Outback Steakhouse

[cgilsing]

I just wanted to share with you guys what a great experience we had a Outback last night. We live 2 hours from the nearest Outback, but opted to take the drive last night because, as many of you know, they have a gluten-free brownie dessert that is to die for!! I think I caught our waitress off guard when I asked for the gluten-free menu. She was new and said that I was the first person who had asked her for one. She went and got it for me, and then even read over the notes herself next to the dishes I had picked. She asked me about celiac disease and what exactly I couldn't have. After she left our table I overheard her speaking with the manager about my food. I heard him tell her to make sure the chef prepared my food in seperate pans to prevent CC. My husband had ordered cheese fries (which are not gluten-free) and when she brought them to the table she made sure I knew I couldn't have them. After dinner, I told her about our two hour drive and that one of our main reasons for comming was the brownie dessert. She disappeared into the kitchen and a few seconds later the manager came to our table. He had bad news....they ran out of brownies The waitress had told him how far we had come, and he was very appoligetic. He said they made the brownies in house and that it would be another 40 minutes before they would be done. We were in no hurry and said we would wait (to be honest, we could use some time for dinner to settle before we took on dessert ) We said it wasn't neccessary, be even so he took $10 dollars off of our meal and gave us a free card for a dessert the next time we were in. When the brownies finally were done, they gave us an extra one last night too. All in all a great experience! I wrote an e-mail to Outbacks corporate office last night after we got home praising the staff for their efforts. We really take notice when companies like McDonalds let us down. We should take equal notice when companies like Outback bend over backwards to accomidate us as well

[jerseyangel]

Wow--I'm glad you had such a nice experience! It all sounds wonderful--and worth the 2 hour drive

[Becky6]

Glad it went well! I LOVE Outback!

[minibabe]

My favorite restaurant is about 1 hour away. I am so glad that you had a wonderful experience there since it was such a long drive for you . You are so lucky though because you had the browine, I have not been able to experience one of them yet.....my outbacks dont carry them

Amanda NY

[mouse]

I am glad cqilsing that you had such a fantastic dining expierience at Outback. I don't think I could get my husband to drive 2 hours for a dinner. One hour he will do, but I am sure not two. Besides I would be too tired to eat once I got there.

I think you did wonderful with the manager. I think that we ALL should go out of our way to tell the manager of any restaurant that provides us gluten-free choices, how VERY MUCH we appreciate it. And if need be write to the corporation of a chain, telling them of your wonderful expierience. I think we should go on the offensive to help us keep these wonderful places to eat.

[Guest Pixi]

WOW that sounds fantastic!!

I have been feeling pretty hopeless about eating out. It's my favorite, favorite, favorite thing to do. I even got a job waiting tables because I love the social and culinary experience of dining out.

There is an Outback Steakhouse near me and I'm going to give it a try. Hopefully, they are as understanding and careful as the staff at your restaurant was.

Looking forward to that dessert!!!

<3 Pixi

[CMCM]

Outback is great, although you have to read the menu carefully. It has a lot of the regular items on it, except you have them remove certain things, such as sauce on the veggies, etc. Our waitress was very nice, but apparently hadn't dealt with this before so she didn't know much.

I had the brownie dessert and it was great, except the ice cream messed up my stomach (I can no longer eat dairy). Next time I'll just order the brownie plain!

[PreOptMegs]

THe Chocolate THunder was AMAZING!!! It was worth every calorie!

[MallysMama]

Hi! (I'm new here and this is my first post!) I'm so excited to read that other people know about Outback's gluten-free menu! I had no idea until I started waitressing there 6 months ago. They don't put the gluten information on their general menu - you have to ask for the gluten-free special menu. Most things just have to be made without their seasonings (which they put on almost everything). I'm not very good at sticking to the restrictions - so I don't always ask for no seasoning. I was so shocked to learn that the chocolate pecan brownie wasn't made with any flour! My hubby and I eat at Outback all the time now (since I've worked there) and I almost always get that dessert! So Yummy!!!! Outback is a great restaurant (and I'm not saying that cause I work there)...and I hope more celiacs learn about their gluten-free menu.

[Lisa]

Outback is great, although you have to read the menu carefully. It has a lot of the regular items on it, except you have them remove certain things, such as sauce on the veggies, etc. Our waitress was very nice, but apparently hadn't dealt with this before so she didn't know much.

I had the brownie dessert and it was great, except the ice cream messed up my stomach (I can no longer eat dairy). Next time I'll just order the brownie plain!

CMCM, sorry to get off topic. Please tell me about your pup. We had to put down our lab two years ago and sort of thinking about getting a dog. I think I might post about what kind of dog is best for two retires.

He/She is just beautiful.

Lisa

[Lauren M]

Funny - there is an Outback opening literally within walking distance of my apartment (Deptford, NJ), and they have a "Now Hiring" sign. I was thinking of getting a part-time job while I continue in grad school, and I think that as a Celiac, maybe they would like having someone who truly understand what GLUTEN FREE means as part of their waitstaff. I would definitely promote the Chocolate Thunder!!!

- Lauren

[CMCM]

CMCM, sorry to get off topic. Please tell me about your pup. We had to put down our lab two years ago and sort of thinking about getting a dog. I think I might post about what kind of dog is best for two retires.

He/She is just beautiful.

Lisa

Actually, this isn't my dog. However, I had the photo because it looked exactly (and was the the same breed) as my 15 years old dog (how she looked as a young dog) which I had to put to sleep a year ago. This type of dog usually lives 10-12 years, but mine made it to 15 and only got bad at the end.

It's a wolf-husky hybrid. Just the sweetest, most wonderful "dog"...mine was 75% Arctic wolf (her parents were white), the rest was husky with a bit of German shepherd thrown in. The breeder I got her from said the mix made for a wonderful, mellow personality, and that was true. We live in the mountains, and she was really more dog than wolf, but she had a cool howly bark (which she proceeded to teach to our other dog, a mutt of some sort). These dogs can be trained to a degree...mine could sit for a cookie for example, and she'd come when called etc. and was very good in general (although she chewed everything when a puppy), but early on we took her to obedience training and she flunked, just wouldn't play the game. She was a big putz, but incredibly sweet and loving. Not at all weird like some wolf hybrids are....many people pen them up, but ours was always loose and never a problem. She never growled at or bit anyone. What she really wanted to do was be a lap dog....when you'd pet her, she'd just sit adoringly with you and would sit there forever if you petted her. I really miss her (sniff sniff )

If you like her looks, a full Husky looks very much like this, the coloring and mask and all.

[MallysMama]

Lauren,

You should totally apply!! They are a great company to work for. Just to warn you though - you have to take a lot of tests to be hired! It's a pain! And every six months you have to retest to make sure you know the menu descriptions! But hey - it's a job, right!? If you do get hired - be careful - the food is so tempting to eat all the time!! I probably cheat more now after starting work there than I did before (and they support celiacs!! haha!). Good luck!

[Claire]

I ate at Outback tonight. The waitress had never served a gluten-free patron before but she put out an all out effort.

The kitchen didn't help - they gave her a regular meal. She graciously took it back and asked questions so she would better understand the next time.

It was a great meal - as usual.

Outback's gluten-free menu is nationwide but some sites rarely serve a gluten-free meal. That is true here locally - this location was in Hagerstown, MD. As you get closer to DC they have more expereince. I have eaten three or four times at the Hagerstown location - always satisfied. Claire

[tiredofdoctors]

We eat at Outback more than any other restaurant simply because it's easier to order! I had a waitress who was unfamiliar with the gluten-free menu, and she was the same way -- VERY cautious, even half-joked, "I'm guessing you guys don't want bread before your meal??" She was great.

Sunday night we went to Cracker Barrell. They used to have a gluten-free menu, but no more . . . . However, our waitress understood what I was talking about, I was really worried that they had "premade" salads in the back and would simply remove the croutons. This lady went back to the kitchen and made my salad herself! It was beautiful! No dressing, of course, but salt & pepper were fine.

Isn't it nice to have such good experiences? Makes the whole thing much less worrisome.

[jerseyangel]

Lynne--If you don't mind my asking, what did you order at Cracker Barrel? We always liked to go there, and if there's something safe, and I could go there again, my husband would be so happy

[McDougall]

I just wanted to share with you guys what a great experience we had a Outback last night. We live 2 hours from the nearest Outback, but opted to take the drive last night because, as many of you know, they have a gluten-free brownie dessert that is to die for!! I think I caught our waitress off guard when I asked for the gluten-free menu. She was new and said that I was the first person who had asked her for one. She went and got it for me, and then even read over the notes herself next to the dishes I had picked. She asked me about celiac disease and what exactly I couldn't have. After she left our table I overheard her speaking with the manager about my food. I heard him tell her to make sure the chef prepared my food in seperate pans to prevent CC. My husband had ordered cheese fries (which are not gluten-free) and when she brought them to the table she made sure I knew I couldn't have them. After dinner, I told her about our two hour drive and that one of our main reasons for comming was the brownie dessert. She disappeared into the kitchen and a few seconds later the manager came to our table. He had bad news....they ran out of brownies The waitress had told him how far we had come, and he was very appoligetic. He said they made the brownies in house and that it would be another 40 minutes before they would be done. We were in no hurry and said we would wait (to be honest, we could use some time for dinner to settle before we took on dessert ) We said it wasn't neccessary, be even so he took $10 dollars off of our meal and gave us a free card for a dessert the next time we were in. When the brownies finally were done, they gave us an extra one last night too. All in all a great experience! I wrote an e-mail to Outbacks corporate office last night after we got home praising the staff for their efforts. We really take notice when companies like McDonalds let us down. We should take equal notice when companies like Outback bend over backwards to accomidate us as well

I've eaten twice at my local outback and once while on vacation, ordered from the gluten free menu all times and explained how very important it was each time. Got sick all 3 times. I work in a resteraunt and have off and on for 25 years. I know how these request's are just breezed over. I woudn't trust an outback anymore than Dunkin Donuts.

[Claire]

Nothiing but praise for Outback. I think we should not always asssume that a reaction is gluten. If you have even one food intolerance that can be the answer. Likewise food additives, chemicals in the sprays used for grills - etc. etc. Eating out is always at your own risk - whether gluten is the issue or any one of the many reactive foods and additives out there. Claire

[MallysMama]

Nothiing but praise for Outback. I think we should not always asssume that a reaction is gluten. If you have even one food intolerance that can be the answer. Likewise food additives, chemicals in the sprays used for grills - etc. etc. Eating out is always at your own risk - whether gluten is the issue or any one of the many reactive foods and additives out there. Claire

I agree! It's not just me who spends some time in the bathroom after eating out - my hubby does every once and awhile too. Who knows why! I think it could be a huge factor of things - fatty food content, chemicals, a server could be sick and touch your food, food poisoning, etc. Kind of scarey if you think about it too much! After working in an Outback - I understand more about how restaurants work (the people who work there aren't always perfect) - and that you eat at any restaurant at your own risk. I would eat at Outback, hands down over any other restaurant, because they at least make the effort to accomadate people with special diet needs - and since they make so many things fresh in their restaurant, you can order almost anything exactly how you want it. They've got me hooked!

[jerseyangel]

You know, Mally's Mama, you make a good point. My husband has gotten D from restaurant meals lot of times over the years. Not food poisoning or anything (except once a couple months ago) but just something not sitting right. Could be almost anything--

[MallysMama]

You know, Mally's Mama, you make a good point. My husband has gotten D from restaurant meals lot of times over the years. Not food poisoning or anything (except once a couple months ago) but just something not sitting right. Could be almost anything--

Yup! "Poop happens!" (However, I do know there is a difference from just having "D" and really being sick with yucky cramps and stuff....so I know it's not always just regular restaurant stuff... there's always the chance with celiacs that we've just had too much gluten at one time. But we can't always be sure of what's causing it.)

[jerseyangel]

Ha--I know too well! I haven't actually eaten out since September--just too scared of getting sick

[Lauren M]

Lauren,

You should totally apply!! They are a great company to work for. Just to warn you though - you have to take a lot of tests to be hired! It's a pain! And every six months you have to retest to make sure you know the menu descriptions! But hey - it's a job, right!? If you do get hired - be careful - the food is so tempting to eat all the time!! I probably cheat more now after starting work there than I did before (and they support celiacs!! haha!). Good luck!

Well, I got a job at Outback haha. I go for the test tomorrow to see exactly what they want me to do, but the man who interviewed me said that I would be an "asset" to them as a person who has celiac disease, and I was impressed that he was aware that they have a gluten-free menu. So I go for the personality test/assessment tomorrow... I'll let you know how it goes! But regardless, he said that they would have SOME position for me (though I have a BA in Communications and have lots of work experience even in the service industry, believe it or not, I've never waitressed!)

As far as the temptations... I'm a vegetarian, but the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under is my fave and it's gluten-free so no worries!

- Lauren

[MallysMama]

Well, I got a job at Outback haha. I go for the test tomorrow to see exactly what they want me to do, but the man who interviewed me said that I would be an "asset" to them as a person who has celiac disease, and I was impressed that he was aware that they have a gluten-free menu. So I go for the personality test/assessment tomorrow... I'll let you know how it goes! But regardless, he said that they would have SOME position for me (though I have a BA in Communications and have lots of work experience even in the service industry, believe it or not, I've never waitressed!)

As far as the temptations... I'm a vegetarian, but the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under is my fave and it's gluten-free so no worries!

- Lauren

Congrats, so far!! That's awesome! Good luck on the assessment test - not fun!! That's just the beginning. You have to learn the menu and the drink menu and be tested on that too before you can waitress. (And then again every 6 months.) The outback I work at is insanely busy! (Just a mile or so away from the world's busiest outback - and there are more than 700 Outbacks world-wide!!) It's exhausting work - but is a great company to work for. (Of course - each restaurant has it's own proprietor and managers...so I suppose the experience would be different for each one.) My boss just recently learned I have Celiac (I had no idea Outback was big on Gluten-free stuff until after I got the job)...and was pretty surprised. (Probably because I haven't, until just this friday, ever ordered from the Gluten-free menu.)

What part of Communications did you get your BA in? I was majoring in Advertising/PR - but unfortunately only finished two years - so didn't graduate (yet...?). My sweet Mallory decided to come into our lives - and that's been more fulfilling to me than finishing... but someday I hope to get my BA. Outback has so many opportunities for "advancement" if you apply yourself. They have what they call "headwait"....and that's the server who checks all the other servers out at the end of the night (handles the money and the credit card slips, and the totals, etc.). In my Outback they don't Ask anyone to take on these positions - you're supposed to ask them. And then they have "Keys" who kind take on the roll of a manager every once and awhile and they walk around the restaurant and deal with the customers. So - if you're not just interested in being a waitress - just be patient!

Anyway - Congrats again and good luck!

[AussieJade]

Hehehehe ....this is quite amusing - let me tell u why

My friend and I are planning a trip away from Australia to the USA - hence why im lurking around this board trying to suss out places to eat etc when we come to the US (paticularly New York) ...and SO many of you have spoken highly of this restaurant so I thought id google it and find it extremly amusing that a place that DOES Have gluten free is an Aussie Inspired theme LOL!

I THINK my friend would KILL me if I said "Oh lets go eat here" - (yes come allll the way from Australia to eat at an Aussies inspired restaurant ) Plus I think waiting staff would find it quite odd as well

You will be hearing more from me in regards to where to eat etc For now ill keep lurking

Thanx!!

Jade