Applebee's -Restaurant Series-

I finally made it to Applebee's.  Not only did we have a very pleasant waitress, the entire restaurant was very accommodating to my needs.  We wanted the chips and they were out of the safe ones.  Instead they made us a fruit plate and made sure that it stayed clean.  I was so happy that they were able to make something for me for an appetizer.  I managed to get a copy of the gluten free menu and they have some impressive options that are not available on some other menus.  As with any and all restaurants that are not completely gluten free you have to let the manager know that you have an allergy.  The manager in fact was thankful that I let her know.  People will not tell them and then get sick since the food is made in the normal area.  Some people don't even ask for a gluten free menu, they come in knowing what they want.  How is the kitchen staff supposed to know to take care with the food if they do not know that there is an issue?  They normally find out when they get a complaint to corporate that someone got sick off of a gluten free item.  

Restaurant Series #2 Jason's Deli

Jason's Deli was one of the first places I went to when I became gluten free.  I remembered that they had a gluten free menu and I was right, they had a great one with so many options. However, there is a large issue with this location and it's one they will bring up themselves. 

Restaurant Series #1 GoodieVille

Goodieville is located in Missoula, Montana.  Everything served in the restaurant is gluten free.  They do not use anything with gluten in it.  This restaurant is completely safe for those with Celiac.  While Gluten free restaurants are a new thing, this doesn't mean they are not starting to pop up.  Goodieville is the first completely gluten free restaurant that I have been to.  I was so excited to go and have lunch at this location.

Restaurant Series (introduction)

Thanks to a fantastic friend, I now have an idea for a new series. I am going to be going to restaurants both local (Montana, and Virginia) as well as chains, and post the gluten free menu/lack there of, what I think, and what type of food I recommend.

I have done a lot of personal research on what the best places to eat are, and where I would not recommend someone with gluten issues should eat.

Over the next series of posts, I will be sharing that knowledge as well as looking for new places to check out.  This series will include casual sit down restaurants as well as fast food joints.

Tips on how to eat out safely!

This Image is Public Domain.

Check to see if they have a gluten free menu! At most places you can do this online.
When you sit down ask for the allergy menu and specify that it is an allergy.
If you still feel unsure that they will get your Order right ask to speak to the manager before you order.
When you order your meal make sure you specify that it is an allergy and have them write it down.

Gluten issues and restaurant or party etiquette

As the holidays approach and many of us are invited to go out to eat or to join others in the festivities, one starts to wonder, what are the socially acceptable behaviors during these events if you have Celiac, gluten sensitivity, or gluten intolerant.

If you are invited to a regular party (not a dinner or lunch party) ask the host what type of food will be served during the party.  If you find that there is nothing you can eat, ask if you can bring your own food.  Most people will have no issue with this, or they will offer to get you something that you can eat.  If the host refuses to let you bring something for yourself it is perfectly all right to go and only stay for a short time. 

At a dinner or lunch party, make sure the host is aware of your issues.  If the host/ess, is aware and not able or unwilling to accommodate your needs, ask if you can bring yourself something to eat.  If the host says no, then you should probably decline the invitation.  There is no point in going to a meal where you will be unable to eat.  I have had experienced this before and it leaves one feeling left out at the least.  Having attended parties like this, where I could not eat anything, I end up feeling rather angry, depressed, and sorry for myself at the same time.  This is not how one should feel when leaving a party of any type. 

Work or business parties: This one is tricky, since there will most likely be nothing you can eat, and you really can't talk to the host about your needs.  In this case, try sticking to salad or something small and then go out to eat afterwards.  That is what I will be doing tonight.  I know I will be unable to eat the food and yet for my husband I will be going anyways.   I am going to snack before the party and then my husband is going to take me to a gluten free place of my choice afterwards. 

Restaurants that have two stars or below:  Before you go to a restaurant, the first thing you should probably do is look online for their gluten free options, if any.  There should be something on the menu that is gluten free.  If the restaurant offers an extensive gluten free menu, then you should order off of that.  If the restaurant offers gluten free options, but does not have a gluten free menu, then they should allow you to bring in your own bread or buns (if needed).  For example when going to a place like Red Robin, I don't need to worry about bringing my own buns since they provide one.  When going to Denny's I bring my own bread, and am very careful about what I order.  You will have to assemble your food outside of the kitchen if you bring your own gluten-free bread, because health regulations do not allow outside food in their kitchen.

Restaurants that have two stars and above:  Call ahead to these places, and let them know that you have a gluten allergy.  Since many of these places don't have a set menu, or at least an online menu, you should be able to get gluten free recommendations over the phone.  If you can get the menu online do so first.  Also, a lot of these places don't allow you to bring in your own food.  However, I don't think you will need to bring in your own food. 

For those that have extreme Celiac, it is best in all cases to bring your own food, and to only eat at places with a gluten free menu and a separate gluten free kitchen.  Know where you are going to eat first, or decline the offers if you cannot bring your own food.  This may seem rude, but your health comes first and no one likes to be sick after a party.