Chef Damian Cardone, claiming to be the former executive banquet chef at the now-closed New York City restaurant, Tavern on the Green, admitted on his Facebook profile on March 10, 2011, that he has on multiple occasions misled his gluten-free customers. Cardone wrote that he has often served guests requesting gluten-free pasta a dish containing fresh pasta made with high-gluten flour. His findings? That no gluten-eschewing guest has ever complained of distressing symptoms following a meal at his table. View Cardone's rant below:
Though we have not been able to verify this information, Cardone claims to have cooked for a number of Hollywood A-Listers, including Billy Crystal, Sigourney Weaver, Martin Short, Tom Hanks, and George Clooney. The Colorado chef similarly states that he has appeared on Live! with Regis and Kelly and Project Runway.
We have contacted the former owner of Tavern on the Green to confirm Cardone's employment, but have not yet heard back. We continue to investigate this story for accuracy and will update you as we uncover further details.
**Update: 1:39 PM PT- Damian Cardone has taken down his Facebook profile. Below is the original text of his admission:
"Gluten free is bullshit!! Flour and bread have been a staple of life for thousands, THOUSANDS of years. People who claim to be gluten intolerent [sic] dont [sic] realize that its [sic] all in there [sic] disturbed little heads. People ask me for gluten free pasta in my restaurant all the time, I tell em sure, Then I serve serve em our pasta, Which I make from scratch with high gluten flour. And you know what? nothing, NOTHING! ever happens! People leave talking about how good they feel gluten free and guess what, They just had a full dose! Idiots!"
***Update: 5:00 PM PT- Screen captures of Damian Cardone's Facebook profile as of 10:00 AM March 30, 2011 and the original page of his admission.
![The Anatomy of a Pancake [infographic]](https://www.foodista.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumb_45x45/public/field/image/pancakes%20main.jpg){kind=small}
Comments
December 12, 2011
Well even the gluten tolerant cant stand him cause his restaurant is closed
December 12, 2011
Well even the gluten tolerant cant stand him cause his restaurant is closed
May 31, 2011
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July 22, 2011
His actions are criminal...plain and simple.
August 7, 2013
I work in a comercial kitchen and can say that some people do have an actual gluten intolerance and you should always try to accommodate when you can. Yet I have no problem not serving a pasta dish for example because we do not have enough people come in wanting a gluten free pasta dish. I also see a lot of tables get two gluten free dishes usually a steak with out the sauce ect. Then they eat two baskets of bread. So sometimes these people are full of it but you have to take it at the customer word.
August 12, 2013
My 3 year old daughter has medically diagnosed wheat allergy (gluten is OK as long as its not from wheat) & her symptoms are horrible. She gets a rash that goes from her chin to her belly button, she has a horrible upset tummy & her bowel movements are sticky, smelly & burn her if she is wearing a nappy (overnight) & she is just miserable.
I can guarantee you that if he deliberately poisoned my child & I found out I would own his house, car, business & his first born child!
What an utter d-bag!
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