Practical tips for eating out with your food allergic child

I may be fairly new at the food allergy thing, but there is one thing I do know about, and that would be the food service industry. 

 As a matter of fact, I have more experience in food service than I have in parenting.

Yikes!

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Many of my friends who have children with food allergies avoid eating out at all costs.  This is definitely the safest thing to do when your child could have an allergic reaction just from touching a chair or table that was not properly wiped down.
Lets start with a confession:

 I was that server.
No finger pointing please, YES I wiped down my tables (and chairs) between seating's. I actually followed every rule, knew all my "steps of service" perfectly, and always got excellent when a secret shopper would sit in my section.

What do i mean by this?  That server?????
 I did not understand food allergies, and through all the extensive training that I received in many different food service jobs, I was NEVER told about food allergies. I had no life experience with food allergies.
So, I was pretty much any food allergy mom's worst nightmare.

(I was also that teacher, but that's another post.)

God has a funny way of opening our eyes doesn't he?

With my combined experience as an x-food service employee, an allergy mom, and being your worst nightmare ;-} 
I feel I may be qualified to offer a few practical tips for eating out.

There will always be a time when you have to eat out, whether it is while traveling, Celebrating with family and friends, or you just have an empty refrigerator.

While the fear of going out may be overwhelming, here are a few tricks that i believe may help your dining experience.



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1. Select a Chain

Although neighborhood restaurants usually offer better quality, better tasting  food, there is something to be said about having to answer to corporate. In a chain type restaurant your satisfaction as a diner is not just the responsibility of the server, the host(ess)/greeter, and the manager but the restaurant chain as a whole.  They know that if you have a bad experience at one of their restaurants, chances are, you won't go back to any of the locations.  And a bad review and word of mouth can wreck a restaurant.

2.Go Online

Another perk to larger restaurant chains like Applebee's, Chili's, Longhorn, etc, is that many times you are able to go online and read the allergy information for their menu selections.  One great resource I have found is the iCanEat app on our Ipad. This is a wonderful resource, although i feel it is still very important to follow the steps below when visiting any restaurant.
I recently was looking online at the menu of a smaller chain here in the south called The Loop.  I was so happy to see that they are now giving allergen information online.

So don't be afraid to research smaller, local favorites.

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3.Call ahead

Ask to speak to a manager, try and call during off-hours so they will have the time to really give you their honest opinions about you dining at their establishment.
 This is their job..... you don't make it to restaurant management without knowing how to handle these type of situations.  Mention that you have been looking at the menu online.  Have a few options that you think may work from the menu.  If you don't have a copy of the menu, ask that they fax you one or stop by and grab one to look at before you go.

4.Make your presence known

When you arrive and are seated ask your server if the manager can come by the table (call the manager by name).  Knowing the manager's name will keep your server on his/her toes. If they think you know their boss, they are going to do their best to accommodate you.  Reintroduce yourself to the manager and be very specific again about your particular allergies.

Use the words "life threatening" if your child is anaphalactic.  Nobody wants to do anything careless when someones life may be in danger.

Repeat yourself even if you feel like everyone knows that you are the crazy allergy lady, tell them again.  Not in an annoying way but say. 

"When i was looking online saw that the children's chicken entree is free of dairy, soy and wheat. When you put our order in would you mind reminding the guys back in the kitchen that this meal is for a severely allergic child"

5. Always have a back-up plan

I always have crackers in my purse, but if we are going to a restaurant I may throw in a applesauce cup, and a few cookies. At most restaurants you should be able to get a plain baked potato, sweet potato, or a cup of fruit.  If you feel at all uneasy, you will need backup!

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6. Call the next day

In food service a compliment goes a long way and it also motivates corporate to get on the bandwagon when it comes to food allergies.  Calling, emailing or dropping by a little note to say you were pleased with your service is huge. *** remember your server's name*** It may get them a little something, which they deserve after going out of their way to make your experience safe and enjoyable.

If you did not have a great experience,  CALL THE NEXT DAY.  Let them know how special a night out for your family is and that you chose their establishment. Chances are they will try in some way to redeem themselves.  It may be to late for you but a couple of gift cards can always make a good teacher gift, or a little something for the babysitter.

7. Don't get discouraged

Food allergies are terrible. :(  grrrrr. I hate them, but I feel hope in the fact that there are new restaurants everyday changing their menu's to accommodate food allergies. I don't think that the food allergy community will be the minority for long. The more people finding that they have sensitivities to foods, the more that is going to have to be done!

Good luck guys & Happy dining.