Although it was a rainy gloomy afternoon, we celiacs and parents/spouses got together for
lunch and it brightened our day. We met at Chili’s in South Charlotte and had another
great dining experience. I was a little nervous since I recently went to a Chili’s in
Michigan and when I asked the server for the gluten-free menu, she said, “Do you want the
Braille menu?” Of course, I asked to speak to the manager and was served a wonderful and
safe meal. When I returned home, I received the GF menu from Chili’s headquarters.
So today, I arrived 30 minutes earlier than the group and sat down with the manager,
Paula, to cover all elements of our condition. Paula was very interested and attentive.
They gave us our own section of the restaurant, so it was very private. Everyone was so
helpful and wonderful. Although there was a little bump at first (like croutons on a salad),
Paula immediately stepped into the situation to ensure the rest of the lunch went
perfectly. She even helped in the kitchen to personally prepare our meals! We were all
very happy, stuffed and even our little Andrew (age 5) got a chocolate shake. Therefore, I
think we would all say Chili’s is a great restaurant and deserves our business. They care
about doing things right and are willing to go above and beyond to make us feel safe and
enjoy the dining experience. So, thank you Chili’s for a great menu with lots of choices.
Also, thank you Paula for your positive attitude and help in making this a special afternoon.
We had one of our largest turnouts ever with lots of new members, including: Charlotte,
Christy, Rose, Bill, Eddie and Lisa. I apologize but we are growing fast and it’s impossible
capturing all of the conversations. I ask people to jot down a couple of highlights but it
pales to what the day really entailed. You’ll just need to come! I think Carol said it best
at the end when she said did you see the energy and how much conversation was going on
everywhere. I know I didn’t hear one moment of silence!
Some highlights include:
#1 - At the top of our list, has to be Susan Hinderaker’s new “Gluten-Free Family
Favorites” Cookbook. Yes, Susan, one of our members actually wrote and published a
cookbook. This is wonderful in itself but on top of this, she is donating all proceeds to
the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program! Of course, I try to support anything
and everything related to celiac but I really didn’t expect the cookbook to be so
wonderful! The book is only $20 (+$6 for shipping) and it’s over 200 pages. It is bound in
a spiral that makes flipping the pages and viewing it very easy. When I scanned the
recipes in each of the section overviews, they really look like “family” meals. The best
part, though, is that all the recipes look very simple and easy to make! So, if you are
interested in ordering a book and, importantly, supporting the celiac cause then click here
for an {overview} or for an order form {click here!}.
#2 – One new member, Charlotte, was not only a great help but also an inspiration for all
of us. She passed around her binder of gluten-free menus from restaurants throughout the
country. Charlotte is a consultant, which requires her to travel every week so dining out
is a normal way of life for her. She has her binder neatly organized in alphabetical order
so she can quickly find a restaurant in anytown USA. This was an incentive for many of us
to get more organized and expand our dining choices. Charlotte has eaten at Maggiano’s
several times (there is one in South Park Mall). They are currently in “test” right now but
suggest everyone give it a try in order to support Maggiano’s initiative. However, you
might want to call ahead and talk to the chef because many of their sauces have gluten.
Charlotte says to ask for the “oil free sauce” and the “corn pasta spirals”. Thank you
Charlotte for sharing this with us!
#3 – Eddie, another new member, was recently diagnosed with celiac. He is adjusting very
nicely to the GF diet. Eddie’s wife, Lisa, has been trying to get him to eat healthy for
years! Lisa is a dental hygienist and shared with us how important flossing is! Lisa told
us all about the 101 terrible things that can happen by not flossing daily. The danger is
that bacteria start to grow in your mouth. So, the next time you think you’re too tired to
floss, think about how you can get: (1) heart disease – twice as likely, (2) stroke – 3 times
as likely (3) Diabetes – complications with healing (4) Premature Births – 8 times more
likely for low birth weight premature babies, and (5) Permanent Jaw Bone Loss – around
your teeth. FLOSS – FLOSS – FLOSS
#4 – Alecia, Andrew’s mom, has a database of mainstream gluten-free foods that she will
share with anyone who would like it! Just drop Alecia a note (or me and I’ll forward).
Also, Alecia is so conscientious and cautious when it comes to Andrew’s health, you can
hear it in everything she says. I really think she should write a book on how to be a great
mother!
#5 – our Rebecca wants to tell everyone that “people will eat anything and say it’s o.k.
until they meet me” (smiley face). She is only 14 and wants to be a doctor but she will
definitely be the scholarly type!
#6 – Chandra suggests the gluten-free cookies on www.mrritts.com! Also, it is too soon
for any definitive plans but she may host a social in the spring. This will be after the new
home her and husband, David, are building is complete!
#7 – We wish Jackie a very happy 10th birthday! Jackie was not able to join us today
since her mom arranged a birthday skating party. I’m sure Pat, our dietitian and Jackie’s
mom, not only had the party gluten-free but also had it balanced and nutritional!
There was so much more discussed but at least you have an idea of the information sharing
and learning that occurs. I cannot say enough about why meeting with other celiacs is so
very important. Although you can get lots of great information out on the web, it is in
this face-to-face and very personal exchange of information that true growth and healing
transpires. Being with others who are experiencing what you are somehow helps pull
together a myriad of information, sparks that next thing you need to know, try or do and
simply just makes everything seem o.k.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming; it was such a glorious afternoon. So
until next month, I hope everyone continues to place the right importance on eating for
health (not just gluten-free)!
Warm Regards, Janet
lunch and it brightened our day. We met at Chili’s in South Charlotte and had another
great dining experience. I was a little nervous since I recently went to a Chili’s in
Michigan and when I asked the server for the gluten-free menu, she said, “Do you want the
Braille menu?” Of course, I asked to speak to the manager and was served a wonderful and
safe meal. When I returned home, I received the GF menu from Chili’s headquarters.
So today, I arrived 30 minutes earlier than the group and sat down with the manager,
Paula, to cover all elements of our condition. Paula was very interested and attentive.
They gave us our own section of the restaurant, so it was very private. Everyone was so
helpful and wonderful. Although there was a little bump at first (like croutons on a salad),
Paula immediately stepped into the situation to ensure the rest of the lunch went
perfectly. She even helped in the kitchen to personally prepare our meals! We were all
very happy, stuffed and even our little Andrew (age 5) got a chocolate shake. Therefore, I
think we would all say Chili’s is a great restaurant and deserves our business. They care
about doing things right and are willing to go above and beyond to make us feel safe and
enjoy the dining experience. So, thank you Chili’s for a great menu with lots of choices.
Also, thank you Paula for your positive attitude and help in making this a special afternoon.
We had one of our largest turnouts ever with lots of new members, including: Charlotte,
Christy, Rose, Bill, Eddie and Lisa. I apologize but we are growing fast and it’s impossible
capturing all of the conversations. I ask people to jot down a couple of highlights but it
pales to what the day really entailed. You’ll just need to come! I think Carol said it best
at the end when she said did you see the energy and how much conversation was going on
everywhere. I know I didn’t hear one moment of silence!
Some highlights include:
#1 - At the top of our list, has to be Susan Hinderaker’s new “Gluten-Free Family
Favorites” Cookbook. Yes, Susan, one of our members actually wrote and published a
cookbook. This is wonderful in itself but on top of this, she is donating all proceeds to
the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program! Of course, I try to support anything
and everything related to celiac but I really didn’t expect the cookbook to be so
wonderful! The book is only $20 (+$6 for shipping) and it’s over 200 pages. It is bound in
a spiral that makes flipping the pages and viewing it very easy. When I scanned the
recipes in each of the section overviews, they really look like “family” meals. The best
part, though, is that all the recipes look very simple and easy to make! So, if you are
interested in ordering a book and, importantly, supporting the celiac cause then click here
for an {overview} or for an order form {click here!}.
#2 – One new member, Charlotte, was not only a great help but also an inspiration for all
of us. She passed around her binder of gluten-free menus from restaurants throughout the
country. Charlotte is a consultant, which requires her to travel every week so dining out
is a normal way of life for her. She has her binder neatly organized in alphabetical order
so she can quickly find a restaurant in anytown USA. This was an incentive for many of us
to get more organized and expand our dining choices. Charlotte has eaten at Maggiano’s
several times (there is one in South Park Mall). They are currently in “test” right now but
suggest everyone give it a try in order to support Maggiano’s initiative. However, you
might want to call ahead and talk to the chef because many of their sauces have gluten.
Charlotte says to ask for the “oil free sauce” and the “corn pasta spirals”. Thank you
Charlotte for sharing this with us!
#3 – Eddie, another new member, was recently diagnosed with celiac. He is adjusting very
nicely to the GF diet. Eddie’s wife, Lisa, has been trying to get him to eat healthy for
years! Lisa is a dental hygienist and shared with us how important flossing is! Lisa told
us all about the 101 terrible things that can happen by not flossing daily. The danger is
that bacteria start to grow in your mouth. So, the next time you think you’re too tired to
floss, think about how you can get: (1) heart disease – twice as likely, (2) stroke – 3 times
as likely (3) Diabetes – complications with healing (4) Premature Births – 8 times more
likely for low birth weight premature babies, and (5) Permanent Jaw Bone Loss – around
your teeth. FLOSS – FLOSS – FLOSS
#4 – Alecia, Andrew’s mom, has a database of mainstream gluten-free foods that she will
share with anyone who would like it! Just drop Alecia a note (or me and I’ll forward).
Also, Alecia is so conscientious and cautious when it comes to Andrew’s health, you can
hear it in everything she says. I really think she should write a book on how to be a great
mother!
#5 – our Rebecca wants to tell everyone that “people will eat anything and say it’s o.k.
until they meet me” (smiley face). She is only 14 and wants to be a doctor but she will
definitely be the scholarly type!
#6 – Chandra suggests the gluten-free cookies on www.mrritts.com! Also, it is too soon
for any definitive plans but she may host a social in the spring. This will be after the new
home her and husband, David, are building is complete!
#7 – We wish Jackie a very happy 10th birthday! Jackie was not able to join us today
since her mom arranged a birthday skating party. I’m sure Pat, our dietitian and Jackie’s
mom, not only had the party gluten-free but also had it balanced and nutritional!
There was so much more discussed but at least you have an idea of the information sharing
and learning that occurs. I cannot say enough about why meeting with other celiacs is so
very important. Although you can get lots of great information out on the web, it is in
this face-to-face and very personal exchange of information that true growth and healing
transpires. Being with others who are experiencing what you are somehow helps pull
together a myriad of information, sparks that next thing you need to know, try or do and
simply just makes everything seem o.k.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming; it was such a glorious afternoon. So
until next month, I hope everyone continues to place the right importance on eating for
health (not just gluten-free)!
Warm Regards, Janet
Directions & Details:
Chili's ~ Grill & Bar
8302 Pineville-Matthews Rd. (51)
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-543-6265
Menu: write headquarters for a current menu or use the attached menu as a guide to
discuss with the manager {click here}.
Map:
Chili's ~ Grill & Bar
8302 Pineville-Matthews Rd. (51)
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-543-6265
Menu: write headquarters for a current menu or use the attached menu as a guide to
discuss with the manager {click here}.
Map:
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