Tag Archives: Gluten free dining

In the Game of Clue, players must solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, what they used to commit the crime, and where this occurred. A similar version of these three questions is something that gluten-free folks are used to finding out.

Who prepared the food?

What utensils did they use?

Where did they prepare it?

When I dine out, I’m always sure to remind the server, “They cannot prepare my sandwich on the same counter,” or when I’m at Chipotle, “Could you please change your gloves? I am gluten free.” These are comments that MUST be made in order to ensure safety and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

I figured we’d have some fun and make a gluten-free version of this classic detective game because that’s what we all need to be – gluten-free detectives! When dining out, there are different places one can be glutened and there are different weaponsof contamination. No matter who did it, where it happened, or what caused the contamination, the end result is always the same – the victim is glutened.

Gluten-Free Game of Clue: How was I glutened?

If dining at a restaurant that serves both gluten-filled and gluten-free food (which is just about every restaurant we can eat at), the opportunity to be glutened is everywhere. The key to a safe dining experience for a gluten-free individual is Read More »

Every day those of us who are gluten intolerant or sensitive need to read labels and ask questions when it comes to food. Gluten pops up in unexpected places that sometimes even shock me, so it is never safe to assume a dish/product is safe. I have previously written about unexpected sources of gluten, so this article serves as a follow up. Read More »

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness Announces gluten-free credentialing to address widespread confusion in restaurant industry

New Credentialing Designed to Increase Food Safety Practices for those with Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten-Free Nutritional Preferences

Ambler, Pa. – April 25, 2012– National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), the non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and improving the lives of those of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, announces a gluten-free credentialing program that will enable restaurants to manage the growing interest around gluten-free menu items. There are inconsistent standards, a lack of understanding of the medical elements of a gluten-free diet and too often, a lack of transparency about kitchen practices within the restaurant sector that has put the health of patients with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity at risk.

“Gluten-free families, especially those who are newly diagnosed, struggle with maintaining the diet even at home,” says Dr. Ritu Verma, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of NFCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. “While eating out is such an integrated part of our social fabric, the lack of consistent standards creates a stressful experience that Read More »

Copyright (c) 2012 Simone Marani

1.     Find a restaurant that can accommodate gluten free meals. Many restaurants are very familiar with gluten free meals or have a gluten free menu.  If you are new to gluten free dining, stick to a restaurant where you don’t have to explain yourself.  There is a list of gluten free restaurants at www.glutenfreerestaurants.org

2.     Do your homework ahead of time. Call ahead and speak with the chef and ask if the restaurant can accommodate your needs.  Also, review Read More »

Interesting experience over this past weekend.  I went to a restaurant that offers gluten free pizza and buns and inquired with the bartender if they had gluten free beer. 

He proceeded to inform me that there is no such thing as gf beer because gf beer isn’t REAL beer and was a bit jerky about the whole thing.  He informed me that he brews his own beer, so he knows what real beer is. 

I was quite offended at this response, as I was ordering gluten free beer out of necessity, not out of Read More »

Most Italian restaurants are a minefield for gluten-free diners, but now you can add Macaroni Grill to the list of Italian restaurants that are more than accomodating to gluten allergies. Not only does Macaroni Grill offer a gluten-free menu, they also have special menus for those who have Shellfish, Tree Nut, Soy, Egg, and Peanut allergies.

So what can you get at Macaroni Grill? Read More »

Although gluten-free eating is not impossible to do in most any restaurant including (but much harder) in Italian settings, there are restaurants and bakeries appearing throughout the City which tailor specifically to the gluten-free crowd. Below is a listing of several of the most talked about places. If you have dined here, or planning to, we would love to hear your recommendations!

Risoterria
270 Bleeker Street, btwn 6th and 7th Ave.
www.Risotteria.com

Everything from pasta dishes, to paninis, to cookie dough All gluten-free.

Friedman’s
75 Ninth Avenue, at Chelsea market
www.Friedmanslunch.com

A great lunch place where all items on the menu (even sandwiches) can be served gluten-free. Read More »

The following restaurants in and around Philadelphia have gluten-free menus or are able to prepare gluten-free cuisine.

Looking for a gluten-free restaurant for your next meal? You came to the right place because Philadelphia is fast becoming one of the nation’s top destinations for gluten-free cuisine.

Due to hard work by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and other organizations, Philadelphia city and suburban restaurants have taken an active interest in offering safe gluten-free fare to the public.

The following list of restaurants can be found at the Phillyceliacs blog and Glutenfreeworks.com. The GFPhilly blog is another great resource with a wealth of information about eateries in and around Philadelphia.

Applebee’s Restaurant
Applebee Dietary Inquiries
888-592-7753
You can call this number and someone will provide information on gluten free menu items. I have spoken with them while seated in the restaurant – though you could certainly call ahead

Arpeggio
542 Springhouse Village Center
Springhouse, PA 19477
{GPS} 1101 BETHLEHEM PIKE OR SPRINGHOUSE VILLAGE CENTER
215-646-5055
Mediterranean BYOB. Per my GI doc, the owner is very in tune to the needs of celiac patients.

Baggataway
31 Front St
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2867
(610) 834-8085
The same owner of the Ugly Moose in Manayunk. They carry GF beer and their staff understands GF foods. A bartender has celiac disease and instructed the staff. The steak is fantastic. Read More »