If you recently discovered that you have a gluten sensitivity – don’t panic: you have options.
When gluten is a problem, hanging out suddenly becomes a nightmare. You discover that gluten surrounds us,follows us, and hides in the most unexpected places. Recently I had a chance to ask Nicole Cogan, Founder and CEO of NOBREAD.COM a few questions.
Should you do any homework before going to the restaurant?
Always! I always call restaurants in advance to ask them if they have gluten free bread or pasta, and if there is any cross contamination in the kitchen. I also ask what the best gluten free options are that are available. It’s nice having an idea of what you can and cannot eat before you go to a restaurant… it saves you time AND awkwardness!
What should you ask your waiter before ordering a dish (in regards to the ingredients)?
Definitely ask about ingredients when ordering. Even if you are CERTAIN there is no gluten in your dish, gluten has a sneaky way of finding itself into your meal. Also, tell your waiter about your allergy so extra caution is taken when preparing your meal. Depending on the severity of your intolerance, ask to have your meal cooked separate from other meals in the kitchen. Ask for the equipment to be changed… yes it’s great when restaurants offer gluten free pasta, BUT make sure your GF pasta is cooked in a different pot of water than all other pasta! And when in doubt, ask for your fish/poultry meal to be prepared ‘simply grilled.’
Also what are some hidden common gluten in restaurant dishes? (For example, she found out there was flour in mashed potatoes, after the fact!)
Gluten is a hidden ingredient in many dishes! Breadcrumbs are often added, roux contains gluten (the culprit in New England Clam Chowder and other thick soups), Imitation crab meat (gluten is a binding ingredient), sushi rice (malted vinegars contain gluten), Teriyaki, Soy Sauce, certain BBQ sauces, Nacho cheese (thickening agent added to cheese), chicken stock…Anything cooked in a shared fryer is technically NOT gluten free… for instance french fries are naturally gluten free, but when cooked in the same fryer as the restaurant’s fried calamari, they are subject to gluten!
NOBREAD.COM is a website that offers a guide to gluten free menu options at NYC-based restaurants. Founder and CEO, Nicole Cogan, launched NOBREAD in September 2014 as a result of a health condition that forced her to live a gluten free lifestyle. With over 350 restaurants included, the website features customized gluten free menus along with restaurant profiles and mini-reviews, giving people suffering from gluten allergies and sensitivities the ability to maintain a ‘normal’ New York lifestyle and access to customized gluten free menus at some of New York’s hottest restaurants.
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If you recently discovered that you have a gluten sensitivity – don’t panic: you have options. Learn what’s on the market, look into nutrition, check out our spotlights and reviews – make an educated choice!
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This was such an interesting article to read. I knew that Celiac disease was something you had to monitor, but I’ve never thought about what you have to do when you go out.
It makes sense to check out the menu options before you head out. I am glad it’s easier to get more GF options these days.
Food are not always what they are labeled. Its too bad. But its also good to see many companies moving to fresh ingredients and less fillers.
I never really considered the difficulties in living gluten free, Especially when you have to for health reasons. I am glad to see that there is good help readily available.
Although I don’t suffer from Celiac Disease, eliminating bread from any diet is a good idea. It’s just not good for anyone!
Great questions and answers. I know someone who’s daughter has celiac disease and she is super careful.
Passing this on to a friend. Her husband and 3 of their 5 children have Celiac Disease.
Wow, I had no clue about this website but will be passing it onto my sister. She has been struggling and is always afraid of going to a restaurant and this would be very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
I wouldn’t know how to be safely gluten free when eating out so this is helpful. I have to remember to ask about the pots they use to boil pasta.
Very great article to read. I didn’t know they had a website like this. I’ll be checking that out! Thanks for sharing.
These are such great tips! I have a friend who has this and I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I can be sensitive to her dietary needs.
Always important to be prepared when eating out. We have other dietary needs and it always helps to be informed and be up front with servers. Often they will even have a cook come out and speak with us about specifics. (Not GF)
I am so glad that nobody in my family has to deal with this. Your right, there is gluten in almost everything. I’m glad it’s becoming something everyone is aware of so there are options available.
That must be very stressful. I am sorry you found flour in mashed potatoes after the fact
my good friends mom just was recently diagnosed. its been a hard transition for her, but she is learning and taking it one day at a time.
Eating out and traveling are definitely times when you have to do research. Most places make their menus available online and if you have questions, just call during off hours (not during peak) and talk with the manager and the chef to see how they prepare things.
omggg! i love this! This food looks amazing!!!!!
http://www.simplysassystyle.com
dawn
I have a friend that has a gluten allergy. It is so hard when we want to go out to eat for her to find a dish she can eat. I will have to check out the website to see if there are any good restaurants in my area.
I would be to nervous to risk getting sick eating out if i had Celiac decease. You would think a restaurant would cook the gluten free pasta in a different pot of water.