| Venturing into a restaurant for the first time after | | | | your needs, though, it's good to stick to places |
| receiving a diagnosis of Celiac disease can be a | | | | where you know the employees will know what |
| pretty unnerving experience. It's one you've | | | | you're talking about. |
| probably been putting off for a number of | | | | Trust Your Gut |
| reasons, and you're certainly not the only one. | | | | It's also important that you are aware of your |
| You can eat out gluten free without feeling like | | | | surroundings and that you trust your instincts. Just |
| you're taking your life in your hands, however. | | | | because you've heard good things about a |
| Knowing how to choose your restaurant and | | | | particular restaurant doesn't mean you should eat |
| communicate your needs to the staff can make | | | | there regardless of what your own personal |
| all the difference and allow you to enjoy those | | | | impressions are. If you don't feel comfortable |
| evenings out with friends or romantic dinners just | | | | after taking a look around or after interacting with |
| like you used to. | | | | your server, you certainly don't have to stay. |
| Finding the Right Spot | | | | If the restaurant looks dirty or if you just think |
| Contrary to what you may think, you could | | | | there's too great a risk of cross contamination |
| actually have a few options when it comes to | | | | from your fellow diners, you shouldn't eat there. |
| celiac-friendly restaurants to try. The possibilities | | | | The whole point of going out for a meal in a |
| will certainly vary depending on the area you live | | | | restaurant is to be able to relax and have a good |
| in, but one thing to keep in mind is that there are | | | | time with your friends or family. If you're not |
| quite a few national chains with gluten free menus. | | | | comfortable, that pretty much defeats the |
| Places like Outback Steakhouse, Appleby's, Uno's | | | | purpose of the excursion. |
| Chicago Grill and the Olive Garden all serve gluten | | | | Calling Ahead |
| free food and there's a good chance you can find | | | | One easy way to set your mind at ease before |
| at least one of these near you. | | | | you even step out the door is to call the |
| A large chain restaurant with a gluten free menu | | | | restaurant ahead of time and talk to someone |
| is a particularly good place to go for your first | | | | about what they can do to accommodate you. If |
| gluten free restaurant meal. These companies | | | | you don't have confidence in the ability of the |
| have national images to look out for and so it's in | | | | establishment or the staff to serve you safely, |
| their best interests to do everything they can to | | | | that probably isn't a place you should go. This is an |
| keep you from getting sick. They also are likely | | | | especially useful thing to do if the restaurant |
| to have institutional training programs for their | | | | doesn't advertise a gluten free menu. Many places |
| employees to make sure they know how to | | | | are actually aware of your needs and can |
| handle gluten free food and accommodate the | | | | accommodate them quite well, but they don't |
| needs of people with Celiac disease. | | | | bother to advertise this. There's no way to know |
| You can certainly find knowledgeable and helpful | | | | unless you ask and you may be pleasantly |
| employees in any restaurant that serves gluten | | | | surprised by how many places and people to |
| free food. Until you're comfortable communicating | | | | actually understand what you need. |