Friendly Fridays: Chili's

Korry and I stopped at a Chili's during our long layover in Atlanta and I figured I'd be able to order a salad at the very least. As it turns out, rabbit food just wasn't going to cut it, so I ordered a burger minus the cheese and refrained from eating the bun. Had I done my homework, I would have known that Chili's actually has menus for various allergies on their website. They update it monthly with their different specials, so they recommend you check back frequently for up-to-date information. You can get their allergen menu by clicking on "Menu" from their home page and scrolling down to the bottom where it says "Download Allergen Menu". They are pdf files so you can print them out to use later. Chili's also offers a vegetarian menu and nutritional information in pdf form.

FRIENDLY FRIDAYS: Cracker Barrel

I've always like Cracker Barrel. They are the epitome of comfort food. Although not particularly the healthiest fare, they do have some offerings for people with allergies and food sensitivities. While I've never personally had to deal with their managers, I've read post after post of testimony by customers who have nothing but good things to say about how their managers have accommodated their dining needs. Allergy Free Please has a great personal experience posted with food options for various allergies. My Gluten Free New Jersey contacted Cracker Barrel to inquire about their gluten free menu items and got a detailed email from them, which they included on their website. 

I had a hard time finding any sort of nutritional information, allergy information, or ingredients on their website, but you can contact them for additional information. They seem to be responsive. 

FRIENDLY FRIDAYS: P.F. Chang's - Gluten Free

P.F. Chang's has a fairly extensive gluten free menu and if you choose items that are vegetarian as well you can pretty much avoid all the major food allergens. They do warn, as is the case in almost all restaurants, their food is all prepared in a common kitchen where other food allergens exist. If you are highly sensitive, consider yourself warned. I ate at the P.F. Chang's in Austin, TX and I have to say, I was impressed with both how accommodating they were and how knowledgeable our waiter was! He was able to offer me suggestions and personal opinions about the dishes. I had the GF Singapore Street Noodles, which consists of shrimp, chicken, vegetables and rice noodles stir-fried in a gluten free sauce. They were delicious and filling. I even splurged and had their GF Triple Chocolate Mousse Mini, which has three layers of chocolate ganache, milk chocolate mousse and flourless chocolate cake. It wasn't completely allergy free for me, but it didn't upset my stomach too much... and it was heavenly! 

P.F. Chang's is a great option for those of us with special dietary needs. They are knowledgeable. If you have someone in your party with other special dietary concerns ask to speak with a manager or the chef, and they will try to accommodate them as best they can.