<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> A reply to Michael Thorn's question about the creation and implementation of the project between Cynthia Kupper of GIG and Outback Restaurant for their GF menu. First, let me explain that Cynthia does not monitor this list, therefore, she does not see all of the comments posted. I contacted Cynthia and asked about giving the list some information on this subject, and so here it is. Cynthia was approached over two years ago by Outback management and asked if she would review their menu for gluten free status. She spent over a year working with them for the first publication. What you are currently seeing is the second version of the Outback GF menu. Cynthia tells me that Outback is unique in that they standardize and control their recipes. Cooks are not given free reign in altering recipes. They also buy from the same providers for all of their restaurants and therefore their ingredients are controlled and consistent. These two items make them an ideal restaurant to work with on the GF diet. This allows all Outback Restaurants to have the same identical recipes and products. Most chain restaurants allow the restaurant chefs to substitute as needed and restaurant management to determine who they purchase from. After Cynthia and the Outback representative agreed on what would be identified on the menu, Outback's Corporate Attorney's had to approve the menu. Cynthia has also been approached by a sister restaurant. They wanted her to destroy all of her work that was used to evaluate their menu, to protect their products. Cynthia explained to them, that she would not destroy her documentation of reasons for making the decisions about products that she does. Cynthia is a firm believer that decisions for your diet must be well documented. Therefore, this restaurant chain was not willing to proceed. I had an early preview of the GIG 4th Quarter Newsletter and there is detail on the Outback Restaurant GF menu there. I sincerely hope you enjoy your visits to the Outback Restaurants and do enjoy the 'Chocolate Thunder From Down Under.' You may want to send your Thanks to Outback Corporate also for being a leader in the GF menu. Michael Thorn gave the web page as http://www.outbacksteakhouse.com/menu/ Nancy Seattle, WA *Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the CELIAC List*