Who knew there would emerge into this world a new category of chef: Allergy Chefs? Wow. I think as food allergics, we have arrived and chefs have taken notice! I was thrilled to discover this incredible website and business, Allergy Chefs created by Joel and Mary Schaefer. Connie Green, of Bay Area Food Allergy Education, shared this great link. Allergy Chefs’ goal is to help the food service industry enhance their knowledge and skills regarding cooking and serving food to folks with food allergies!!! Wow.
They offer impressive training programs for food service professionals. What does this mean to us avoiding allergens? It means that Allergy Chefs have provided a resource to help us educate our favorite restaurants and food service spots (think museums, sporting event centers, etc.)! Not long ago, a dear friend was looking for food service training materials to share with an event center that was hosting a week long camp for her peanut, tree nut and dairy allergic child. The kitchen staff said they knew how to handle food allergies no problem. My pal, being wise, asked for specifics, so just what does “we know how to handle food allergies” mean exactly? She was horrified to find out that they did not understand and she only had two weeks to drive 2 hours to the mountains to educate them. Thankfully, she found the Food Allergy and Anaphlaxis Network’s Restaurant training CD and used this as a teaching tool supplementing her own broad knowledge. The need for these kinds of chefs is real, clearly.
Actually, Allergy Chef’s offers online course, full throttle training seminars and even a book! I just love this! What this means to me directly is that I will be able to expand my travels and I can give food allergen safe direction to resorts, local restaurants, etc. on where to obtain food service food allergy education. It is important for food service folks to receive information presented in their own “food service language” addressing real restaurant kitchen issues. I am so pleased to see how this couple has come together and created this service.
The fun doesn’t stop at training! They even offer a recipe section on their website and they are gluten free experts too! Be sure to read their Events section which boasts an easy read blog. I enjoyed reading about how active and committed they are to their cause. Check out their site and post what you think of it. I truly liked it and thought they are an asset to our food allergy world. I am biased though since I love a good food allergy friendly recipe!
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