Oh, hello there! Let’s settle in with a hot cup of gluten-free cocoa (hold the marshmallows, sorry!). If you’re someone who needs or wants to eat gluten-free, say for celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or any other health reasons, navigating dining out can sometimes feel like an obstacle course, rather than a relaxing meal. At “Easy Gluten Free”, we understand that it can be a daily obstacle to find a restaurant where you feel safe and confident choosing from the menu. Quick, someone fetch me my hero cape; we’ve got a gluten-free universe to navigate together!
Contrary to popular belief, gluten does not only lurk in our devious wheat-based pizza crusts and double fudge brownies (oh, the heartache). Gluten, a complex protein, likes to make cameos in places like salad dressings, sauces, and even soy sauce. Sneaky, right? But fear not, as we’ve previously discussed in our blog post, [“Unmasking the Hidden Sources of Gluten”](http://blog.easyglutenfree.com/unmasking-hidden-sources-gluten), we have plenty of strategies and tips to help you flourish in these situations, whether you’re on a date, business lunch, or a family dinner.
The first step towards an easier gluten-free dining experience is to be proactive; a diligent gluten-free ninja! Take to your devices and do some thorough research ahead of time. I like to think of this as my personal ‘Dinner Detective’ mission. Make use of restaurant review sites or download apps dedicated to discovering gluten-free restaurants. Thankfully, as we’ve seen in our [“Trending Gluten Free Apps post”](http://blog.easyglutenfree.com/trending-gluten-free-apps) some pretty nifty technological innovations have made this process less intimidating.
When choosing restaurants, it’s important to understand that not every restaurant will be able to accommodate every dietary need. That said, some types of cuisines tend to be more gluten-free friendly than others. Thai, Indian, and Mexican food often have a multitude of naturally gluten-free options due to their frequent use of rice bases and corn products. Yet, let’s not be overly carefree with our sombreros on since cross-contamination is still quite a conundrum.
Speaking of which, cross-contamination is the silent ninja warrior that can sneak into your otherwise gluten-free dish. Does the restaurant use the same pot of boiling water for gluten and gluten-free pasta? Do they toast their gluten-free bread on the same toaster used for wheat bread? If yes, then these seemingly innocent practices could lead to uncomfortable or dangerous reactions for a gluten-sensitive person. Be proactive, ask questions, and remember, your health is more important than any worry about being demanding.
Now, while it’s important to be your own advocate, it’s equally important to be a polite and considerate diner. The old adage that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar rings especially true here. When discussing your dietary needs with waitstaff or chefs, express your gratitude for their willingness to accommodate you. A little kindness goes a long way, plus, it’s simply a nice thing to do!
And last but not least, always have a backup plan! I call it my emergency gluten-free snack stash (whew, try saying that five times fast). In case your preferred dish is not available, or you discover mid-meal that a restaurant can’t confidently meet your needs, having a gluten-free snack can tide you over. Trust me; a slightly-hangry Claire who forgot her snack stash is not someone you want to meet.
With these tips in your back pocket and a little pre-planning, your adventurous self can reclaim the joy of dining out without the lingering worry of gluten. Remember, every individual’s experience with gluten sensitivity is unique, and while we like to add fun and lightness to our discussions, we never minimize the very real and important dietary needs of our readers. Let’s unite, fellow gluten-free gourmands, and venture into the world with grace, safety, and an appetite for life, and, naturally, great food!
**Category: Lifestyle & Social**
