentional anyway) instead of giving us the add on, he ordered us full orders of gluten-free fried rice. We had food covering every surface of the table!! LOL It was delish and we took home the extra, but next time, I will point to the add-on item on the menu.

By contrast, we went to Red Lobster and ordered all of the "safe" items. My dinner glutened me (hence I am up at 5AM on a Sunday). The only difference between my dinner and my gluten-free husband's dinner: a baked potato with butter and sour cream. I have no idea what or how, but I am paying the price for it.

I truly believe that I am going to have to limit my going out to places only like PF Chang's, or my weekends (the times we like to dine out as a family) are going to be painful.

Lizanne Newbie
Lizanne
Posted

Had a great experience at PF Changs! The server made a rather comical error though. The gluten-free menu stated that the entrees came with brown or white steamed rice, or you could sub gluten-free fried rice instead for a dollar more. We went for the sub, or so we thought. The server didn't know the gluten-free menu very well (I am hoping his mistake was not intentional anyway) instead of giving us the add on, he ordered us full orders of gluten-free fried rice. We had food covering every surface of the table!! LOL It was delish and we took home the extra, but next time, I will point to the add-on item on the menu.

By contrast, we went to Red Lobster and ordered all of the "safe" items. My dinner glutened me (hence I am up at 5AM on a Sunday). The only difference between my dinner and my gluten-free husband's dinner: a baked potato with butter and sour cream. I have no idea what or how, but I am paying the price for it.

I truly believe that I am going to have to limit my going out to places only like PF Chang's, or my weekends (the times we like to dine out as a family) are going to be painful.

Glad to hear about the positive experience at PF Changs. I tried to go last night but the wait was too long. I will attempt to go there next weekend. Went to my usual Uno, I have eaten there the most since being diagnosed.

Sorry about your experience at Red Lobster. It's so unfair how we have to suffer from eating food, especially when we are careful about it. Hope you feel better soon.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,898
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    MLucia
    Newest Member
    MLucia
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • 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.