I agree with the blogger who wrote that she wonders "why San Francisco has so few gluten free options.” I couldn’t even find an Outback Steakhouse or a P.F. Changs China Bistro anywhere in the city. The Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program could not identify any celic friendly restaurants in the city. Anyway, who wants to go to San Francisco and eat in a chain restaurant?

NOTE: AN UPDATED AN EXPANDED VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE EXISTS. THIS ARTICLE INCLUDES ALL OF CALIFORNIA AND ADDITIONAL INFORMTION ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO. CLICK HERE TO MOVE TO THAT ARTICLE. YOU MAY WITH TO CHANGE YOUR BOOKMARK.

 This is not the first time I’ve tried to write an article and come up empty handed. Usually I just move on, but it seems such a shame here. I grew up near San Francisco, left the area before my celiac diagnosis, but still love the city. So here are a few suggestions:

  Most seafood is gluten free. Just be sure to avoid anything that is breaded or fried. (There are cross contamination issues with all fried food.)

Most authentic oriental food is wheat free. The bad news here is that people all over the world have learned that one way to reduce meal preparation cost is to stuff product with wheat flour. Almost any San Franciscan can help you differentiate between tourist traps and authentic local cuisine. Good luck!

  Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Markets are available to provide you with everything you need for a picnic by the bay or a quick lunch in your hotel room.

  Surfing the internet suggests that San Francisco is some sort of celiac-free zone. That’s impossible, of course, so I hope that San Franciscans who live gluten free will share information with us. I need your help, not only for this blog but for my personal use. If you have anything to share, leave a comment at the end of this article or send me an e-mail at gfceliac@gmail,com.

published: 01/23/08