Gluten Free Service

Yesterday I received the worst service ever in my 6 years of being Gluten Free.

We had been at Bilgola beach for a few hours & decided it was time for a snack. We went to the local kiosk where the others bought some meat pies & I bought a packet of Gluten Free potato chips. I was thinking of also getting an ice cream so my husband asked the server if we could check the ingredients of a Magnum Ice Cream. The man replied that that once it was taken out of the freezer it had to be purchased! It was the most ridiculous comment we had ever heard and at first we just thought he was joking, but then he continued getting the meat pies with no sign of getting the ice cream we had requested. When he came back with the pies I again asked if he could please pass me the Magnum ice cream so I can read the ingredients label & check for Gluten. He went on to say that “No” he could not & if I had a problem I should “take it up with the health department!” I was totally floored, I could not believe what I was hearing. He also said that with all the chemicals that are in these processed foods you would never know whats in there & Gluten is sure to be one of them. Well that just set me off because this person clearly knew nothing of Australia’s Food Labeling Laws (which state that all Gluten must be identified on the packaging) which then made me certain he knew nothing of Australia’s Health Regulations.

We left absolutely disgusted & will certainly make sure we never return to that little kiosk on Bilgola Beach. After all the positive experiences I have had as a Coeliac, this was by far the worst service & the worst reaction to my Gluten Free requirements that I have ever received.

 

Sydney, Australia

Our plane trip from San Francisco was great & I had no problems with my Gluten Free food on the plane (except that it was often cold).

We arrived into Sydney early Saturday morning & by 2pm that day I was at the hen’s (stagette) party. My mother in law had called the restaurant ahead of time & it was going to be no problem arranging some Gluten Free Tapa’s for me. When I got to the restaurant I spoke with the chef & they advised me which plates were Gluten Free & which ones were not. They were also able to provide me with alternatives such as carrot sticks for the dips.

Since being home I am extremely impressed with how the awareness of Coeliac Disease has increased. It seams I no longer need to go to a restaurant & give a long explanation of my needs, I simply ask which meals are Gluten Free or request a Gluten Free meal which is made special to order. I have not been sick once since being back!

The grocery stores & supermarkets are particularly impressive. The availability of Gluten Free products is mind blowing, so much so that I am beginning to wonder what products are left that you cannot get a gluten free substitute for? One thing I am particularly enjoying since being home is the variety of Gluten Free Muesli. It is not something I have been able to get in Canada and is my favorite meal for breakfast. All the Gluten Free beers are great as well. Expensive yes but still available in most liquor stores.

Australia is certainly leading the way when it comes to Gluten Free Living.

Check out the travel page on the website for tips on staying Gluten Free in a new country

http://www.gluten-free-living.net/gluten_free_travel.php