Eating out can be such a luxury; a respite from meal preparation, grocery shopping, and the cooking and cleaning that go with eating at home. But if you or your child has a gluten sensitivity or allergy, eating out can be a hassle, or even stressful, especially if the other people dining at your table don't have dietary restrictions. That basket of bread and butter on the table is a great temptation if you can't have it as an adult, but if you're a child, not being able to have what everyone else at the table is eating is cause for a scene. Here are some tips to successfully dine out gluten free, especially with GF children:
1.) Order an appetizer with the drink order: order soup, a side of rice or avocado immediately so that the children have something to snack on instead of the bread basket.
2.) Deconstruct meals: many restaurants are willing to accommodate a gluten sensitivity or allergy by combining pieces of other dishes together.
3.) Sides are your friend: You can also construct your own meal by ordering a number of sides. For my daughter, I often put together sides of grilled chicken, rice and avocado.
4.) Chef Salad: These salads are packed with variety and often suit both myself and my GF daughter. I order her a side of rice and then give her the kids friendly bits of my salad: hard boiled eggs, cheese, turkey, ham, tomato and cucumber. You can always add grilled fish, chicken or steak to the salad for additional protein.
5.) Peeling doesn't count!: Removing the breading on kids menu items such as chicken strips, at least in our experience, doesn't work. It may be different for others, but for us, it's not worth it.
6.) Maximize fresh fruits and veggies: fill up on a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies, being cautious with any "dips" you may use. Ask a server for an ingredient list if needed.
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