Dining out with Celiac Disease can feel like a bit of a minefield. Will they have GF options? Will they be safe for me? Will I get sick? I know restaurant dining is a source of stress for many Celiacs but also realize that this social experience is an important part of life. For others who feel the same way, here is our family’s approach to a safer dining out experience. It’s much like a funnel and, if at any point we don’t feel comfortable with the process, we stop and find another place to eat! Better to be safe than sorry.
Research
Take advantage of the hive mind: I love getting recommendations from others who eat gluten free. The Find Me Gluten Free App has been an amazing resource, especially when traveling. I also get ideas from gluten-free Facebook groups and good old fashioned Google searches. That said, other people’s opinions are NOT a guarantee of safety, so on to the next step…
Do your own online research: Check out the restaurant website, look over their menu, and see what - if anything - they say about their allergy protocol. You can typically stop here if you determine it’s a 100% GF restaurant OR if you aren’t celiac or gluten-allergic. Otherwise, keep digging…
Prep
Call ahead: Phone the restaurant at a non-busy time and ask to talk to a manager or chef about “allergy questions”. Find out about their GF menu options and their “cross-contact” protocol for allergy orders. If they don’t mention it, ask clarifying questions about dedicated fryers, toasters, pasta water/strainers, etc. If you’ve found something on the menu, you’re excited about, ask specific questions about it, or whether they can modify non-GF options. If you feel confident after your chat,...
Explain:
Time to dine: Upon being seated, ask your host or waiter for a gluten-free menu - this is a great time to mention you have an “allergy” to gluten and ask if there’s anything you need to know before reviewing the menu. Upon ordering, remind the waiter that you have an “allergy”, ask to ensure your choice is safe, and make sure they note it on your order. If they seem unsure, ask them to check with the kitchen and let you know. (I know Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease and not an allergy, but this language is the clearest way to communicate the importance of taking cross-contact precautions to a restaurant staff member)
Confirm:
Don’t assume: You know the old adage! Just because you think scrambled eggs should be naturally gluten-free, some places (I’m looking at you, IHOP) add flour to them. Many restaurants cook rice in broth that may contain gluten. You never know. Always ask.
Before you dig in: Confirm the food is gluten-free when it's being delivered. We love places where the waiter states GF when delivering and especially those restaurants where allergy orders are identified by a special plate/toothpick, etc. If they don’t, just ask them one more time to make sure the right plate is sitting in front of you!
At this point, you’ve hopefully had a delicious and safe meal. But the process isn’t quite over. Show your appreciation for their extra helpful service with a big thank you and a nice tip. Then take a moment to support the restaurant and help the GF community by leaving reviews, recommending to others, rating them on Find Me Gluten Free, etc.
Relishing the freedom to relax and enjoy at a 100% GF restaurant - Wheat's End in Chicago - with my two favorite food critics.
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