Review of Gai Noi

As a preface, I did email the restaurant (they do not have a phone number) and the general manager did reply (see her response at the end of review). I will say- even with all that happened, I WOULD go back just for the curry, drinks, and atmosphere. And I would ask for a manager at the start! ————- In general, the waiter we had did not do a very good job at making me feel safe eating with you. I asked about gluten free options that would be free of cross contact and celiac-safe. He sighed as if it was a bother to go through the menu with me, which made me feel bad. He pointed out that the meats “should be good” and then told me the wontons would be safe?? Those weren’t even marked gluten friendly, so that really made me nervous that he would tell me that. He also said that the chicken wings weren’t gluten free and that that was a shame “because those are really good.” Again, not really something you like to hear with dietary restrictions due to a medical condition. I ended up going with a curry only because someone on this app mentioned that those were safe. I ask the waiter about the curries and he said they “would be my best bet.”

When I asked if he could put a note on the order by my curry that it was a “gluten allergy (celiac)” he made me nervous again because he was asking how spell it. Which is fine because it’s not a common word, but it just made me feel like he didn’t have any clue what we had just been talking about the whole time.

The curry came out and was delicious.

In hind sight, I really should have asked to speak with a manager about what to order. It would have been even better if the waiter had offered to check with a manger or chef.

From General Manager:

“As someone who has celiac, our menu is listed with GF options. As with most restaurants, we cannot guarantee that there will not be any cross contamination of gluten, since we do use it in our kitchen. I am very happy you enjoyed the curry, as it is a GF option. I am saddened the server was unaware of the disease and what items would be safe to consume. I will discuss this with him personally and educate him on the proper protocol for when someone has a medical condition such as celiac. Upon returning as a guest, please know our GF items on our menu are listed and to ask for a manager when dining in. If there is anything else I can assist with, please let me know.

Again, I am sorry as our staff should have the knowledge of what is GF, which the wontons are NOT GF. Again, I offer my apologies, as I know how difficult it can be to have celiac and enjoy a night out.

Thank you again for all of this information, as it will be addressed.”

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent