America's Most Common Food Allergies
The solution to any problem always involves all the parties working together. If you or a loved one has allergies, it’s always useful to know how restaurants can best help you dine safely.
Here are some helpful guidelines from a restaurant’s point of view:..
Consider the Specialty or Theme of the Restaurant
When you choose a restaurant, take a moment and ask yourself what the focus of the restaurant is. If you are allergy to seafood, then Joe’s Chowder House isn’t the place to go. If dairy products are your concern, don’t select your local ice cream parlor as the perfect summer time destination.
Make Your Reservation at Least Two Weeks Ahead
Most restaurants order their food weekly. Almost always only the foods that match the chef’s menu are ordered in. Any reservation comes in too quickly often misses the food order date and the chef has only what is on hand to work with. If a chef knows early that you are coming, the needed ingredients for your dinner can be specially ordered.
Ask to Speak To Someone in Authority
Restaurants have many levels of staffing – from dishwashers to master chefs. When you call, speak to someone in a position to get your special allergy needs through to the chef. Ask their name and position and write it down. Be sure to say ‘thank you’ as the restaurant will be adjusting their established service to accommodate your health needs.
Confirm your Reservation and Allergy Needs One Week Out
Restaurants are very busy places, especially in the kitchen. A second call just to remind the chef of your health needs is a good investment in the pleasant evening ahead. Also take the time to write your allergies clearly down on a small card (more about this later).
On Arrival Tell the Hostess Who You Are
When you get to the restaurant for dinner, tell the hostess who you are and that you have requested in advance a special needs menu dinner. A properly trained hostess will alert the server.
Send Your Allergy Card to the Kitchen
Once you are seated, give your pre-written allergy card to the waiter and ask that it be attached to your order. This is important because, although you might have only one waiter, in reality there are many people in the kitchen involved in creating your dinner. An attached allergy card helps everyone be in the know.
Accept that the World Isn’t Perfect and, Please, Say Thank You
Every good restaurant wants you to enjoy the evening and will try to do their best to match their service with your needs. But if something is slightly off (unless it endangers your health), please try to go with the flow. If you see an olive you can’t eat, ignore it and go on to have a memorable dinner. And, please, remember to say thank you for the personalized service. Your appreciation can also be reflected in the size of your tip.
One final note: It seems in this digital world, there is some computer application designed to make every aspect of life easier. One such useful tool is MedicTag, a specially designed memory stick that allows you to enter all your medical information into easily read forms. When plugged into a USB port, everything (doctors, medication, emergency contact information) is right there.
If you doubt that it’s popular, consider that Seattle Chefs with allergies (yes, chefs do have allergies), never leave home without it. It easily attaches to a keychain, ready when you need it .
But if you work with your favorite restaurant as a proactive partner, you'll never need it while you dine.
So enjoy the summer and, as Julia Child would say, "Bon Appetit"!
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