Let’s get right to the point here: every time we eat out I say a prayer that the cooks and servers will understand and not cross contaminate or forget about an allergen and we end up racing to the hospital with a food allergic reaction. Two nights ago, spirit of Celebrating Persian New Year (the first day of spring), we wanted to eat out. Hubby was craving steak and I was tasked in finding a safe restaurant.
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- Peace of mind–Outback trains all their employees on managing food allergies–can say, Hallelujah?
- The food really was great–baked potatoes and steaks were fabulous.
- Having a Gluten free menu waiting for me!
Once settled in, our server Aaron, reviewed safe options with our family and gave us plenty of time to review the regular menu as he brought me the gluten-free menu so I can stick to my gluten experiment.
Now, what I really liked about the gluten-free menu were the serving suggestions if an item was gluten-free, but the sauce was not there was an ordering suggestion. Also, our waiter was full of all sorts of serving suggestions too. But….the best part of that menu was the offering of a gluten-free brownie sundae! Now the brownie had pecans, so I plan on going back for lunch and ordering a salad and that dessert. Just on principle that I could order a gluten-free dessert!
As a food allergic family, we all appreciated the care, attention and impeccable service we received. We never felt like the staff did not understand or that we were being difficult. Three out of four meals had special requests and we were treated as if was the norm.
Thank you Outback for an enjoyable evening of family feeling “normal” and for a baked potatoes that we’re still talking about!
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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!..
the big chains all have a book with foods divided by their allergen. a competent server will bring it to the table at the first mention of food allergies. they are updated often & are very helpful for diners. i am grateful for them. i like the locally owned restaurants, too. the individualized care is so important. we shouldn’t have to fear dying when we eat out.
Locally owned, operated and grown (if possible) is my favorite too, but I was sure pleased to experience good food with a policy in place!
That is good information to know! We love Red Robin because they accomodate our kids so well. They can’t eat a lot of foods, but they can eat a lot of what they can have and Red Robin does a good job at keeping food coming.
It’s nice knowing I have other options and the benefit of the chain is if we are traveling. They offer a kid’s menu too with smaller portions.
the consistency with chains is what will keep us safe when away from home. traveling is scary sometimes. Red Robin is one of the best.
You’re so lucky that you have an Outback restaurant close by that takes food allergies seriously. Where we live, the Outback is so busy that I’ve been served food during my last three visits that was incorrectly prepared and included wheat products, which I’m severely allergic to — in spite of my very clear instruction to the wait staff. We ate there last night and I’ve been suffering from a violent reaction… which is terrible considering that I’m 6 1/2 months pregnant. You’re so lucky that you’re able to go to a place where your entire family can eat without an issue.
Annie,
Maybe it’s a bad thing for Outback, that ours is not so busy, but they really do try to make it right. That is scary, especially that you are pregnant. Are there implications to using epinephrine while pregnant? How are you feeling now? Please keep us posted! I’m sending you good thoughts!