Review of Ninety Nine

I had a very close call tonight when I ordered a burger with a gluten-free roll and a baked potato, because the fries are not gluten free. Tiffany asked me if it was an allergy and I said yes.

The burger arrived and I noticed that the roll looked identical to my son's sandwich roll. I waited and found Tiffany and asked her to make sure this is gluten-free. She realized her mistake and grabbed the plate and told me that it would be redone. She did bring me a new burger with a gluten-free roll. At this point I was disturbed thinking about the horror that was just avoided by being observant. When I get glutened it is not a pretty or painless experience. I expected the manager to come over at some point to apologize and this did not happen. When my son ordered dessert I asked Tiffany to have the manager come over. After about five minutes he came over. I asked him if he knew what happened. The manager, Bill, said that Tiffany did not press the button on the order entry system for the gluten-free roll. I asked him if he knows what happens when someone who is allergic to gluten eats it. Bill was not familiar with the violent reaction. I shared with him that it is a long and painful experience for me that involves bodily functions that should not be discussed in a dining room. I suggested that Bill train all of his employees in the dangers of making a mistake like this. He said they do receive training. Well something was missing, I replied. At no point did he offer to pay for my burger. I had to ask him for that courtesy and it was like pulling teeth. When he agreed he quickly left the table. I don't believe Bill ever apologized for the mistake only acknowledging that it was made. Bill must have given Tiffany "quite a talking to" according to my son because she came over to apologize and was sincere.

At this point I wish there was a pill that would cause the same level of symptoms that we experience when we are glutened that could be given to wait staff that makes this kind of mistake so that it would be the very last time it happens. I am not quite sure why I need to train the 99's staff instead of Bill doing his job properly. Eating out should not be a dangerous and scary experience when a restaurant declares themselves to be gluten friendly. This was not a friendly experience.

Celiac friendly?

No