How to Dine Out with Dietary Restrictions by Elle Walsh

BY ELLE WALSH

I love to eat and call myself a foodie! I love to try different restaurants and I love to try different types of foods. Although it’s not always easy to try new restaurants when you have dietary restrictions, it is not impossible! Here are some tips to help you venture out of your comfort zone at new-to-you restaurants!

I always like to call before I go and speak with the hostess about their offerings for people with allergies. I don’t expect them to know everything about allergies but I use it as a gauge of the ability of the restaurant to work around my needs.

If you aren’t honest with the wait staff about your allergies, how will they know? Don’t be afraid to speak up and be your own advocate.

Don’t get disappointed if your pickings are slim. Don’t get frustrated. Be flexible and pick what you think will be the best choice.

The chef knows best. He/she knows all of the ingredients and the cooking system. Sometimes it’s easier to let them decide what’s best. Whenever I order somewhere new, I order like this: “I will have this or whatever the chef suggests for vegans.”

So many times, I have ordered French fries and a garden salad, hold the cheese and croutons because I know that at most places this works for me. When I don’t see anything on the menu or the wait staff has not been helpful this is what I order.

I hope this helps you the next time you try a restaurant that may become your new favorite!

Elle Walsh is the owner of The Vegan Chick Bakery in McKinney, TX and a restaurant allergen consultant. She is a wife and mother of two who loves to travel and cuddle her Chihuahua dog, Sadie. Follow Elle on Instagram @thevegan.chick