How to Safely Dine Out with Celiac Disease

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As you know anyone with Celiac Disease or other food sensitivities can find it very hard to dine out. You feel like your friends are rolling their eyes,it seems your'e being too picky, the waiter doesn't understand and your'e worried about what's going on in the kitchen. Here's how to avoid the embarrasement and be able to dine out safely and comfortably.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Call ahead and ask if the chef is familiar with preparing foods for people with Celiac Disease and or food sensitivities.

Step2

2 Explain your food sensitivity to the people you will be dining with. Helping them to understand that you do get sick from eating these foods. It's not that you are just being picky.

Step3

3 Connect with your server. Get them involved in the process. Let them know you get sick from certain foods, and be specific. Make it a team effort. Be friendly, courteous and patient with your server.

Step4

Ask detailed questions. Don't be afraid, timid or embarrassed by asking specific questions. Example: Does that sauce have wheat in it? Ask for salads with no croutons or bread products, and the dressing on the side. Also ask that meat be steamed or baked with no seasonings.

Step5

Ask that your food be prepared using utensils and pans that are seperate from these foods. If you know that you are very sensitive, this is an important step.

Step6

Relax and enjoy the meal and the company you are with.

Step7

Reward the server and chef by leaving a thank you note and a nice tip for their extra effort to ensure your safe eating.

Tips & Warnings

If your feeling timid visit the restaurant during less busy times when the sever and chef can really accommodate you and your needs.
If your server was really helpful and accommodating the next time you go to that restaurant ask for that server and if you can be seated in their section.
If you were told you could be accommodated and it did not work out, be sure to share this information as well, so that the restaurant will have a chance to change that and make it better in the future.