I work in a job where I have to travel a couple of times a week. It makes being gluten free a challenge indeed. I have seen a lot. Too many times have been told they have the "white kind of bread" when I say I can't have wheat. Definite danger signal. It is difficult to get the staff sometimes to take you seriously, even if you tell them that it could put you in the hospital. I have even been asked to leave and not eat there because they were afraid I would get sick and bring a law suit against them.
Because I can not carry multiple meals for multiple days, here is what I do: Carry Bumble Bars and small items I know I can eat for the times I get stuck in the airport waiting on planes. If you are caught without it, try the cashews (I am allergic to peanuts too) or nuts and a hershey bar (plain or with almonds) for energy. I have found nachoes at Chicago Ohare that didn't kill me, but watch out for Wolgang Puck's. They like their fresh bread. They do have a steak dinner with mash potatoes and grilled veggies that worked out. Just give the waiter a dirty look when he brings the bowl of warm bread.
I have tried Chili's at the airport - burger without a bun, but there was conamination last time, so we won't do that again.
When I get a hotel, I book one that has a fridge and microwave, like the Hilton Garden Inns. Not too expensive and they have the fridge and stuff. If I am staying long, I look up Whole Foods or such and get some things for the fridge. I do eat at PF Changs and Outback, but like to try some local stuff where they prepare the food there. I try not to go when it is too busy and ALWAYS tip extra for a wait person that goes out of their way to accomodate and listen. There is a seafood restaurant in the Cincinnati area that also has a GF menu as does a steak place in Minneapolis. In New York, there are several GF places, but I haven't tried them yet. I do sometimes google the city for gf restaurants before I go and get some pretty good surprises.
I do pretty well. You have to speak clearly, communicate well, read the wait staff (did they really "get" what I was saying?) and proceed with caution. If the plate comes with a piece of bread across it, send it back and tell them they have to start over. Question anything you think might cause a problem. They are getting paid to serve you. (And stay far away from sandwich shops...just doesn't work)
It is a production. It is a large pain in the neck. But because I am usually with a supplier when I eat out, it has provided me with an opportunity to educate. There are now several people diagnosed with Celiac that had been walking around sick and not know what it was. It gives me an opportunity to help change lives for the better. That, my friends, is what the world is all about.
