New To This - Need Help

[varthurs]

I am brand new to this - just started eating gluten free yesterday, after my biopsy. I know that Outback and Olive Garden offer gluten-free dishes. I am a very busy Mom of 2 kids that always have me running. We eat out alot. If I were to go to any random restaurant and ask for a grilled chicken breast, a baked potato and veggies, would that be safe? Or does it have to be only a restaurant that offers gluten-free?

Going out tonight for my parents anniversary. This weekend is my husbands birthday. I hate to think that there are only 2 choices nearby.

Thanks!

Vicki

[hexon]

I am brand new to this - just started eating gluten free yesterday, after my biopsy. I know that Outback and Olive Garden offer gluten-free dishes. I am a very busy Mom of 2 kids that always have me running. We eat out alot. If I were to go to any random restaurant and ask for a grilled chicken breast, a baked potato and veggies, would that be safe? Or does it have to be only a restaurant that offers gluten-free?

Going out tonight for my parents anniversary. This weekend is my husbands birthday. I hate to think that there are only 2 choices nearby.

Thanks!

Vicki

You've got a few things to look out for. Sometimes they dredge chicken in flour or spice it with some kind of mixture that contains flour. And with the veggies you have to make sure they don't boil/steam it in the same water they use for pasta. Assuming you've gotten that taken care of you have to make sure employees change gloves and use clean surfaces and cookware to prepare your meal. I'd imagine the potato is the safest choice cause those are normally wrapped in foil and tossed in the oven, and you don't eat the outside of it that people have touched.

[love2travel]

The town where I live has no options so when I want to eat out we drive 3 hours to the city. Thank goodness I love to cook!

Anyway, perhaps you must look into the higher-end options that are not chains. Most high-end places are naturally gluten free, anyway, and their chefs are trained properly. They often do not have deep fryers and they do not use flour to thicken most sauces. They certainly have no need to dredge things in flour, either. In all the places I've eaten out about 80% of the menus are naturally gluten free. The good places will have dessert options as well. Before you go, call ahead to notify the restaurant and to talk to the chef or manager to get a feel of how they accommodate celiacs. Some places have gluten free bread service as well.

You deserve a treat anyway!