Navigating dining out with celiac disease requires careful planning and clear communication with restaurants. My recent experience at Los Dos Potrillos in Castle Rock highlighted the critical importance of accurate gluten-free information and the potential pitfalls when restaurants are not truly equipped to handle celiac needs, despite claiming to be “gluten friendly.”
Before visiting Los Dos Potrillos Castle Rock, I took the precaution of calling ahead. I specifically inquired about gluten-free options, clearly stating that I have celiac disease. The person on the phone assured me they were “gluten friendly” and that the fajitas were a suitable gluten-free choice. When I questioned the gluten-free status of the chips and their preparation method, I was told they were indeed gluten-free and fried in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. This initial conversation gave me a sense of reassurance, leading me to believe they understood and could accommodate my dietary restrictions.
However, upon arriving at the restaurant, the reality was quite different. When my husband requested a gluten-free menu for me, we were informed that no such menu existed. The managerial staff member at the hostess desk directly contradicted everything I had been told over the phone. She stated that the chips were only potentially gluten-free if they were the very first batch cooked that day, immediately raising concerns about cross-contamination. Furthermore, she clarified that the rice was not gluten-free, their seasoning contained gluten, and even the corn tortillas were prepared in an area shared with flour tortillas, making them unsafe due to cross-contact. She did mention they had bagged corn tortillas as an alternative, but the overall picture was far from reassuring.
Adding to the confusion, the server who brought our initial chips and water stated that the chips were gluten-free, directly contradicting the manager. When our designated server arrived, she corrected this misinformation, confirming the chips were not gluten-free and that they were out of any gluten-free chip options for the day. To her credit, she was kind and tried to be as helpful as possible within the limitations of their kitchen practices. To make the chicken fajitas gluten-free, they had to be cooked without any seasoning. The resulting meal was, unfortunately, bland and deeply disappointing.
Ultimately, my experience at Los Dos Potrillos Castle Rock demonstrates that their “gluten-friendly” approach is not sufficient for individuals with celiac disease. The significant risk of cross-contamination and the misinformation provided by staff make it an unsuitable and unsafe dining choice for anyone requiring a truly gluten-free environment. For celiacs seeking a safe and enjoyable meal in Castle Rock, it is advisable to explore restaurants with certified gluten-free practices and a more comprehensive understanding of celiac dietary needs.
