Gluten Free Dining

BW3s

2010-07-13T13:40:00.003-06:00

So apparently Buffalo Wild Wings has been getting a ton of hits on my blog, which is great. But what I want to know is what other restaurants are people dying to know more about on a GF diet. What other places are people curious about because they use to eat there before or have heard amazing things about from other friends? Email me and let me know what you think and I'll do the research and post it!

menu listings

2010-06-10T00:50:00.001-06:00

Menu listings have been updated! Please check them out here!

move!

2010-05-20T00:47:00.002-06:00

Most of the move to the new format is in place, but a few things will still be moved, while others, especially posting with comments will stay put! Please email me jaylynn82@gmail.com with any comments, ideas or suggestions!

Kinks

2010-04-28T15:38:00.002-06:00

Still trying to work out a few kinks with the blog, so please continue to bear with me! Please look for posts again coming in May!

New Layout

2010-03-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

I've updated some menus and postings on restaurants as well as I'm working on a new layout to make navigating through the recipes, grocery finds and dining out easier to on the eyes and way easier to access. Please bare with me! ~Janet!

Delivery Pizza Again!!!

2009-11-28T22:56:00.002-07:00

So, after having pizza withdrawls.... sticking to my anti-garlic jim's... I was told by a couple people that a local favorite is now offering gluten-free crusts! Alfy's! you go! I finally decided to stop by on my way home from work one night, pick up one to go and fell in love with it right away. It's a combo sit and eat, delivery and take-n-bake pizza deal! What a great idea... they combine it all and it works for them quite well. It's only an individual pizza, but in the end, that's all I really need. So after my first experience with they actually tasty pizza, I called to order for myself and my fellow gluten-free coworker today for work. The store was having food catered since well, it's the crazy-busy shopping weekend. I called before they were even open and placed the order so it would be delivered pretty much right after they opened and low and behold.... we got half priced pizzas!!! This is a deal they offer everyday from 11-2 and they honor it on ALL pizzas!!! Go Alfy's! I just can't say how happy it made me today and how much it literally just brought a highlight to my long long week and weekend! Those of you in the Seattle area, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM!!!!

New job and a new 'friend'

2009-10-15T19:12:00.003-06:00

Who would have ever thought that I would actually work with someone that is also gluten-free! I'm super excited about this. She's been gluten-free for 20+ years and most of her family is also gluten-free and have been for years! I'm excited and look forward to swapping information and learning how to have a gluten-free kitchen that is efficient and doable for not only a tight budget but also a busy life style. When I told her I was also allergic, she was shocked. I'm assuming it's because of my weight.... which doesn't surprise me and is also one reason why I'm always undergoing more testing to see what other allergies I've developed. Although, if there's anything I've learned, is that a gluten-free person doesn't fit into any stereotype. We all have come to this lifestyle for different reasons and might have other allergies associated with us and other health problems. Granted, I'm not extremely overweight, but I'm also not skinny like a model. (But the issue that I haven't been able to lose more weight has raised concerns that there's more to my gluten allergy then originally thought.) Anyway... I love my new job working with my favorite arts and crafts and look forward to learning from a veteran gluten-free person!

Birthday!!!!

2009-09-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

So... with the Betty Crocker mixes, my roommate made me a birthday cake... frosting... candles, the whole deal. I haven't had a birthday cake since I've been gluten-free. I haven't found a recipe I like, a mix that holds well, or anything to satisfy the craving for a birthday cake, but this did it! Chocolaty goodness and my oh my, was the wait worth it. I'm super impressed with the way the Betty Crocker mixes provide everything I've been looking for in a sweet-tooth gluten-free fix. Now, I've tried every one of their four mixes and can 100% say that everyone should try them. BTW, the regular coupons you'll find for Betty Crocker products work on the gluten-free mixes as well! Enjoy!

enjoy life foods - gluten free, soy free, dairy free, nut free, casein free : cookies : snickerdoodle cookies

2009-08-13T12:14:00.002-06:00

While I have bene recently diagnosed as with more food allergies, it has been extremely hard to find foods that are entirely safe for me. Before I knew that I was also highly allergic to almonds with smaller allergies and sensitivities to soy, crab and lobster, I had bought enjoy life foods and fell in love with their snickerdoodles. Now, their brand has become a bit of a most in the house. Every now and then I also am sensitive to milk so not only are gluten free, but soy, nut and dairy, making them the perfect food for me to eat.
enjoy life foods - gluten free, soy free, dairy free, nut free, casein free : cookies : snickerdoodle cookies

Shared via AddThis

I would recommend Enjoy Life brands to pretty much anyone. Their website unfortunately doesn't life all their products they work with. For example, I also love a brand called Perky O's (http://www.perkysnaturalfoods.com) which is now part of the Enjoy Foods Family....

I hope you all find food that you can love and ENJOY!

Betty Crocker's GF Cookies! Oh My!

2009-08-11T19:53:00.009-06:00

While I was still trying to locate a grocery store with my move that I can use as my go-to GF store, I discovered the Betty Crocker products at Central Market, which, is currently my go-to GF store. I was so excited, happy, and thrilled, that I called my mom right away to tell her of this discovery. I then, didn't buy them, because I wasn't sure when I'd use them. I should have just bought them AND ended up buying them anyway, BUT at QFC. So not only are they at a specialty natural foods store, but also in the mass market! I was even more excited! I only grabbed the cookies and the brownies and have made the cookies! They are beyond delicious and my roommate love them as well. While they admit that the texture is different, the taste is great and just like a 'normal' cookie! Unbelievable and yummy beyond! To top is off, I used a regular Betty Crocker coupon and got them discounted. Yeah for not only a great mix, for a big company to make GF products but also yeah for saving money on some GF products!!!! I love it!

Anti Garlic Jims!

2009-07-31T15:20:00.002-06:00

So, while I love Garlic Jim's, I called to place an order, using an coupon that DIDN'T exclude gluten-free pizza's. When I emailed to complain about the order and inquire about the issue of trying to use a deal they called us about and explained upon how unfair it was due to the fact that being gluten-free isnt' an option and they were takign advantage of people... well lets just say I didn't hear back from them and haven't heard back from them since... here's my email: (it was in the heat of the moment for sure lol and yes, we've been having 100 degree days!)

Recently, we called to order pizza after receiving a phone call talking about a VIP special, buy one pizza, get the second one free. We called back to order one regular pizza and one gluten free pizza only to be told that the deal didn't apply to gluten free pizzas. Not only did the original message not mention the exclusion, but we didn't understand why charging for the gluten free pizza and getting a regular pizza for free was a big deal, because in the end, you are still making more money because of your overpricing for gluten free pizzas in general. Eating gluten free isn't an option for most people and taking advantage of their dietary needs is inexcusable. I was excited in moving to Washington to get gluten free pizza and now refuse to be a Garlic Jim's customer for the lack of consideration of the gluten free community and discriminatory actions of excluding gluten free options from your regular pizza deals. I'd rather heat up my oven in this heat, make my own pizza then be treated with such disrespect as I was on the phone with your staff. Thank you for your time.

Road Trip

2009-07-10T23:50:00.004-06:00

So I'm in the process of moving to Seattle and have been worried about finding enough places to eat on the road and have been throughly impressed with the places that are everyday haunts for many, that have been extremely accommodating. We stopped at a Subway in Wyoming, somewhere between Cheyenne and Casper and when I asked them to change their gloves, they just did and treated my salad with great care trying to avoid cross-contamination and I was overly impressed by this, especially since we happened in there during a busy time of day- the great lunch time. After we hit the road again, I grabbed snacks that I had packed as I was concerned about finding food I could eat at the gas stations and what not. We stayed the night in Montana and ate at a Famous Dave's. When I asked for a gluten-free menu, they had a list typed up and the manager also came by and went over it to ensure I knew what I could and couldn't eat. With a glass of wine in hand and food in my belly, our first day on the road turned out to be a great learning experience and I was happy to come across very understanding people on the road who not only knew what gluten was but also took great care in helping make sure there was somethign I could eat!

Last Night in Vegas!

2009-04-26T23:55:00.002-06:00

I've had an unbelievable time in Vegas and am so utterly thrilled that eating here wasn't a huge issues. for our last dinner, we ate at Le Burger Brasserie and they were all very helpful in creating and figuring out something I could eat, from our server to management they were very nice and accomodating making sure that not only I had enough to eat but also I could actually eat there. Keeping in mind that we had a party of 8, it can add to the difficulty of ordering gluten free foods. Sadly though, our service pretty much sucked, to the point where we left a little comment card. Having my background in food service that I do, plus Jen's background as a manager and Diane' 's chef background, we all know and understand bad shifts, rough times, etc, but really, she was just bad and having a difficult time handling a party of 8. Regardless of that, the burgers were HUGE! The fries were delicious!!! (You can mix and match what kind of fries you want and they are ordered a la carte.) I would highly recommend them for a delicious meal on the strip that is gluten free friendly.

P.S. Just walking through the Paris is a treat in itself. The Venetian to the Paris, the designs and structure of it all it beautiful. Sadly, the smells of the foods coming from the bakeries is gut wrenching when hungry and can make temptations all to easy, so I do recommend eating before strutting through them- especially Paris, as they have real French cafe' s with French bread and pizza and yeah, it's bad, and no, I asked, they don't have gluten free.

Full Day of VEGAS!!!!

2009-04-24T10:26:00.000-06:00

So Vegas has been amazing! With the kitchens in the room, we had breakfast in our rooms, eggs, toast, come pancakes for some, juice, cinnamon rolls and enough gluten free food to boot! I loved it. A friend that came with us is a breakfast chef for a winery bed and breakfast in California so she's very familiar with not only the kitchen, but once she found out about my diet restrictions, she was excited to try new foods on me. She even packed some gluten free food for me in her suitcase!!! With last night's dinner being at a restaurant I have back home, it was easy for me to work with... Buffalo Wild Wings though is a favorite place of mine anyway so I didn't even need to ask, I just told that I have an allergy!

I'm very curious to see how the rest of the day goes with food and my only huge concern for the whole weekend is the breakfast buffets on Sunday- cross-contamination is such a huge thing and not easily controlled in a buffet! As we go out on the strip today, here's to hoping there's food I can eat!

In VEGAS!!!!!

2009-04-23T23:15:00.002-06:00

So we are in Vegas and just picked everyone up from the airport. Since we are saying a little ways away from the airport and more in local territory, I'm not too worried about finding food to eat. We drove past a Chili's, Buffalo Wild Wings and a couple other places to get to our resort. Our rooms at the resort (The Grandview) have full kitchens (which I knew ahead of time) so it will be really easy for me to have food in the room if I'm too worried about it. Also, I brought snacks to eat and we drove past a Whole Foods as well, so I can get what I need. YEAH!!! Vegas better be ready for us!

Vegas Baby!

2009-04-22T12:50:00.001-06:00

So I'm getting ready to leave for Vegas and have packed some food to bring along with me. Especially breakfast food like cereals. We had talked about going to see the Tournement of the Kings at Excalibur so I emailed them ahead of time and they said that they could accomodate it and would just need my section, isle and seat number. However, here is the menu that they can prepare for me:

Garden Salad with vinaigrette instead of the cream of tomato soup (the soup contains a thickening agent)
Plain Roasted Cornish Game Hen
Baked Potato with butter and sour cream on the side
Broccoli with cheese, but if you prefer, you may have plain steamed broccoli
Fresh sliced fruit for dessert instead of the apple square.

So we'll see what we end up doing!

Zio's

2009-04-04T12:24:00.004-06:00

So tonight we are trying out Zio's and in looking at their menu online and much to my surprise they have a pretty extensive selection to fit the gluten free diet. check out the menu. Also, they have an amazing wine selection here so I'm stoaked about that. Elton John concert should be interesting in the selection of foods and drinks that I'll be able to choose from- cause we all know that conscession stands aren't very gluten free friendly. Here's to hoping!

*sing Benny and Jets*

Buffalo Wild Wings Email

2009-04-01T12:28:00.009-06:00

Please visit here for moved posting! Thanks!

Old Chicago's Email

2009-04-01T12:18:00.004-06:00

Old Chicago's wrote me back, but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the response, I've very mixed on it as it seems they aren't even attempting to make an strides to even work with gluten-free bakers and makers of pizza crusts.... Oh well, le sigh.

Unlike most of our competitors, we serve pizza and cookies...
both of which we make from scratch... This means that we carry 2 kinds
of flour and our mixer is constantly mixing 3 kinds of pizza dough and
cookies. Those prep areas are not separated from other production areas
and as a result, there is flour in the air and potential
cross-contamination is almost assured.
Also, we do not have training programs in place that teach the
nuances of gluten free requirements and affects.

All that being said... there are menu selections that could be
considered free of gluten ingredients... all of our Ken's dressings, our
Ranch & Bleu Cheese dressings are gluten free (except Dorothy Lynch
Dressing), as are many of our meats... Steaks, Ham, Turkey, Canadian
Bacon, chicken wings, pepperoni, sausage & salami. Vegetables and salad
mixes are also appropriate selections. As an individual who is sensitive
to the details of gluten-free living... Guests can certainly come in and
tailor meals, based on ingredients known to be gluten-free... bun-less
burgers, corn chip nachos, steak, salad, veggies, and dressings (except
Dorothy Lynch Dressing). We are very good at providing special orders
upon request, but at this time it would be inappropriate, given our
homemade pizza position, to encourage Gluten Intolerant folks to make us
a gluten free destination through special menuing.

I hope this helps explain our place in the industry, please contact me
back if you have additional questions or requests... We would love to
provide a special menu but, as long as our kitchens are focused on
homemade pizza dough... flour/gluten cross contamination is certainly
more possible than in establishments without pizza.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us....

my response
Thank you for your response Mike. Have you considered working with local gluten-free bakeries that provide the pizza crust? It would still be homemade and I know of a national chain that does just that. Having worked in food service all of my life I understand the possibilities of cross-contamination, but assigning an oven as gluten-free as a trial run might be something more to look into to give your guests a variety. I enjoy going there, especially since you have cider, gluten-free beer on tap at the locations in my area, but having a better food selection would also be nice. Also, do you know if your chicken wing sauces contain any gluten?

Thanks again!!

Restaurants Gluten-Free Menus

2009-03-20T12:29:00.000-06:00

So, I decided to great a listing of restaurants and their gluten-free menus for easy access! Enojy!

Updated 26 March 09

Beau Jo's Pizza
http://www.beaujos.com/glutenfree.cfm

Chili's
http://www.brinker.com/gr/allergens/Chilis%20Allergen.PDF

Chipotle
http://www.chipotle.com/Chipotle_Allergen_Card.pdf

Garlic Jim's
http://www.garlicjims.com/menu.asp
*Please call your local shop for actual gluten-free items, including sizes of crusts as they vary on location*

Johnny Carino's
http://www.carinos.com/menu/default.aspx
*Click on the Gluten Free link on the left side*

PF Chang's
http://www.pfchangs.com/pdfs/gluten.pdf

Qdoba
http://www.qdoba.com/Allergens.aspx

Red Robin
http://www.redrobin.com/UserFiles/File/Wheat_Gluten%20Allergen%20Menu%20(3-09)(1).pdf

*This menu updates every few months so please check the date that the menu is good until that is listed at the top of the 1st menu page*

Subway
http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/MenuNutrition/Nutrition/pdf/AllergenChart.pdf

Wendy's
http://www.wendys.com/food/pdf/us/gluten_free_list.pdf

Work

2009-02-19T12:48:00.001-07:00

So I work at The Melting Pot and I'm surprised more and more every day with how many people are loving that we offer so many gluten-free options. I'm still working on my owners to get gluten-free bread and batter options (for the oil cooking styles), but corporate wide, all cooking styles are now gluten-free. They are looking into gluten-free teriyaki for the sirloin and the sauce used for dipping. Once I know more, of course I'll keep ya'll posted- especially now that we are done with Vday and I have a little more time!

Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I was really really worried about what I could and could not eat at Thanksgiving, but I give mad mad props to my Grandmother for pulling it off. I wasn't worried that she wouldn't, because she always does, but I was VERY VERY worried that I would have a limited selection of foods. I helped a lot by finding coupons for broth- Progresso Broth IS GLUTEN FREE!!!!! (http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/progresso-broth/Progresso-Broth-Landing-Page.htm) This was the best news ever, partly because that is what my Grandma always used anyway, and secondly, I didn't have to go to a speciality store and hunt it down. Since I stay with her often enough, I had bread in the freezer so she used that to make bread crumbs for stuffing (and no one knew the difference). I provided my own sweet bread options that I just bought from the store (http://www.debysglutenfree.com/). King Soopers keeps stock of Deby's good, it's called 8 free- meaning it's free from the big 8 allergens.

The food was amazing, as usual, and so was of course, spending time with my family. I'm glad it worked out so well and HEY, my family understands a little better what I can and can't eat- which is a huge relief because I was really stressing over it! Til next Thanksgiving!

Mimi's Cafe

2008-10-23T11:31:00.004-06:00

So my parents and I decided to go out to eat for breakfast and haven't been to Mimi's since I was diagnosed. Since I'm always up for trying places out and seeing how they accommodate, I decided that we should go and we did. I got the dear in the headlights look from the server at first and she hasn't very considerate regarding my needs for the placement of the bread and the muffins my parents ordered. Something that bugs me, sometimes it doesn't. In realizing that I'm not going to prevent other people at my table from eating what they want, I still consider it common courtesy not to place the basket of bread directly in front of the person that just told you they can't eat that. I order an omelet, but told they it has to be regular eggs. Apparently they use powered eggs so be sure to request real eggs!!! Of course, my meal comes with a muffin that I can't eat, I didn't think to ask if I could get fruit instead, but will next time. They don't specifically have a gluten-free menu nor does it seem that will any time soon. The meal went better at the time went on and I drank more and more water. That's the biggest lesson from eating out I'd say is to ask as many questions as possible. They are serving you (this coming from a server) and it is their job to provide the best service to you. You are the one that knows what your body can and can't handle so don't hesitate to ask as many questions as possible!!!!

Garlic Jim's

2008-10-01T20:17:00.003-06:00

OMG!!!! Gluten-Free pizza that delivers! What you all say?!?!?! Yes, you heard my right! Garlic Jim's opened up in my town, the first one and I'm sure not the last. I had googled gluten-free pizza a few weeks before I even knew they were building one here and then saw how close it was to me and called the first day of October, thinking they'd be open since it said opening October 2008, and they were!

YEAH!!!!! You should call and see what pizza toppings are gluten-free as the website doesn't say (http://www.garlicjims.com/menu.asp) However, I had the Chicken Bacon Ranch, it is gluten-free, I highly recommend it. I will continue to update this with the pizzas I try. My only issue is that they are on the expensive side for pizza delivery.

Johnny Carino's

2008-09-30T22:51:00.005-06:00

So for my birthday last week, one of my dear friends took me out to dinner, my choice. I had heard that Noodles and Company had a gluten-free selection but couldn't find anything on their website so I decided to go with Johnny Carino's cause I knew they had a gluten-free menu and it was easy to find on the website. When we got there, I ended up seeing a friend of mine that I use to work with so we sat in her section, knowing I would get better service on what I wanted because I knew her and I was right. Liz was fabulous! I was craving spicy and she said that I could get anything I wanted spicy, just to tell her. It took me a bit to decide what I wanted to eat, but once I figured it out and it came, man was I a happy girl!

They pretty much say that any item with pasta can be substituted with sautéed green beans and spinach and potatoes. We got the only appetizer that I could, with the bread on the side, I went with the Chicken

Being a Gluten-Free Student

2008-09-10T14:01:00.000-06:00

I started back to school this fall and am realizing how hard being a gluten-free student can be. While I don't like on campus and don't eat in the campus cafeteria, I can only imagine how hard it has to be to not eat pizza when pizza is available EVERY day in most college campuses. When I was in college before my diagnose and living on campus, eating the dorm food and living the dorm life, I'm pretty sure I lived not only off of carbs, but namely gluten/pasta/bread based carbs. No wonder the Freshmen-15 is so high. Anyway, I was contemplating this as I was driving from one campus to another for classes and thought about the little vending machines and cafe based stores on the campuses and even asked the cashier about gluten-free (who gave me a funny look like what the hell is that). I have become super diligent about reading ALL indregients on packages of food I buy cause not all labels say CONTAINS: WHEAT or what not. I was surprised to learn that I can eat cheetos and cool ranch doritos. Keep in mind, cross-contamanation might accure, but still, not wheat... all corn based. Every interesting. I was also very excited to know that, upon talking to someone else in campus admin, that they have looked at their products and are looking at more items that are accomodating to the dietary needs of their students, like Thai Kitchen! (All gluten-free) This also included sugar-free items and what not. I thought that that was very interesting and exciting, the question is, just how long will this take. lol, well that's my ramblings for now! Maybe while on campus tonight, I'll find something more!

Starbucks

2008-08-03T15:48:00.000-06:00

SO, I'm an avid starbucks drinker, and I do mean avid, usually once a day. Anyway, I have pondered the thought of why they aren't joining the ranks and getting some gluten-free pastries from a local gluten-free bakery, cause really, you know most major cities have them now. I've been to their suggestions website and there are tons randomly put together Gluten-Free postings asking them to get some gluten-free products. I still continue and wonder why they haven't done it yet. I'll ask occasionally when I'm in there and most managers know nothing and suggest the same thing, go to the website, I've done that, yet still nothing. Is anyone else on this with me? GLUTEN FREE!!!! STARBUCKS WAKE UP!

Red Robin

2008-07-14T22:51:00.001-06:00

Red Robin has long been a favorite restaurant of mine and is even more so now. The one closest to my house, Powers Red Robin, 3770 Bloomington Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80922, has a gluten-free fry fryer and is always very courteous in accommodating a gluten-free diet. Their menu is pretty extensive for the gluten-free diet and it lists what you can and cannot have regarding certain aspects of menu items. While not all things are listed as you can have but not with this, the items that are listed are the gluten-free menu tell you how you can remove certain items to make the meal gluten-free. Did I mention the gluten-free fries? I think that that is one of my favorite parts. Honestly, the fact that they have that and that they are always really nice about it when we are there just makes us come back more. We usually dine there a minimum of twice a month. I will note that with take out orders, we seem to have a few more slip ups with the order and sometimes they'll make everything gluten-free or they'll forget something and only one time during a dine-in experience we had a serious issue, but overall I rate them very high as a great place to eat for a gluten-free diet in Colorado Springs.

Old Chicago's

2008-06-25T23:34:00.001-06:00

I love Old C's! Lots! Always have. It's a great place to just come and hang out and catch up with friends and have dinner. Well, obviously their menu isn't not very conducive to a gluten-free diet, however, I do know some tricks of the trade that you can do and eat out here still.

First of all BEER!
Woodchuck! I have had this beer a number of times and NEVER realized it is gluten-free. In fact, on the bottle it says, naturally gluten-free! I was SUPER excited! It's a great cider beer. Some places might have it on tap and some just bottles, ask first and be a little wary of getting it from tap just in case a different beer was coming out of the tap recently and it hasn't been cleaned- ASK if you really need to know.

FOOD!

Well, their buffalo wings and salads are all gluten-free. Mind you I only named the buffalo wings and not any of their other sauces so I don't know for sure, but will look into next time I'm there. All their salads are and none even have croutons, so no worries there. You can also technically get any of their sandwiches and no bread, I've done this, especially with the Italian Melt, which was and still is a favorite of mine. I've thought about bringing my own bread to places where I use to get sandwhiches often, but never have. If you want to, I suggest it. Hell, people bring their own dressings, why not bread we can all eat?

If you aren't SUPER sensetive to glutens and your party is wanting to split a pizza, I encourage you to pick off the toppings. Sounds funny, but hey it's food, but also get a salad with it, because that is NOT going to fill you up. While they do have carry out, I don't have any real great suggestions like with Olive Garden because Old C's is known of pizzas and you can't really bake the toppings without a crust. I do encourage you to seek out Woodchuck in your local stores though cause it's really good and pretty well-known!

Until next time! Enjoy!

Wendy's

2008-06-10T15:44:00.000-06:00

So, I'm a Wendy's girl. Always have been, always will be. I was surprised upon walking into one recently that they had a whole poster of allergens and what had them and what didn't. Granted, I realized I can get most anything without a bun, but OMG WOW! I think that this link just does all the explaining for me!

http://www.wendys.com/food/pdf/us/gluten_free_list.pdf

Please read and enjoy and know that we can still fast food!

The Melting Pot

2008-05-28T15:53:00.002-06:00

So for Mother's Day this year, we went to The Melting Pot. It's become a favorite for us and celebrating events. Last year, my birthday, this year, Mother's Day, and who knows from there. Anyway, since we hadn't been there since being gluten-free, I was nervous, but while making the reservation, I asked and they said it was possible. I was super excited. We had this great server named Michelle who made sure that everything was perfect for the gluten-free fondue night. Since we had one burner, we all did the oil and did a Big Night out and a half, since it was three of us. We did cheese with corn startch instead of flour. She made sure that instead of ravioli, there was extra meets and that with the batters, mom and dad couldn't use them until I was done cooking. And chocolate, well, we use to Cookies and Cream, Marshmallow Dream, but can't any more, but we did anyway and had the cookies on the side. I had my own platter with regular marshmallows, extra strawberries and loved it! I couldn't believe that such a high end restuarant had gluten-free accomodations and didn't seem bothered. I can only imagine that it's extra work. The night was lovely and wonderful and I grabbed a job application on the way out! We'll see! (x-posted in gypsy)

Chick-Fil-A

2008-05-14T16:00:00.001-06:00

Chick-Fil-A is a place that I usually meet my mom for during her lunch break. When I was first put on a gluten-free diet I came to eat here like two days later and they were super helpful. Granted we visit their a lot and many know my mom by name since she eats there a lot for lunch, but one of the ladies came and brought me a nutrition guide as well as a binder of foods I could and could not eat on a gluten-free diet. I was surprised that not only are their fries gluten-free, but they had quite an list of foods that can be eaten or modified to be able to be consumed. I am highly impressed with how knowledge most of the staff is when I say if need something gluten-free. I highly recommend them as a place to eat and just know that most anything can be modded to a gluten-free diet, just remove the bun!

Olive Garden

2008-04-29T13:38:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I might be a little biased here and also think I know better then the information you actually get when you to an Olive Garden, BUT since I did work their for 4 years and in almost every position, including front and back of house jobs, I feel that I know Olive Garden better and know what I can and can't eat WAY better then most. Here are my suggestions....

While the Gluten-Free menu they provide you is limited, VERY limited- it contains 3 items, here's are some insider scopes on what you can really eat and suggestions for enjoy Olive Garden with the family at home.

All of the tomato based sauces are gluten free, if you are doing a take out order, which I HIGHLY recommend when wanting Olive Garden, just order a dipping sauce of any sauce, yes you can do this, I promise, and cook up your own noodles at home. Salad, obvious is gluten-free, yes dressing too, just make sure and tell them no croutons when dining in and tell them they don't need to give you when doing take out.

Now SOUPS!

Minestrone- The key here is trusting the establishment, make sure they are giving a fresh batch of soup that hasn't touched the noodles and you are gold, if you are really concerned about this, talk to a manager. The base is a veggie bullion base, so you might also want to ask if their base is gluten-free cause this can vary depending on location. IT is entirely vegetarian though, as a side note.

Zuppa- It is gluten free, there is no flour or anything in it. I've made it myself so I know, BUT be ware, if your stomach is generally sensetive, because this is a more oily soup, it might upset you a little. (If you want to make it yourself... I've found the recipe online, quantities lessen for a regular at home brew, I'll have to look it up later.)

So, but Pasta Fagaloi well has pasta, you can try the same ideal as a FRESH batch before the noodles are added, but I have yet to venture this route yet. If you do, let me know!

None of the chicken is breaded minus Chicken Parm so you can get grilled Chicken to your hearts content, same with the steak medalians.

Again, please please keep in mind that there is glutens used, namely flour in the kitchen as a whole, so cross-contamenation might accure. Otherwise, eat up the Italian life! Enjoy!

Being Gluten Free

2008-04-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

So when I was told on Monday that I had to stop eating gluten, I didn't know what to expect. Since I live a life where I eat out a lot I thought nothing better then to start writing down my suggestions and ideas that I have found along the way of this new lifestyle. This is not an easy transition in life and all things take time so this process will be interesting to note. Enjoy reading!