Cicis Gluten-Free Menu: What to Expect
While Cicis is known for its all-you-can-eat pizza buffet featuring a variety of pizza types, a gluten-free pizza crust is not an official menu item at most, if not all, franchise locations. Despite this, guests with gluten sensitivities can still navigate the menu to find suitable options. The main items available include the salad bar, chicken wings, and a special request item known as a "pizza bowl".
The All-You-Can-Eat Salad Bar
The salad bar is a primary destination for gluten-free diners at Cicis. It offers a wide range of fresh vegetables and toppings that are naturally free of gluten. When building a salad, it is essential to be cautious of certain items that contain gluten or pose a risk of cross-contamination. Specifically, you should avoid the croutons and pasta salad. Additionally, check the ingredient list for the salad dressings, as some may contain gluten. The main risk factor at the salad bar is shared utensils, which can transfer gluten particles from one item to another. Consider asking a staff member for fresh ingredients from the back if you have a severe gluten allergy.
Flavorful Bone-In Chicken Wings
Cicis offers bone-in chicken wings, and according to their nutritional guide, some sauces are gluten-free. For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, confirming with staff which sauces are safe is vital. Standard sauces like Mild Buffalo and Honey BBQ are often safe, but it's best to verify. It is important to remember that these wings may be cooked in a shared fryer, which is a significant cross-contamination risk for individuals with severe gluten allergies.
The Crustless Pizza "Pizza Bowl"
For those who crave the flavors of pizza without the crust, many Cicis locations offer a “crustless pizza” or “pizza bowl”. This option is essentially a pan filled with sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings, baked without a crust. This can be a satisfying way to enjoy the pizza experience. However, since it is a special request, it's best to inform a staff member of your dietary needs. They may be able to prepare it with fresh ingredients and in a dedicated pan to minimize cross-contamination, though this is not a guarantee.
Important Cross-Contamination Considerations
Because Cicis operates as a buffet and is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, the risk of cross-contamination is high and must be taken seriously by individuals with celiac disease.
Potential Contamination Points:
- Shared Utensils: Serving utensils at the buffet are used for multiple items, including those with gluten.
- Shared Surfaces: Ingredients for pizza bowls may be prepared on surfaces that also handle flour and regular pizza dough.
- Shared Fryer: Chicken wings, even if the sauce is gluten-free, may be cooked in the same oil as breaded items.
- Airborne Flour: Flour used for pizza dough is often airborne in a kitchen, posing a risk for highly sensitive individuals.
For most people with a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, taking basic precautions might suffice. However, for those with celiac disease, the risks may be too high, and it is best to contact the specific location to inquire about their cross-contamination protocols.
Gluten-Free vs. Celiac: A Crucial Distinction
There is a critical difference between eating gluten-free for personal preference or a mild sensitivity and adhering to a strict gluten-free diet for celiac disease. This distinction is particularly relevant at a place like Cicis.
| Aspect | Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity | Celiac Disease |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of Reaction | Can vary from mild discomfort to more severe digestive issues. | Triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. |
| Trace Contamination | Small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination may be tolerable. | Trace amounts of gluten can cause significant damage and symptoms. |
| Suitable Cicis Options | The salad bar with caution, wings, and crustless pizza are generally suitable. | All Cicis items carry a high risk of cross-contamination and may not be safe. |
| Recommendation | Can usually eat at Cicis with careful menu navigation. | Should avoid Cicis or exercise extreme caution by contacting staff beforehand. |
Conclusion
In summary, Cicis does offer some naturally gluten-free options like the salad bar and bone-in wings, plus the custom-made crustless pizza bowl. However, it is not a safe destination for those who must avoid even trace amounts of gluten due to the high risk of cross-contamination from the shared buffet and kitchen. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly with the staff, especially when ordering a pizza bowl, and be your own best advocate when dining out.
