5 Tips for Dining out with Food Allergies . . .

I love food! It's almost unnatural how much I can be captivated by it. From discovering new recipes, to eating a new food in a new country I thoroughly enjoy it. Last year I decided to have a food allergy test done because I noticed certain foods were causing me to have very serious reactions. As it turns out I honestly do not understand how I survived for 35 years without an epi pen or a bubble. I not only have seasonal allergies, but I am allergic to most foods. The foods that are most severe are nuts, and fruits.With the help of my allergist and the Internet I have been able to navigate through eating very well. Especially when it comes to dining out, I love going to restaurants and out with friends but I don't want to be that person who needs to know everything in the dish and how it was made. However I dine smart, I carry benadryl with me at all times, and I ask specific questions such as Does this contain nuts?, Was this prepared with anything even next to nuts? etc, A lot of restaurants are very descriptive in their menus so its pretty self explanatory, but more restaurants need to take more initiative to bring their waitstaff up to speed and they should know what's in the dishes they are serving... So here are a few tips to not only make you proactive but to ensure you enjoy your meal . .. .

 Know Your Allergies- Know not only what you are allergic to but the reactions that happen as a result.

Carry Your Medications- If you have medications for your allergies make sure they are with you at all times.

Be Vocal- Let Waitstaff/Servers know before your order is placed that you have allergies, this saves a lot of time and money. If a server doesn't know whats in a dish, ask them to ask the kitchen or speak with the manager. Don't wait until you get a dish and realize there is something you can't eat in it.

Don't Use Your Allergies in Vain- Don't use your allergies an an excuse for a meal you didn't like, or wasn't worth the price.

Tell Your Friends- A lot my friends are my best advocates, so many times we will be out and before I can even figure out what I want they are already telling me what I can't have. It's frustrating but it definitely comes in handy!

I go to Dos Caminos a lot and one of the reasons I keep coming back is because they know me so well!

Happy Eating,
The Diva