Review of Thai Basil

I asked if a dish was gluten free, because they have no labels on the menu. They said we can make it gluten free. Then it came out and I re-asked if it was made gluten free just to be sure. I waited while the waitress double checked with the cook. She came back and said yes it was made gluten free.

After two bites, I noticed that the fish appeared to be breaded, and I was concerned because a place that doesn’t have GF on their menu seems unlikely to have GF flour on hand, but maybe it was just rice flour...I almost didn’t say anything. But I asked a third time just to be sure.

It was wheat flour. And I have celiac. It’s really serious if I eat wheat. This isn’t an allergy. An autoimmune disease means that when I eat gluten my immune system goes into high alert and literally starts attacking my own body. Eating a bite of gluten for someone with celiac can cause gut pain, fatigue, etc. for days and up to a couple months.

The waitress told me, “Sorry the cook doesn’t know what gluten is.” That’s fine, but if your staff isn’t educated about gluten then just say that at the beginning. I’m not expecting every place or dish to accommodate my health needs.

I’m just asking for honesty.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options