<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Gayle, >>>>> "Gayle" == Gayle Kennedy <George> writes: Gayle> O K, I need help. I avoid Chinese restaurants because I Gayle> have so much trouble with MSG, to say nothing of the gluten Gayle> in soy sauce. What do you all order in a Chinese Gayle> restaurant besides rice that you can be sure of? I eat out Chinese often. I usually order dishes "steamed with no sauce, spice or MSG". Then to spice it up I add chili-paste and soy sauce from the take-out packets. (The packets of soy sauce generally have safe ingredient lists whereas the dispensers on the tables usually have sauces like Kikomann (sp?) which have substantial percentages of wheat.) I know that the sauces in Chinese cooking are very important to the cuisine; however, my philosophy is better safe than sorry. (Prior to going GF 6 months ago I ate out Chinese often with the sauces....I DO miss them.) I have also occasionally brought my own sauces that I know to be safe. When ordering at restaurants I've not been to previously the server's reaction is usually confusion -- "are you SURE you don't want the sauce on the side?". The restaurants I frequent now me and don't bat an eyelash. The other type of eating out I do is simple "meat and potatoes" fair. Broiled, baked, or steamed meat or fish with baked potatoes, steamed rice and steamed vegetables or salads. While I haven't been to any "better" restaurants, I have eaten at several affairs where I pre-arranged with the chef about my dietary restrictions. I have found all to be most accomodating. Just don't be afraid to ask. David Schwartz [log in to unmask]