Gluten Free Dining in the Park

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ncwitz
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Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by ncwitz »

We'll be arriving at the park later this month with stays as follows:

* Many Glacier Lodge (3 nights)
* Sperry Chalet (2 nights)
* Motel Lake McDonald (2 nights)

Can anyone advise on gluten-free dining options? This is medically required gluten-free dining and not a dietary choice, so staff knowledge and prevention of cross-contamination are important.

When making reservations, the staff at Sperry Chalet seemed knowledgeable although I need to check with them on their level of support/accommodation. With the hiking we are planning, I want to be sure my family member has safe meals and doesn't get sick.

Any comments/suggestions are appreciated!
Selkie
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by Selkie »

With such a medical requirement, I would be concerned about dealing with the effects of cross-contamination and ingesting gluten.
(I don't think there is a guarantee it won't happen, especially at a backcountry facility with limited resources.)
ncwitz
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by ncwitz »

Thanks for the reply... after 8 years we're certainly familiar with managing a GF diet and as you note, eating out is always risky.

It was interesting that the Sperry Chalet staff was very familiar when I asked them about it. They do have GF bread, etc., but I will have to ask them about cross-contamination precautions. As always, we bring backup food... just in case.

I didn't know if anyone knew if the Park hotels had GF menus or what the prior experience has been.
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by Selkie »

Ah, I see. Sorry, I do not have GF experience. I do hope everything works out well for you and your group. I have found the Sperry Chalet staff quite responsive.
Stmarypete
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by Stmarypete »

I would suggest being careful about gluten free foods in the park. Most people who avoid gluten are gluten intolerant or gluten avoiders. Only a few people have true gluten enteropathy and are completely sensitive to gluten. Most of the restaurents have low gluten options, but I doubt they prevent cross-contamination of bread dough. I am sure you are familiar with these problems if you have gluten enteropathy.
Last edited by Stmarypete on Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by llholmes1948 »

As you may know, the Motel at Lake McDonald is operated by Glacier Park Inc. and does not offer food service as far as I know. The nearby food services at Lake McDonald Lodge and Jammer Joes would be operated by Xanterra which also operates the Many Glacier Hotel. I would suggest that you call Xanterra and see if they can provide you with the phone numbers for the food service departments at Lake McDonald and at Many Glacier/Swiftcurrent and you can then call the food service departments directly to discuss your concern with them.

You can then let us know how it goes since your concern is likely to be of interest to others. Hope you have a great trip to the Park.

Lyman
ncwitz
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by ncwitz »

I called the Many Glacier main desk and they transferred me to the dining room. I will say that based upon the brief conversation I am reasonably encouraged. I don't know who I spoke with (host, server, manager... I should have asked) but when I mentioned dietary restrictions and a gluten free diet she asked about Celiac Disease.

She told me that the staff goes through training on managing the dietary restrictions. Other positive signs... she mentioned using separate pans, changing gloves, having GF bread, and other GF options.

Any mixed kitchen can potentially be a problem for cross-contamination. We'll be clear when we talk to the server about the GF need and any concerns and will have available some "emergency food", but this is certainly a positive sign.

I'll update post-trip with our experience. Thanks for the comments from the group.
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by BCD »

I was at Swiftcurrent on mon lunch. They had gluten-free pizza offered.
ncwitz
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by ncwitz »

Thanks for the information. Did you order for someone in your party? Basically, I was wondering if you happened to inquire about preparation and prevention of cross-contamination, e.g. do they use cornmeal rather than wheat flour to prep on... what do they do to prevent contamination of ingredients, etc.

Unfortunately, many places "say" they have gluten free items when they don't really go to the effort to make it safe for medically required diets. Nothing is guaranteed in a mixed kitchen; we understand and accept the risk when we eat out, but places that only do lip service for a gluten free diet shouldn't be advertising it as such.
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Re: Gluten Free Dining in the Park

Post by twohappykampers »

If you want to watch what you eat, then Lake McDonald Lodge is one place you can find foods that are gluten free, cage free, range free, organic and you can even have flour free chocolate cake! We were good with the range free, cage free and organic. Didn't care for their menu and since we don't need to watch gluten we prefer food with flavor so we'd rather eat outside the park.
Ken & Mary Ann
Life's a mountain, not a beach!
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