Going Out To Eat With My Professor, Any Advice?

[Eriella]

Hello,

I really need some advice. My professor is trying to be nice and take us out to eat after our final tomorrow. This will be my first time eating out since going gluten-free and to make it difficult I have no idea where we will be going so I can try to figure out how to make ordering as painless as possible. Because there will only be 5 of us, not eating or skipping lunch is not an option. Additionally, I cannot get glutenated because the brain fog would not be very much fun with my upcoming finals. Do you have any advice for generally "safe" foods or excuses to use to get out of eating without becoming the center of attention if we do end up going to a pizza place? Any advice would be well appreciated.

[Guest j_mommy]

Could you maybe dropp your professor an email and ask him where you're going???? THe upside to a pizza place is that most have a salad bar! Atleast you can eat something!!!! Most people are willing to accomodate! I had this exact situation this last week and I just emailed my professor and told her. Once I had talked to her she actually picked a place that hada gluten free menu!!! How awesome. I don't mind telling people...spreds awareness!!!!

[cathzozo]

Hi! I would just be completely honest. I would email or call the professor beforehand and explain that you have "severe food allergies" and they were only diagnosed recently, so you are a little apprehensive about eating out. And then go, and just get a drink. Or maybe the prof. would then tell you where they plan to go, and you can call ahead and talk to the manager. Good luck!

[Eriella]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I wish I would have thought to email him sooner; however at this late hour he will not be checking his email before our final. Unfortunately this is not one of my school's personable or friendly professors, so I doubt that I would have had as good of luck as you did j-mommy, but worst case I'll just get a drink. Thanks again!

[Lisa]

Order a salad with no croutons and bring your own dressing. I do this all the time. That is always a safe way to go. Or you can order oil and vinegar dressing....and no explanation needs to come. Enjoy your time.

[blueeyedmanda]

Momma Goose has a good idea. I like salad bars and all but there is a CC risk and with your upcoming finals you would want to be extra careful. You can always call ahead and see what kind of options you have. There are a lot of managers willing to accomodate. Also if you still feel a little nervous about eating, just eat before hand and grab a drink. I know how it feels strange but it really is not a big deal.

[jnclelland]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I wish I would have thought to email him sooner; however at this late hour he will not be checking his email before our final. Unfortunately this is not one of my school's personable or friendly professors, so I doubt that I would have had as good of luck as you did j-mommy, but worst case I'll just get a drink. Thanks again!

Well, if he's taking you out to eat, he can't be THAT unfriendly. (I'm a professor and very few of us bite, I swear!)

I have enough intolerances (gluten, dairy, and soy) that I've taken to just bringing my own food when I'm going out in a group unless I know exactly where we're going and what will be available. I've never had a problem, either with the people I was with or with the restaurant staff. When they go around taking orders, I just say, "I have food allergies, so I brought my own" and no one has ever had a problem with it.

Good luck, both with dinner and finals!

Jeanne

[Guest j_mommy]

Eriella,

How did it go???? I hope in the end that you had a good time despite some of teh celiac disadvantages!!!!

[Eriella]

He ended up canceling on us. He was going to take us to a Chinese buffet, so I am kind of happy I didn't go.

Thanks!