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

Received a thorough phonecall from the Outback , as a result of my April
restaurant survey in the Southern New Jersey area: Basically...fish, steak,
chicken...can be prepared without spices or butter, although the person who
called didn't think they were a problem. Ask for salads without the croutons;
skip the cheese too, if you have concerns. They do not have balsamic or
raspberry vinegar, which I asked for in my letter. Vegetables are grilled and
can be made plain. I haven't been to an Outback yet, but I hear good things
from fellow celiacs and others. Plus, I like the fact that they're all over
the country, so their response applies to many of us.

Also...my husband and I had dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Eastport
(Annapolis), Md., this past week-end. Gluten-free was not a problem. Just
don't eat the bread or entrees that are stuffed. Their entire menu is a la
carte and $$$$. We both had filet mignon (pepper & salt), sauteed mushrooms
and sauteed spinach ( in butter, olive oil and garlic.) They tell you the
vegetable portions are big enough for 2 to share and they're right, so we
each ordered one vegetable, as advised. Meal was delicious, but just the meat
and vegetables came to $63 (tax inclu.), plus tip. We had WATER as our
beverage, no dessert, no soda or coffee, no salad, no soup, no wine, no
appetizer, etc.--just the meat and 2 vegetables...so I don't advise going
there if you're on a budget. (We knew they were going to be pricey, but this
took us by surprise.) I don't know if the prices are exactly the same, but
the waiter said the menus are similar and gluten-free should not be
difficult. I specifically tried this place, because it's a nationwide chain
and I figured my experience would also apply to distant celiacs.

Also, several people e-mailed me asking for info on what I wrote in my survey
letter. Sorry, I lost your e-mail addresses...don't know who asked. Please
ask again.

Linda Goldkrantz