I’m currently on vacation in Florence with my partner. It is our first trip as a couple and my first time traveling internationally.
After being diagnosed with celiac in my mid 20s, I assumed that traveling and safely trying local cuisine was out of the cards for me. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Italy has real safety protocols in place for their celiac population! I was so excited to be able to feel normal again by safely dining out.
When we went to our first restaurant in Italy a couple of days ago, I was still cautious and hesitant to eat. The staff was extremely knowledgeable about celiac, and the food was amazing. We use the FindMeGF app to locate safe dining options. The food is amazing and restaurants have been really safe. Up to this point, I have been in GF heaven and have enjoyed every minute of it!
Tonight, my partner and I went to Osteria Pastella in Florence. My partner is incredibly thoughtful and strictly eats gluten free when he is with me. He has stated before that he always wanted to try pasta made in one of the big cheese wheels. When I found this restaurant that also makes gluten free pasta in a dedicated gluten free cheese wheel and even does it in the back to prevent cc, I was so excited for both of us! It is also an incredibly popular place, and we waited nearly two hours in the queue since we did not have a reservation. Their menu lists different allergens, and there are a ton of good reviews from celiacs about safety on the findmeGF app, so I felt safe eating there.
Our waiter was great and very knowledgeable about celiac. He informed me of what I could safely order. He gave us a few minutes and shared that they would bring complimentary gluten free bread to the table. A woman dropped off a bread basket at our table and said it was gluten free….. Unfortunately, the bread that was brought to our table and eaten by me was NOT gluten free. I was mid bite on my second piece when a different waiter brought gluten free bread to our table, but this time the bread was served on a plate. I immediately asked him if the bread that was already brought to the table was gluten free. He said no. He said it should be okay since I didn’t eat much. Our other waiter apologized and said it would be okay. Having multiple wait staff tell me I would be okay was infuriating. The manager was apologetic and did want to know exactly what happened to prevent something like this from happening again. I am lucky my partner was angry and advocating on my behalf because I was so angry and on the verge of tears. I started feeling sick within 20 minutes.
At this point, I am feeling a rush of emotions. I am frustrated at myself for not double or triple checking with the wait staff that the food that was brought to our table was gluten free. I am angry that I have this disease and got my hopes up about being able to feel normal again. I am disappointed that my partner couldn’t finish the rest of dinner because he didn’t want to risk any further damage. I am sad that the five days we still have in Italy are now ruined. We are supposed to go to Rome tomorrow and we have different tours planned for our remaining days. My partner’s birthday is on Monday and I feel like I ruined that for him too despite him being incredibly supportive. I hate feeling like a burden to those who have to accommodate me and my disability. I am in physical pain and I am already dreading the rest of this trip. I also take medication for Hashimotos + other conditions and my labs always fluctuate after a glutening. I just wish I could be normal again and not have to deal with this.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. I just really needed to vent to a community that gets it.
PS: To anyone who says they can still eat gluten in Europe and be okay, please let this be a warning that you cannot. I have heard people say this one too many times to my liking and it is very concerning!