Friday, August 22, 2008

P. F. Chang's China Bistro Celebrated for Gluten-Free Menu Endorsed by the Gluten Intolerance Group during its Inaugural Chef to Plate Event

P. F. Chang's China Bistro Celebrated for Gluten-Free Menu Endorsed by the Gluten Intolerance Group during its Inaugural Chef to Plate Event

Restaurants across America will help spread awareness of gluten intolerances by participating in the Chef to Plate Awareness Campaign launched this year by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. Restaurants offering gluten-free meal options are helping 15 million Americans dine out without fear. The Chef to Plate Awareness Campaign celebrates these restaurants during May - Celiac Awareness Month. P. F. Chang's will offer a guided tour of the kitchen at its Sherman Oaks location, May 3, 2009 at 11:00am, which will demonstrate its commitment to providing safe meals for those with gluten-intolerances.

Sherman Oaks, CA (PRWEB) April 30, 2009

P. F. Chang's China Bistro invites guests to dine on a gluten-free menu. At P. F. Chang's the goal for each customer is to enjoy their culinary journey. With that in mind, Chang's has created a gluten-free menu for those guests with gluten intolerances and are excited to welcome gluten intolerant diners in the Sherman Oaks-area to sample the gluten-free cuisine.

Restaurants across America will help spread awareness of gluten intolerances by participating in the Chef to Plate Awareness Campaign launched this year by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. Dining out can be difficult for persons with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerances. Restaurants offering gluten-free meal options are helping 15 million Americans dine out without fear. The Chef to Plate Awareness Campaign celebrates these restaurants during May - Celiac Awareness Month.

May is celebrated worldwide as celiac awareness month. 1 in 133 people suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the intestine when proteins from wheat, rye or barley (gluten) are eaten. Celiac disease is most commonly associated with early bone disease, anemia, infertility and aggressive cancers, but can include many symptoms in every body system. For another 15 million people in the US, gluten intolerance doesn't damage the intestines but causes symptoms that interfere with their ability to feel healthy. Although limited, research suggests that a gluten-free diet may be helpful in a number of health conditions. The issue affects many families with children who fight to live a gluten-free lifestyle, as they see such an improvement in behavior and overall health.

"We are thrilled that a restaurant group of P. F. Chang's China Bistro's caliber is offering a menu to support this initiative," said Cynthia Kupper, RD and Executive Director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. "Wheat is found in many foods, making it difficult to eliminate gluten. Offering gluten-free menu choices can be as easy as omitting foods or making creative substitutions to existing menu items. P. F. Chang's has been committed to providing a safe eating experience for those with gluten intolerances. "We are excited to provide our customers with a premium gluten-free dining experience that offers both culinary cuisine and great value. Dining gluten-free doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. P. F. Chang's China Bistro enables its customers to enjoy enticing dishes on a regular basis," said Rick Tasman, COO for P. F. Chang's China Bistro. "We are proud to offer a variety of few gluten-free dishes including Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chang's Spicy Chicken and the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Chef to Plate is a national awareness campaign of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North American (GIG) and is being supported locally by P. F. Chang's China Bistro. To learn more about the Chef to Plate: Celebrating Restaurants Serving Up Gluten-Free Awareness Campaign, participating restaurants, celiac disease, GIG or the campaign endorsers visit http://www. gluten. net/events. php (http://www. gluten. net/events. php).

As part of the Chef to Plate event, P. F. Chang's China Bistro will celebrate it's offering of a gluten-free menu on Sunday, May 3rd from 11:00am-2:00pm, in its Sherman Oaks location at 15301 Ventura Boulevard. Please join us at 11:00am for a guided tour of the kitchen, which will demonstrate how P. F. Chang's is committed to providing safe meals for those with gluten-intolerances. Attendees of the event will be responsible to pay for any meals ordered.

About Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
The Gluten Intolerance Group®, also known as GIG®, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has provided consumer and food industry support and education for 35 years. GIG is funded by private donations including the Combined Federal Campaign, United Way Designated Giving, Employer Matching Funds, proceeds from memberships, the sale of products and our educational resources. Cynthia Kupper, Registered Dietician and Executive Director, is a respected authority in gluten intolerances, food industry programs and the gluten-free diet. For more information about GIG contact Ms. Kupper at 253-833-6655 or visit www. gluten. net.

About P. F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.
P. F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. owns and operates two restaurant concepts in the Asian niche. P. F. Chang's China Bistro features a blend of high-quality, traditional Chinese cuisine and American hospitality in a sophisticated, contemporary bistro setting. Pei Wei Asian Diner offers a modest menu of freshly prepared Asian cuisine in a relaxed, warm environment offering attentive counter service and take-out flexibility.

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