Food Allergies - How I Deal

I just had to work at my company's trade show in San Francisco, so had to live at a hotel for a week. The night before, I had a bad reaction to garlic, which a Mexican restaurant I've been to before decided to add to their beans. I'm also pregnant. So was very cautious when leaving home!

I requested a fridge in the room, spotted out the nearest Whole Foods and stocked up on what I'm used to eating at home - organic fruits, juice, snacks, condiments, and whatever I could eat without having cooking facilities like sushi to-go and PB/Jelly/Bread....and a sandwich for dinner that night. (I could have brought condiments and snacks from home, but didn't have time to plan and the company will reimburse me.) I felt a little nervous when valet parking watched me bring-in grocery bags, but hey it's worth it. I didn't do this, but it might also help offering the front desk your food allergy list when you check in, so they can pass along to room service.

I also went to the concierge, and asked for recommendations to places I usually frequent. For instance, I'm allergic to milk and vanilla but have to have my soy latte's in the morning. Starbucks only uses vanilla soy milk. So, had to seek out Peet's. Also, found the nearest Jamba Juice, so I could have my daily wheatgrass and smoothie.

Unfortunately, I did get sick the one night I ordered room service for dinner, even though I was very specific and don't think it was from an allergen sneaking-in. I think the meat was just bad quality and the fact my body was still suffering from the beans w/garlic. (I must be getting used to only good-quality, organic, fresh meats.) Went out to a nicer restaurant one night and couldn't tell what's "safe" on their menu. So, gave them a laminated card listing my 22 allergies, and asked that the chef recommend something. Still they gave me a side dish that contained egg yolk. Good thing I asked them what was in it before I bit into it! I'm sure, from the chef's perspective, that it's hard when there are 22 very common items to avoid. And, the food was excellent when they got it right.

I also notice that the only buffets work well for me are salad bars, because you can pick and choose "whole" ingredients to put on your plate vs. prepared food that always has an ingredient I'm allergic to. I always "sneak" my vegan butter and sour cream (for baked potatoes) into Fresh Choice when we eat there. I've also recently discovered Mongolian BBQ, because of the same thing. Depending on how sensitive you are, you might have to watch out, since they cook everyone's food on the same grill. But, at least, you're putting your own ingredients/seasonings into your bowl/plate. Besides that, I'd prefer to go to a sit-down restaurant, where you can ask that your food be prepared a certain way.

I guess I was lucky to be traveling not too far from home so I knew what "chains" to look for, and was in such a diverse city with many options. I just realize I have to be diligent and insistent with my eating. I say "I have very complicated food allergies" to the staff. Then, I ask that they tell me exactly what's in a dish, and ask again specifically if an allergen (such as black pepper) is put into it, and ask that it be excluded. If it shows up, I send the dish back. It's me (and the baby) that will suffer!