From Marilyn: I found a new place to eat out. Try Eslava’s on Lakeland about half a block east of Treetop Blvd. The owner/chef is well informed on gluten free and will fix you safe food. I had grilled red snapper, potatoes fried in safe oil and sauteed squash with a salad. All for about $9. He said he also makes special dinners for diabetics. Give them a try.
From Sandy Davis, RD: There is a great new site which lists restaurants which offer gluten-free options:
http://www.glutenfreeregistry.com/gluten-free-state-search.do?state=MS
There are a number of restaurants listed in the Jackson area. You may download the menu and preview what gluten-free items are offered. I would also recommend contacting the manager and letting them know about your special needs beforehand including the issue with cross-contamination. Cerami’s is not listed on the registry – I happened to notice gluten-free pasta was offered the last time I ate there.
Too often, those lists are limited to chains. I much prefer eating at local places. I have found that most places (Table 100, Bravo, Mayflower, Sal and Phils, to name a few) will go the extra mile to make a safe meal for a Celiac, Just explain what you need.
Jason’s Deli has gluten free bread for sandwhiches. They actually have a gluten free menu. You can buy their bread (a special form of Udi’s made only for restaurants) for about $12 a loaf. Very expensive, but worth it occasionally.
If you are pining away for gumbo (as I was) you need to go to Sal & Phils on Old Canton Rd. They do not usae a roux, but thicken with okra. I have eaten it several times with no reaction. Be sure to tell them “no bread”.
I heard this weekend that Campbell’s bakery has gluten free products now. I have not tried them yet, but maybe someone who has can let us know. Also, please let us know if you feel their cross -contamination practices are safe.
The man at Campbells told me that if cross contamination would make me sick, he couldn’t reccommend their products.
Bravo now has gluten free pasta. They told me they can make most things on the menu gluten free if you ask for it. Great food!