<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Posted for Samantha Smith [log in to unmask] So sorry for the delay!!! Someone just sent me an email as to where was my summary - here goes... Los Cabos is beautiful! I went there with several spanish gf cards. I had arranged most of my meals with Fiesta Americana Grand. It was a large company convention - no one was thrilled with their meals. This often happens when food is catered for large groups. We didn't go there for food, but, most importantly, I did NOT get sick!!! Plain grilled chicken, vegetables, fruits, etc. - but it was safe! However, I did eat lunch from one of the hotel restaurants and it was great! If you are going on your own, I believe the meals would be fabulous. The person I had made the arrangements with, and who I highly recommend contacting if you plan on staying at the Fiesta Americana Grand, is Claudia Dominguez. She handled everything wonderfully! I also ventured out twice. Once where I ate at Cabo Wabo in San Lucas. I gave the server the spanish gf cards and he made some suggestions. I pressed him with questions, had him check on some stuff with the chef, had him be more cautious, but I had the best meal there during my entire stay in Mexico! Second best, but the best I had eaten at that point in days, was in San Jose at a restaurant called Tropicana. The waitress made cautious suggestions, checked with the chef, but the meal was great too! Thank you for all the helpful responses from wonderful and sharing listmates, as follows: - I invested in the travel cards in spanish. They explain CD and what restrictions it involves. We ate at the Hard Rock Café, Cabos Wabo (twice), The Gondola, and a very expensive restaurant in the mall downtown (don’t remember the name) and they were WONDERFUL. I didn't have any concerns. I gave the wait staff the travel card for them to give to the chef. They couldn't have been more help. I also would HIGHLY recommend the food at EVERY restaurant that I mentioned. - I have been to Mexico many times and have found GF eating to be pretty easy, as long as you stick to the traditional foods. The biggest things I have had to watch out for are:seasoning blends (often used in grilled or marinated chicken- just ask the cook to see the ingredient list with your own eyes- most are some combo of salt flour and msg) premade soup bases- see above, plus often contain noodles. Noodles are often added to rice dishes as well- watch out because it is so automatic that most people don't even realize the noodles are there. Many "hole in the wall' places are quite willing to show you the kitchen and all the stuff in it. It is nice how few places keep a bag of flour around at all. Get good information about the common names for wheat and other grains. Many spanish language dining cards are free online, also many govt health articles (eg pubmed gold, etc...) are avail. in spanish, and also you can access google in spanish and search for celiac (its spelled the same) and pick up some vocabulary. Be careful in general, anyone can get travelers diarrhea. The best things you can do- Never eat anything that has been sitting around (only eat hot food that was cooked in front of you or at the time of your order), never eat anything raw unless you really trust the person making it or the food comes "wrapped" (eg things that have to be peeled like avocado or oranges etc...). Wash you your hands frequently, (carry hand sanitizer?) so if anyone around you is sick, you are less likely to "share" the fun. Drink out of bottles. If you do get traveler's diarrhea, drink LOTS of water (auga mineral/ aka mineral water) is good because it comes in bottles and is widely available. -I have been to Mexico three times and it if very easy to eat in Mexico. The true Mexican cuisine is corn based. When you go the American restaurants is when it is hard to find gf food. I always take my restaurant card in English and Spanish. I give the card to my server and they are always very helpful and tell me which items on the menu are gf and they always seem to offer to make something special for me also. They are very accommodating and I never had a problem with anything I ate. I am very sensitive and will react to the smallest amount of gluten within an hour. * Send administrative questions to mailto:[log in to unmask] * Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC