Gluten free diets are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten free is a necessity, not a choice. Thankfully, as awareness and demand for gluten free foods grows, more and more restaurants are expanding their gluten free offerings. But what about California Kitchen – does this popular West Coast chain offer any gluten free options on their menu?
What is gluten?
Before diving into whether or not California Kitchen has gluten free choices, it helps to understand exactly what gluten is. Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a binding agent. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response, causing damage to the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are gluten intolerant or allergic. Around 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, and many more are choosing to go gluten free for other reasons.
Why go gluten free?
There are a few key reasons someone may follow a gluten free diet:
- Celiac disease – An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity – Experiencing symptoms after eating gluten, without celiac disease.
- Wheat allergy – An allergic response to wheat proteins, including gluten.
- Personal preference – Choosing to avoid gluten, without an allergy or sensitivity.
For those with a medical reason for avoiding gluten, eating gluten free is essential. Even small amounts of cross contamination can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms. But beyond medical necessity, many people simply feel better on a gluten free diet. They may experience improvements in digestion, inflammation, energy levels, brain fog and more. Gluten free diets have also been associated with benefits like weight loss and reduced cholesterol.
Is California Kitchen gluten free friendly?
The good news is that California Kitchen does offer some gluten free options! While their menu is not entirely gluten free, they have designated certain dishes as either gluten free or able to be modified to be made gluten free. California Kitchen makes it relatively easy to find gluten free choices.
In general, steakhouses like California Kitchen tend to offer more naturally gluten free choices than other restaurants. Meat, vegetables, potatoes and rice are all typically gluten free on their own. Chains like California Kitchen also have the resources to invest in gluten free training and protocols. Allergy awareness is becoming a priority across the food service industry.
Gluten free menu items
When reviewing the California Kitchen menu, there are quite a few dishes that are either gluten free as is, or can be modified to suit a gluten free diet. Here are some of the gluten free friendly options to consider:
- Salads without croutons
- Grilled chicken breast
- Broiled or grilled fish
- Top sirloin steak
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Fresh fruit
Some menu items that can be modified to be gluten free include:
- Burgers without the bun
- Sandwiches made into a lettuce wrap
- Pasta dishes using gluten free pasta
- Pizzas made on a gluten free crust
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should also take care with menu items that have sauces or seasonings, as these ingredients could potentially contain gluten. But overall, California Kitchen does provide various gluten free options.
Gluten free precautions
While California Kitchen makes an effort to accommodate gluten free diners, it’s important to note that cross contamination is still a risk in their kitchens. As a steakhouse that serves many breaded, battered and flour-coated dishes, traces of gluten could come into contact with gluten free orders during storage, preparation and cooking. Those who are highly sensitive should use caution.
Some good questions to ask California Kitchen staff when ordering gluten free include:
- Do you have designated gluten free prep areas and cooking surfaces?
- What steps do you take to avoid cross contamination?
- Are your sauces and seasonings gluten free?
- Do you offer gluten free buns and pasta substitutions?
Dining during off-peak hours, communicating closely with your server and asking about their gluten free protocol can help those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity enjoy California Kitchen safely. Being your own advocate is key.
Gluten free dining tips
Dining out gluten free does require some extra care and awareness. Here are some tips for those avoiding gluten to keep in mind when choosing California Kitchen:
- Review the menu online first and pick your meal in advance
- Ask if they have a separate gluten free menu, if not available online
- Tell your server you need gluten free for medical reasons
- Ask about prep surfaces and contamination risks
- Request sauces and dressings on the side
- Check that shared kitchen fryers have dedicated baskets for gluten free
- Confirm substitutions, like gluten free buns or pasta
- Ask about gluten ingredients in daily specials or seasonal menu items
With proper planning and communication, those avoiding gluten can feel comfortable eating at California Kitchen. While the menu may not be 100% gluten free, they try to provide various free options and modifications.
What if you get glutened?
Even when taking all the right precautions, accidental gluten exposure still occurs occasionally when dining out. If you experience symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea or fatigue after eating at California Kitchen, you may have been glutened – the term for when someone who is gluten sensitive or allergic ingests gluten inadvertently.
If you suspect you’ve been glutened, here are some steps to take:
- Drink lots of water to help flush gluten from your system
- Take activated charcoal capsules to absorb remaining gluten
- Rest and be gentle on your digestive system until symptoms resolve
- If there is a next time, discuss precautions again with California Kitchen staff
- Follow up with your physician if you experience severe or ongoing reactions
Thankfully with strict adherence to a gluten free diet, you can help your small intestine heal and regain proper functioning. Trace accidental exposures shouldn’t cause lasting damage. Pay attention to how you feel after dining at California Kitchen to determine if they are able to sufficiently accommodate your gluten free needs.
Other allergy and dietary restrictions
Along with gluten free, California Kitchen tries to cater to various other dietary needs and restrictions as well. When ordering, inform your server of any allergies or sensitivities you may have beyond gluten. Some other common considerations at California Kitchen may include:
- Nut allergies – Avoid menu items like roasted nuts or pesto
- Dairy restrictions – Request no butter on vegetables or potatoes
- Seafood allergies – Steer clear of fish dishes
- Vegetarian/vegan – Ask about meatless options
With good communication, the chefs at California Kitchen can whip up modified dishes to suit your individual dietary needs – whether cutting out gluten, dairy, meat or anything in between. Just be sure to clearly explain your restrictions to your server.
California Kitchen gluten free kids’ meals
For families dining out with gluten free children, finding safe menu options suited for kids can pose an additional challenge. The good news is that California Kitchen offers a number of kids’ picks that can either be prepared gluten free, or easily modified:
- Grilled chicken tenders with fresh fruit
- Burgers or grilled cheese on gluten free buns
- Pasta with gluten free noodles
- Mini pizzas on gluten free crust
When ordering, simply request any substitutions like swapping regular buns for gluten free buns, or wheat pasta for gluten free pasta alternatives. With customization, kids who avoid gluten can happily join in meals at California Kitchen.
Gluten free drinks
In addition to food, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity also have to pay close attention to drink choices when dining out. Some ingredients added to beverages can unexpectedly contain traces of gluten.
At California Kitchen, basic drink options like soft drinks, iced tea, juices, milk and coffee are all gluten free. Cocktails, beer and wine also pose minimal cross contamination risk. Just take care with specialty drinks like flavored coffees, as syrups and flavor shots may contain gluten. When in doubt, stick to basics like soda water with lime or regular iced tea.
Desserts
Perhaps one of the biggest dining out disappointments on a gluten free diet comes when the dessert menu rolls around. Typically, most desserts and baked goods like cookies, cakes and pies are off limits due to containing wheat/gluten ingredients.
California Kitchen does try to offer at least one gluten free dessert option, rotate depending on availability. Some examples include:
- Flourless chocolate cake
- Fresh sorbet
- Fresh fruit platter
There may also be options for substituting gluten free flour or other ingredients in desserts like brownies, upon request. Again, communicate any allergies with your server so they can check with the kitchen on gluten free dessert availability. Having a gluten free treat makes dining at California Kitchen more inclusive for those avoiding gluten.
California Kitchen gluten free reviews
To gain insights from others’ experiences eating gluten free at California Kitchen, looking at customer reviews can help. Here’s a sampling of what gluten free diners have reported about California Kitchen’s ability to accommodate special diets:
“They were super accommodating about making sure my meal was 100% gluten free. The manager personally came out to confirm ingredients and preparation. My steak and veggies were delicious.”
“Our server was knowledgable about gluten free options and what sauces had gluten. I really appreciated them taking it seriously.”
“I ordered a burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. It came out with a bun on top and they hadn’t marked the order gluten free. Need better training on allergies.”
Based on various reviews, it seems that experiences dining gluten free at California Kitchen may vary depending on the specific location and staff’s familiarity with allergies and cross contamination risks. Overall though, they do try to be gluten free friendly.
Is California Kitchen gluten free friendly overall?
Considering all the above factors, California Kitchen can generally be considered gluten free friendly, though not fully gluten free. Key takeaways:
- They offer menu items that are naturally gluten free, like steaks and salads
- Many dishes can be modified, like gluten free buns on burgers
- Serious about food allergy training and precautions
- Risk of cross contamination still exists from shared kitchen
- Reviews are mixed based on each location’s diligence
Ultimately, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can dine at California Kitchen but need to ask questions, review the menu carefully and communicate allergies. With extra care, California Kitchen can be a reasonably safe gluten free option.
Gluten free dining made easier
Managing gluten free needs makes dining out more complicated. But knowing restaurant options like California Kitchen that cater to special diets can offer more choices and freedom. By being an informed diner, reviewing menus, and communicating closely with staff about your needs and risks, those avoiding gluten can find glorious food sans gluten.
With proactive planning and an adventurous spirit, you can savor delicious cuisine from restaurants like California Kitchen gluten free. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make requests or modifications, or provide gentle education when needed. Staying gluten free away from home is very manageable with the right tools and techniques.
The bottom line on gluten free at California Kitchen
California Kitchen admirably aims to cater to various dietary restrictions, providing options for gluten free diners. While gluten cross contamination is still possible in their shared kitchens, they strive to offer several gluten free and modifiable choices. Just be sure to thoroughly communicate with your server so they take all the proper precautions when preparing and plating your meal.
With a balanced mix of naturally gluten free menu items, substitutions when requested, and an attentive kitchen staff, California Kitchen can make eating out with celiac disease or gluten intolerance less stressful. Just plan ahead, ask questions, and enjoy finding gluten free favorites on their menu.
