Faith Restored in the Possibilities of Eating Out

From Michelle:

Some of you may understand the feeling that I get when our family tries to go out to eat: that vague anxiety, like there’s too much to think about, too many carbs to count, too much unpredictability, too much work. Too much risk.

But I had a different experience lately, at a new location for a favourite Calgary restaurant. Diner Deluxe*, now open at Aspen Landing,  “infuses classic comfort food with a local twist”  and offers something for everyone: gluten-free, low carb, vegan, vegetarian.

As the highest-maintenance member of a hard-to-feed family (which includes celiac disease and type 1 diabetes), my first thought was: Isn’t that a hassle? Why would they bother? In the first moments of my chat with Executive Chef James Waters, I understood that it’s because he truly cares, believing that everyone should be included. Everyone who visits should be able to eat.

And eat very well, we did! I loved the gluten-free fish and chips. And for the first time since I was diagnosed with celiac disease almost 2 years ago, this former fries-and-gravy addict was able to indulge. In gravy that tempted me to eat it straight, with a spoon. Without effort or worry or putting up with that not-quite-the-real-thing taste.  That’s more than a superficial experience, being able to enjoy the comfort food I thought I’d never enjoy again. As many of you know (firsthand, or vicariously through your hopes and wishes for your kids) that’s an emotional experience. Celiac disease and type 1 diabetes are restrictive; when those restrictions are blasted away, it lifts me up.

For me, one of the hardest parts about eating out is trusting the kitchen crew to honour our needs. But I could relax when I heard about the system that the team follows when a guest has food allergies: separate flat-top grills for gluten-containing vs. gluten-free options; a dedicated fryer; clean butter; attention to changing cutting boards and washing knives; GF corn tortillas, standard for the fish tacos; GF pasta for the Mac N Cheese and Spaghetti & Meatballs; GF coating, standard for the fried chicken and fish and chips; and Care Bakery products to swap into the burgers (“the best burger in the WORLD”, according to Max, my 7-year-old son who has type 1 diabetes) and as a side for the meatloaf hash skillet (also delicious – try the red pepper relish! Did I mention that they can their own preserves on-site?)

So my sincere thanks goes out to the team at Diner Deluxe for “trying their butts off” for my health and happiness.

Next time I’m getting happy with the Eggs Benny!

(*In the interests of full disclosure, I want  to mention that the restaurant is co-owned by my brother-in-law, Dan MacPhee. While that certainly lead me to try Diner Deluxe, even if Dan was instead the brother of a guy who took me out once and then stomped on my heart,  I would still love their kick-@$$ food!)