Over the past 2 years our family has become experts at negotiating menu’s at various chain restaurants. Up until recently we have had our few regular restaurants where we knew what foods were safe for Lu (or when I was still nursing, me) to eat. I have a few staples that I know are typically egg, dairy and soy free and which foods are ususally “safe.”
Typically wait staff are more than happy to check with the manager or the kitchen to help us determine what items would be “safe” for her. However, I always feel bad asking a slew of questions to the staff. Yes, I know that I shouldn’t feel bad but I do, it is an extra burden on the wait/kitchen staff for a $3.95 kids meal.
However, recently, we have noticed that more and more restaurants are printing an allergy friendly list or making their lists available on line. This past weekend we were pleasantly surprised to find out that one of our favorite restaurants, Red Lobster, now has an allergy menu.
While I understand how difficult it is to create a detailed listing, it does frustrate me that so many companies are creating only gluten free menus. It seems that companies are bowing to the pressure from the Celiac communities but not the allergy communities. I hope that we see this trend begin to change as companies realize that they are missing out on customers.
Here is a list of Allergy “Friendly” restaurants and links to their menus. Almost all of the menus have a disclaimers that they can not be held responsible so I would still ask questions.
I am sorry if these are only regional to the midwest…it’s where we live.
Our Old Favorites:
Red Robin
*Great Menu, updated regularly and divided by allergen.
Oh Charley’s
*Huge binder that they will bring to the table. Doesn’t seem updated regularly. Does list ingredients.
MiMi’s Cafe
*Huge binder they bring to the table.
A couple of quicker restaurants:
Panera
*Ask the management staff for the complete listing of allergens. It is in a huge binder.
Some New Ones:
Red Lobster
Love the new menu!
TGI Friday’s
Has a new fold out laminated menu with icons listed next to each item. Unfortunately, the menu does not separate what products contain an allergen and which is a possible cross contamination. Very good attempt but doesn’t work for us.
Applebee’s
Great new menu! Separated out by each allergy and is on a separate sheet. Really like this one. Applebee’s was on our “banned” list because their management was completely unwilling to assist me with an order once.
City BBQ
Great listing and they keep it right by the register.
Restaurants we are still waiting for:
Olive Garden
Smokey Bones
PF Changs
Max & Erma’s
Longhorn *has a GF but no allergy menu
Roosters
If you know of any that I overlooked, please post a note! Maybe it is one we have avoided because we didn’t know they had an allergy menu!
Happy & Safe Dining!
I’m surprised that Five Guys made your list. My BIL is allergic to peanuts so we keep an eye on my nephews as the oldest currently has a mild reaction to them. Anyway – Five Guys has peanuts everywhere and my nephew will try to sneak them in if he can. Good food, though!! -greta