Gluten Free Travel Blog

Best Restaurant Chains for Gluten Free Dining

 BLOG HOP, DAY 8: I know some of you may shy away from "chain" restaurants, preferring more "unique" or "sophisticated" fare. But “chain” doesn’t have to have a bad connotation. Just because a restaurant company has multiple locations -- either in a particular region or nationwide -- it doesn't mean they can't provide some of the best gluten-free meals around.  In fact, some of our family’s favorite places to dine are the more sophisticated and fun concepts that have taken off with the gluten-free set: Burton's Grill, Biaggi's, and Glory Days Grill. Even BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, originally known for their deep-dish pizza, now has a wonderful and extensive gluten-free menu, which includes gluten-free pizza and tons of other tasty options.

The main advantage of these restaurants is that they have printed gluten-free menus, so you know exactly what’s safe and what’s not, or if any substitutions need to be made. Because of this, the wait staff (and kitchen staff) are typically well-trained about the gluten-free offerings, but it’s still wise to be vigilant when ordering, as I've mentioned in past posts (staff turnover can be high in the restaurant business, which leaves the potential for slip-ups in even the most well-intentioned chains).

Some restaurant chains may have worked with one of the Celiac associations to gain GF certification or credentialing (GIG and NFCA both offer progams). Other restaurant chains may have thoroughly educated themselves -- or worked with nutritionists or dieticians with gluten free expertise.  If you're at all in doubt about how an item on the gluten free menu is prepared -- or if you're concerned about cross contamination in the kitchen -- don't be shy...ask questions!

The other advantage of restaurant chains is ubiquity. There are almost always one or two that offer GF options virtually wherever you travel. I can't tell you how many times we've traveled and been comforted seeing a chain restaurant that we know offers a reliable gluten free menu! When you're on the road, you can only dine at McDonald's so often!

We have a list of some of the best restaurant chains for gluten free dining on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Some of the regional chains may be new to you, like Rockfish (in TX and NC), Picazzo's (AZ), Sam and Louie's (IA, NE, MT, SD), Village Tavern (6 states), Fresh To Order (GA and TN), and Hearth and Kettle (MA). And did you know that Old Spaghetti Factory even has a gluten free menu with gluten free pasta? 

I'm curious...what's YOUR favorite national chain? Regional chain? Please share your thoughts in a comment below -- and receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs listed below. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

Tips for Dining Out Gluten Free At Restaurants

BLOG HOP, DAY 7: Much has already been written on the subjects of gluten free dining and "gluten free friendly" restaurants by those of us who provide gluten free dining resources on the web. However, many gluten free dining tips bear repeating, especially since all of us can be lulled into a false sense of complacency when dining out. Now that gluten free awareness has advanced beyond the point where people look at you like you have three heads when you bring up the words "Celiac Disease" or "gluten free," it is getting easier to find restaurants that understand our dietary requirements. However, there is a wide range of knowledge among restaurants...those that are simply trying to capitalize on the "gluten free trend" to those that know the important intracacies (like avoiding all the potential risks of cross contamination) and train their FULL staff (both front and back of house). And just because a restaurant offers a formal "Gluten Free Menu" doesn't mean the people in contact with your food are properly trained. The GF community learned that first-hand with the boggled introduction of a GF Menu at California Pizza Kitchen last year.

So...even if you're a seasoned veteran of dining out gluten free, please forward this post to anyone you know who might have been recently diagnosed -- or may need to be reminded of these important safeguards. 

1.) Research restaurants online and read reviews from others following gluten free diets. I launched GlutenFreeTravelSite four years ago to provide people in the GF community with a place to read personal, detailed dining and travel accounts from others with their same dietary needs and concerns. There is no better source for honest feedback, which can even vary among restaurants within the same chain. (You can also pull up the free MOBILE version of our site by entering our URL into the browser of any smart phone. It makes navigating the reviews on our site especially easy when you're on-the-go.)

2.) Call the chef at the restaurant ahead of time (even restaurants offering gluten free menus). Ask questions to assess their level of knowledge, especially with cross contamination. And do their merely adapt their "regular" menu, leaving off all the sauces and seasonings, or do they create more exciting, flavorful options? Request they make a note on your reservation so they can be reminded of your needs the day of your arrival.

3.) Don't leave home without Gluten Free Dining Cards, which help explain your gluten-free needs to servers, managers, and chefs at restaurants. There are several versions available for free online, but I like the bilingual laminated ones offered for a nominal price from Triumph Dining. They are available for 10 global cuisines (American, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, French, etc.). One side of the card is in English, and the other side is in the native language, so there’s never any issue of a language barrier. 

If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Each day we share restaurant reviews from users -- from fast food and neighborhood restaurants to chains and high-end restaurants. Tomorrow, I'll discuss top picks among national and regional restaurant chains offering gluten free menus. In the meantime, if you have a favorite dining spot, please leave a comment below -- and consider submitting a quick review to GlutenFreeTravelSite so others in the GF community can benefit from your valuable feedback! 

If you leave a comment below, you'll receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs listed below. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

Chuck E. Cheese to Offer Gluten Free Pizza and Cupcakes

Great news! Chuck E. Cheese's has announced in a Press Release that they will be test marketing a gluten free pizza and gluten free cupcakes at their Minnesota locations -- and will consider a nationwide rollout if all goes well. 

Unlike Domino's Pizza, which has been met with VERY mixed reactions over the past week based on the introduction of their own gluten-free pizza (which, by their own admission, is NOT Celiac safe, due to the very real potential for cross-contamination), Chuck E. Cheese's  will use gluten-free pizza by Conte's Pasta, which comes frozen in a pre-sealed bake-in-bag that remains sealed when cooking and will be served with a personal pizza cutter at the family's table. Done correctly, this reduces any potential for cross contamination. Gluten free chocolate cupcakes from Fabe's All Natural Bakery will also come in pre-sealed, single serve packaging. 

I, for one, am thrilled. While I can only tolerate the noise level at Chuck E. Cheese's so often (!), it is great to know my husband and I might be able to take BOTH our sons there -- or send them to birthday parties there -- knowing our younger son with Celiac Disease will have something safe to eat -- and not feel left out. 

It sounds like Chuck E. Cheese's is taking this one step at a time, and hopefully the taste of the pizza and cupcakes -- and support from the GF community -- will allow for a nationwide rollout sometime in the not-too-distant future. 

What's YOUR reaction to this announcement by Chuck E. Cheese's? I'd love to hear your comments below! 

Gluten Free Restaurants: National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) Expands GREAT Kitchens Program

Are you familiar with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness's GREAT Kitchens Program? This is a 5-year-old program in which NFCA rigorously trains both chain restaurants as well as independent restaurants in the intricacies of providing gluten free meals. Their "Train the Trainer" course for chefs and food service managers provides the knowledge and tools to educate their entire kitchen staff on safe GF food handling and preparation. 

At GlutenFreeTravelSite, we've recently worked with NFCA to further get the word out about these GREAT-trained restaurants by adding them to our site. As you know, typically a restaurant or other business must be reviewed by someone in the GF community in order to appear on our site. However, with NFCA's GREAT Kitchens-trained restaurants, we've made an exception. We are confident in NFCA's strict protocols for training and vetting restaurants and want visitors to our site to learn about these designated restaurants. 

We can look forward to more safe choices in gluten free dining, since today NFCA announced the expansion of their GREAT Kitchens gluten free credentialing program. Af few of us had the opportunity to speak with NFCA Founder Alice Bast and her team this morning, and they are very committed to serve the gluten free community in this ongoing role. 

The objective of the GREAT Kitchens expansion is to address the restaurant community's growing interest in offering gluten free menu items. While this is theoretically a positive thing, NFCA -- and all of us in the gluten free community -- recognize the need for restaurants to execute any gluten-free strategy correctly. Currently, there are inconsistent standards within the restaurant industry -- and a lack of understanding about the seriousness of cross contamination for people on medically necessary GF diets due to Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity. 

Interestingly, Alice pointed out that while gluten free has been a top culinary "trend" for the past 3 years, it has simultaneously resulted in more incidents of cross contamination as restaurants rush on board to offer gluten free menu items, without having the training to consistently offer them in a safe manner.

Dr.Ritu Verma, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and member of NFCA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board echoes that sentiment, "While eating out is such an integrated part of our social fabric, the lack of consistent standards creates a stressful experience that erodes confidence and leaves many families preferring to opt out."

The updated GREAT Kitchen program will go live on May 15 and will include five multimedia modules providing interested restaurants with the knowledge and tools they need to safely serve the growing population of gluten free diners. Training modules cover topics like ingredients, implementation, and training both "front of house" and "back of house" staff (servers and kitchen). A two-tiered credentialing system, consisting of green and amber designations, will help gluten-free diners assess a restaurant's level of safe gluten free practices (how robust are their protocols and how well-trained is the staff). The goal will be to eventually migrate all restaurants to the higher green designation (indicating full training of ALL staff and strict cross contamination safeguards), but the amber designation allows interested restaurants with basic training to be transparent about what they can and can't offer with gluten-free confidence.That way, gluten free diners will know when to exercise caution and to inquire about things like dedicated fryers, for example.

For more information about this fantastic step forward for the gluten free community, you can read NFCA's just-posted Press Release. 

 

 

Biaggi's Restaurants Expand Their Gluten Free Menu Offerings

As many of you know, Biaggi's is a favorite restaurant of mine. The only downside is that they don't have any locations in our immediate area...so we just have to look forward to trips that take us near one of their many locations! Their Gluten Free Menu is among the best, with 2 pages of appetizer, salad, pasta, pizza, and entree options -- all gluten free! And this isn't a restaurant where you'll have to order anything "plain." Biaggi's offers at least eight savory sauces that are gluten-free! 

Each Spring and Fall, Biaggi's updates their menu, and each time, they try to work all new items into their Gltuen Free Menu as well. Yesterday they unveiled two new entree items for Spring: North Atlantic Cod (served over a bed of whipped cauliflower and sauteed spinach -- and drizzled with a lemon caper viniagrette) and Smoked Hanger Steak (10 oz cold-smoked and grilled, served with tomato chutney, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, and seasonal vegetables).

Other unique items on Biaggi's menu that you won't find elsewhere include Chicken Piemontese (grilled chicken breast stuffed with imported Italian ham aand smoked provolone and Gouda cheeses -- topped with lemon-basil butter sauce and served with sauteed asparagus and roasted fingerling potatoes) and Potato-Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. My mouth is watering just thinking about the next time I might be able to visit one of their restaurants...

According to a spokesperson at Biaggi's, the popularity of their Gluten Free Menu continues to grow, and favorites include their gluten-free pastas (a choice of GF brown rice spaghetti or penne, always prepared perfectly) and gluten-free pizza, which many people choose to order as an appetizer -- so they can still partake in one of the wonderful entrees, too!

Our family can personally attest to the wonderful GF pizza -- and GF pasta dishes like Pasta Di Mare (served with large shrimp, scallops, and calamari sauteed in a spicy tomatoe vegetable sauce and topped with mussels and Little Neck clams). Be sure to check out Biaggi's locations to see if there's one near you -- or in a location where you have plans to travel. Our visit to the one in Salt Lake City years ago was a highlight of our ski trip to Park City! 

Biaggi's has locations in the following 12 states: Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, and Mississippi. If you visit the Club Biaggi's page on their website, you can sign up to receive the latest news, recipes, and special offers from the restaurant.

To learn more about Biaggi's, you can read our former Blog post interview with Corporate Chef and Co-Founder Peter Schonman. 

Gluten Free Restaurant Menus: Glory Days Grill Adds Sweet GF Dessert!

Our family dined at Glory Days Grill a couple night ago. Glory Days -- with 22 locations across Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia -- is one of our favorite places to go for a delicious and reliable "All American" meal. The Gluten Free Menu at this sports-themed restaurant is one of the best in the area, offering things like gluten-free wings, ribs, and fries -- which aren't always easy to find. Glory Days uses dedicated fryers so these items aren't fried in the same oil as the chicken nuggets and onion rings, for example.

There are burgers (although no GF bun offered yet), salads, and plenty of entree choices. Ironically, I always order the same thing from the Gluten Free Menu: the Fresh Grilled Salmon with a mustard remoulade, served with two sides. The salmon is always cooked to my liking  -- and never greasy or fishy-tasting. The mustard sauce is delish! The rest of our family almost always orders the gluten-free ribs, which I agree are awesome -- tender and tangy. 

But something caught my eye on the table the other night...a sign advertising some new desserts, including a gluten-free Petite Chocolate Torte. Here's the description, "A velvety and dense dark chocolate torte that will remind you of a wonderful chocolate truffle. Gluten-free and delicious." Too bad we didn't notice this until the end of the meal when we were already stuffed from wings and our entrees! We'll have to plan to save some room for it the next time we visit Glory Days (which, I'm sure, won't be too far off!). 

If you've been to any of Glory Days many locations in the Washington DC suburbs of Maryland or Virginia, please share your thoughts about their Gluten Free Menu -- and what you like to order. Have YOU tried the new Petite Chocolate Torte? 

In Terms of Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus, Burton's Grill Can't Be Beat

I'm a huge fan of Burton's Grill. You probably are, too, if you're gluten-free and live in the Northeast. 

Even though our family isn't lucky enough to have a Burton's Grill near where we live (in a suburb of Washington, DC), we always look forward to dining there when visiting relatives in the Boston area.

Burton's Grill has locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and even a bit further away in Virginia Beach. Their Gluten-Free Lunch and Dinner Menus rank high on our family's list due to their wide range of great-tasting options -- and the fact that you don't feel you have to "go without" (as in ordering a burger without the bun or being a denied the choice of pasta as an entree). Burton's offers their gluten-free guests both gluten-free buns with their burgers and sandwiches as well as delicous gluten-free pasta (just take a look at this incredible gluten-free Lobster Pasta!) Another sumptuous gluten-free pasta choice: Chicken and Wild Mushroom Pasta -- medallions of chicken pan-seared with asparagus and cremini mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce over gluten-free pasta. How often do you see something like THAT on a Gluten-Free Menu?! My mouth is watering right now!

And that's just the beginning. Their extensive Gluten-Free Menu -- which features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients -- includes choices such as filet mignon, chicken, seafood, fish, salads, sandwiches and burgers. They even have several gluten-free options for dessert, including a warmed chocolate torte (which we've never had room to try, since we're always so full from our other courses!). My personal favorite menu item? Their fried calamari appetizer (yes, fried -- and totally gluten-free!). It's the best I've ever had -- gluten-free or not!

At Burton's Grill, there's little reason to be concerned about safe gluten-free meal preparation. That's becasue the CEO himself requires a strict gluten-free diet due to Celiac Disease. This is a restaurant group that takes their commitment to guests with dietary restrictions to the highest level!

If you haven't had the pleasure of dining at Burton's Grill, be sure to put it on "your list" of places to try when near one of their MA, NH, CT, or VA locations. I think you'll agree it's at the top of the food chain when it comes to gluten-free dining. But be prepared to feast...there's very little that's "off limits" at this restaurant. They make sure gluten-free guests have just as satisfying an experience as others when dining at their restaurants.

Have YOU been to one of Burton's Grill's locations? If so, please share your own thoughts -- and favorite items from their Gluten-Free Menu -- by clicking on Comments below. Or you can Submit a Review to our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite. Thanks for sharing your opinion!

 

Gluten Free Restaurants: Hearth and Kettle locations in Massachusetts Offer Gluten-Free Menu

If you're looking for a restaurant in Massachusetts with a nice range of gluten-free choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll want to check out Hearth and Kettle, with 6 locations in Massachusetts, including 3 on Cape Cod. Their Gluten Free Menu offers something for everyone -- whether you're a seafood lover or a meat-and-pototoes guy or gal. Prices are reasonable, in keeping with the philosophy that's driven them since they opened their first restaurant in 1973: to serve wholesome, great-tasting meals at reasonable prices in a warm, friendly atmosphere. In fact, all menu items are tested against 3 criteria...they must be wholesome, great-tasting, and competitively priced before they are "H'nK" approved. Many entrees are even prepared using all natural, organic, and locally grown ingredients. Some noteworthy highlights? Mango Shrimp and Organic Mediterranean Chicken (both shown here). 

Hearth and Kettle is actually a part of a larger company called Catania Hospitality Group, which owns several inns, resorts, and spas. Their award-winning Daniel Webster Inn and Spa, in historic Sandwich, MA (the oldest town on Cape Cod), also offers an extensive Gluten-Free Menu. If you or a family member is following a gluten-free diet, you know what a welcome relief it is to actually find a place to stay that understands gluten-free requests!

So thumbs up to Catania Hospitality Group for embracing the growing community of gluten-free diners and travelers! For more details about their restaurants -- and links to their GF menu, locations, and Frequent Guest dining rewards program, visit their page on GlutenFreeTravelSite. 

AND, if you've ever dined at any one of the Hearth and Kettle locations -- or had the priviledge to stay at the Daniel Webster Inn, please leave a comment below and let us know what you thought.  And as always, we welcome your reviews on GlutenFreeTravelSite as well! 

Fresh To Order adds a new Fall Seasonal Entree Salad to their Gluten-Free Menu

Regional restaurant chain Fresh To Order, with locations in Georgia and Tennessee, has added a new salad to their Gluten Free Menu. You won't find this "Fall Seasonal Salad" mentioned on their website, but it's gluten-free and consists of arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts, roasted butternut squash, house-made spiced pear chips, and citrus viniagrette. 

To view Fresh To Order's full Gluten Free Menu -- and access "Buy One, Get One Free" coupons for entrees and salads -- visit their page on GlutenFreeTravelSite. 

Gluten Free Restaurants: Chain with 10 Locations in 6 States Offers Gluten-Free Menus

It's always exciting to have new options for gluten-free dining, whether it's in your own town -- or someplace where you may travel on business or for pleasure. It's even better when the restaurant can be relied on for a safe dining experience. 

Enter Village Tavern....a small restaurant chain with 10 locations in the following 6 states across the country:Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Colorado, and Arizona. 

This restaurant, which worked with the Gluten Intolerance Group, developed TWO Gluten-Free Menus: one for Dinner and one for Brunch. They offer a fresh spin on traditional foods as well as the classics, and much of their food is prepared using wood-fired ovens and grills. Items on the gluten-free menu include aged steaks, chops, specialty salads, and fresh fish and seafood (like the Pan-Seared Scallops with Herb Butter and Sweet Corn Succotash pictured above). Read more about them and link directly to their Gluten Free Menus and list of Locations here.