Post-Vacation Update

[Cheryl-C]

I just got back from my trip to Cape Cod, Mass. This was my first time going there since going gluten-free, so I was definitely nervous.

Over the course of the trip, we ate dinner out 4 times. (The rest of the time we ate in, as we had rented a sort of town-house-cottage with efficiencies and made our own meals).

The first restaurant we went to was The Outback in Albany, NY, on our way to Mass. They have a gluten-free menu, and our server was really enthusiastic about what they could do. I had a bun-free chicken sandwich with smoked bacon and cheese, with a side of steamed veggies. Everything was really good, and I didn't get glutened. Excellent! Also - they had a cute invitation on the menu to "bring your own bread" so you can build your sandwich at the table.

The second restaurant was the Hearth and Kettle in Orleans, Mass. They have a gluten-free menu, and a pretty good selection. (Not as good as The Outback, but definitely more than salad!) I had grilled salmon with wild rice and pickled beets. Everything tasted good, and I didn't get glutened there either. Again, the server seemed well-informed, and even went out of her way to not place the bread basket anywhere near me.

The third restaurant we went to was the Sea Side Pub in Hyannis, Mass. They have a gluten-free menu, and I spent some time talking with the server before ordering, since I was nervous - it was a pub, after all. She assured me that everything would be handled properly but .... this is the place that got me. I was sick as a dog before I even left the restauarant, and continued to feel sick for the next couple of days. So disappointing! I would definitely NOT eat there again.

The last, and best restaurant was the Lobster Pot in Provincetown, Mass. After getting glutened at the pub, I was nervous about eating out. The host was very friendly and very sincere during the few minutes of conversation we had, which really helped me feel more confident. They have a gluten-free menu with lots of tasty seafood to choose from. Our server was beyond prepared for me - he set me right at ease, telling me about all the steps they take in the kitchen to prevent CC and how he'd never lost a customer yet to a glutening. I had grilled salmon and roasted red potatoes, and not only was the food definitely not contaminated at all, but it was super-tasty and beautifully prepared and presented.

To sum up: Hearth & Kettle, Outback, Lobster Pot = gluten-free friendly, no problems! Sea Side Pub = terrible, not gluten-free friendly, run far away!

[IrishHeart]

Thanks so much for the update as I will be traveling that way in September to see friends. The Lobster Pot was my all-time fav place to go for YEARS!!

Sorry you got hit, but very glad you did well otherwise.

Many people rave about Outback so that is also good to hear.

You passed right by me on your way, apparently(as I live about 40 mins. NE of Albany. )

[Cheryl-C]

Thanks so much for the update as I will be traveling that way in September to see friends. The Lobster Pot was my all-time fav place to go for YEARS!!

Sorry you got hit, but very glad you did well otherwise.

Many people rave about Outback so that is also good to hear.

You passed right by me on your way, apparently(as I live about 40 mins. NE of Albany. )

I was impressed with the Outback, for sure. I wasn't entirely certain what to expect, as I'd forgotten what Outback was like - they've been gone from Canada for quite a long time now. However, I was really pleased with the extensive menu, and the consideration of our server.

The Lobster Pot was by far the best food experience. Even setting the gluten-free issue aside, the food itself was just spectacular. Everyone in our party raved about their food (I was the only one gluten-free) and of course the service was spectacular. I hope you have a good time on your trip! I've always wanted to do the Cape in June; please let me know how it goes!

And do stay far, far away from the Sea Side Pub. Blech.

[IrishHeart]

And do stay far, far away from the Sea Side Pub. Blech.

Now, "blech" is a word I use frequently to express my distaste, so message received! Thanks again for telling us how went.

I am going to put a link to your other thread here, so people can see what we started with!

Okay by you?