Asking for special requests at restaurants

[Anonymous]

I've always been able to eat pretty much anything. Eggplant is my one weird non-deadly food allergy and it's pretty easy to avoid it.

Well now I've quit dairy because it helps with DS' reflux while I'm nursing, and we're going out to dinner tonight (we rarely go out to dinner).

How do you feel about asking for "can you please not put butter on that steak" or "does that pasta have cream in it" questions? Does it make sense to just go to an asian place where this probably won't be a problem.

Don't know why I'm worried about this.

And yes, I know there's a food board. More people pop on this one and I want answers before tonight. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have a number of food restrictions and often ask for modifications. I think in this day and age of allergies, food intolerances, and fat/calorie sensitivities, its not a big deal to ask for what you want. Just dont expect that your requests are guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

You should be fine if you're going to a restaurant that isn't a big chain--a lot of their food comes off a truck already prepared.

[Anonymous]

My husband's a restaurant manager and says they're always grateful, if customers have more than a small request ("can you leave out the green onions?"), when they call ahead. They're happy to accommodate, but it's so much easier on everyone when they know ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry about it. I think you're taking the no dairy thing to the extreme. A spoonful of butter will make no difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't worry about it. I think you're taking the no dairy thing to the extreme. A spoonful of butter will make no difference.

OP here, and I have thought this, too. I cut dairy out completely for 3 weeks and his reflux symptoms improved so drastically in that time that I know it was related. I also had a bite of my toddler's ice cream a month later and it DID have an affect about 12 hours later. Since it's not a severe allergy for DS, just reflux, I thought about avoiding obvious dairy sources (i.e. cream sauce on a pasta dish, cheese on a salad) but not worry about butter on meat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't worry about it. I think you're taking the no dairy thing to the extreme. A spoonful of butter will make no difference.

OP here, and I have thought this, too. I cut dairy out completely for 3 weeks and his reflux symptoms improved so drastically in that time that I know it was related. I also had a bite of my toddler's ice cream a month later and it DID have an affect about 12 hours later. Since it's not a severe allergy for DS, just reflux, I thought about avoiding obvious dairy sources (i.e. cream sauce on a pasta dish, cheese on a salad) but not worry about butter on meat.

In that case, if it made that much difference, just ask for what you need and don't worry about it.

[Anonymous]

When the waiter makes sure it gets done etc and recognizes your request etc, tip them very well

[Anonymous]

I would say something like "I can't have any dairy in my meal. This is an intolerance, not just a food preference." From what I've read in Anthony Bourdain's books and "Waiter Rant," waiters hate when mere preferences are elevated to the level of food allergies. Also, don't impose other substiutions. Just this one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say something like "I can't have any dairy in my meal. This is an intolerance, not just a food preference." From what I've read in Anthony Bourdain's books and "Waiter Rant," waiters hate when mere preferences are elevated to the level of food allergies. Also, don't impose other substiutions. Just this one.

Good advice. I've had friends who dislike mushrooms say their allergic to the waiter and I thought lying was annoying--not to mention bad for the people who DO have true allergies.

[Anonymous]

Since it is just one night and all (and I wouldn't normally suggest it) do you have any milk saved up so you can pump and dump for about 12 hours?

My baby is lactose intolerant also (just finally getting over it at 16 months) so I know what you are doing takes very strong willpower!

[Anonymous]

I think if you're just nice about it and say that it effects the baby then any nice waiter should say no prob. You might save yourself all kinds of worry though by maybe ordering something that you know doesn't have a lot of dairy in it (even though it might not be exactly what you'd want this evening). But I wouldn't see any reason why it'd be wrong if you were just nice about it and explained it very breifly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since it is just one night and all (and I wouldn't normally suggest it) do you have any milk saved up so you can pump and dump for about 12 hours?

My baby is lactose intolerant also (just finally getting over it at 16 months) so I know what you are doing takes very strong willpower!

I have enough but it would take up all my supply. I had thrush for a month and couldn't freeze anything, so I'm behind

16 months...oh man, I'm hoping he gets it over faster than that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think if you're just nice about it and say that it effects the baby then any nice waiter should say no prob. You might save yourself all kinds of worry though by maybe ordering something that you know doesn't have a lot of dairy in it (even though it might not be exactly what you'd want this evening). But I wouldn't see any reason why it'd be wrong if you were just nice about it and explained it very breifly.

Okay, you're right we're going to go out for sushi-- DH didn't want to, but I'll just have to put my foot down

[Anonymous]

Wow, I just realized I use a lot of smiley faces