Last weekend, I decided to be brave and venture out into the world of gluten free dining out. It had been a really long week so a glass of wine and someone else to prepare dinner was just what I needed. We have an Uno’s Chicago Grill within ten minutes of our house and I had heard through the grapevine that they had gluten free pizza. I was, and still am, a little leary of gluten free doughs and breads and have only had success with muffins and pancakes thus far so, I can’t really say that I expected much. None the less, I was excited for the experience of eating food that I did not have to cook myself.
I called in advance to find out what precautions they take to ensure that their gluten free menu stays free of cross contamination. They put me on the phone with the manager and she assured me that the pizzas and gluten free items are prepared in an area of the kitchen devoted to being gluten free. So, with that in mind, we headed out and I asked for the gluten free menu upon arrival. I had already checked out the menu online but it was nice that the hostess did not look at me like I had three heads when I asked for it.
From the gluten free menu, I ordered the pizza and a Cesar salad and the waitress was not educated about the gluten free menu at all. She seemed confused by the term gluten free and didn’t seem to understand that I wanted my salad to be gluten free as well as my pizza. She became even more confused when I told her that for the salad to be gluten free, it would need to have no croutons on it. She scribbled onto her pad and I crossed my fingers.
The salad arrived, thankfully, crouton free and I was even more relieved when the pizza arrived on a special plate rather than the standard pizza tray. I said a little prayer and then dug in. The salad was your standard Caesar salad and the pizza was, well, gluten free…and cold. The crust was not really like pizza crust at all, more like soggy, flaky crackers and it lacked any flavor at all. It had to be eaten with a fork and for me, part of the fun of pizza is folding it up and eating it with your hands. Besides the lackluster crust, the flavor of the pizza was pretty good and it reheated OK the following day for lunch. (sorry for the bad pictures, it was really dark in there)
Overall, I was underwhelmed by the service and a little disappointed in the food but being able to have that experience was really worth it to me. In my pre-gluten free days, eating out was one of our simple pleasures in life and I am glad to know that I have a place right in my neighborhood to go. All of the other establishments with gluten free menus in my area are a half hour to fifty minutes away so Uno’s is a good option. Will I go back? Yes, I will, and probably even soon but I doubt I will order the pizza. They have a couple of chicken dishes and steaks that can be ordered gluten free and I have a feeling they will be more to my liking. I’ll let you know how it goes…
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Edited to Add:
I wanted to note that though I wasn’t really impressed with our trip to Uno’s on the gluten free level, Uno’s is a great place to eat otherwise. For those that don’t eat gluten free, it can be hard to understand that eating out gluten free just isn’t the same as regular eating out. My reviews of a gluten free experience may not be the same as it would be if I didn’t have to eat gluten free so said reviews are primarily targeted to my gluten free audience.
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sorry it was cold! that stinks. At least you do have a close option and maybe the meat dishes will come out to your table a bit better.
I’m glad you tried it!
brandi´s last blog ..Project Feed Me
Sorry to hear about the poor pizza experience
However at least now you can look forward to trying other things there! You’ve been to Pizza Fusion I am almost positive (think that’s when I started reading your blog actually 
) — they have the gluten free option as well but I am sure you already know that! Have a great Thursday!
Stephanie´s last blog ..There just may be a second date
That is interesting about the GF pizza….and very disappointing! I have to say, I hope this is an option that all pizza chains start to offer. I am not allergic to gluten, but I would definitely try it!
Holly´s last blog ..Running Hiatus
Sorry about the bad experience. I’m glad you tried it though! I can imagine how scary it might be to go out to eat and try new things with restrictions like this. Hopefully the other menu items will be better! It’s nice to have somewhere nearby that you can grab something to eat if you need a night off!
Lindsay @ bananaandchocolate´s last blog ..Rain, Rain Go Away…
Thanks, cuz I’ve always wanted to go to an Uno while on vacation and now I’ll know to save the trip =P
Jordan´s last blog ..Girls’ Night.
Jordan, I wouldn’t skip going to Uno’s if you aren’t restricted by a gluten free diet. Before I had to give up gluten, Uno’s was my favorite pizza place! But, gluten free breads/doughs just aren’t easy to make and turn out very well. Gluten is what makes bread so good
I would definitely consider Pizza Fusion’s gluten free pizza…it’s a little expensive but my sister (who’s gluten intolerant) is obsessed with their pizza.