We know that so many grocers have devoted aisles or tag labeling to help identify gluten-free, G-F, products. Restaurants are doing a big shout out to say we hear you: We can have a special gluten-free menu.
One caveat for anyone with food allergies: If you are concerned about what is in a dish, it is best to call ahead and make certain there are items on the menu you can eat. If you need a strict G-F environment, then most restaurants do not fit that bill. If you just need to find dishes prepared without gluten products, more restaurants are showing their attentive side and are ready to introduce you to their options.
As a final caveat: If you are dining with a large group and you are the only one with such a need, call ahead and find out your options. It will make ordering a less stressful experience. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions of the server, the manager, and the chef. No one in the restaurant business wants you to eat food that will make you sick. Restaurants, remember are in the hospitality field, they want to wow you with their hospitality. It’s OK to ask: It’s smart.
One restaurant that is not shy about its approach is P.F. Chang’s. They have a separate gluten-free menu with choices in every category, from starters to dessert.
If it’s pizza you crave, then Uno Chicago Grill has plenty of choices on its G-F menu including 3 varieties of pizza. Note that some locations have recently closed due to the corporate parent filing for bankruptcy protection. Call ahead.
Chili’s posts some menu suggestions and make changes to the list monthly.
If you’re in the Boston area or Philadelphia, try Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse for its separate lunch and dinner G-F menu.
In Washington, DC, Zaytinya has a gluten-free menu, but sorry the delicious pita is off limits to the G-F crowd. Someday maybe they will be able to figure out a way to adapt that winning recipe. All their sister restaurants in the ThinkfoodGroup (Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico, Oyamel, and minibar) also have G-F menus and suggestions. This is a good model for other restaurants to follow!
This trend continues to multiply as more restaurants hear the plea from diners for specialty menus. This is one special example of a burgeoning marketplace, and we should congratulate the restaurants that are leading the pack.
Just remember if you have allergens and are eating out, be specific about your needs and make certain you are properly communicating the issues. Eating out for someone who is gluten intolerant is a quite different experience than one who needs everything completely G-F.
It’s a matter of inquiring and being careful.
That goes for restaurants, too.
