Chili's GF Menu

[northman235]

I had my second meal at Chili's last night and both times I've had a very positive experience. The first trip was last month in Keene NH and last night was in Hadley MA. I called ahead and spoke with the Manager before the meal in Keene, but last night was a spur-of-the-moment stop after my Fiance and I battled the mall for 2 hours. Again, I spoke with the Manager (Mark) and he and our server Kim were very helpful. I wanted the Tostada Chips and Salsa, which I had at the Keene Chili's, but Kim pointed out that they didn't have a dedicated fryer for their chips and there was a chance for cross-contamination. Mark had printed out a page from the corporate website (I couldn't find it on the Chili's website) that listed the suggested menu items for Wheat & Gluten-intolerant Diets. I tried to scan it so I could put it up here but my computer isn't working and playing well with others today If anyone would like to see a jpeg of it, I'll gladly send it to you via e-mail.
Anyway, I had the Dinner House Salad with the Lo-Fat Vinaigrette dressing, and my entree was the Classic Sirloin Steak with sides of rice and mashed potatoes. Everything was great, and it was nice to go out to eat - I didn't realize how much I missed just stopping for a quick bite to eat somewhere.
I would definitely recommend Chili's as a Celiac-Friendly Restaraunt but as always, call ahead and speak to the Manager. We were lucky, as the restaraunt wasn't very busy when we arrived and the Manager was able to give my dietary needs his full attention. The Chili's in Keene was busy when we arrived and we still felt the Manager there gave us the needed attention also so hopefully that is a good sign.
As I said, if anyone would like to see the menu items, just let me know
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
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GF since 7-18-05

[Professor]

I'm glad to hear that you had a good experience there -- mine was dreadful. I went a year or two ago -- explained to the waiter what the situation was (celiac), and he was so rude to me. When he said "Well, how about a glass of water -- that's all I can come up with that fits your restrictions" (and laughed), I got up and walked out.

I live in a bad place -- customer service is an unheard of dimension.

Lexi

[Jeannine]

6666

[Professor]

[lja89@juno.com]

I would be very interested in hearing all about the items you could have at Chili's. Good news.
We just got take out at PF changs off thier Gluten free menu. i don't know if you have one close by, but it was great.
Leslie Alva

[aklap]

You can get an idea from this link.

http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=ewK0LjP7E&b=35027

From what this person says, the list they provide by email changes MONTHLY...so you need to do a little planning ahead!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[haley123]

It was great I ate the hamberger for chillis and the manger came over and I showed him what to eat from the Celiac Forums, he was excited because alot of Celiac's in LV have come in their and don't know what to eat? He said he will go on the forum and copy it.
Horay for Celiac's.

[luvscowznh]

Chili's is actually the only place I've sent my Celiac dining out card into the kitchen and had someone actually come out and speak to me. The chef there reassured me that my selection was GF and handed me a GF menu. I was floored. It was the Chili's in Burlington, MA.

However, I went to another Chili's in Sommersworth, NH a few nights later, pulled out the GF menu and my server had no clue what it was. I got the exact same meal as the previous visit just to be safe.

I will definately add Chili's in Burlington, MA to my list of safe places to eat. The one is Sommersworth is iffy at best.

It really does depend on where you go.

-Manda
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[haley123]

Does any one eat their lettuce wraps? I love them

[Kathie]

Unless something has changed the lettuce wraps are not gluten free, and I specifically asked about them because I used to eat all of their chicken dishes. The last time I e-mailed them and from what I have seen from others it is still the same, almost all of their chicken is injected with a solution that contains wheat. The chicken they use for the fried chicken was ok at one time and if you had a friendly chef they could use it to make the other chicken dishes and the margarita chicken was also ok, but it doesn't appear on any of the lists I have seen lately.

[GFSarahSmiles]

I went to Chili's yesterday (as a reward from my managers at work! Yay for me!), and I was pretty impressed. In the last couple of years I had been to the one out at the mall (a Chili's Too) and while they didn't know about the GF thing before me, they sent out managers and all that jazz and remembered me after the first time. That's been a while though. But anyway, I went to a different (and bigger) one for my reward lunch, and I was terrified, but all for naught. I was nervous just about dealing with that whole Celiac and GF thing in front of my managers, but when I spoke to the restaurant manager to remind her of possible contamination issues in the kitchen, she assured me that they had served several GF people and were familiar with it. She asked if there were any other special needs or concerns, and was really nice and patient about it. A little while later, our server came out with a nice and official looking list of Wheat Allergy and Gluten Intolerant items - so many more than I was aware of. It was great! I felt a little silly for being so worried about it (I'm always anxious about eating out, and it's even worse if I'm with anyone out of the ordinary), but I was very happy to see that they are paying more attention to those who need a GF diet.

I'll try to scan my list (current as of yesterday, at least) and post it if Al or someone will tell me how I put it up here. In the meantime though, I can confirm what Kathie said about lettuce wraps not being on the list and the only chicken item on the list is the Margarita Chicken.
_________________
Sarah
Birthday: December 6, 1982
Gluten-Free Birthday: March 2, 2004
Remission & Dx Confirmed: March 30, 2004

[Kristie]

I love love love Chili's!!! Prior to going GF I only went there one time, and that was with my Spanish club in H.S. lol

However, I must admit, I've been there 3 times in a month and 1/2
The baked potato soup is my favorite!!
The managers have been wonderful! And will be happy to print off a copy of their GF menu upon each visit, however, I just make sure I have the newest copy and bring it along with me.
Honestly, this is the only place in town I feel safe dining out.

I agree, the lettuce wraps are not on my GF list, and do NOT appear to be safe.. sorry

[Kathie]

Just got a reply back from Chili's so am sharing the list I received: I notice ribs are on this list, I don't believe they were on there before?


April 26, 2006
Thank you for contacting Chili's for information on menu items that would be suitable for your dietary needs.

At Chili's, a top priority is always the health and safety of our guests. As part of this ongoing commitment, we provide the most current allergen menu information available from our food suppliers to help our guests with food allergies and/or sensitivities make informed food selections.

Based on the most current ingredient statements available from our food suppliers and their stated absence of wheat, rye, oats and barley within these items, our corporate dietitian has compiled the list below of suggested menu options at Chili’s for individuals who are allergic to wheat and/or are gluten intolerant. We hope that you will find this list helpful during your next visit to our restaurant. Because this list expires on a MONTHLY basis, please be sure to contact us for an updated version.

On your next visit to Chili’s, please speak with the manager about your dietary restrictions to ensure that your meal is carefully prepared with your needs in mind. However, please be aware that during normal kitchen operations involving shared cooking and preparation areas, including common fry oil, there is a possibility that food items will come into contact with wheat and/or gluten. In addition, due to the commingling of food items within our fryers, we recommend that individuals with dietary allergies avoid all fried food menu offerings.

Should you have any additional concerns or inquiries regarding our menu items, please do not hesitate to ask. We hope that you are able to choose a meal to your liking and look forward to serving you soon.

Suggested Menu Options for Individuals With Allergies and Gluten Intolerant Diets – April 2006:

*Fried food items are not prepared in a dedicated fryer and could pick-up gluten from other items.

Soups:

* Baked Potato Soup



Salads: Select dressings from the “Salad Dressings” list below only.

* Dinner House Salad – Order without Croutons.
* Dinner Caesar Salad – Order without Croutons.



Salad Dressings:

* Caesar
* Honey-Lime
* Honey Mustard
* Lo-Fat or Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette
* Thousand Island



Sides: Includes Kid’s Pepper Pals and Guiltless Grill options.

* Rice
* Kettle Black or Mashed Beans with Pico de Gallo
* Mashed Potatoes – Order without Gravy
* Corn on the Cob
* Steamed Veggies or Broccoli

Burgers: Omit French Fries. *Select sides from the “Sides” list above.

* Bacon or Old Timer Burger with or without Cheese – Order without the Bun.
* Mushroom Swiss Burger – Order without the Bun and Fajita Onions.
* Peppercorn Burger – Order without the Bun, Blue Cheese Dressing and Blossom Strings (Peppercorn spice is OK).

Guiltless Grill: Select sides from the “Sides” list above only.

* Guiltless Grill Salmon



Grilled Entrees: Select sides from the “Sides” list above only.

* Grilled Salmon with Garlic & Herb Butter
* Baby Back Ribs – Order without Cinnamon Apples and French Fries.



Steaks: Request dry-grilled (omit butters, oils, sauces). Select “Sides” from above list only.

* Flamed-grilled or Cajun Ribeye, Classic Sirloin, or NY Strip – Order without Garlic Toast and Herb Au Jus Sauce (Garlic Spread OK)

Sizzle & Spice: Request dry-grilled (omit butters, oils, sauces). Select “Sides” from above list only.

* Salmon – Garlic spread OK.
* Sirloin Steak with Honey BBQ Sauce. Order without Garlic Toast.
* Margarita Chicken
* Ribs

Extras:

* Pico de Gallo
* Salsa
* Corn Tortillas (warmed)
* Marinara Sauce
* BBQ Sauce
* Guacamole



Desserts:

* Chocolate Shake with Sprinkles (ask the manager if this item is prepared in a dedicated mixer)



Pepper Pals Kids: Omit French Fries. Select side items from the “Sides” list above only.

* Little Big Mouth Burger – Order without the Bun.
* Rib Basket only

Sincerely,

C. Payne
Guest Relations

Ref # 518134
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CD by Biopsy 3/25/88

[SueznRN]

Am I reading this right? I CAN have the baked potato soup? OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!