Food Allergies and Preferences

More and more people are eating specialized diets, mainly because of allergies, but sometimes because of health. Gluten-free, meat-free, nut free, peanut-free and dairy-free diets are becoming more and more common.

Restaurants are changing because of this in the way they handle food. Cross contamination from nuts and peanuts is a real concern.

On Slashfood, blogger Hanna Raskin talks about the server's role in helping customers with allergies.

She also chides those with allergies for coming to a restaurant featuring the very things they are allergic to:

As a server at a seafood restaurant, it sometimes seems like every one of those unlucky eaters has sat at one of my tables. I still can't understand why someone who can't stomach wheat or fish would choose to dine at a place renowned for its lobster mac and cheese

Unfortunately those with allergies don't always have a choice as to where they dine. Eating food is a social activity. Generally, if you want to hang with a group of people, you'll end up eating with them.

I've called ahead to talk to a chef when it's a special occasion or it's a nice restaurant. Otherwise I talk to the server. With chains I try to do research.