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My husband and I had dinner at Portofino's on Saturday night. We got there before our friends and I told the waiter that I need a gluten-free meal. Before I could say anything else, he explained that he served at a dinner for 60 celiacs (HE brought up celiac!), and he started telling me what I could or could not eat. He initiated asking the chef if my selection was gluten-free. He watched after every course we ate and made an effort to suggest a gluten-free dessert.

It wasn't an inexpensive place, but then most of the fine restaurants in Center City, where the theaters are, are costly. But it was great. The best part was he was soooo gracious that our friends had no clue I was being treated special until I commented on it.

I am finding that if I say, "gluten-free" more and more waitstaff actually know what it is and are less apt to mess up than if I go through my usual "allergy" to wheat harrangue. 

If you're visiting Philadelphia, don't hesitate to go there. It's at 1227 Walnut Street. The phone number is 215 923-8208. Website: www.portofino1227walnut.com. You'll need reservations...and just a warning. There is a smokey bar in the front that you have to walk through to get near the tables. We asked ahead of time to be away from the bar. Philadelphia was about to go smoke-free last week, but the cowardly city council delayed the vote.

Oh...and to top it all off, because we were going to a local theater, they discounted our meal 20%. Needless to say, the waiter got a very generous tip from us. 

Lin

*Please provide references to back up claims of a product being GF or not GF*