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CeliacAndCfsCrusader

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  • joolsjewels

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  1. I have eaten at Chipotle literally hundreds of times since being diagnosed and have NEVER had a c/c issue.

    When first diagnosed, a manager literally let me read the ingredient list on everything, no issues other than the tortilla (I agree I wouldn't use the steam press due to c/c) and there's vinegar in red salsa...but most think vinegar is ok for Celiac patients.

    That being said, here in CO, we tend to have cleaner locations than elsewhere (I've been to bunch across the country), so I worry less about c/c here.

    I'm very sensitive and have never had a problem. Eat without worry!

  2. I agree that PF Changs and Pei Wei (related to each other) do a great job overall.

    That being said, as careful as I am, I did receive a "regular" noodle in a rice dish at Pei Wei a few months ago....and I've eaten there at least 25 times without incident.

    I have to admit, I was pretty mad, it was after all my "go to" restaurant. But, I was able to put it all into perspective. I enjoyed 25 meals without incident and the manager was very apologetic. It's still my go-to restaurant.

    That being said, if I was consistently c/c'd at one location, I'd be complaining to the district manager without delay.

    I appreciate when a chain and/or restaurant advertises that they're gluten-free friendly, but I will hold them accountable if they want my business.

  3. I was told that they use it to make their omelettes "fluffy".

    Also, IMO, I'd only order bacon out if I knew it was both gluten-free and the pan used was not c/c.

    I would not trust a "griddle", they cook everything on there and I'd be confident c/c would be typical.

  4. There's another Hawaii thread on here I replied to, look there too.

    No worries about traveling to the Islands. I'm celiac and have been several times after being diagnosed (family there).

    There are many options to help you, including eating out, but I would recommend shopping at the grocery stores (stand by brands like Hormel are available), health food stores (including Whole Foods), Costco (lots of stuff there is gluten-free) and making sure that you are not c/c'd by soy sauce.

    My experience with restaurants is very good for the nicer places, so-so for the local places and very good for the known chains (Outback, PF Changs, etc).

    Please keep in mind that a good tip is to eat when a restaurant is not slammed (dinner rush). Also, keep in mind that many many people still have no idea what gluten-free means, it's up to you to educate them and see if their interest matches your comfort level.

    Even if you had to eat the same thing over and over, it's worth it.

    Hawaii is paradise (esp outside of Waikiki). If you're on Oahu, treat yourself to a meal at the new Disney resort. They'll make it happen. Aloha.

  5. Hormel Naturals sliced luncheon meat. Naturally gluten free (look for brown/red boxes).

    You can buy Yogurt at most airports (after security). Read label.

    Cashews and other nuts.

    Chips, power bars etc.

    Some airports, baked potatoes are available.

    ALWAYS have something, even if it's junkfood. Peanut M&M's have saved my life....

  6. One experience with Disney Character Breakfast in Hawaii, a relaxing and delicious meal. Chef made it happen!

    Google and the search function here has lots of info.

    Be put at ease, you'll be well taken care of (but do advance planning for sure).

    It's not easy...but it DOES get easier! Best of luck.

  7. Anyone know if McCain Superfries are gluten free? I noticed on the packaging that regular McCain hashbrowns aren't safe.

    Most of the McCains I've seen say that they either contain wheat OR are manufactured on "shared lines". Thats a no go for me.

    BUT, they make a hash brown patty (similar to McDonald's, but smaller) that is baked in the oven and they are addictive. They're called "Babycakes" I think. Great crunch and tastes like fast food!

    Never thought I'd miss bar food so much....

  8. Yes, putting some pancake batter is the norm for their omelettes.

    A kind waitress told me when I was first diagnosed and she talked to the cooks to make me a separate order (coffee and omelette, the only for sure safe thing there).

    Did not get sick!

  9. One thing I ALWAYS do is ask when my food is put down, "this is gluten free, right?".

    If there is any hesitation, it goes back for clarification.

    Just recently, I ordered a side of steamed asparagus at one of my favorite local places (Ling and Louies) and it was brought out with soy sauce, possibly gluten-free soy sauce. That's never happened before there (always plain) and it was a "runner", not my server. I firmly explained that if she wasn't 100% sure (and she admitted she wasn't), I wouldn't eat it.

    So, it's a pain, but double, triple checking is sometimes necessary.

  10. I've eaten the other flavors with no issues.

    This particular time, I ate quite a few at a party. Nothing else was "suspect", I was doing the hosting.

    No issues with dairy or dyes for me, but I DO react to oats.

    I'll stick with the other flavors (although this cheddar flavor was terrific).

    BTW, their website has a TON of new flavors I haven't seen, most all do not have the oat fiber issue.

  11. I've been gluten-free on Oahu many times. The number one thing is keep in mind that soy sauce is used everywhere and therefore c/c is a real concern.

    Awareness is so-so at restaurants, but they're nice about trying to help.

    Whole Foods is available in the Kahala area (just outside Waikiki, you'll need a car".

    There's also a local chain "Down to Earth" that is a smaller health food chain and there's one close to Waikiki. Good selection of gluten-free stuff.

    PF Chang's, Outback and a couple of other chains are available too (good luck with both).

    Safeway has some Hormel and other gluten-free brands, but Whole Foods is the go-to place on Oahu.

    Hotels are hit/miss as far as c/c and being knowledgeable. The new Disney property on the westside of Oahu WAS very accomodating at their brunch. First stress-free buffet I've had since being diagnosed (they made all of my requests separate and brought out to me).

    Best of luck!

    PS: Make sure you get to Kailua Beach for the day. Stunning.

  12. When I was there, I was not celiac. But, perhaps this info might be helpful.

    Be aware that "some" coffee places include barley in their coffee for flavoring. I would suggest printing off this question in Italian, on the 1% chance you come across it.

    Gelato is normally gluten free, always ask. BUT, you do have to be careful of c/c because of the scoops they use.

    Lastly, in Italy, many pharmacies/drugstores have a dedicated gluten-free food section. Even the tiniest of locations may have something you can either eat on the fly or take back to your own kitchen.

    I'd be most careful of c/c in general, as bread, pasta and pastry seem to be at every turn. This USED TO BE, a good thing!

    Have a great trip.

  13. Hi all- I've been eating these crackers for awhile now, good flavors to choose from.

    They're all labeled "Certified Gluten Free" and I've never had a reaction. Until now.

    I'm not positive it was their "Cheddar" flavor that I had a reaction to, but I was curious enough to re-read the ingredients (process of elimination you know...).

    Anyway, I noticed that they list "Oat Fiber" in the ingredients list.

    I went to their website, under FAQ, and they said that "don't worry, the oat fiber does not contain gluten!".

    I do react to oats. If you do too, maybe this is something you should be aware of (most of their chips don't contain the oat fiber, fyi).

  14. Hi- I'm happy to say that my one and only Disney experience (Hawaii, Aulani Resort) was a smashing success.

    I made an online reservation for the Character Breakfast (buffet) and then mentioned to my server that I was gluten-free. An actual Chef came out and totally put my mind at ease. He basically asked "what would your dream list be for breakfast this morning?" and I kept it simple (omelette, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and a dessert).

    All was delicious and they couldn't have handled it better.

    One note: I always make sure that no matter how prepared they are, I always remind them about c/c and shared utensils (especially in a buffet). I specifically asked for "fresh" items be made so that I wouldn't have any chance of c/c (even if the item itself was naturally gluten-free).

    Communicate, be polite and be at ease!

  15. Too funny about the Cheesecake recipe, I do the exact same thing.

    It's actually the Kraft Philly Cheesecake filling.

    I crush up cookies, butter and jam for the crust (bake at 350 for 10 minutes to make it firm).

    Then, add the filling and Voila! you have gluten-free cheesecake.

    I usually use Pamela's cookies in multiple combo's.

    Just today, I bought Lemon Shortbread and I'll mix in some of their chocoloate too. I've used the Ginger too. There is no reason to have a recipe, use what you like.

    Happy Holidays!

  16. I've got some other issues (allergies to fresh fruit being one), but it's doable (at least for a few days).

    In no particular order:

    Sliced luncheon meat by Hormel (Naturals line). It's all gluten-free and doesn't taste "too" processed. Most grocers carry it and you can eat it right out of the package.

    Stax potato chips ( can won't be crushed, but other lines will do).

    Tons of cashews (other nuts, but cashews seem to go with anything).

    Yogurt, usually available someplace, no matter how small.

    Peanut M&M's. Snickers. Payday bars.

    Vitamin Water (read label).

    Pamela's Cookies.

    Cheese slices (read label).

    Almond Butter (fresh ground at health food store, doesn't need refrigeration). Also available in mini-packets.

    Chex.

    Even Haagen-Daz is available at the convenience stores.

    Good luck.

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