Dining Out Gluten-Free? 5 Ways to Try Something New

[It's easy to get stuck in a dining rut. Chandice Probst of Gluten-Free Frenzy and CDF Arizona East Valley has some tips to help you get out there and find a new favorite place to eat gluten-free!]

For those of us living with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, dining out can become run of the mill with the same few places and the same dishes every time. It is time we look at dining out as an exciting adventure and something that will be satisfying and, more importantly, safe.

1. Try a new dish at your favorite restaurant.

Remember that episode of Seinfeld when George does everything opposite of what he would normally do and it works out in his favor? Now I am not telling you to eat gluten, NEVER. What I am saying is that if you are usually a chicken dish kind of person, go for the beef. Not a vegetarian? Try a vegetarian dish! You will be surprised by what you like that you didn’t even know you did.

2. Go Ethnic!

Some of the greatest restaurant reviews and eating experiences I have had were in other countries or in ethnic restaurants. Peruvian, Cuban, Ukrainian and Brazilian foods (I lived on Brazil’s manioc starch, gluten-free bread, Pao de Queijo, while visiting this country!). Indian cuisine is especially enjoyable for those living gluten-free. Most Indian cuisine is prepared without gluten (Naan is off limits). Those dishes that do require flour are often made with garbanzo bean flour. Make sure to always check first!

3. Find those diamond in the rough gluten-free dining establishments.

You can do that by trying new places and actively seeking out the reviews of others. Always make sure the chef is following proper practices required for those living gluten-free, then enjoy amazing gluten-free food you otherwise might not have.

4. Make gluten-free eating fun within your own community!

Local support groups, expos and awareness events often introduce you to some of the greatest gluten-free foods and products you will ever eat! Make a day out of trying lots of new products in one place. It’s a great way to try before you buy as well. www.glutenfreecalendar.com

5. There’s an app for that!

There are so many amazing resources out there that can provide you with great gluten-free reviews and advice on new, safe places to dine. One of the best I’ve found is Find Me Gluten Free. With this free app you can find gluten-free friendly restaurants based on your location. This is the app I use when traveling for awareness events and more! Knowing that the CEO has celiac disease himself gives me great confidence in knowing that I will find a safe and delicious restaurant, no matter where I am.

- Chandice Probst

About these ads