Chef Damian Cardone stunned many after admitting on his Facebook page that he knowingly fed gluten to patrons who requested gluten-free food. Registered Nurse and Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance Educator, Wendy Cohan, wrote a piece regarding the incident including the implications for victims as well as Damian Cardone. Celiac disease and related gluten intolerance affect people around the world. It’s important to note that Celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies are similar but different disorders.
Damian Cardone’s remarks, which have since been removed, included a rant expressing that, “Gluten-free is bulls**t.” Andrea over at Foodista has a copy of the rant in full and is researching the validity of Damian’s work history. Supposedly, he has worked for many Hollywood elite like George Clooney and Tom Hanks but there are questions on whether or not this is true. He last worked for the now closed Tavern on the Green in New York City.
You can read more about the incident and how to find gluten free dining options over at our sister site, EcoLocalizer.
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Anita de la Riviere
I find this very worrying. It’s what I fear when I go out and I want ‘kosher’ veggie food
All food can be contaminated by careless chefs/kitchen staff … wheat can added, therefore adding gluten
non veggie food can be added …whey products, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, margerine etc
Most chefs just don’t care and what’s worse they don’t care that they don’t care!
Anita
Becky Striepe
I have the same concern when I eat out. In those situations, I feel like all you can really do is your best – be specific about what you do and don’t eat and hope the chef respects that. But I totally hear ya. It sucks that it’s still so hard to eat out as a veg*n in some places. It’s much easier when I first went veg in the 90’s though! We’ve come a long way, and backlashes like this one will hopefully encourage more chefs to be sensitive to dietary restrictions.
Bill McCabe
The chef is an idiot! He will pay for that behavior.
He made customers sick. Intentionaly!
Celiac is a real heredity condition.
What a fool.
debbie swanson
This really is upsetting. My mother doesn’t have celiac but is highly allergice to gluten (think throat closing and hives from head to toe). Either way, celiac or allergy, this is someone who hopefully won’t get another job “chefing”. What a jerk!