Ate at Red Robin

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:20 pm

I took a chance on Red Robin last night (I know there are several all over the United States), and ate out with my husband. I was pretty nervous, but I had checked the allergen menu online beforehand so I pretty much knew that about the only thing I could have was a hamburger patty and steamed broccoli. When we got there, that's what I ordered (with some pickles on the side). I've been able to eat them on hamburgers over the last week or so. They had a gluten free bun on the menu (for an additional $1). I thought, "Well, I'll never know if I don't give it a shot." I ordered the gluten free bun. I was able to eat it with a little bit of ketchup and my pickles. The steamed broccoli was fine. I've had no issues at all. Just wanted to share that with the rest of you that might be close to a Red Robin.

I'm finding that although I love all the other food, feeling good is much more important to me than taking unnecessary chances, so even though I used to LOVE their fries, I just watched my husband eat them, as apparently they are fried in something that has soy in it. I wasn't willing to take that risk.

Post by **tex** » Sun Jan 10, 2016 10:09 pm

Thanks for sharing,
Tex

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 12:36 am

Jari, thank you for sharing your experience. I recently went to a Culvers in the Midwest area that is known for their beef pot roast sandwiches on a bun. I had heard they now offer gluten-free on this item. I was impressed how the Udi's bun is completely sealed and was warmed/thawed in a microwave. The beef came in a covered container. From that I made my sandwich and I did use some of their GF ketchup. I had no issues either. Felt like a kid out for a night on the town! I know I won't make it a habit, but it is good to know that if I want to meet someone for a lunch, there is something offered out there.

Deep down, I still wonder if it's wise and really safe. A big part of me says they are trying to offer something to people who are GF because they are losing a lot of business (like other fast-food restaurants in this area anyway), that they feel this will help them make a come-back for their books. I've done this only twice now, but when I order I have to answer if it is because of an allergen or if it's for medical reasons. The bottom line, though, is that their foods are highly processed which is something I've been trying to stay from also.

Paula

Hopeful · Post by **Hopeful** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:19 am

I agree that eating out is an occasional treat and sometimes a necessity when on trips. I have an index card-sized card that I give to the servers to show the cooks. On one side it says what I can eat (and that list is, thankfully, longer these days) and the other side says what I must strictly avoid. I know to order something plain like a burger, steak, or fish. They will usually be able to steam some plain veggies for you. I avoid the pickles, tomato, and condiments. Some places have hand-cut, unprocessed fries and they will let you look at the frying oil ingredients - sometimes they work for you. I always carry good olive oil with me to eat on my baked potato, veggies, and sometimes even the meat/fish if they have cooked it to death! In some fancier restaurants, the chefs will really go out of their way to give you a great eating experience with limited ingredients.
Strictly avoid chinese/asian restaurants - they use a lot of soy and don't understand what you're trying to tell them. Also buffets which have a huge issue with cross contamination. An italian restaurant in town works for me because I know the owners, have observed the kitchen, and they are very forthcoming about the ingredients of their menu items. I love their marinara sauce and bring my own cooked gluten free pasta in a thermos to go with their sauce - yum.
When eating out with friends or family, I usually take my menu card to the kitchen beforehand so I don't have to make a big deal about it when I order. I admit that's it hard to watch others eating pizza, dessert, etc. but I tuck some chocolate into my handbag and munch on that at the end of the meal. It's all about getting together after all...
Chris

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 2:48 pm

Paula,

That's good to know about the Culver's also. Thank you for sharing that. We have Culver's near us too (sadly, it used to be one of my favorites!). I might have to try that sometime. I was just sure since they are famous for their butter burgers that there was probably nothing there I could eat. I hadn't checked, however.

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 2:53 pm

Paula,

I did just go pull up their allergen menu and almost everything has soy in it. In fact, about the only thing I saw that I could have was their crinkle fries (which I was surprised didn't have soy also). So, I guess I'll have to avoid Culver's after all.

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 4:07 pm

Jari,
Does their beef pot roast also have soy?

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 4:17 pm

It says it does............almost everything on the menu had soy marked.............

Here's the link I used: http://www.culvers.com/menu-and-nutrition/allergen-grid

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 8:12 pm

The only place that I've tried is 5 guys burgers and fries. They have a menu online and show the allergies. I even called them to talk about it, very helpful. Their menu is so slim, they can control their ingredients. They won't put your burger in the same bag as other order with buns. Their fries are cut so no soy, but cooked in peanut oil. I think their fries were a little hard on me right now, but the burger was fine. The only thing is they scream out "bun allergy" when you order, which embarrassed me to death. But whatever works! They cook it away from the rest of the meat.

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 6:31 pm

Hi, Jari. How nice that you were able to eat out safely! Red Robin was one of the first restaurants that I ate at after I was sick for 8 weeks. I could have cried, I never had a burger taste so good! I always order a plain burger and steamed broccoli, too. I miss the fries but I won't take a chance with them. It's funny now how the things in life that people take for granted mean so much to us.

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 7:35 pm

Jari,
Thank you for your information on Culvers. Soy is actually not a problem for me, but I have chosen to eliminate or consume very little of it.
Paula