Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had dinner tonight at the Olive Garden (Stonestown Mall). I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a gluten free menu - albeit quite limited (two salads and three entrees). The manager assured me everything would be gluten free, but the waitress was completely clueless (sweet, but truly clueless), to the point that when she brought my gluten free salad she said, "They didn't put croutons on so I brought some on the side for you." But at least they were on the side... But my question is, am I naive to believe that just because there's a gluten free menu that the food is truly gluten free? When I mentioned to the manager my concerns about cross-contamination he seemed to understand about the issue, but I didn't ask to inspect the kitchen to see their practices; and the waitress's ignorance made it quite clear that it is likely no one (aside from the manager) has been trained in handling gluten free food, perhaps not even the cooks. So, what is the best way to proceed in a restaurant? (especially when it's spur of the moment, so you haven't had time to contact them in advance.) Thanks, Tristan**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 I appreciate the responses. Do any of you provide a written write up about celiac/gluten to the restaurant? Do you know if there has ever been a concerted effort (by individuals or an organization) to provide restaurants with information about celiac disease/the need for gluten free menu items? With the astronomical number of people who have this disease, it seems that at some point, restaurants will really need to get on the bandwagon; as so many food companies already have. The biggest challenge for any restaurant is, I'd imagine, cross contamination. But it's obviously a challenge that can be overcome with a certain amount of rejiggering procedures and the creation of a set plan to follow. Do people find the chain restaurants are really more amenable to providing gluten free meals? I would have thought (I would have hoped!) that the finer restaurants were more able to provide almost anything from their menu gluten free, since much of what they cook is freshly prepared (provided they have a heads up, I suppose). Well, it seems like of all the times in history to get this disease, now's not so bad... (That's me feeling optimistic. Check in with me next week when I find out my children's status...) T**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 I'm sorry to say that my experience has been that the more expensive restaurants are easier places to eat GF. Much of what chains serve is pre-prepared. The server, even the chef, has little control over the content. The other places I find amenable are little mom-and-pop places, diners and similar, that cook very simple dishes, from scratch. H. In a message dated 3/27/08 6:13:46 PM, TrVerb@... writes: Do people find the chain restaurants are really more amenable to providing gluten free meals? I would have thought (I would have hoped!) that the finer restaurants were more able to provide almost anything from their menu gluten free, since much of what they cook is freshly prepared (provided they have a heads up, I suppose). **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 So, you're not sorry you went? You aren't peeved at receiving that family gift? Thought not! H. In a message dated 3/27/08 7:05:22 PM, kimberlymp1@... writes: I was just thinking the same thing about high end restaurants. Speaking of, we got up to Danko...... OHHHHHH my. It was an incredible experience!! They were so knowledgeable about gf and the food was amazing. **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 We immediately ask to speak to the Manager or whoever is in charge. If that person doesn't know what you're talking about, then ask to speak to the Chef in charge that evening. Many chefs know about gluten, and many don't. Plan B is almost always salad. If you're too nervous about eating, you might kindly suggest an alternative, like the nearest japanese restaurant (if you like sushi). My 17 yr old celiac daughter always brings something to eat wherever she goes. Good luck. -- Batavia 1102 Warfield Avenue Piedmont, CA 94610 510-465-2555 home 510-418-7696 cell Call if it's urgent. I don't check my email everyday. Thanks! -------------- Original message -------------- From: TrVerb@... Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had dinner tonight at the Olive Garden (Stonestown Mall). I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a gluten free menu - albeit quite limited (two salads and three entrees). The manager assured me everything would be gluten free, but the waitress was completely clueless (sweet, but truly clueless), to the point that when she brought my gluten free salad she said, "They didn't put croutons on so I brought some on the side for you." But at least they were on the side... But my question is, am I naive to believe that just because there's a gluten free menu that the food is truly gluten free? When I mentioned to the manager my concerns about cross-contamination he seemed to understand about the issue, but I didn't ask to inspect the kitchen to see their practices; and the waitress's ignorance made it quite clear that it is likely no one (aside from the manager) has been trained in handling gluten free food, perhaps not even the cooks.So, what is the best way to proceed in a restaurant? (especially when it's spur of the moment, so you haven't had time to contact them in advance.)Thanks,Tristan**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Agreed, and I agree with how nerve-wracking it can be. Yesterday I called & Doug's (toy manufacturer) to find out if their finger paint is gluten free. The customer service person didn't know, but then got back to me: " It doesn't have any flour in it, just starch. " (Starch, of course, may be made from wheat--but she didn't know that.) Finally I reached someone who had accurate information (yes, and Doug fingerpaint is gluten free). Another thought--there is a branch of California Soup Kitchen in the mall now, thank goodness, with gluten free soups marked right on the menu. Hallelujah! (Ask for blue corn chips instead of the bread that comes with the soup.) -----Original Message----- From: on behalf of melbatavia@... Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 4:58 PM Subject: Re: [ ] dining out question We immediately ask to speak to the Manager or whoever is in charge. If that person doesn't know what you're talking about, then ask to speak to the Chef in charge that evening. Many chefs know about gluten, and many don't. Plan B is almost always salad. If you're too nervous about eating, you might kindly suggest an alternative, like the nearest japanese restaurant (if you like sushi). My 17 yr old celiac daughter always brings something to eat wherever she goes. Good luck. -- Batavia 1102 Warfield Avenue Piedmont, CA 94610 510-465-2555 home 510-418-7696 cell Call if it's urgent. I don't check my email everyday. Thanks! -------------- Original message -------------- From: TrVerb@... Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had dinner tonight at the Olive Garden (Stonestown Mall). I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a gluten free menu - albeit quite limited (two salads and three entrees). The manager assured me everything would be gluten free, but the waitress was completely clueless (sweet, but truly clueless), to the point that when she brought my gluten free salad she said, " They didn't put croutons on so I brought some on the side for you. " But at least they were on the side... But my question is, am I naive to believe that just because there's a gluten free menu that the food is truly gluten free? When I mentioned to the manager my concerns about cross-contamination he seemed to understand about the issue, but I didn't ask to inspect the kitchen to see their practices; and the waitress's ignorance made it quite clear that it is likely no one (aside from the manager) has been trained in handling gluten free food, perhaps not even the cooks. So, what is the best way to proceed in a restaurant? (especially when it's spur of the moment, so you haven't had time to contact them in advance.) Thanks, Tristan ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030\ 000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Which mall? Thanks, -----Original Message----- From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Palmer, Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 5:02 PM Subject: RE: [ ] dining out question Agreed, and I agree with how nerve-wracking it can be. Yesterday I called & Doug's (toy manufacturer) to find out if their finger paint is gluten free. The customer service person didn't know, but then got back to me: " It doesn't have any flour in it, just starch. " (Starch, of course, may be made from wheat--but she didn't know that.) Finally I reached someone who had accurate information (yes, and Doug fingerpaint is gluten free). Another thought--there is a branch of California Soup Kitchen in the mall now, thank goodness, with gluten free soups marked right on the menu. Hallelujah! (Ask for blue corn chips instead of the bread that comes with the soup.) -----Original Message----- From: on behalf of melbatavia@... Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 4:58 PM Subject: Re: [ ] dining out question We immediately ask to speak to the Manager or whoever is in charge. If that person doesn't know what you're talking about, then ask to speak to the Chef in charge that evening. Many chefs know about gluten, and many don't. Plan B is almost always salad. If you're too nervous about eating, you might kindly suggest an alternative, like the nearest japanese restaurant (if you like sushi). My 17 yr old celiac daughter always brings something to eat wherever she goes. Good luck. -- Batavia 1102 Warfield Avenue Piedmont, CA 94610 510-465-2555 home 510-418-7696 cell Call if it's urgent. I don't check my email everyday. Thanks! -------------- Original message -------------- From: TrVerb@... Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had dinner tonight at the Olive Garden (Stonestown Mall). I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a gluten free menu - albeit quite limited (two salads and three entrees). The manager assured me everything would be gluten free, but the waitress was completely clueless (sweet, but truly clueless), to the point that when she brought my gluten free salad she said, " They didn't put croutons on so I brought some on the side for you. " But at least they were on the side... But my question is, am I naive to believe that just because there's a gluten free menu that the food is truly gluten free? When I mentioned to the manager my concerns about cross-contamination he seemed to understand about the issue, but I didn't ask to inspect the kitchen to see their practices; and the waitress's ignorance made it quite clear that it is likely no one (aside from the manager) has been trained in handling gluten free food, perhaps not even the cooks. So, what is the best way to proceed in a restaurant? (especially when it's spur of the moment, so you haven't had time to contact them in advance.) Thanks, Tristan ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom0 0030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Stonestown. -----Original Message----- From: on behalf of D Darcy Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 5:21 PM Subject: RE: [ ] dining out question Which mall? Thanks, -----Original Message----- From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Palmer, Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 5:02 PM Subject: RE: [ ] dining out question Agreed, and I agree with how nerve-wracking it can be. Yesterday I called & Doug's (toy manufacturer) to find out if their finger paint is gluten free. The customer service person didn't know, but then got back to me: " It doesn't have any flour in it, just starch. " (Starch, of course, may be made from wheat--but she didn't know that.) Finally I reached someone who had accurate information (yes, and Doug fingerpaint is gluten free). Another thought--there is a branch of California Soup Kitchen in the mall now, thank goodness, with gluten free soups marked right on the menu. Hallelujah! (Ask for blue corn chips instead of the bread that comes with the soup.) -----Original Message----- From: on behalf of melbatavia@... Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 4:58 PM Subject: Re: [ ] dining out question We immediately ask to speak to the Manager or whoever is in charge. If that person doesn't know what you're talking about, then ask to speak to the Chef in charge that evening. Many chefs know about gluten, and many don't. Plan B is almost always salad. If you're too nervous about eating, you might kindly suggest an alternative, like the nearest japanese restaurant (if you like sushi). My 17 yr old celiac daughter always brings something to eat wherever she goes. Good luck. -- Batavia 1102 Warfield Avenue Piedmont, CA 94610 510-465-2555 home 510-418-7696 cell Call if it's urgent. I don't check my email everyday. Thanks! -------------- Original message -------------- From: TrVerb@... Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had dinner tonight at the Olive Garden (Stonestown Mall). I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a gluten free menu - albeit quite limited (two salads and three entrees). The manager assured me everything would be gluten free, but the waitress was completely clueless (sweet, but truly clueless), to the point that when she brought my gluten free salad she said, " They didn't put croutons on so I brought some on the side for you. " But at least they were on the side... But my question is, am I naive to believe that just because there's a gluten free menu that the food is truly gluten free? When I mentioned to the manager my concerns about cross-contamination he seemed to understand about the issue, but I didn't ask to inspect the kitchen to see their practices; and the waitress's ignorance made it quite clear that it is likely no one (aside from the manager) has been trained in handling gluten free food, perhaps not even the cooks. So, what is the best way to proceed in a restaurant? (especially when it's spur of the moment, so you haven't had time to contact them in advance.) Thanks, Tristan ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom0 0030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I was just thinking the same thing abouthigh end restaurants. Speaking of, we gotup to Danko...... OHHHHHH my. Itwas an incredible experience!! They wereso knowledgeable about gf and the foodwas amazing. On Mar 27, 2008, at 6:40 PM, flatcat9@... wrote: I'm sorry to say that my experience has been that the more expensive restaurants are easier places to eat GF. Much of what chains serve is pre-prepared. The server, even the chef, has little control over the content. The other places I find amenable are little mom-and-pop places, diners and similar, that cook very simple dishes, from scratch. H. In a message dated 3/27/08 6:13:46 PM, TrVerb@... writes: Do people find the chain restaurants are really more amenable to providing gluten free meals? I would have thought (I would have hoped!) that the finer restaurants were more able to provide almost anything from their menu gluten free, since much of what they cook is freshly prepared (provided they have a heads up, I suppose). **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 ::sticking out my tongue at you::Well it's not MY fault they don't maketheir website attractive to celiacs LOL On Mar 27, 2008, at 7:16 PM, flatcat9@... wrote: So, you're not sorry you went? You aren't peeved at receiving that family gift? Thought not! H. In a message dated 3/27/08 7:05:22 PM, kimberlymp1gmail writes: I was just thinking the same thing about high end restaurants. Speaking of, we got up to Danko...... OHHHHHH my. It was an incredible experience!! They were so knowledgeable about gf and the food was amazing. **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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