Not safe for Celiacs! Having Celiac Disease I have to be careful about where I eat out. Seeing lots of identified gluten free choices on the online menu I thought I could give it a try. We took several gals there for my sister's birthday. As we finally got through the line to order (and this took a LONG time) the manager informed us that the identified gluten free nachos (and fries) were fried in oil that other gluten containing food was also fried in. Therefore they were cross contaminated. I thought this was very short sighted menu labeling. I told him whenever I see a fried food labeled gluten free I assume it is fried in a dedicated fryer. As I tried to choose another gluten free meal the manager expressed concern that they do pizzas and have flour flying in the air and that the lines are very prone to cross-contamination. We talk it through and I decided to try the chicken and mashed potato dish (labeled at gluten free). He gave specific instructions to the kitchen to be careful when preparing. It was very tasty but alas, I awoke in the night to a stomach ache and some nausea and have had some issues this morning. If I had to guess, I'd say I was glutened. They definitely need to revamp the menu, removing some gluten free labels and adding the obligatory "eat at your own risk" statements saying they have heavily glutened food prep area. I will definitely not be eating here again (which is sad as the environment is great and the Prickly Pear Tea is fabulous). Thankfully Picasso's is up the road and offers a totally safe eating experience.
All that said, I have to say the manager was extremely kind and concerned about getting things right. I fully realize that I took a risk eating there and do not fault them for my getting sick...I understood the situation and decided to do it anyway. The manager comped the difference between the nachos and chicken dinner and really tried to help me out. But I did want to inform other Celiacs or those with bad gluten allergies that this is not the place for you. I trust that the management will also get more serious about having their menu reflect that they are not safe for such people.