<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

We received a gift card for this restaurant chain, so I contacted them
to ask if their barbecue sauce is GF, and what "side" items would be
appropriate for someone with celiac.  Here is the (somewhat insulting)
response I received:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding specific gluten free menu items
available at Smokey Bones.

As you can imagine, we get a number of requests from people who have
autoimmune disorders, diseases of malabsorbtion, or food specific
allergies including celiac disease (CD), celiac sprue or gluten
sensitive enteropathy (GSE). We wish there was a way we could know the
specifics of your disease, and say with certainty "here are the items
you can order at Smokey Bones without risk of a problem". 

However, the medical reality of these types of problems is not so
straightforward. One thing is clear, following a gluten-free diet is
complicated and requires a new approach to food selection and eating
habits. We understand that dining out can be especially challenging and
requires questioning waiters and chefs about possible hidden sources of
gluten in menu items. Hidden sources of gluten include additives,
preservatives, modified food starch, malt and other natural ingredients
and stabilizers found in many processed foods, including many of the
breads, soups, rubs, spices, sauces and dressings used at Smokey Bones. 

As you know, in general, meats, poultry, fish, peas and beans are foods
normally recommended to those individuals following a gluten-free diet.
The trick is to avoid anything derived from wheat, rye, barley and oats.
The challenge for us as a company in recommending specific gluten-free
items to guests with your condition are two fold:  First are the hidden
sources of gluten in rubs or sauces that may be included with items like
chicken or pork ribs that do not naturally contain gluten. The second is
the extreme gluten intolerance that some individuals may exhibit. It is
impossible for us to know when we receive a guest request whether this
particular guest would have extremely adverse reactions if gluten were
to be inadvertently introduced into their entree. 

Further complicating things, small amounts of gluten could be introduced
through normal safe storage, handling and cooking procedures. For
example, you could order a steak with no seasoning that was grilled. The
grill person may be using the same tongs to toast and butter sandwich
buns and introduce some particles containing gluten protein fractions
onto your steak. If you fall into the "extreme sensitivity" category,
this could become a health risk. 

Our restaurants will certainly attempt to accommodate all special
requests that you make, but given the complexity of the situations that
can arise with specific individuals and with the safety and health of
our guests in mind, our policy is to not give specific menu item dietary
advice. This is clearly the role of your registered dietician and your
physician. They are the ones that should be involved in helping you make
sound dietary choices. These professionals are aware of your specific
medical situation and can steer you in the right direction. 

Again we appreciate your interest in Smokey Bones and hope to see you
soon."

Not very likely they'll be seeing my family soon!


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