Cross contamination ....

[Judy]

Please forgive me if this topic has been covered, but....

I was reading about eating at resturants that offer GF items and I couldn't help but wonder if they are cooking the items on grills that cook items that aren't GF. My hubby has a problem eating breakfast out because even if he orders a GF meal, its probably been cooked on the same grill that pancakes, french toast, etc has been cooked on. He generally knows within a day or two because he'll break out with DH. Ah, what a problem!!
_________________
Judy

[aklap]

[Shiloh]

I know when we ate at Bonefish Grill where they have a GF menu, the waiter told me my food would be cooked on a scrubbed surface and with designated pans. Supposedly PF Changs has part of their kitchen designated GF. I have also found that eating out at off hours ensures a safer meal as they aren't crowded and can take the time. Also, always mention to the manager that your food must either be cooked over open flame or on a clean pan or foil on the grill. You might do better at a restaurant that is not a chain where you can develop a relationship with the chef and the management. I travel for weeks at a time and have no problem letting the restaurants know my needs. I will give you one good piece of advice, the more upscale the restaurant the less your chance of getting glutened. Stay away from fast food chains where you have teenagers or non english speaking people preparing your food. The chance for cross contamination increases there.
_________________
gf since 3/27/04

[Judy]

I don't know why I worry about cross contamination in restaurants - my husband refuses to ask about food he orders or how its cooked. He has a total fit if I say anything either, especially if we are with friends. The only thing he will do is to try and order plain foods and just say "no croutons" on his salad. It totally infuriates me as I work so hard to keep him gluten free. He just doesn't want people to fuss over him or to even know he has a problem. He's not new to this illness either - its been more than 25 years.
_________________
Judy

[Shiloh]

I have a problem with going over to someone's house for dinner. I can't ask them to cook gf and scrub down their kitchen. When I ask if I can bring my own dinner, they always say no! It's very hard. So, I have lots of dinner parties at my house and that way I don't need to worry. As for your husband, as you said, he's a grown man and knows the consequences. It is not up to you, it's up to him. It's like someone who drinks too much or smokes too much. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Just don't blame yourself. I know it's aggravating. Maybe you can find excuses to have people come to your house instead of meeting in a restaurant. Hang in there!
_________________
gf since 3/27/04

[Judy]

Dinner at friends houses isn't bad because they know his problem and they always call me to see what he can eat. He just says he doesn't want them to fuss and they always say they don't want to make him sick!
_________________
Judy