Choosing the perfect restaurant to visit on a romantic date is a difficult enough task. However, when you add food intolerances and allergies to the mix, things can suddenly get very complicated. The good news is that most restaurants nowadays are aware of different food allergies and will do their best to accommodate you if they can do so safely.
From gluten to dairy to nuts, soy, celery, mustard seeds and more, there is a seemingly never-ending list of food allergies that need to be catered to nowadays. There are diners with multiple issues that ask to be catered to all the time so don’t stress out if you are trying to dine out with an allergy or intolerance. If you or your date has a food allergy that needs to be catered to, there is no reason that you can’t enjoy a romantic night out, just like all the ‘regular’ diners out there.
Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to ensure that your date goes smoothly even if you are dealing with a food allergy.
Call Ahead Of Time
While some restaurants advertise that they have a special allergen menu, a daily vegan special on offer or gluten free beer on tap, others don’t make it so obvious. Just because a restaurant doesn’t have the food allergies marked on their menu, doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to cater to your needs. In fact, many chefs love a challenge and will be more than happy to accommodate you if they have enough notice. Call ahead of time to make sure that you can be looked after to ensure your date night goes smoothly.
Look At Online Reviews
There are countless restaurant review sites out there to keep restaurant owners on their toes when it comes to standards and customer service. If you find a restaurant that can meet your dietary requirements, be sure to check their reviews before you book. While they might have food that you or your date can eat, it might be something that is lying around at the end of the freezer until you or another ‘awkward eater’ arrives. Searching the reviews for terms like ‘gluten free’, ‘dairy-free, or ‘allergy’ will help you to find reviews that focus on the type of dining experience you will be having so you can make a more informed choice.
Inform your Date Beforehand
For many people who suffer from food allergies or intolerances, they like to keep quiet about their condition so as not to make a scene. Calling the restaurant ahead of time will ensure that you don’t have to explain everything to the server when they arrive. In the same way, it is wise to disclose your allergy to your date before you go out for the first time. With this approach, you can avoid awkward questions or putting the spotlight on your allergy from the moment the waiter arrives when you have to start asking the usual questions. Gas, bloating and nausea are never great date conversations, so have this chat ahead of time to avoid any potentially awkward moments.
Always Bring Supplies
Even if the restaurant has told you that they will be able to meet the needs of you and your date, it is always wise to have some backup snacks just in case there are any issues. Even if you go for a walk together after your meal and you want to buy ice cream, this could be a challenge for many food allergy sufferers. Having a secret stash of safe snacks will get you through the rest of the evening, regardless of where the date goes.
Don’t Let Food Allergies Get In The Way Of Love
Constantly dealing with food allergies is a hassle that most people would rather do without. These conditions can make something as simple as going on a date that bit more difficult. However, if you, or your date, have an allergy, you can move past it quickly by taking a proactive approach to your date. With the right attitude and a little research, you can ensure that your date will be a success, despite dealing with allergies and intolerances.
