It's been a wild minute since I last posted to this site.
Being in a state that had a lot of restrictions during Covid, we've been very selective on going out and dining outside our home. We mostly stuck to places we felt very comfortable with. With so many places using mobile menus, they don't list allergens or safe meals so it's made it harder to scan a menu quickly and figure out what would be safe to order for delivery or carry out.
Since things have started to open up more, and restrictions have been lifted we've starting going to some new places and trying new menus. With that we've faced new menu options and ways food is prepared as well as contact-less ordering (i.e. - No one to ask about food prep!).
It brings me to a constant reminder, to never let down your guard when dining out and looking over a menu.
Last week we tried a new place, known for beer and BBQ. I looked over the menu made some initial decisions what to ask about and planned what I wanted in my head. When we got there they had contact-less ordering. I was able to track down someone to talk to them about food prep.
It blew my mind that Both the pickles and coleslaw were made with beer! The baked chicken wings were soaked in the pickle juice so not safe. Brisket was safe, but the items made with brisket, nachos and chili, that brisket was not safe, as that brisket was made on the same grill that toasted their buns. I was so confused what was and wasn't safe. The manager helped me figure out that plain brisket and fries were GF!
It reminded me that you can never assume. You never know how a restaurant may doctor up something for a different flavor.
Anytime I think I've heard it all, someone else incorporates gluten in something that should be gluten free.
Pickles, coleslaw and chicken made with beer.
Rice made with butter substitute that contains wheat.
Baked potatoes flash deep fried to crisp the skin.
Mashed potatoes firmed up with flour.
Never let your guard down, you never know where unusual gluten can be hiding!
