Eating Gluten-Free in Thailand, Part 2

Eating in restaurants is different in Thailand in a few, notable ways.

• Learn to say hello - sounds like So-wa-dee-ka if you're a woman or So-wa-dee-ha if you're a man. Thank you is Ka-poon-ka if you're a woman or Ka-poon-ha if you're a man.
• Most parties share food so splitting the check is unusual. You can avoid a lot of headaches by figuring the money out amongst yourselves.
• Often service is very slow by American standards. Imagine the worst service (time-wise) you've ever had and then multiply it by 3. The food is often worth the wait, but eating out is a leisurely affair. Don't wait until you're starving to sit down and order.
• Bring your patience. You are probably making some special requests. Be polite to the waiter even if there is some initial miscommunciation. Your future gastrointestinal happiness is in his or her hands.
• Tipping is expected in Thailand. Tip generously, especially if they have checked ingredients for you.
• Don't expect everyone's food to be served at the same time. They usually just bring it out when it's ready.
• Although most places will automatically give you less-spicey food, you can ask for mild by saying "Mai Ped Ka" if you're a woman or change the Ka to "Ha" if you're a man or ask for it to be even spicier by saying Ped or "Ped, Ped."

Cupcake Confirmation - and a good GF outing

This is from the comments on the last cupcake post:

Lauren Melissari said...
French Meadow GF Yellow and Chocolate Cupcakes are sold at Central Market for $5.99!

I'll have to try one!

Also, I got this awesome post from blog reader Diane Shaw about a Gluten-Free Mother's day that went well.  I'm really impressed by their resourcefulness of calling ahead and warning the pizza place that they were bringing their own food.  I have shown up at restaurants with part or all of a meal, ordered a soda and a salad and tipped as if I have eaten a full meal and no one has ever been rude, but this sounds really nice.

My husband wanted to take us all out for Mother's Day, but we have the challenges of me being
a Celiac, 2 gluten intolerant daughters, one gluten intolerant grandchild and the rest can eat whatever they want. 

The other problem was everyone wanted to go to Grimaldis' Pizza at Watter's Creek in Allen for the atmosphere and the delectable pizza. 

We did the unthinkable and called and asked if our party of 10 came for dinner could we bring our homemade GF pizza for those who cannot eat their pizza. After a few minutes on hold
they said "Sure." 

We arrived 30 minutes later, they had our table ready and they were so gracious and kind to us. I think it is rare for a restaurant to allow you to bring food in and to be so kind about it. We will visit there again for sure.

Also, Cru wine bar at Watter's Creek was very aware of gluten issues as was PF Chang's. 

Grace - a new allergy and food sensitivity-friendly restaurant in Fort Worth

Grace at 777 Main Street in Fort Worth is a new, modern version of a steakhouse.  All of the food - salads, appetizers, main courses, dessert is ordered a la carte so you can mix and match easily. The chef aims to make his food friendly for people with allergies and food sensitivites.  I hope to have more details soon.  The grand opening is Nov. 17, 2008.

Gluten-free friendly chain restaurants

It's good to have options when you're out and about.  These are some chain restaurants in the metroplex that are GF friendly.  

• P.F. Changs has a GF menu
• Pei Wei has a GF menu
• Cheesecake Factory has a GF menu
• Outback Steakhouse has a GF menu
• Chili's has a master list of what's in everything.  I often eat their children's grilled chicken - it's not marinated - and mashed potatoes
• Chipotle - Everything is GF except for the flour tortillas, so just get the bowl.
• Q-doba - check their online menu
• Wendy's - Their fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer and their burgers are GF.  They have a master list in the store.
• Sonic - They have a comprehensive list online
• Chick-fil-a - Their fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer and their grilled chicken (not the breaded one) is GF without the bun.

Tips for dining out in the Dallas Fort Worth area

1. Be nice to your server, he or she is the only one standing between you and gluten!
2. No matter what happens, leave a nice tip and thank the server for his or her patience.
3. If the server does something above or beyond the call of duty for you, thank his or her manager.
4. When you sit down, tell your server that you have a serious allergy to wheat and gluten.  If you get a blank look, let them know, that means flour, soy sauce and modified food starch.  Some restaurants have an allergy protocol, so as soon as you say "food allergy" they know what to do.  Some don't.
5. Have a couple of ideas in mind for dishes you think are likely to be gluten free.  Some usually safe bets are: grilled chicken salad with no croutons, curries, mexican food made with corn tortillas, steaks, pork chops, baked potatoes, etc.
6. Make sure the server checks with the chef on every sauce and dressing on your food.  Most creamy looking dressings have modified food starch or wheat.  Clear dressings and vinaigrettes are a good bet, but always check.  Also, ask if anything has been marinaded and if the marinade contains soy sauce.
7. Don't be disappointed if your first choice is a bust.  If you get upset, they'll get anxious and might not tell you if there's gluten in your second choice so they don't upset you further.  Also, it's not fun for the other people at the table if you have a melt down.
8. Ethnic restaurants often offer a greater variety of GF food than traditional american bar and grills.  Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Sushi (dipped in tamari) and Mexican restaurants often have more options.
9. If you order french fries, make sure they are cooked in a dedicated fryer.  If they are cooked in the same oil with breaded items like fish sticks or chicken nuggets, there is a huge danger for cross contamination.
10. You don't have to give up dessert.  Blue Bell vanilla ice cream is safe as well as most jello, creme brulee and flan.  The Cheesecake factory even has a GF cheesecake - their all-chocolate Godiva.
11. Be patient and try not to be too hungry when you go out to eat.  Remember, the first thing they usually bring out is bread!

Rise - An elegant restaurant with tasty surprises in Dallas

Rise 

Inwood Village at 5360 West Locers Lane, Suite 220 in Dallas.

(214) 366-9900

www.risesouffle.com

Rise specializes in souffles, some of which can be made gluten free.  This cozy, intimate restaurant seats a modest amount of people.  I went on a Sunday afternoon and had no wait time, but I have heard that if you go at a breakfast, dinner or brunch time, you should be prepared to wait up to an hour or two.  They do accept reservations for parties of six or more.

When I sat down, I let my waiter know that I was eating gluten free.  He talked with the chef, who came to the table and discussed the menu with me - what service!  They were able to prepare the mushroom souffle without wheat flour.  Also, I enjoyed the naturally free creme brulee and a decadent chocolate souffle for dessert.  The meal came to about $25 per person, but was worth every penny!