Inevitably there will come a time when you want to dine away from home. This is often a source of great frustration and difficulty for many, particularly when faced with severe food allergies or multiple restrictions. There are many obstacles you must encounter, however with advance planning and practice you can learn to enjoy eating out.
Dining at Restaurants
Usually someone who is unfamiliar with your condition will be preparing your meal. They may not know what foods, products or derivatives may include your restricted ingredient. This will also include servers who are generally unable to answer your questions about exact ingredients. Some restaurants use pre-prepared foods and the staff may not have immediate access to the complete ingredients listing. This is common in fast food and restaurant chains. Cross contamination is likely to occur due to the sharing of ovens, grills, pans and other baking and storage containers. Even after informing the staff about your specific needs there is still a chance for human error to occur. It seems that upscale restaurants that employ chefs are often more qualified to accommodate special requests. Contact your local support group. They usually have a list of local restaurants that are suitable to visit.
Here are some tips to help you at restaurants:
- Create or purchase a restaurant card that briefly outlines your condition and needs. This can be any size or media. However, they should be small enough to be kept in your wallet or purse. Blank business cards can be purchased for home computers and make ideal restaurant cards. Some people been known to have theirs professionally printed at a local office supply and these are fairly affordable. Be sure to carry your cards whenever dining out. Give one to your server and send one to the chef to help prepare your meal.
- Call ahead or visit the restaurant and speak with the manager or supervisor at a time when it is not likely to be crowded or busy. Explain your condition succinctly and ask them questions about their ingredients and preparation methods. Keep your requests simple and specific.
- Ask or inform the manager and chef if you would like to bring along your own bread, pasta, condiments or other items that will require any preparation from the restaurant.
- Start with basic dishes on the menu that require the least amount of modification.
- Always carry some extra food or meal with you in case your visit to the restaurant is not what you expect. This is a necessity when trying a place you haven’t contacted in advance.
- Print the Safe Restaurant List use as a reference and keep it in your Special Diets Notebook.
Attending Parties & Social Functions
- Talk with the host before the event and obtain the menu. Discuss any ingredients, foods and products that are suitable for your diet that can be incorporated into the menu. It is always easier to inform them of what you can eat rather than what you cannot. You can give them a copy of your Safe Foods List to use in their planning.
- If necessary ask that your salad, uncooked meats or other dishes be prepared without dressings, marinades or sauces and separated from the other foods.
- Bring one of your favorite side dishes or desserts with you to the party or dinner to share with others.
- For dinner parties, tell the host in advance if you want to bring your own bread, condiments or other items to be prepared. Ask that your dish be put aside in the kitchen. Before the meal you can go and finish the plate with your specifications.
- As with dining in restaurants, you may consider eating ahead of the event or bringing your own food/meal with you.
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