One of the things about food intolerances is that you end up thinking twice before you can dine out. Nevertheless, it should never be a problem and you can enjoy dining out despite your food allergies if you do a few things correctly.
Pre-Preps
Research is always key. If you’ve got a few restaurants in mind, look them up on the internet and try to find out what food and services they offer to people with allergies, or if they do at all! Don’t miss out on the testimonials section – it’s one way of obtaining very specific information through feedback from diners. You can call up the restaurant for further inquiries and to have most of your issues clarified.
Watch Your Choices
While you browse restaurants to dine in safely, you need to keep in mind that food belonging to certain types of cuisine can trigger allergic reactions more strongly. Thai and Chinese cuisine for example, often include ingredients like peanut. Also, you find a lot of sea food of various kinds on their menu which again, can result in allergies being triggered.
Choose Timing Wisely
There is a reason why people would advise you to visit a restaurant at off peak hours. It is quite obviously because kitchen staff and managers will be able to focus on your needs and fulfill them with care. Thus, in order to avoid potential issues, be wise and choose a good time to visit the restaurant so you can dine in peace and indulge in great food.
Communicate with the Staff
Even though you’ve spoken to restaurant managers prior to your visit, it is important to be as clear and straight up when you communicate with the waiters and rest of the staff while you are at the restaurant. Be clear and precise about your food allergy issues and ask them all the questions you need to. Always be specific where necessary – if you want to know if they use good quality dairy free cream in their dishes, ask them directly.
Keep Your Order Simple
Any restaurant and its staff should be able to give your order extra attention when it is simple. The simple, the easier it becomes for them to focus, and the likelier you are to enjoy a safe and delicious meal. This does not necessarily mean that you should forego items that you enjoy eating. Given the fact that your wellness is priority, explore the menu and look for dishes that contain less ingredients or those that do not contain mixes of sauces and nuts that you don’t want to take a chance with.
Another advice is that you best avoid buffets and salad bars where it is highly possible for utensils to be shared and ingredients to mix. This does not mean you don’t trust the restaurant in terms of their level of service and safety, but that you take personal responsibility of your health and wellness, and all possible precautions you can to avoid an unpleasant experience.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
While you must try your best to enjoy your outing with free mind, it is a good idea to be prepared for emergencies just in case! Have your pills or whatever medications in your pocket/hand bag in case you have some sort of a reaction! Remember – be prepared but don’t be paranoid!
