Hubby got a promotion and a raise yesterday (completely out of the blue from his boss). While this was great news, we wanted to celebrate in typical American fashion by spending it before we have it and going out to dinner.
We picked Chili's because we've already had 1 positive dining experience there and I knew the gluten-free menu was quite extensive (plus, DD, the Celiac, loves the ribs there anyway so it's win-win).
So, I called ahead of time and spoke to the manager to let him know we were coming and to ensure his staff had experience with customers ordering off the gluten-free menu. Then, even though I brought the gluten-free menu I had printed from home, I made sure the hostess could actually find one for me that was THEIR copy. It took some digging, but they came up with it. When we ordered, the server immediately recognized we were ordering gluten-free and indicated she'd helped several people order gluten-free in the past. She didn't even give me the deer-in-the-headlights look when I reiterated about "foods not touching" and my basic "mom" paranoias.
DD ordered the ribs w/ original sauce, corn on the cob, and loaded mashed potatoes plus a kids chocolate shake for dessert. It was so nice to hear her say "I'm so full!" after a meal as some gluten-free meals, although pretty good, don't give you that comfort of feeling full afterwards.
The manager even stopped by our table to make sure everything was prepared OK.
To top it off, she experienced absolutely no glutening symptoms so I'm happy to add another "safe" place to our list. (Interesting, our others is Noodles of all places!).
Full Version: A Good Chili's Experience
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QUOTE(buffettbride @ Aug 1 2007, 01:37 PM) 
Hubby got a promotion and a raise yesterday (completely out of the blue from his boss). While this was great news, we wanted to celebrate in typical American fashion by spending it before we have it and going out to dinner.
We picked Chili's because we've already had 1 positive dining experience there and I knew the gluten-free menu was quite extensive (plus, DD, the Celiac, loves the ribs there anyway so it's win-win).
So, I called ahead of time and spoke to the manager to let him know we were coming and to ensure his staff had experience with customers ordering off the gluten-free menu. Then, even though I brought the gluten-free menu I had printed from home, I made sure the hostess could actually find one for me that was THEIR copy. It took some digging, but they came up with it. When we ordered, the server immediately recognized we were ordering gluten-free and indicated she'd helped several people order gluten-free in the past. She didn't even give me the deer-in-the-headlights look when I reiterated about "foods not touching" and my basic "mom" paranoias.
DD ordered the ribs w/ original sauce, corn on the cob, and loaded mashed potatoes plus a kids chocolate shake for dessert. It was so nice to hear her say "I'm so full!" after a meal as some gluten-free meals, although pretty good, don't give you that comfort of feeling full afterwards.
The manager even stopped by our table to make sure everything was prepared OK.
To top it off, she experienced absolutely no glutening symptoms so I'm happy to add another "safe" place to our list. (Interesting, our others is Noodles of all places!).
We picked Chili's because we've already had 1 positive dining experience there and I knew the gluten-free menu was quite extensive (plus, DD, the Celiac, loves the ribs there anyway so it's win-win).
So, I called ahead of time and spoke to the manager to let him know we were coming and to ensure his staff had experience with customers ordering off the gluten-free menu. Then, even though I brought the gluten-free menu I had printed from home, I made sure the hostess could actually find one for me that was THEIR copy. It took some digging, but they came up with it. When we ordered, the server immediately recognized we were ordering gluten-free and indicated she'd helped several people order gluten-free in the past. She didn't even give me the deer-in-the-headlights look when I reiterated about "foods not touching" and my basic "mom" paranoias.
DD ordered the ribs w/ original sauce, corn on the cob, and loaded mashed potatoes plus a kids chocolate shake for dessert. It was so nice to hear her say "I'm so full!" after a meal as some gluten-free meals, although pretty good, don't give you that comfort of feeling full afterwards.
The manager even stopped by our table to make sure everything was prepared OK.
To top it off, she experienced absolutely no glutening symptoms so I'm happy to add another "safe" place to our list. (Interesting, our others is Noodles of all places!).
It is great you had a good experience.. when I did too, I went to their website and mailed the corporate office, they sent me a letter of appreciation and gift certificates!!! so if you dont mind giving them your address, give it a try, we got 10.00 worth!!!
QUOTE(TinkerbellSwt @ Aug 1 2007, 07:20 AM)
It is great you had a good experience.. when I did too, I went to their website and mailed the corporate office, they sent me a letter of appreciation and gift certificates!!! so if you dont mind giving them your address, give it a try, we got 10.00 worth!!!
I had written once before (the downtown Denver location was helpful too, and no coupons). I input my address this time (not remembering if I had before) so we'll see what happens! I *love* coupons!
Hey Buffetbride! I JUST moved to Westminster! Where is the Chilis? We went to the Outback on 120th the night before last and had a great meal (and a great server who "got it" like you mentioned). And we went to the PF Changs in the Flat Iron Shopping Center off of 36 last night, and another great experience. Nice to "meet" another Celiac in Westminster!!
QUOTE(tiffjake @ Aug 1 2007, 01:39 PM)
Hey Buffetbride! I JUST moved to Westminster! Where is the Chilis? We went to the Outback on 120th the night before last and had a great meal (and a great server who "got it" like you mentioned). And we went to the PF Changs in the Flat Iron Shopping Center off of 36 last night, and another great experience. Nice to "meet" another Celiac in Westminster!!
This Chili's is at 88th and Wadsworth on the northeast corner. If you can, ask for Sabree to be your server.
We actually live in Arvada and go to the Noodles at 80th and Wadsworth with quite a bit of success as well.
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