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Hi all,

I would like to summarize my recent experiences in Montreal, Qc.

Here is a list of restaurants recommended to me:
Le Panoramique- gf gnocchi
Keg Steakhouse
Cafe Cherrier
Moishe's
Eggspectation

and here are my experiences last week:

I took a one page french letter of explanation and lots of gf snacks with
me.
I would give my info in french and english to the host/hostess, then also
to the server.  I was able to have a gf meal on at all the places I went.
Some were very plain pan-seared fish and veggies and some were more
elaborate...

Alexander on Peel- my special request seemed to scare the chef/kitchen,
but they made me a nice salmon and veggie meal.
Holder on McGill- they were very gracious, the chef came out to chat with
me and I had a great salmon tartar app and mussels with green beans
(instead of frites)
L'Aromat on Peel- the host/server seemed put out at first, but he
understood exactly what I could/could not have.  I had a smoked chicken
and watercress salad (dressing on side- did not risk it) and seared
scallops on rice.
L'Epecier on Rue St Paul- this was the best (most expensive) place we
went.  The server told me the chef would make whatever I chose of the menu
gluten free!  I had a walleye chevice app and a fish dish that was so
flavorful!  And sorbets for dessert.
Gibby's Steakhouse- the kitchen had experience serving gf people, but
tended toward very simple, plain dishes.  I had salad with no dressing,
pan seared snapper and a baked potato.

I was at a conference at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.  We were provided a
lunch buffet each day and a banquet on one evening.  The first day I had
plain salad off the buffet and got sick (I have a quick response to
gluten- apporx 20-30 min then I am in the bathroom!).  I called the person
in charge of organizing the meals and explained my problem.  Each day
after that I was brought a lovely fresh fruit plate that I supplemented
with my own homemade gf cornbread that I had brought from home.  I was
really worried the night of the banquet, but when I called ahead, I was
told to make myself known to the server/host when I arrived.  I had a
special app (eggplant terrine instead of smoked salmon with cream cheese),
a special entree (seared salmon instead of bbq duck), and fruit instead of
cheesecake.
I ate more fruit last week than I ever have in my life!!

My travel advice:
1. take lots of gf snacks
2. call ahead, if possible
3. present your info/card to the host AND to the server
4. ask very specific questions about everything before you eat it
5. if they do a good job thank them a lot and tip well.

Pam

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