Chili's WOW! :)

John · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 70

My girlfriend and I used to eat out all the time, but needless to say since I stopped eating gluten just over a half-year ago we've only been out once, at which time I got sick for a week off of Denny's supposedly GF menu.

Last night we went out to Chili's, and I told our server my issue and ordered off their online GF menu.

WOW it was GREAT. I didn't think I could feast like this in a public restuarant and feel so good the next day! (I have REALLY visible/noticeable reactions that usually kick in within 1-2 hours and persist for days)

I ate a rack of honey BBQ ribs (wow I forgot what BBQ tastes like.. MMM)
Loaded mashed potatos (chedder & bacon yum!)
Steamed brocolli

It was kinda funny, when I told the server she made a face like she just saw something painful happen. Sympathy apparently helps because whatever she told the cooks it worked Smile

The sides are always cooked seperately, but whenever you order something off the grill, make sure you let them know to clean off a spot and save it for gluten-free!

ostrich · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 4170 Location: Nebraska

Oooo, I didn't even know Chilis had a GF menu! (It's over here.) Thanks a bunch for letting us know. Smile

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operater · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Northern Illinois

I have eaten there alot I go when it isn't really busy. That is the only place I feel safe eating. but didn't know I could eat ribs.Know I will order them the next time I go.
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Jan

operater · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Northern Illinois

http://www.brinker.com/gr/allergens/Chilis%20Allergen.PDF
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Jan

WestWalker · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 306 Location: West Coast

John, glad you had a good experience. Sounds like Operator has had good experiences as well.

I didn't know they had a GF menu. This past summer Chili's was the only restaraunt around when I was traveling with family. When I asked about what might work for me (being GF) they came back with a business card that had a 1-800# that had the same statement as their GF menu - which is they can not guarantee the food is GF and if I had any questions to call the phone number before ordering because they were not liable for any food reactions. I never went back to Chili's after that of course.

I wonder how knowledgeable their staff is about gluten and cross contamination and whether they really care or not? Just wondering - I still don't plan to eat there after this past summer's visit. Cool

Kathie · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 755 Location: Florida

I couldn't get their web page to open this morning to verify if the Potato soup was still on the GF menu, but if it is I would like to throw out this little story from my daughter just FYI. She was sitting at Chili's with a friend when the people at the next table ordered the potato soup, the waiter said he'd have to check and see if it was ready yet becuase it had been to thin and they had to fix it. When he came to my daughters table she asked him "how do you fix the soup when its to thin?" He said "We add flour to it". Shocked

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operater · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Northern Illinois

Yes the soup is still on there gluten free menu
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Jan

isto · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:16 pm Post subject:

Kathie · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 755 Location: Florida

ostrich · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 4170 Location: Nebraska

Sounds like the same problem as Cheesecake Factory. Sad

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Ardagarda · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 29

Last night I had dinner at Chili's, and I had the same great experience -
I was able to eat a rack of baby back ribs, with corn on the cob and veggies.
I had wanted to eat some mashed potatoes (as it's on their GF list), but our server came back and told me I "shouldn't have that."
I'm so happy because I felt like she really made sure everything would be fine, even though it was an extremely busy Friday night (45 min wait!). I didn't get one bit sick - I feel great! I had a nice time.

Thank you for keeping me updated on new places to eat - if it weren't for this forum I might be a shut-in!!!!

BrendaLee · Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Michigan's thumb

My friend and I ate at Chili's Sat. for lunch. They were very helpful!
I ordered the loaded mashed potatoes and a bacon cheesebuger w/out the bun. It was pretty tastey!! The only thing I didn't like was that they placed the burger on paper prior to putting it on the plate, so I kept cutting into it .....oh well, used to eating cardboard (bread)! Wink

LOL!

Purrsnikitty · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 228 Location: Parrish, Florida

I've had good experiences at SOME Chili's, but not others. It varies from restaurant to restaurant. We've eaten several times at the one on Archer Road in Gainesville, FL and it's been great every time. I just tell the server - they bring out the menu and are knowledgeable and helpful. Each time, the meal has been great and no follow-up problems.

On the other hand, we took my mom to one in Tampa, FL near her house, and it was awful. The server was rude and obnoxious (like how dare I bother them with my silly problem - she didn't actually say that, but her facial expressions really said it all). The hilarious part was when she said they had a special menu, but weren't allowed to let me see it because of potential liability issues Rolling Eyes

I just said OK, thanks, I'll just have my iced tea and eat when I get home. My mom was really upset, but she and my DH went ahead and ordered. A few minutes later, the manager came out, apologized for the server and verbally gave me a list of things I could have. I ended up with some black beans and rice which I knew from previous experience was probably as safe as anything I'd get there. At least I got to eat which settled my mom down.

Moral of story - each one is different - call ahead and get an idea if they know what you're talking about.
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M. Shac · Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

My family went to one in Alabama and to be perfectly honest, I was afraid to eat anything off their menu. I was going to order a steak and have them pan fry it, but they did not use real butter. They said that their steaks are pre-marinated which sent up a red flag. I did not want to try ordering something that had to be cooked on the grill because you can never be sure if they cleaned a spot on the grill enough. The manager came over and did not seem to think that there was anything that I could have other than maybe a plain salad or veggies. He suggested a plain salad but I did not have my dressing with me and I think that they did not have a dressing that I could eat. I could have ordered some steamed veggies but I decided to just wait and eat something at home. I sat with my family while they eat and I ate later. Maybe, I am too cautious but I went so long undiagnosed and developed other auto-immune problems as a result and I am extremely sensitive to gluten. I would have to agree that not every Chili's is gluten free friendly. P.F. Changs has been a great place for me to eat. I have not tried Outback yet.

maryjk · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Auburn Alabama

I went to one in Alabama last week.

I called ahead, they told me, "no problem."

Went in, asked for the manager. She took my order, told me how they did things and took care of everything. Everyone was so nice and helpful.

Yes, the steaks are on the GF menu, I wonder if they are pre-marinated. If so, if it is in something that we can have.

I didn't get an upset tummy, which is what would tell me that I ate gluten. So, I think they got my meal right.