Restaurant's Secret

Many people with celiac or food allergies (myself included) choose to stay a safe distance from restaurants, for they present many complications. Firstly, when in a mixed kitchen, it is hard to guarantee that there would be no cross contamination, and for those who react to even the smallest particles of gluten or other allergens, it can be a very dangerous game. Secondly, there is the whole concept of putting your trust in people you don’t know. With old friends who understand your predicament, they would be easier to trust. However, when talking to a waiter or even to the chef, it can be difficult to feel completely at ease. For many people, you are literally putting your life in their hands. And thirdly, going to restaurants with food restrictions is – with no other word for it – a hassle! You need to review the menu, talk to the waiter and make sure they have your trust, and often people would want to talk to the chef. 

Your journey in the restaurant starts the same as others: getting to the table, ordering drinks. Usually, one would tell the server about their dietary restrictions when the actual food ordering commences. When the waiter arrives, you want to be polite, and often if there are people with you at the restaurant who don’t follow your diet, it would be better to allow them to start. When talking to the server, you want to be clear and simple, not diving into too many details. For example: “Hello, my name is ____. I have celiac disease, which prohibits me from eating gluten. It greatly damages my body, and it’s much more serious than those who just chose to avoid it. I need to make sure that cross contamination won’t be a problem, but even that could greatly hurt my body. Would it be safe to have the _____?” 

In my opinion, it is very important to ask specifically about the food you are interested in. Even more importantly for people who have food allergies: if your meal is in the same category (like pizzas) as another food that does carry your allergen, make sure to specifically address that concern, saying (along these lines): “I saw that [food with allergen] is in the same area as the [food interested in ordering]. It has my allergen (or gluten), and I want to confirm that cross contamination won’t be a problem. Are they made in different areas of the kitchen?”

If the server seems confident and can tell you that the foods are a) made in different areas of the kitchen or b) there isn’t possible cross contamination, it will seem okay to trust them. Of course, it is entirely up to you. Different families and different individuals are comfortable with varying situations. And remember: it is always okay to request talking to the chef. Remember, restaurants are around for your enjoyment, so you are entitled to do what you need to be confident in that environment. Also, I have never been to a restaurant where they have refused my request of the chef. 

I cannot give a template for every problem one might run into, but the key is to be confident, unrepentant, and to the point. Don't forget to be polite, too! 

Ordering can be a mix of terrifying, tiring, and stressful; however, I have full confidence that you will succeed!

Until next time, 

Genuine GF