(Fort Worth, Texas) -- On Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the outset of National Celiac Awareness Month, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood will roll out a substantial menu created specifically for those who are gluten intolerant, such as individuals with celiac disease.

   “A guest approached us about creating a modified menu for those with gluten allergies like celiac disease, and we realized it was well within our business model to design a safe and wonderful menu for our gluten-free guests,” said Jim VanDercook, president and chief operating officer of Eddie V’s Restaurants, Inc. “We take customer service very seriously.”

   “According to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America® (GIG®), celiac disease is a chronic, inherited disease that if left untreated can ultimately lead to malnutrition resulting from an immune-mediated response to the ingestion of gluten (from wheat, rye, and barley) that damages the small intestine.  The disease affects one in every 133 people in the United States.

   “Eddie V’s executive chef and partner John Carver recognized the importance of dual goals---an appropriate menu and education for his staff.

   “At Eddie V’s, we are addressing gluten allergies in a number of ways,” Mr. Carver said.  “First and foremost is properly educating our chefs about gluten allergies and what food items and products pose a problem to those with celiac disease.  Second, we are training all of our staff---cooks as well as our front-of-house team---that cross-contamination can lead to food-borne illness.  We’re dedicated to responsible and safe preparation and cooking practices, utilizing separate utensils, measuring devices, food storage containers, and prep areas to safeguard against cross-contamination.”

   “James Robert, an executive chef at the Eddie V’s corporate office, worked closely with GIG to examine the existing, traditional Eddie V’s menu as a basis for designing a gluten-free menu and developing the policy for educating restaurant staff about gluten allergies. The result is a full Eddie V’s Gluten-Free Menu that includes many of the Eddie V’s favorites.

   “The Eddie V’s Gluten-Free Menu that will debut on May 1:

    For a look at the Eddie V’s traditional menu, please visit www.eddiev.com

    Eddie V’s accepts dinner reservations nightly and offers three private rooms perfect for any special event. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is open for dinner from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour in the V Lounge runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. nightly and all night Sunday and Monday with $1 off drinks, $5 special cocktails, $5 wines by the glass, and a menu of specially priced appetizers ranging from gulf oysters and crab cakes to shrimp cocktail and chowder. The V Lounge stays open late on weekdays (until 11:00 p.m.) and on Friday and Saturday nights (until midnight) with live music. Reservations are recommended; call 817-336-8000 or book a reservation online at www.opentable.com.

      Eddie V’s is located at 3100 West 7th Street at University and Bailey, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Phone 817-336-8000. They are on the web at www.eddiev.com. “Follow” Eddie V’s on Twitter @EddieVsFtWorth and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EddieVsFortWorth.

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