Your Gluten Free Kitchen - How to Eat Out

How to Eat Out

This is probably one of the hardest areas for Celiac's. Going out to eat can be a chore. You will need to do a lot of leg work to make it a pleasant experience.

Pick out two to three restaurants that you really like and start there.

Call ahead and see if you can talk with the chef or cooks to discuss your allergy needs. Ask if they have any meals that are already gluten free. Things like grilled chicken, steak, burgers ( with no fillers added) and salads are usually good choices. When you have worked things out with the restaurant, make sure you frequent them! Developing a relationship with the restaurant will ensure that they will help you in any way they can!

For Chain restaurants, visit their websites and see what they have available that is gluten free. Many post menus and will give options to you online. When you want to go, call ahead and let them know that you are gluten intolerant and give them the name of the meal you are thinking of eating. Ask and make sure it is okay for you. Again, talking with the chef or manager on site will make things go smoothly.

Try different cusines!

Living in the southwest, I have access to great Mexican restaurants! Tacos, fajita's, tamales, nachos, enchiladas, tostada's, and guacamole are all things I can enjoy when I go. Mexican rice and beans are a staple and placed on every main dish entree you buy. The appetizer of choice is almost always corn tortilla chips and salsa. Look for one near you.

Thai restaurants are another good choice. Many dishes use rice noodles instead of wheat flour noodles. Most sauces and soups use coconut milk and many are flavored with lime, garlic and chili.

Indian cuisine can be easily navigated for the celiac. Stick with rice and lentil dishes. Most sauces are thickened with almonds, yogurt, or vegetables. Ask for an ingredient list so you can know. Most curries are gluten free. If you haven't tried Indian food , you should.

Italian restaurants do have dishes that are gluten free. Try polenta ( corn meal) with a meat or marinara sauce or a wonderful risotto dish, full of mushrooms and vegetables. Ask about their chicken or beef dishes. Many Italian meals are sauté in olive oil and finished with wine or lemon juice. Scrumptious!

Many restaurants are becoming aware of food allergies and doing all they can to help you have a pleasant experience. Once you find your favorites, it will be a joy to go out to eat!