Major disappointment

Sigh.I don't even know where to begin with this. When I first received my Celiac diagnosis I immediately was relieved. Seriously. Of all the things that my symptoms could have meant - Celiac was one of the best things to hear. Considering my family history - I expected worse. I came home from the doctor very optimistic and eager to learn all I could about the disease, eager to start my new diet - and super eager to feel better. The last six months have had ups and downs, and epic fails and victories, cravings and food-related adventures.

Through my research, I learned that several big chain restaurants cater to the gluten-free crowd. I was so excited to see Outback Steakhouse on the list of restaurants with a GF menu and educated staff. Blogs raved about the menu  options and I was thrilled. My first Outback GF experience was in NC when Luke and I were on vacation in September. I got sick that night, after dinner...but I had only been on the GF diet for a few weeks and was traveling and any number of other factors may have contributed to that day's "gluten-belly". The next time we dined at Outback was with Luke's mom and her boyfriend. I had a different meal this time. Salad (sans croutons), steak and a baked potato. The first time I had the Alice Springs Chicken and veggies. That night, I also got sick.

Last week - to celebrate my birthday - we attempted to go to my favorite restaurant (Beirut Restaurant in West St. Paul) but they are closed on Sundays, so we decided to go to Outback. Blerg. I opted for a salad and the Alice Springs Chicken. Before we were even out of the parking lot heading home....I knew I had been "glutened". Ugh. I was sicker than I've been in months. I spent the rest of my b-day (observed) in the bathroom whilst my family hung out without me. I am so disappointed, not only in one of my previously favorite restaurants....but in the fact that now I don't know what and where is safe. Outback was supposed to be one of the national places I could go without worry. One of the places that I could confidently go and order from the GF menu, knowing the staff didn't need to be told that my salad must not have croutons. Thinking that the staff understood and was careful about cross-contamination issues. Ugh. I am just disappointed. Now I need to find a new "stand-by" restaurant....one I can tell friends is always "safe" for me. Any suggestions? Any other stories about Outback? Any other GF "safe" places that have burned you?