The Zodiac

I’ve been going to the Christmas buffet at the Zodiac room for years, one of my family’s traditions. In the last year I was diagnosed with celiac disease, and so I was trying the gluten free options there for the first time. We called ahead and they assured us when we arrived that they would prepare me a meal in the back (usually during Christmas, they only offer buffet). When we arrived, we reminded the hostess, and as we were walking by the buffet she said that none of it was cross-contaminated, my mom then explained that it was all likely cross-contaminated as she could see croutons, mac and cheese, orzo, etc. and it was often unclear which tongs go with which dish. We sat down and our waitress came over, and said that she understood that I had celiac and that she would get me a list of all the gluten free items on the buffet. I explained that it would be dangerous, and that I could not eat at a buffet. We asked if they could make something in the back, as they promised on the phone, and they told us that they could not. We reminded them that they said they could, and our waitress returned with the manager. He was very apologetic, and asked if I had any other dietary restrictions besides gluten. He informed us that the chef had left for the day, but the sous chef would make it. When my food came out, I was immediately suspicious, as I recognized what looked kind of like rice, to be garlic orzo, a type of pasta. I was unsure if it was gluten free, and had my mom taste test it, and she was unsure. We asked the waitress to double check it was gluten free pasta, and when she came back, she said it was not. I luckily had not eaten any. After the plate was taken, then manager came out again, and apologized multiple times. He said he was shocked the sous chef would put pasta on my plate, and overall seemed very upset that it had happened. They brought out a new plate,, with fresh food (I know because I had cut off some roast beef for my mom to taste for soy sauce), and the food was good. For dessert, they said the macaroons were naturally gluten free, but were made next to all the gluten containing desserts, and instead brought me a bowl of fruit. The manager at the end of our meal came and apologized again, and said that my meal was free. Afterwards I did not have any reaction to the food.

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

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Reservations recommended