All of the menu items are free of MSG with the exception of the ranch dressing. The guide is also helpful if you are watching your carbohydrates, or need to know the diabetic exchanges and/or items that stay within the American Heart Association’s heart healthy guidelines.  If you are venturing out of the New England area, you can visit one of many Fleming’s Steakhouses across the country.

Flourless Chocolate Dome

PF Chang’s China Bistro is very accomodating when it comes to special diets such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and other food allergy needs. They have a gluten-free menu and upon request can print out a dairy-free one.  Some of the dishes are naturally gluten-free while others must be modified.  This, of course, makes it very important to alert your server or even ask for the manager to be sure you get the correct recipe. 

Some PF Chang franchises use square plates vs. round to make it easier to differentiate between the gluten containing and the gluten-free dishes.   Listed on the gluten-free menu are appetizers, soups, entrees and noodle dishes. Some that are gluten and dairy-free are the Singapore Street Noodles (can be ordered without shrimp and egg), Philip’s Better Lemon Chicken, Lettuce Wraps and the Dali Chicken.  PF Chang’s gluten-free sauce contains garlic, ginger, rice wine, Sichuan powder, salt, sugar and wheat free soy sauce.  The marinades for the chicken, shrimp, scallops and calamari are gluten-free but contain cornstarch.  A most rich and delicious Flourless Chocolate Dome (contains egg and dairy) is offered for dessert.  And gluten-free beer is available too!

We have eaten at the Peabody, Ma. location a number of times and appreciate the servers attention to our food concerns.  My kids love the Chang’s Spicy Chicken which is very spicy with a sweet and sour sauce. This dish can also be made less spicy.  Another good thing is that we can order brown rice or white rice. 

Stay tuned for more gluten-free items to be added to the menu in March of 2010!  Some of these additions include Beef with Broccoli, Mongolian Beef, Hong Kong Beef with Snow Peas, Pepper Steak, and Fried Rice.

Uno's Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza

Uno’s Chicago Grill has decided to expland it’s gluten free pizza to all of their restaurants.  Originally tested in select areas, the gluten free pizza has been a big hit and thus the decision to expand nationally.  For some time, Uno’s has had a gluten free menu offering a variety of entrees, salads and side dishes. The addition of the gluten free pizza located on their “regular” menu makes those of us dealing with food restrictions feel more like the mainstream diner.  Currently there are 3 types of pizza to choose from; Cheese, Pepperoni  or Veggie (mushroom, onions and peppers).   The crust is also dairy-free but does contain soy and egg.  Because they are made to order,  those avoiding dairy can easily enjoy the pizza  without the cheese.  Uno’s also clearly labels menu items if they contain fish, shellfish, soy,wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs and milk.  Just click on a menu category for a particular food and  food allergens will be visible if they are a component of the dish.  The ingredients are also easily accessible at the same link.