Restaurants

[JoeB]

I've been gluten-free for about 5 months and have been doing really well until last night. We decided to try Outback, based on the fact that they have a gluten-free menu. The food tasted great, but an hour after eating, the problems started. Everything I ordered was from the gluten-free menu and I explained the whole gluten-free thing to the waitress. She tried to be helpful, but the salad still came with croutons (I sent it back)!

Up until yesterday, we've avoided chain restaurants in favor of small local ones and have not had any problems. I think the local restaurants take more of an interest because they rely on the repeat business. I also find the same is true of small hotels versus larger ones.

I don't want to be super-critical about Outback because at least they are trying, but I think people should be aware that there is still a substantial risk in dining there.

[SueC]

I also had a problem with the Outback I didn't get sick because I left after they brought me a salad full of croutons and a loaf of bread. I wrote the company but I did not get any kind of response as of yet which is also disappointing!!

On a brighter note I went to PF Changs yesterday and had a fabulous meal. That is a restaurant that knows how to train thier staff and accommodate different dietary needs. I will definately give them more of my business!

[Guest nini]

I guess I lucked out with the local Outback near me... they told me that they have at least 3 or 4 diners PER NIGHT ask for the gluten-free menu and order off of the menu. The manager's mother has celiac and therefore he is very aware of the needs of the celiac community and his staff is well trained.

[lyoung2]

I'm sorry to hear that 2 of you were given bad meals at Outback. I have eaten a few times at both an Outback in Northern CA and also WI and have always been fine. I do explain the situation and ask for the menu and I haven't had a problem. It more than likely is a training issue that if they are going to provide the menu, they should also educate what that really means to the wait staff.

Laura

[DuckyDiva]

I recently had a very positive experience at Outback Steakhouse.. I called ahead of time to make sure they had a gluten free menu, and although the hostess at the door had NO idea what I was talking about - the server for my take-out order did. He brought out the menu (which was obviously used often) and pointed out the ones with "gluten-free" are gluten free and to make sure I read the small bolded print by some. When it came time to order, he circled my order on the slip and marked it Gluten free with big letters. He also wasn't sure if the list of gluten-free sides had changed so he went back into the kitchen and asked to make sure the garlic mashed were still gluten-free. I thought that was very kind. They also didn't put the bread just on top of the foods in the same bag, they were in a seperate bag from the food. My only small complaint was that the salad had croutons on it..but really didn't want the salad anyway .. next time I will just remember to state that the salad is gluten-free also and to have them mix it in a clean bowl.

According to the SillyYak restaurant guide.. it says Outback has a flourless brownie dessert that is gluten-free.... has anyone tried this?

[happygirl]

Yes! It is delicious!!!!!! It is their "normal" brownie.... people who "regularly" order it don't know that it's gluten free-I had eaten it before I was sick/diagnosed and never knew.

[tarnalberry]

Yep - I haven't had any problems at the locations I've eaten at (three states or so), but we've had those on here who have. It can be hit or miss by location, and staff. Don't give up on it forever, but you do have to be verbose and vigilant.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Don't be afraid to repeat the Salad with no croutons thing. I usually tell the guy/lady 3 times as that is the most common mistake and it is common for them to take the salad in the back and manually take off the croutons --- a good rule of thumb is to have a manager take the salad back if it has croutons (I may not trust the managers on a food knowledge level, but I do trust them to prepare a new salad -- I know it seems weird, but servers can be a sneaky bunch and they will try to get away with things in order to stay out of trouble with the chef and managers).

I have always had pretty good success with Outback -- I did have a mild reaction from the Alice's chicken once, but that' s what I get for not ordering steak at a steakhouse

Hope this helps....

[kelliac]

Also have an Outback experience. Went to one in Ohio last winter. Ordered Baked Potato and the Brownie dessert only. Was sooooo sick in the car going home. Called the restaurant and asked what ice cream they used. Was told it changes from time to time. Not certain that is true or not, however, she also said ice cream "isn't made of wheat". It may not be made of wheat but many manufacturers add items to their products to stretch them and perhaps that was the source of my problem. I also thought about the whipped cream since it can contain extras if not made fresh. The same restaurant employee told me it was out of a spray can. So again, that may have been the source. Finally, I asked about the butter used on the baked potato. She said it was probably a margarine blend and not 100% pure butter.

I think if restaurants (at least the major chains) were just a little educated on possible gluten products they could eliminate them altogether and have a better experience for celiacs. Why can't they just order 100% pure ground spices and herbs, 100% butter, real ice cream, real whipped cream, french fries from manufacturers that do not add gluten, etc. If they made color coded products/items for gluten-free kitchens it would help as well. GREEN means "Safe" for celiacs, RED means "possible contamination".

Just a thought.

[Carriefaith]

I got really sick after eating at an Outback Steakhouse once and I orderd off the gluten free menu. It was most likey dairy that caused the reaction, but I don't know for sure.

[jrom987]

My husband and I were going there for dinner tonight for my first "gluten-free dinner out". Should I bring my own butter? I will stress the "no croutons in my salad". What else should I be aware of? If I get the brownie dessert, should I just ask for it plain? I am nervous now! I thought Outback would be the perfect place for my first experience. They showed me the menu before I even started this new life. Thanks for you help!

Jo Ann

[Carriefaith]

Should I bring my own butter?

I think they give butter in packets, but if you are dairy intolerant and use soy butter, than I would bring some of that. Don't be nervous, just make it loud and clear that you have celiac disease and stress that no bread/gluten come near or touch your food. Ask for your food to be prepared in new clean bowels and ask for meat to be cooked on tinfoil or on a clean pan/grill.

[jrom987]

Thanks Carrie!

[Rikki Tikki]

I had a great meal twice at the Outback. Also had the brownie and it was so good I have craved more since.

Go out and enjoy, just make sure they know gluten-free.

Have fun!

[jrom987]

My husband and I ate at Outback tonight and had a great dinner! I had no problems at all from my meal and it was soooo good! I have to admit that my server didn't really have a clue but she should interest and my meal was perfect. She did hunt down the gluten-free menu but she really didn't know about what was safe and what wasn't. I asked about the butter and she went to the kitchen to ask. The veggies said do not get the seasoning and she said that she didn't know it had seasoning. She was wonderful, don't get me wrong! I ended up ordering the filet mignon, steamed veggies and a plain baked potato. The highlight was being able to share the Thunder Down Under dessert with my husband. %3

[jrom987]

My husband and I ate at Outback tonight and had a great dinner! I had no problems at all from my meal and it was soooo good! I have to admit that my server didn't really have a clue but she should interest and my meal was perfect. She did hunt down the gluten-free menu but she really didn't know about what was safe and what wasn't. I asked about the butter and she went to the kitchen to ask. The veggies said do not get the seasoning and she said that she didn't know it had seasoning. She was wonderful, don't get me wrong! I ended up ordering the filet mignon, steamed veggies and a plain baked potato. The highlight was being able to share the Thunder Down Under dessert with my husband.

Thank you all for your advice! I was very explicit and left a very good tip to thank her for her help.

[MXSmoker]

I had a bad experience with the Outback also. I think it was with the salad dressing possibly. But for the people that are new to going out and have celiac disease, like some people have said dont be afraid to ask for no croutons, no bun, etc. If your a fan of seafood, make sure they don't use bread crumbs. The main thing is don't be afraid to ask questions, or ask for certain things.

[jknnej]

I eat at Outback every Friday at different locations in Phoenix and never have a problem. Of course I stress to the waiter that NO bread or flour can touch my food or I will get deathly sick. This usually makes them so paranoid they are extra careful! Lol

Anyway, I've never had a problem. I always get the same thing:

prime rib, medium rare, baked potatoes NO AUS JUS sauce on the plate AT ALL. It always falls into the steak even if you don't pour it on. If my plate comes with the ramekin of aus jus I send it back and demand a new meal.

I always get the thunder from down under and have never had problems with that, or their butter for that matter.

Odd....everyone on this board has no problems with pf changs but problems with outback. I'm the exact opposite! I never get sick at outback but always do from pf changs. ????

[Carriefaith]

jrom987, I'm glad that you had a good experience

[Rikki Tikki]

Speaking of Outback, does anyone know what they put on the outside of their potato's? I have tried butter and garlic salt but I don't get the same result.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Try brushing it in olive oil and then sprinkling kosher salt on it...

[Guest spruette]

I had a very bad experience with Outback.

My husband and I went there weekly as our "night out" or "date night" and the last few times I had been there the food was just awful.

Well, the management had changed and our favorite waiter and left to pursue college.

We had complianed about this chef so many times. And had things recooked so many times towards the end. We even had one of the managers watch him cook our meal.

We aren't ones who easily roll over and play dead.

Well, the final time was the time that we finally gave up. We went in and the lady manager who sounds of about 18 (no offense) but she just didn't have a clue. She PROMISED us that she would PERSONALLY look after our cooking that night. We trusted her and I ate, and went shopping afterwards and nearly was sick right there in the store. Hubby and I had to rush out and leave to go home. I mean it was nearly IMMEDIATELY. I was sooo sick for days. The bloating and everything.

We called and talked to the manager, and he was of no help. The guy who had taken hundreds of our dollars. He reported it to the main headquarters and we were hoping the chef would lose his job.

Just tonight we called up there, and no. He is still working there. At this point knowing that there were other dis-satisfied costumers (this is fact) at that restaurant, I have to wonder who this chef knows?

Unreal but we will not ever be returning.

[Paul-Bunyon]

I had a problem there once, but they were really nice about fixing it.