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
      131,549
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Blough
    Newest Member
    Blough
    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

    • Scott Adams
      Taken Seriously

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      Looking for a gluten-free roomie in Denver CO

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Allergy medication: cetirizine by the HealthA2Z is it gluten free?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Protein or fat?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Beverage · Posted

      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • 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.