I presume...

This is a card I have taped on the window of my bus seat. One of our crew members bought it for me. Now, we all know we should never presume anything is gluten free in a restaurant/bakery. But, there are times, especially when traveling, when eating out is unavoidable. Here are some chain restaurants where I have had success:

• Outback Steakhouse - GF menu
• Carabbas - GF menu
• Bonefish Grill - GF menu
• Ruby Tuesday - salad bar (BE CAREFUL OF CROSS CONTAMINATION)
• Chipotle - avoid all tortillas and chips
• Wendy's - baked potato, chili, and mandarin chicken salad are safe
• PF Chang's - GF menu
• Legal Seafoods - GF menu
• Chic-Fil-A - I normally get a bun-less grilled chicken sandwich with a small fry
• Maggiano's - GF menu with GF pasta!
• Boston Market - check website for GF options (BE CAREFUL OF CROSS CONTAMINATION)
• Mimi's Cafe - GF menu book
  
• Panera Bread Co. - check website for GF options (I LOVE the black bean soup!)

Remember, be very vigilant whenever you eat out. Ask to speak with the manager about your dietary needs. Carefully explain the danger of cross contamination, and never be afraid or embarrassed to send your food back if it is not correct. I find my Triumph Dining Cards to be invaluable, especially in ethnic restaurants. (The cards are in both English and the native language of the cuisine) They carefully outline exactly what I can and cannot eat, as well as what ingredients may be risky. The cards also outline the risk of cross contamination.
I try to stock up at grocery stores whenever possible. However, these restaurants have saved me on more than one occasion. I will blog later about my favorite gluten free, non-chain "finds" around the U.S. and Canada. Believe me, there are some real gems there! Until next time, my friends!