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Pf Chang's

Finally-45

By Finally-45
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

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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.

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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.

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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.

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