IN-N-OUT Burgers

IN-N-OUT Burgers ( http://www.in-n-out.com/ ) was the first place I felt safe eating out after my celiac diagnosis. My Gluten Guru, one of the founders of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) back in the mid-1970's was staying at the same RV park we were. She taught me survival skills for that new world, showed me how to order, and enjoy my food again. Thank you, Sue, yet one more time!

Protein-style lettuce wrapped burgers were (and are) on the IN-N-OUT Burger (http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp) not-so-secret menu on their web site. When you order, make sure to tell them you are gluten intolerant, or have a wheat allergy, and you need to make sure there's no cross-contact with the buns. I've eaten at several locations in the Palm Springs, Sacramento, and San Francisco Bay areas. People have understood what I needed, and have taken care of me properly.

This is also one of only two places I order french fries -- because they don't have onion rings or other deep fried items, the oil used for the fries is dedicated to that task.  (The other is Red Robin, because most of their locations have a dedicated french fryer.)  Soft drinks and milk shakes have been fine, too.

According to their website, they've now got 203 locations in California, 28 in Arizona, 8 in Utah, 16 in Nevada, and 3 in the Dallas TX area. It sure would be nice to have them in Oregon . . . maybe someday.

I know some of the other chains have gluten-free items available, but I'm not evolved enough to risk my gut to try them YET. If you have had GOOD experiences at other fast food chains, share them, please. We all have our horror stories -- I'm looking for places you can RECOMMEND, including where they are.

IN-N-OUT Burgers ( http://www.in-n-out.com/) -- lots of locations.

Triumph Dining Guide (http://www.triumphdining.com/) lists IN-N-OUT Burgers. Yet one more reason it makes a good read!