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Hi Listmates,

I was very excited to see the restaurant suggestions.  I truly encourage all
who frequent a safe one to share it with the list, wherever they may be. This
is one of the more difficult aspects for me.

I will add one to the Phoenix list.  They have 66 locations in the US, most
in the South but also up into the east coast also.

CARRABBAS
Although their claim is Italian they cook with Olive Oil and fresh herbs and
spices.  I went first to the one in Mesa (Superstition Springs .... and ?
near big new Harkens Cinema ).  I informed the "new" waiter with my Celiac
card and he gave it to Torey (don't know her title, she did have an apron on
but said she was not doing the cooking) who came to the table and sat next to
me and made sure she understood the requirements and made endless suggestions
of what the kitchen could do.  There was fish, chicken, beef choices. She
informed the waiter to hand her the order.  I got grilled Shrimp and the
garlic mashed potatoes.  WOW!!! it was absolutely GREAT.  Tons of garlic so
you better enjoy garlic to order these potatoes. I did not have salad or the
veggie as I did not want to overdo just in case....  Then Jay (manager) came
to the table to see if things were correct and asked me for more info.  He
could not have been more helpful or considerate.  This was Friday evening at
5:45 pm.  I did tell him I would hope he would make the other Managers as
welll as his corporate offices aware of the fact that 1 in 2,500 or possibly
1 in 250 Americans are Celiac's. As we talked he told me they are sister
company to OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE, (which I also do the plain salad with lemons,
filet and baked potato there without any ill effects).  They originated in
Texas and Outback acquired them and are opening additional and will continue
to grow.

Two days later we went to another Carrabba's on Bell around 58th or close by
there and did not have the same attention, but none the less the meal was
delicious. I had filet pan cooked, broccoli, and the rosemary roasted
potatoes.  Absolutely delicious !!!

I also tried Garcia's and had grilled chicken over the rice and topped with
cheese.  Once again I had given the waitress the card and she was able to
suggest this "special" dish.  The tortilla chips also were fine for me.

I am temporarily living in Peoria AZ and was just so glad to have a couple of
dining out choices. My home was in a rural IL area and never have this kind
of opportunity.

Hope you enjoy as much as I did !!!!  I have no financial interest......

Lynn