As the first part of our two part series discussing the collaborative process between guests and restaurants, this month we focus on the guest approach to dining out gluten-free. Eating out at restaurants is the most frequently cited concern for individuals following a gluten-free diet. Based upon where you are on the learning curve, managing a comprehensive approach to successfully dining out requires various levels of understanding and planning.

Outlined in the chart below, eating out is comprised of two components–the planning effort and table-side communication between guests and restaurants. The planning effort from the guest perspective focuses on education and needs to be completed prior to going out for a delicious gluten-free meal. Interaction and collaboration during the meal is very important, as it will help to ensure your meal is safe to eat and it will also help to educate the restaurant staff on the gluten-free diet; thereby, making it easier for others who eat at that restaurant after you!

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Eight Steps to Safely and Successfully Eat Out Gluten-Free

As previously mentioned, there is a learning curve associated with managing your gluten-free diet. Some people have been eating gluten-free for years and have a good understanding of what to eat and how to order, while others who are new to the diet can be overwhelmed with the challenge. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, there are eight steps to take when you venture outside the home to dine gluten-free.

1. Educate yourself about eating outside the home with gluten intolerance

• a. Read applicable materials
• b. Talk with other individuals managing the gluten-free diet
• c. Attend educational sessions and support groups

2. Assess your dining comfort level for the meal

• a. Identify your safety factors
• b. Based upon your previous needs and experience, evaluate what cuisines are low risk and high risk
• c. Assess specific cuisines

3. Identify your eating options and preferences

• a. Determine what type of establishment and atmosphere you prefer
• b. Assess what type of cuisine you prefer
• c. Determine if it is most important to go somewhere new, familiar or recommended
• d. Select your restaurant

4. Determine the level of pre-planning effort desired

• a. Conduct research as necessary on ingredients, preparation and menu items
• b. Determine the best time for your reservation or meal
• c. Determine the level of communication and interaction necessary with the restaurant prior to your meal

5. Communicate your special dietary needs with the restaurant

• a. Determine your approach to explaining your gluten-free needs
• b. Initiate your first contact with restaurant
• c. Discuss requirements with the restaurant staff and based upon their knowledge of the gluten-free diet, potentially request a manager or the chef, as needed, to help ensure a safe experience

6. Order your meal

• a. Determine reference materials required to order meal
• b. Discuss the menu with the restaurant professionals
• c. Place your order

7. Receive order and appreciate your meal

• a. Confirm your order upon delivery
• b. Enjoy your meal
• c. Relax and appreciate the dining experience

8. Provide feedback on your dining experience

• a. Provide constructive feedback to restaurant professionals on your dining experience
• b. Recommend the dining establishment to your friends and family
• c. Notify applicable restaurant awareness programs of your experience

Dining Tip

Communicating your Gluten-Free Needs

If you are a celiac, you remember the day you were diagnosed and told you had to eat gluten-free for the rest of your life. You probably thought, "Gluten? What is that?" Now imagine working in a restaurant, and for the first time, someone told you they had to eat gluten-free...you would likely think the same thing, "Gluten? What is that?"

While awareness of celiac and the gluten-free diet is increasing throughout the world, the terms "celiac" and "gluten" are not yet universally understood. The term "allergy", however is! As celiacs, we know that celiac is an auto-immune disorder reflected in a permanent intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley that requires us to follow a gluten-free diet for life. However, a lot of staff working in restaurants do not know or understand what that means. One thing they do understand is allergies.

Although it is technically incorrect for a celiac to say they are allergic to gluten, in some cases, it may be a more effective way to communicate your special dietary requirements with people unfamiliar to the topic. As an example, below are three potential ways to communicate your dietary needs while eating out in a restaurant. Read them out loud and put yourself in the shoes of someone who has never heard of the terms celiac and gluten. Which one do you think works better?

1. I have celiac disease and am on a medically prescribed diet. I have a permanent intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. I cannot eat foods that contain gluten or I will become very ill. What dishes on your menu do not contain gluten?

Or

Or

You need to determine your own personal comfort level with how to effectively convey your special dietary needs when dining out. Ask yourself what communication method is most effective for you - a celiac, gluten-free or allergy approach. Next you need to ask yourself if you want to give control to the restaurant staff and let them decide what you will eat, or if you want to determine the safe meal options available, armed with the right knowledge. Confidently asking the right questions will ensure your dish does not contain gluten and empower you with the comfort level necessary to enjoy eating out.

Until the terms celiac and the gluten-free are universally understood, we have to make statements about our diet that clearly convey our needs. In the case of restaurants, it may be better to discuss allergies, specific ingredients and food preparation techniques, rather than make blanket statements about gluten. Clear and effective communication is the key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable gluten-free dining experience. If the concerns you have about your diet are understood and you have made an effort to remove all uncertain terms from your vocabulary, you will have the confidence to eat out around the corner from your home and around the world.

Restaurant Spotlight

Risotteria

Risotteria is a casual restaurant in New York’s West Greenwich Village, featuring many gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options, in addition to their regular menu of Italian specialties. Informal and quality driven, this establishment is a favorite of critics, New Yorkers and tourists alike. From gluten-free breadsticks to their homemade desserts, it is a worry-free place for celiacs. As part of the GIG’s Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/), it is also one of the few places in the Tristate area where you can enjoy gluten-free beer and pizza!

Owner Joseph Pace goes to great lengths to bring celiacs delicious four-star "comfort" foods at a reasonable price. He offers a wide range of fantastic gluten-free dishes, including the restaurant’s Northern Italian specialty and namesake Risotto; a creamy rice dish offered in many different styles. The menu clearly indicates gluten-free menu options with the letter "g".

When you're finished with your meal, check out the selection of frozen gluten-free foods to take home with you. Focaccia bread, pizza, chocolate chip cookie dough, soups, sauces and holiday pies are typically available. Risotteria is open daily from noon to 11pm.

Risotteria

270 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014

United States

Phone: 212 924-6664

http://www.risotteria.com

Kim Koeller and Robert La France, President and Executive Vice President of GlutenFree Passport™, are the authors of the Let’s Eat Out! Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free book series, 2006 Benjamin Franklin Award finalist for Best Health, Wellness and Nutrition Book and Best First Book Non-fiction. For more information and free educational materials, please visit http://www.glutenfreepassport.com.