I recently published a review of PizzaSalad, a gluten free restaurant in Thousand Oaks, California. The guest reviewer was highly critical of the restaurant. The management of PizzaSalad sent me this rebuttal which I am publishing in full. As is so often the case, there are two sides to every coin. Click here if you would like to read the original review before reading the response.

E-Mail comment received 9/24/08: "The NFCA certified PizzaSalad as a GREAT Kitchen; PizzaSalad is a RESPONSIBLE gluten-free restaurant. The restaurant personnel and management underwent extensive training, education, and procedure review to ensure absolutely no one has gluten contamination as a result of eating at PizzaSalad.  PizzaSalad consults with every customer who requests gluten-free to make sure their meal is prepared appropriately for them whether they’re a celiac, have a gluten allergy or simply choose to avoid gluten. Our gluten-free pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and EVERY topping is cut fresh daily and maintained separately to protect the gluten-free integrity. It goes without saying that distinct utensils and prep area are utilized for these pizzas. In addition, we are prepared to answer questions about ingredient content and processing method. PizzaSalad also offers gluten-free salads with gluten-free pita chips and dressings. It is understandable that this additional investment, care, and attention is reflected in PizzaSalad’s menu.

"PizzaSalad’s gluten-free “build your own” pizzas start at $16 or one may choose from a selection of specialty gluten-free pizzas (predetermined topping combinations) starting at $20. PizzaSalad’s ingredients (from the spices, flour, sauce, toppings, etc) are USDA certified organic. The pizza cheese is “white” because it is USDA certified organic white sharp cheddar and mozzarella. It is not the cheap yellow cheddar that melts into a pot of oil on top of a sloppy pizza and makes you feel like you’ve had a gallon of lard after you’ve eaten it.

"We have streams of emails from thrilled customers who love our gluten-free pizzas. Of course, there isn’t a single restaurant that pleases absolutely everyone."

Published 9/30/08