Michelle1234

Thanks for posting this! I have had good luck with the Cold Calm for keeping colds away and never thought to check. It is great to know both these products are gluten free.

Cheers!

Hi all, I hope you have as good of an experience as I did. They had a print out of all the sauces, ingredients, items etc that contained gluten, msg or nuts. They also have apparently started crusting their marshmallows with cookie crumbs because someone caught theirs on fire and threw it across the room, hitting someone else in the face. Just ask them to open a fresh bag and give you uncrusted ones.

Cheers!

Michelle

Hi All,

I eat out so seldom now that when I have a fabulous meal I just have to come on here and spread the news. Previously I had posted about a great meal I had at the Denver Littleton location. This time I tried the Melting Pot in Louisville CO. They didn't have the bread and baked goods that the other did but they still did an awesome job. Here is what I had.

Their specialty fondue with dates, garlic, shallots and some white cheeses. I had the apple and veggies to dip in the cheese.

Their spinach mushroom salad without dressing (but I dribbled some cheese on it as dressing).

Their chicken and veggie meal with water and a vegetable mulch to cook it in.

Their chocolate raspberry fondue with strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and cherries for dipping.

They had a way to work around their gluten ingredients to make just about anything gluten free. They also said if I told them in advance that I needed gluten free they could have the gluten free bread, brownies, shortcake etc. that I had at my previous meal.

Cheers!

Michelle

Be careful of the omelettes. You need to ask for them to be gluten free. Otherwise they add the pancake mix. I've had their omelette which is yummy and they can easily make it gluten free but you have to emphasize it each time. I've also had their scrambled eggs. You can ask on the potatoes. I don't remember if they were gluten free.

Good luck!

Michelle

I'm glad you posted this question. I went on an 11 day cruise last year (another cruise line) and inquired ahead of time about passengers with special diet needs. At that time I was lactose intolerant, and was told they had a lactose free menu. Not true!!

Can you tell us which cruise line it was? It is helpful to know who is good with special diets and who isn't.

Thanks!

Michelle

Steubens gluten free menu not really gluten free.

I had read these posts so was happy when my friends wanted to have brunch at Steubens. I looked forward to it for weeks. I asked for the gluten free menu which they were happy to produce. But when I went to order off of it they said their fries and hash browns, both on the gluten free menu may contain gluten and that they had a separate celiac menu. They went searching for it but couldn't find it. The long and short of it was that there was nothing I could order but plain meat, the lobster roll (minus roll and fries so just lobster in mayonnaise) and plain eggs. I was so bummed. They said they had another person who never got sick off of their fries but they were prepared in a fryer that fried breaded items and I'm not willing to take that risk. They also said the hash browns had a seasoning in it with flour. But I talked to someone who seemed to be the manager later who said that it was only prepared off-site where there may be cross contamination (too bad the server had not given me this explanation as I would have tried them based on this risk).

I pointed out to them that to have stuff on the gluten free menu that wasn't expected to be gluten free was misleading. I wouldn't have known I needed to ask for the celiac menu after having gotten the gluten free one. He said the gluten free menu was more like no bread and that if you really need gluten free you need to get the celiac menu. That it was smaller. Which based on the few items on the gluten free one I don't think I would be too excited about so will not go back.

Thanks for the info! We haven't got it in our area of the country yet since I was at the grocery store yesterday and did not see it. I did buy some chocolate pudding so hopefully I did not just miss it.

I've now given my husband the heads up so we will keep an eye out for it. Thanks for posting!

Michelle

My top 3 suggestions are a bit different than everyone else's:

1) Go through your cabinets and refrigerator and throw out or give away all the gluten containing food.

2) Go to the health food grocery store and buy all the replacements you want. The Vitamin Cottage near me has a list of all the gluten free food they carry so I don't have to spend all day squinting at the labels. It was very handy. See if your grocery store has something similar. If not buy a gluten free product guide. Don't sweat it when something isn't that good. You have to try alot of brands to find the ones you like. I ended up giving my husband alot of gluten free food to finish off if I didn't like something. At this point I've found very good to excellent replacements for everything I can think of. It's the same as finding your favorite gluten containing brand of something, you may not hit it on the first try but eventually will if you keep trying.

3) Decide that going gluten free isn't that hard. Your mental attitude will influence your reaction to things. My Dr. asked if eating gluten free was hard and was really surprised when I said no. But really it's not. There are plenty of product choices and if you don't have them nearby you can order them on-line. Also lots of restaurants make gluten free food.

My biggest problem has been accidental cross contamination. I didn't know about replacing my toaster until I poisoned myself. I quickly learned to never ever eat anything prepared in someone else's kitchen. Fruit cut up on the wrong cutting board is what caught me. Order a gluten free restaurant guide and read the introduction that tells you how to order. It is harder than it looks and nothing is safe until you explore the cooking method. It took me a while to get this right and after I did my accidental poisonings went down.

Best,

Michelle

This is what worked for me. My Dr. had tried a number of things which didn't seem to have results but then gave me these two items which took away my chest/stomach pain.

I now take VSL #3. The description says "The living shield, A medical food for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. 225 billion live lactic acid bacteria per serving. "

I also take Metagenics Glutagentics which says "Powerful Gastrointestinal Lining Support". It contains L-Glutamine, Deglycrrhizinized Licorice Root, Aloe Leaf Extract.

I haven't had luck with multivitamins but I've stopped experimenting so there is probably something that works for me I just don't know it.

I was not diagnosed with either irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis but My Dr. wanted to get the good bacteria back in balance in my system. I wasn't sure if you were asking for thing that worked or just for multivitamin suggestions so thought I'd throw my $.02 in.

Best,

Michelle

Thanks Donna,

Were platinum on Princess but haven't cruised gluten free yet.

Best,

Michelle

Donna,

What cruise lines have you had good luck on?

Thanks,

Michelle

I worked on cruise ship for a number of years pre-celiac BUT I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT you can talk to the head chef or food and beverage manager. When you board go to the front desk and tell them your Celiac and food and blah blah blah and I'd really like to talk to the Head Chef or the Food and Beverage Manager. Whenever you sit down to eat you SHOULD have the same server in the main dining room, tell them when you first meet them that you are Celiac blah blah blah and throw them a nice tip. You tip first, they will really pay attention to you (IE I always tipped first and got the best sheets, room service when it wasn't open, stuff like that) and really get their name and ask about them as a person. Ship people are often lonely and just want someone to talk to...trust me.

And just cause it's a 3 day or 19 day cruise doesn't mean crap, whatever the cruise is they are there in that moment, not thinking about the next cruise or the last cruise. It's odd but you totally focus on the now out to sea, cause you loose the outside world.

I know this all sounds stupid and superficial but trust me trust me trust me, I learned and I PROMISE you that will work....but make sure you talk to the head chef too! Have a GREAT trip and don't forget your sea bands!

We have booked a RC cruise and it is coming up fast. Who should I tip in advance and what amounts are appropriate? We've always left the auto tips at the end. This is my first gluten free cruise and I would love for it to go well so I can keep on cruising.

Best,

Michelle

Thanks for posting! Its good to hear of a successful experience. I'm considering them but had heard you couldn't get gluten free food due to the language barrier.

Rajawali could you post also when you get back with both good and bad experiences so we can see if this was an exception? I also want to do a Moscow - St. Petersburg.

Thanks,

Michelle

Do you think they are doing it at the Littleton location too? I called and the manager said "yeah, we have gluten free stuff" but didn't know about Debys, so I think maybe they are ONLY doing it at the Denver location???

Tiffany, yes the Littleton location was the one that I went to. Hope you have a great meal!

Cheers!

Michelle

Glad you think it would be useful. I hope your enjoying Colorado.

Best,

Michelle

Anyone know if this is widespread? I'd love to go there.

The manager said they were doing a trial for the national chain. As a result I suspect it isn't in the other locations yet. But that is also why I thought it would be good to spread the word. If they get a number of gluten-free customers they will see more value in expanding it to the other locations.

Best,

Michelle

I must admit I'm probably going back this weekend. The base for the meat and veggies was the oil instead of broth which was a bit heavy for me. I ended up just eating some of the veggies raw. As a result I think I'll order the cheese fondue, salad and then skip right to the desert. :-)

Cheers!

Michelle

I live in Westminster CO. I can't say there are lots of good restaurants. The ones that I've found safe are:

Colorado Hacienda at 36th (the highway going to Boulder) and 104th. It is on the SW corner of the interchange. Ask for the gluten free menu. I must admit the food here is not great but it has been safe for me. I tend to get the nachos with black beans and cheese. They have great salsa and chips.

Beau-Jo's Pizza (not the salsa and chips appetizer even though it is on the gluten free menu) but the gluten free pizzas are fine at 7805 Wadsworth Blvd.

Arvada, CO 80003

PH: 303-420-8376

They are a little bit of a drive but worth it.

Indian restaurants tend to be pretty good. I like Jewel of India on 104th and Federal. There is another on on South Boulder in Louisville. Taj Mahal (303) 926-0999 1075 W South Boulder Rd Louisville, CO 80027.

Kabob Station near 120th and Huron. 12041 Pecos St. Westminster, CO 80234 serves a safe meal. I'm not wild about over charred meat but it is tasty. The place is usually busy for lunch which is when I've gone. The same meals at dinner look over priced. I tend to only go here because it is safe. The dining experience isn't that great. In thinking back it is hard to say why. I went there once prior to being diagnosed and then didn't go back for 4 years. After being diagnosed I went another time and then went back 2 more just because it was safe. Normally I love Mediterranean food but somehow I don't much care for this restaurant. Perhaps it is the over charred meat and the sometimes not so friendly staff combined with the cheap ambiance. They spread the hummus so thin on a plate that I don't think it is even a millimeter thick which I think is cheap. The up side is every time I've been there the meal has been safe.

You will want to look up Deby's in south Denver to stock up on supplies as well as being a relaxing place to get a safe meal. You can order anything without the inquisition or explaining that normally go with a dining out experience. Open Original Shared Link

Ted's Montana grill has been good for gluten free. They are on 120th between Federal and Sheridan in the Braeburn development. They have a gluten free menu they can show you. Its more of a print out from a computer of the safe ingredients but it indicates the potato products (like fries and sweet potatoes etc) that you can have. I also have had good luck with the manager making the burger in a separate pan. I find when I can eat the potatoes I don't miss the bun. Open Original Shared Link

Here is the gluten free page:

Open Original Shared Link

This doesn't do it justice since the burger topping selection is wonderful and very varied. I highly recommend the bison burger.

Getting a place (house or rental) near a Vitamin Cottage will make you very happy as they have inexpensive health food and lots of gluten free products. They have a hand out with all the brand names and types by category which is really helpful and saves lots of time peering at the labels. At the risk of never getting my favorite item again due to everyone buying it before I get there they have the most wonderful frosted carrot cake from a gluten free bakery. I haven't found anyone else that carries it. The fruit pies from the same bakery are good to but very pricey. Don't let the name fool you. It is not a vitamin store it is a full grocery with veggies, frozen, staples, pet food etc. Open Original Shared Link The closest locations to Westminster are the Lafayette and Arvada locations.

I have had good luck with breakfast at the Village Inn on I-25 and Hwy 7. But that is in the North Westminster/Broomfield area. I successfully eat both the eggs and potatoes after explaining the restrictions.

I recently posted about a fabulous experience at the Melting Pot in south Denver in the restaurants section. If you get here and want to try that I highly recommend it. There is one in Louisville also but I don't know if they are doing the gluten free products trial.

Good luck and welcome to Colorado.

Michelle

This evening I went to the Melting Pot Fondue restaurant in Littleton CO expecting a good meal but having to forgo the bread with the cheese fondue and the brownies and cakes with the deserts. Boy was I wrong. My server informed me they had Deby's gluten free bread with the cheese fondue (they use a gluten free flower and milk for the base) which was very good. I also ordered the mandarin orange and almond salad minus the wontons. They offered me several choices of gluten free dressing. We had a nice veggie and meat meal (make sure to ask which sauces for dipping are safe) and then came the desert. I ordered the chocolate fondue with marshmallow mixed in and asked them to hold the cheesecake, brownies, graham crackers etc. I expect to get the bananas, strawberries, pineapple and marshmallows. Imagine my surprise when the plate came out also including brownies and sponge cake that my server informed me were Deby's gluten free products. At the end of the meal the manager came out to ask how I had enjoyed the products and let me know they were doing a trial for the nationwide chain. He indicated they knew how to keep cross contamination at bay by using fresh gloves, separate bowls etc. So if you live in the Denver metro area I recommend you go to the Littleton location and enjoy the meal while supporting the trial so hopefully they will go nationwide!

The Melting Pot

Littleton

2707 W. Main Street 80210

Phone: (303) 794-5666 [Fax]: (303) 794-0429

Best,

Michelle

Grant,

Thanks for posting. That is walking distance from my work so I'm going to give it a try.

Best,

Michelle

I stayed at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas and ate every meal there for 3 days. No reaction (phew!). It was my first trip after being diagnosed and I had such problems ordering in my own home town that I was pretty nervous about the trip. They are co-located with the Mandalay Bay hotel. If you ask for directions in Mandalay Bay they can get you to the restaurant.

I don't have suggestions for right downtown as I don't eat there often and have not had success when I do. But if you have a rental car and would like a good pizza place I recommend:

Open Original Shared Link

Probably the closest one to downtown is:

Denver

2710 S. Colorado Blvd

University Hills Mall

Colorado Blvd. at Yale

Denver, CO 80222

PH: 303-758-1519

I get their pizza about once a week (different location - same chain) off of the gluten free menu. They have a nice variety of sauces to choose from but the rice crust, while good isn't fantastic so I usually order 2 types of cheese so it is well covered. Only once did I have a problem and it was a time I got their salsa and chips (also on the gluten free menu as an appetizer). I've avoided it since and the problem has not repeated itself. The time I had a reaction I had taken some of the pizza home and eaten it at a later time with no bad reaction so I'm pretty sure it was the salsa and chips. You can see their gluten free menu at the end of this PDF file. I'm partial to the Gluten Free Yukon. Yum!

Open Original Shared Link

If you have good pizza where you live and want to get just about anything else I also recommend:

Open Original Shared Link

They have a restaurant (closed Sunday's) that has a 100% gluten free menu and you can order just about anything you can think of. Personally I'm partial to their cupcakes for dessert but you want to call and order that ahead of time since they are not always in stock. You may want to bring an extra suitcase to take some muffins or other goodies home. I find the cookies to be a little too sweet for me but the chocolate chip muffins are great! The location is a little out of the way (sort of a commercial area) but really very close to downtown if you have a rental car. Click on the "Cafe" link on their web site to see their full menu. The only think I wouldn't recommend is the pizza. If you want that go to Beau Jo's. They get their crust from Deby's but something about the way they make it is better to me. Just about everything else I've had has been really good.

A warning to everyone who looks at the Deby's menu you will want to sell your house and move next to this cafe. I know I would like to. :-)

I look forward to any other responses to this query as it will likely give me some place new to try.

Best,

Michelle