I think the fat/sodium/calorie content of food when any person eats out is something to be considered. That's why we tend to only eat out once in a blue moon. But, it's great to have that option for those with a gluten sensitivity and who want to go out to a nice restaurant and order something that looks and tastes just as good as what everyone else at the table is having. We've done the Fast Food Wendy's thing where you have to order just the burger patty or grilled chicken, yet still pay the price of the entire sandwich whether or not you have ANYTHING but the meat on it. We've also done the Red Robin thing where again, you get the burger part, but no bun or anything, so you're losing part of the meal, yet paying the same price as everyone else (not to mention the fact that everyone around you can see that you're opting for something "different"). We have gone to Uno's before and they do have a gluten-free pizza option, but honestly, you're paying a few dollars more for a paper thin crust pizza that is rather bland in flavor and not very filling. We still go there because my DD likes their pizza, but it's not anything to write home about, taste-wise. But, I will say that I AM impressed with the number of establishments who are taking on the gluten-free diet and working to cater to those individuals.
I hear you on the other allergens. But, for our family, we don't have those other allergy concerns, so that's not usually at the forefront of our minds. We're just excited about some places that do cater to the gluten-free diet that we happen to be on.
I really hope that the doctors can help you figure out what foods you can and can't eat to make you feel back to 100% again. Have you considered trying the gluten-free diet, though? It's not terribly hard to do, if you can make substitutions for your gluten-based ingredients. Plus, there are some here who have tested negative for Celiac, but have noticed a drastic difference in their well-being once going gluten-free, so perhaps those of us who are not diagnosed as Celiac simply are intolerant to gluten and it's not detectable on a doctor's screening?
But, definitely...cooking at home, you can control what goes into your food (and what stays out). There's no way our wallets or our bodies could handle restaurant food on a frequent basis. But, there are just some times that you have to get out and take a night off from cooking, if your body can handle it. :) Chinese food was one thing that we've really missed since being on the GF diet...and now that there's an option for something every once in a while, we're going to go for it. :) We might opt for a lunch next time though...their prices are cheaper on the lunch menu. ;)
I do miss true Mexican food, but none of the restaurants around here cater to gluten-free diets, so we haven't been to a Mexican restaurant in over 2 years.
