I'm Free!

[jenngolightly]

Preface - haven't eaten out for 8 months. I can't eat gluten, corn, dairy, or nuts. I don't eat processed foods.

I've been dreading this day for a month. We had a going-away lunch for a colleague at a local sushi place and I've been getting more and more anxious as the date approached. I even thought of calling in sick, but I really like this woman and she'd be disappointed if I didn't go.

Like many of you, I've turned down a lot of engagements that involve food because I thought I couldn't eat anything or would have to take my own food. It's easy to bring food to work-based functions, but not usually restaurants - although I've done it. I've felt really lonely and like a shut-in because everyone else goes out to dinner and I am stuck at home.

But I did it! I pulled our server aside after drinks were brought - as I always do, while people are busy reading menus and talking - and told her about all of my "allergies" (much easier to explain than "intolerance"). I asked about the duck salad and would she please asked if it had any of those things.

Out came another woman who knelt near me and we talked about the food. She said she had a wheat allergy and would personally make all of my food. We tailor made my lunch: grilled salmon with salt only, a salad with specially-made salad dressing that she would mix up for me, and sticky-rice. She wrote everything down. The regular server took everyone's order (10 people) and when she got to me she said, "You've been taken care of" and moved on. And my lunch came out with everyone else's! No one knew!

I'm definitely going back there. I felt so at ease and worry-free.

I also figured that I can go to restaurants and order fish with salt only. I can't imagine that it can be pre-marinated because it would fall apart. So fish and a green salad with vinegar or fresh lemon juice as the dressing (I eat salad with vinegar only when I need a fast dressing - sounds weird but it's pretty good when you get used to it). And fish is grilled with skin side down, so less chance of cc.

I could do this again.

[KuKuKaChoo52]

Success! That is awesome, congrats! Sounds like that restaurant had some good customer service... What was the name of the place? Good idea on the fish with just salt though, if I am ever out again that is what I will do for sure, same with the salad with vinegar. Dressing is something that probably always gets me, I just go for Italian because it seems like the safest, but i didn't even think about vinegar.

[rdunbar]

thats awesome!!

i know what its like to always eat at home by myself, so i can imagine how huge that experience must be for you!

[Takala]

Oh my, wow. That is really a tight list of food restrictions. Congratulations !

[wheeleezdryver]

that is awesome!!!

[11475]

What a great experience! I'm so pleased for you! I am really glad to hear how professionally (and discreetly!) the staff assisted you. Hooray!

[Loey]

Preface - haven't eaten out for 8 months. I can't eat gluten, corn, dairy, or nuts. I don't eat processed foods.

I've been dreading this day for a month. We had a going-away lunch for a colleague at a local sushi place and I've been getting more and more anxious as the date approached. I even thought of calling in sick, but I really like this woman and she'd be disappointed if I didn't go.

Like many of you, I've turned down a lot of engagements that involve food because I thought I couldn't eat anything or would have to take my own food. It's easy to bring food to work-based functions, but not usually restaurants - although I've done it. I've felt really lonely and like a shut-in because everyone else goes out to dinner and I am stuck at home.

But I did it! I pulled our server aside after drinks were brought - as I always do, while people are busy reading menus and talking - and told her about all of my "allergies" (much easier to explain than "intolerance"). I asked about the duck salad and would she please asked if it had any of those things.

Out came another woman who knelt near me and we talked about the food. She said she had a wheat allergy and would personally make all of my food. We tailor made my lunch: grilled salmon with salt only, a salad with specially-made salad dressing that she would mix up for me, and sticky-rice. She wrote everything down. The regular server took everyone's order (10 people) and when she got to me she said, "You've been taken care of" and moved on. And my lunch came out with everyone else's! No one knew!

I'm definitely going back there. I felt so at ease and worry-free.

I also figured that I can go to restaurants and order fish with salt only. I can't imagine that it can be pre-marinated because it would fall apart. So fish and a green salad with vinegar or fresh lemon juice as the dressing (I eat salad with vinegar only when I need a fast dressing - sounds weird but it's pretty good when you get used to it). And fish is grilled with skin side down, so less chance of cc.

I could do this again.

You go girl!!!!!! It's so good to hear a story with a happy ending. See, we can be normal (if normal exists).

Hugs and congratulations,

Loey

[Blackbird]

That is awesome! Congratulations!

I have a group of friends that likes to dine out together, and between the 3 of us we have many food allergies. One is allergic to eggs and also cannot tolerate any red meat or lard, I am gluten and lactose intolerant, and another has a serious allergy to all legumes. We have gotten our little group speech down to a science now and have had many lovely meals together -- oh, and we tip very well! It's so nice to find a restaurant that is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you are safe.

[jenngolightly]

Thanks for all of your replies!

The restaurant is a little place in Denver called Sushi Den. If you live around here, then I highly recommend! I don't eat sushi but they have lots of other foods. Check out their website if you want to go because it's quite extensive. I'll def go back.