Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dining Out With Special Diets

Three out of the five of our family members can't have gluten (the protein in wheat, rye, and barley). One can't have any casein (the protein in dairy products). Two of the three that can't have gluten can't have casein either. One of us can eat anything on the menu.

Eating out is always a challenge, but it has gotten so much easier over the past few years. More and more restaurants are adding a gluten-free menu and many have allergen information right on their websites. Wait staff and managers are ready, willing, and able to discuss menu options and will sometimes make special meals for us.

On Mother's Day we visited an Olive Garden where the culinary manager came to the table and discussed menu options with our family. Today we were at a P.F. Chang's where the manager printed out a special menu for us and answered our questions.

While it's sad that so many more people are facing food allergies and intolerances, it's nice to have some fellowship and recognition.

Just be glad you weren't our waiter!

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