Last night I went to Free Taco Thursdays at The Front Page in Dupont. The set up is a buffet-style taco bar with pulled pork, flour tortillas, and a variety of toppings (black beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese, etc.). At first I figured I’d just avoid the whole thing, but then I thought, “Well, I could just get black beans and lettuce and toppings and make my own taco salad-type dish.” Plus I figured I should eat something before starting on $2.75 whiskey drinks.
So, I stood in line for about 10 minutes – but when I got up to the table I realized that people were taking the spoons for the toppings and kind of mashing them into their flour tortillas. (I know, how rude). So, I knew there was cross-contamination going on.
And this is what went down. I considered leaving the line and abandoning my plate…but I didn’t. I ate the toppings anyway.
Today I feel like Denver the guilty dog.
It was one of only a few times when I just said “to hell with it” and put myself at risk. Other similar situations are with something like a cheese platter where there are crackers on it and I just eat the cheese that’s farthest away from them, for example.
I felt like I needed to confess to someone about my indiscretion. And it’s also a reminder to myself and all of us celiacs that we make mistakes. We’re human. Next time I go I’ll eat before or bring something to munch on at the bar so I can avoid the tacastrophies (heehee).
Have you ever knowingly put yourself at risk for cross-contamination? What’s your celiac confession?
Gluten Free? Gimme Three! 