Tools to consider for Eating Out
Eating out with Food Allergies can be quite challenging. For my family, we view eating out as a risk and we use a variety of tools to help us make educated choices. Most importantly, if we get a gut feeling something isn’t right, we leave or my children don’t eat the item and we find safe options elsewhere.
Eating out Tips – Know before you Go
Dining Out – This resource is found on the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) website and offers tips on how to choose a restaurant, what to ask when you call ahead, etc. You can also download a chef’s card in eleven different languages, plus take a quiz to test your own knowledge.
How Restaurant Pros are Handling the Surge of Food Allergies article – An interesting peek into the world of how some restaurants function and address food allergies. Published by Eater.com
Chef Cards
Select Wisely – Offers laminated chef cards in multiple languages based on food allergies. You may also order custom chef cards or cards to help manage other diseases.
Allergy Free Table – Free downloadable Chef Card plus books and other resources for living with life threatening food allergies.
I Have A Food Allergy Card – free downloadable Chef Card provided by the makers of the Auvi-Q® epinephrine auto-injector.
Apps and Websites
Allergy Eats – Is an online guide to allergy friendly restaurants in the US. Their mobile App is available on the iPhone or Android and you are not only able to search for restaurants, but you can add your critiques. They also offer blog posts and up-to-date information about eating out.
Allergy Eats Disney World – this is a special section found on the Allergy Eats website focusing on Disney World restaurants and food choices (EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Downtown Disney, etc.).
YoDish – an iPhone or iPad App designed to help people share dining successes and failures instagram style. Take a photo of your dish and then share. This App also helps you find dishes near your location that just might fit your dietary needs.
iCanEat Fast Food Gluten and Allergy Free – iPhone and iPad app designed to help you choose gluten and allergy free fast food restaurants. The App can be personalized to match your allergens.
iEatOut Gluten and Allergy Free – yes, created by the same folks from directly above, but this time reaching out beyond fast foods.
Please Note: As always, consult with your physician before you make changes to the management of any health condition. Gratefulfoodie does not endorse any of the businesses or organizations listed and has not received payment to list these resources. My goal is to help you find tools that might make life easier.
Gratefulfoodie
Speaker | Food Allergy Industry Consultant
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..