The restaurant wound up being a buffet/Mongolian grill scenario, so I did alright with having items cooked special for me on a clean part of the grill, and using my own sauce. No ill effects!
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have no issue with mentioning to the new acquaintances about my gluten intolerance, although I don't want to make it the only topic of conversation. And I have enough good suggestions here on what to look for and what to avoid, as well as asking the waiter for help. I will have a solid backup plan---bringing my own...
We have some new friends that are taking us out to eat at a Chinese restaurant of their choice (I think they are friends or family of the owner). I'm recently diagnosed gluten intolerant, and still trying to learn what is safe to eat or not. Is there anything on the menu that would be inherently gluten-free, or would I be better off asking for steamed vegetables...