Sue is right that there are many threads related to special diets and gluten free. Outback Steakhouse has an online GF menu as do other restaurants. It takes time to find items that are GF but they are out there. There are many substitutes like corn tortillas for bread, soy and almond milk, oscar myer cold cuts, Lays and Tims potato chips.
The thunder down under is an excellent dessert and yes there are many substitutes and gluten free products out there, just look for previously posted threads.
Basically the gluten causes the body to attack itself and the damage can be to the stomach or to anywhere in the body that the gluten travels to via the bloodstream. The damaged stomach cannot absorb fats, nutrients and other stuff. Failure to absorb fat can cause problems with the hair and skin. People with celiac can get run down immune systems and vitamin deficiencies such as bad teeth (calcium), poor vision, emotional problems, moods, headaches, sores that do not heal and so much more.
Knowing that you are having a reaction helps a lot. When I am recovering from eating gluten I take extra vitamins and mineral as well as large amounts of vitamin C and bioflavanoids. Watch for cravings as I love so much the flour thickened apples dessert and once I started guzzling maple syrup that had barley. Early signs are a racing pulse, jittery hyper state then the crash that is often a headache and nap attack. Also watch for excesssive gas which can cause nausea, chest and back pains and other problems.
Unlike many disorders people with celiac can live normal lives except when inhaling, eating or drinking stuff. I thank God that of all the illnesses I got celiac and food allergies as there are far worse things that I could have had.
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I found the thread.
http://www.clanthompson.com/res_contacts_shop.php3
A list of companies making gluten free items. I spent nearly an hour cllicking on links. Excellent source for gluten free products.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/index.php
Has gluten free flour for making at home bread and other baked goods.
They have things like date sugar, cornstarch, flour and other baking needs. Like most places they often use beans or rice as a substitute but the flour, date sugar, maple sugar, cornstarch and grits all are gluten free and purely that item.
I never tried this company which sells dry mixes.
http://www.chebe.com/dryproduct.htm
Ingredients: Manioc (tapioca) flour, modified manioc starch (100% manioc), iodine-free sea salt, cream of tartar, sodium bicarbonate.
