Fargin' Iceholes!

[aelfie]

So I went out tonight with my Mom's group. We picked Pasta Pomodoro 'cause they really like Italian, and as they serve gluten-free pasta shells (the only shape that is gluten free, this is important, pay attention), I can eat there. No problem, I was a bit miffed that they picked an appetizer to share that I couldn't enjoy (how rude), but I got a salad and dug into my pasta when it showed up.

For the record, the pasta is really, really damn good. Best I've had yet. I asked about the brand. Its made for them by Barilla, but its only for commercial use. I can't get my hands on it. Grrr.

Anyway. My pasta. I was totally enjoying it until I got almost to the bottom of the bowl. Where I found normal pasta.

Sonofabitch!!!!!

I asked for the manager and when he appeared I said, "I have Celiac's disease, it doesn't do me any good to serve me gluten free pasta when you contaminate it with normal pasta." He kinda mumbled a bit about, oh he's sorry, that happens, he can't really do anything about it, but he'll remove it from my bill. My response? "You have a contamination problem. You need to take care of it." And he just shrugged me off.

Last time I eat there!

The bonus? The receipt asked to call a number and fill out a survey. Let me tell you, they will get an earful!

Man, I got glutened the last time we went out. I'm going to start picking the places from now on. Sheesh!

Comments

[allanh.livejournal.com]

When you write them, be CERTAIN to inform them that they have a serious legal liability if they serve gluten-contaminated pasta to a diner with Celiac's.

This means that as a diner with Celiac's, you have the expectation that not only will the pastas be kept and served separately, but that the WATER used for gluten-free shells be kept separate.

If they don't take you seriously ... send a copy of your letter to the Santa Clara County Board of Health and complain to them, copying Pasta Pomodoro Corporate on the letter.

THAT will get their attention.

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

Joe suggested that I tell my tale to the Merc's Action Line. That will definitely get an interesting response!

[allanh.livejournal.com]

You have to do your homework before talking to the Merc's line. That means writing all of the letters, and keeping copies of both what you sent and what they sent back, to forward to the Merc.

[ross-teneyck.livejournal.com]

Sounds like they haven't figured out that "gluten free" is a serious health issue, not a trendy-California-lifestyle thing.

I bet if you stood up in their restaurant, yelled "AAH! I'VE BEEN POISONED!" and then fell on your back and lay there, twitching, you'd get their attention.

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

Now that's making a scene! I'll have to try that next time.

[leatherlion.livejournal.com]

I like the way you think *grin*

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

I like that thought too, but I wouldn't do it. I don't think my mom friends would forgive me for making such a big scene.

[leatherlion.livejournal.com]

Yikes! Though I don't have Celiac's disease, I am gluten-sensitive and have to be careful of what I eat when I'm out. I don't suffer nearly as much as you would, but I am furious at the manager for you as well! Give him hell!!

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

Oooo, but I will.

Most of its not too bad. 'Cause we caught the disease not too long after being triggered, I don't react as strong as say...my aunt (who thinks she had it for 30+ years before being diagnosed). Advil and Immodium take care of most of the problems. But its the fatigue that just kills me. I just can't consume enough caffeine to overcome it.

It will be interesting to see if I still react that strongly in a couple of years after I catch up on my sleep.