14 February 2012

Red Robin Serves Udi's Gluten-Free Bun

Hamburger on Udi's Whole Grain GF Bun
The hamburger chain Red Robin has been a favorite of mine for years.  They are one of the big chain restaurants that have a gluten-free menu.  It is not so much a special menu as a road map of how to eat there without consuming gluten.  They cook their fries in a dedicated fryer, so no cross-contamination.  Reason enough to give it a try.

Before going gluten-free I loved their salads with the crispy tortilla strips on top.  Since going gluten-free my go-to menu choice has been the lettuce wrapped burger.  It comes with a salad with balsamic dressing.  Lately, my "gluten anger" mood (being angry because I can't eat what I want) drove me to substitute seasoning-free fries instead of the salad.  Also, I can't really chew lettuce well right now since my jaw surgery, so giving in to the fries was more of a survival thing.  A girl's gotta eat some carbs, right?

Anyway, to my great surprise, the last time we were there the server asked if I wanted a gluten-free bun with my burger.  I was so shocked that I was speechless for a moment.  The funny thing is that I didn't really want the bun.  I have been trying to lose weight and with my jaws still unable to bite into a hamburger with bun, it was better to choose the lettuce wrap with fries.  But, I could not resist trying the bun and I always try to encourage stores and restaurants that make the effort to provide as normal an eating experience as possible for the gluten-free.  So I ordered the hamburger on the GF bun. I could have nixed the fries to keep my carb count down, but what fun is that?  I had to cut the burger with bun into small pieces to chew it, but it was good. It was darn good.  It was also somehow familiar.  When I got home I did some research online and discovered that it was an Udi's Whole Grain Gluten-Free Bun.  Needless to say, Red Robin is still one of my favorite lunch spots. And a big thanks to Udi's, while we're at it.

Karen, herself

6 comments:

Annabellouise said...

Yummy. Glad you are able to eat hamburgers again! Happy Valentines Day.

Karen said...

Yay, you were finally able to leave a comment! Hope you had a good Valentine's Day.

Wendy from Udi's said...

I'm so glad you were able to have one of our buns at Red Robin! Thanks for writing a great review.

Kari said...

I went to Red Robin in January and ordered my usual bunless burger and our waiter said "do you want a gluten free bun?" I think I scared the crap out him when I yelled "SHUT UP!!!! REALLY????" And you're right-it was really good. :)

Karen said...

Hey, Kari, Thanks for your comment. You made us all laugh here. I think a lot of us are having the same response. Personally, this is what I have been hoping would happen — that restaurants would really start to get it and start offering us a way to feel normal again by giving us a gluten-free version instead of just removing the gluten containing ones.

Karen said...

Fatburger also serves the Udi's GF bun with their medium sized burger. Another reason I can't seem to lose weight!