I’ve only been navigating the gluten-free life for three months, but it feels like forever. That said, last night was a totally new experience in gluten-free dining.
In the lounge of one of Washington’s best, most highly rated restaurants, I ran into my first case of celiac insensitivity ( I call it Burgergate).
I asked if I could have the restaurant’s lamburger without its bun. The server instead told me that it was served on the bun and I could simply take it off. Perhaps this seemed most logical to the server, but to me it meant a plate full of invasive gluten, showering crumbs every which way.
The server explained that the presentation is important to the kitchen, so things aren’t altered.
When the Gluteneer intervened (”Can’t you go ask the chef to make an exception?”), the server went to check and came back triumphantly announcing that she had “flexed some muscle.”
Now, I don’t think anybody should need muscle to get a good meal, but perhaps I overstep my boundaries.
Pushing these boundaries even further, I offer my Do’s and Don’ts for servers when dealing with food allergies and restrictions.
Do be my advocate. A gluten allergy is tough. Please do me the favor of asking the kitchen for substitutions and alterations.
Do ask questions. I am happy to explain what I can and cannot eat. Better safe than sorry will save us all some headache.
Do make recommendations. If you know that gluten-free diners do well with a particular dish or risk a reaction to another one, let me know.
Don’t get snarky. There’s a time and a place. It likely isn’t over my dinner plate. Yes, I wish that celiac was funny business.
Don’t make me feel like a burden. If you needed to tackle the chef to get me a bunless burger, take it to management. I already hate to impose and rearrange the chef’s artful compositions.
Don’t make assumptions. If I ask for dressing on the side, it could be that I want to lose that extra pesky bulge, but it could also be that I don’t want a flour-based salad poisoner. Please take my requests at face value.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Tiffany // Jun 26, 2008 at 2:42 am
True. Dat.
I just had a very similar experience this afternoon, and it was not a pleasant thing.
2 Kerry // Jul 28, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I have been gf in the dc area for about 10 years. Lets just say it has gotten better. BUT sometimes are worse than others. The best suggestion I have is call ahead. Doesn’t matter if it is a mom and pops joint or a chain restaurant make a reservation or ask about eating with allergies at thier restaurant. If you don’t feel comfortable ask to speak to the chef. If they refuse, well then go elsewhere and maybe blog about it. IF you have a last minute dinner out plan and the server isn’t helpful ask to speak to the chef. They may not be available but it is worth a try. Last thing, if you are celebrating and don’t mind the price tag I highly recommend Willow’s in Arlington. Call ahead and let them know about your allergies. I have 11 and they not only made me a scrumptious meal they gave me options and desert. Plus a birthday treat.
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