Adhering to a strict gluten free diet has its challenges. Those who must do so find ways to control their environment to prevent accidental ingestion or contact with gluten. While one can govern what food and products are used within the home, the same is not true when engaging in activities in the outside world. One should never feel alone in experiencing an accidental gluten ingestion after dining out. Even those of us who have been gluten free for many years will have a mishap. I know that I have had numerous incidents over the years. Yet, I take each accident as an opportunity for improvement in my communication with restaurant staff, and restaurant research, after each occasion. This is truly the best attitude to have after what some call a “glutening.”

Before your next dining experience, consider calling ahead to inquire if the restaurant is able to accommodate your dietary needs. Ask if they have a gluten free menu, ask them to tell you what gluten is, and ask if they have participated in a gluten free training program. Don’t call during the busiest hours of the day as the service staff, and management, will be quite busy and may not be able to handle your call with the care it deserves.

Once at the restaurant ask more questions, regardless of whether or not you have placed a call ahead of time. Before ordering, ask about the ingredients of each dish. Ask if an ingredient guide is available for your review. Inquire about cross-contamination prevention techniques. Are separate cookware and utensils used? Is the fryer dedicated only to gluten free foods? Once the food arrives double check to make sure that what you’ve ordered is what has been delivered to you. If you’re uncertain about the food placed before you, ask to speak with the manager (if they are not already in charge of your order), explain your hesitation to eat the meal, and request any changes if they are necessary.

One big tip is to have the manager handle your order from the start. I ordered an ice cream sundae at a restaurant after going over the menu description, asking my server to ensure that no gluten containing ingredients were in the sundae, and restating my needs upon the delivery of the sundae. I took three bites and found a brownie in the bottom. I pointed this out to the server, and he then recalled that the sundae contained a brownie on the bottom. My head had begun to fog over within five minutes, so I had to speak slowly and deliberately to the manager. Thankfully I had my partner with me as he was able to help me explain the problem. She understood, and stated that the server was new and that their rate of turnover of staff left them unable to fully train them before their first shift. As this is a problem which could happen anywhere, I encourage you to have a manager directly control your order as they should have more knowledge of the menu and preparation techniques of the restaurant.

Dining out can continue to be a joyous experience, but it takes a bit more attention than it did before the gluten free diet. As always, it is worth the effort for your good health.