If someone treated me, I'd dive right in. Waters's philosophies intersect in a couple of ways with the Paleo template. Plus it's just an important place.

I could see passing on the tart if one was peculiarly gluten-sensitive, of course. But barring that, skipping too much at Chez Panisse sort of strikes me as robbing yourself.

Honestly, if this were a middle-priced restaurant I'd eat it and just have it be a cheat meal. BUT any restaurant that costs this much will bend over backwards to accommodate your every whim. With her clientele, they are probably used to the gluten-free thing. Just call them and say you would like a meal without wheat/whatever and they will almost certainly do it and do it very well. I've had some incredible meals this way. I usually say no wheat and that's all since I don't mind an occasional dessert and they tend to be tiny at these kind of places.

Holy crap, yes. It's one, admittedly fantastic, meal, cooked by a world-renowned chef. Enjoy it to the fullest, then just pick right back up with Paleo/primal. And to be honest, it doesn't look abhorrently "unPaleo." Or if you must, take Melissa's advice, I'm sure she's spot-on here.

I would go and enjoy every single bite of it. The way they are set up there is no way for them to alter the food or make special accomodations for someone who can't eat what they prepare that evening. I think it would be "take it or leave it". That's how it's always been anyway.

This is a once in a lifetime event for you and your Mom. I would enjoy it the way Alice wants it to be enjoyed and not give it a second thought. This is art not food. Unless you are extremely gluten sensitive I would go for it. All of it. Otherwise skip the toasts and the tart and eat everything else.

And ENJOY! (ps I have Alice's address if you want to drive by and see her house, lol)

Enjoy every last bite the way it is!

I would just prepare for your next few meals in advance. I have found that a cheat meal can trigger weird cravings for me and if I don't get back on track right away it can start to spiral out of control. I would recommend planning a totally paleo menu for the next day so that you can get back on track without thinking about it. I find that if I already have something planned or prepared I don't give into cravings as easily.

Have fun!

It was for me when I had someone else paying for it. They're famous for inventing the California style wood fired pizza and the woodsmoke smell inside theplace is really nice. Enjoy all the original Dubout movie posters too - it's worth the trip just for the decor.

Yes, oh god yes. Chez Panisse is one of those restaurants worth cheating for. It is amazing.

For me, Paleo is the way of day to day life, but within life there are festive events. Sharing a festival with others is best when combining food and good friends.

This is one of those moments.

I have always viewed the SAD eaters as a combination of all the different types of festive foods from different cultures, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, French, etc. eaten for every meal, every day. Result?, fat unhealthy people.

If you live healthy, spend a moment celebrating with friends and food. But this can not be a way of life because eating this way everyday makes life uneventful.

Enjoy!

My daughter and I had the opportunity to eat at Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen in London a couple of years ago. We made reservations about 3 months in advance and let them know then that we were gluten-free. They were wonderful about it and the waitstaff knew exactly which items we could eat or not. Granted we had more choices than a chef's table sort of meal, but it might be worth a try to call ahead and ask. I cannot eat gluten at all so a one-time cheat is not an option for me. If you can eat gluten, then I would say just eat around the gluten where possible (eat the tart fruit and filling, avoid the bread, etc.). Whichever you choose, enjoy! I am jealous :)