Day 50: February 19- Tate's Grandma and "Paw" came to town for the weekend. We eat out most meals when they visit. This proved pretty difficult a few times with a dairy allergy. Friday, we ate at my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Luckily, they have a HUGE buffet and we were able to find quite a few things Tate could eat. Since I try to steer clear of dyes too, this was the first time he got to eat Jell-O. 
Day 51: February 20- The allergy- friendly menu issue really upset me Saturday. We went to Wichita for the day and there are places we usually eat with the in-laws. I thought I would be pro-active and look at the ingredient lists on-line, so I would know ahead of time what Tate could eat. I was really disappointed with the nutritional options for some restaurants on-line, but I was hopefully that the actual restaurant would have a special menu. WRONG!We ate at Olive Garden for lunch. They are not allergy-friendly unless you want gluten-free. They are really proud of the fact they offer a gluten-free menu. It is the only ingredient list they share on-line. When I asked if they had a dairy-free menu, the hostess said, "we have a gluten-free menu!" Thank you, but they are not the same thing. When most of your menu includes cheese, it would be really helpful to provide a list of things that did not include cheese!
Thankfully, the waitress was really patient with me while I quizzed her. Tate was able to have the grilled chicken, steamed broccoli and she brought him his own "salad" aka, a plate of tomatoes. She said she would make a note on our order that he had a dairy allergy.
FYI: Chili's provided us with a full dairy/ milk free menu. There weren't any kids items listed, but they were happy to make him 1 taco with tomatoes and a side of black beans.
Day 52: February 21- I love this face! Tate is so animated with his facial expressions. He can give the dirtiest looks. This is nothing compared to when he is really mad. He got a mini Mr. Potato Head set from Grandma and "Paw." He was not happy that mommy and daddy were playing with them. Day 53: February 22- **SLACKER ALERT** It was such a busy day, I forgot to take a picture. I had every intention, but time got away from me.
sorry to hear you had so much trouble with the restaurants!
ReplyDeletei never thought about trying to eat out with a child who has allergies! guess i should count my blessings that z's issues are just refusal/typical toddler behaviors and not something more serious. sounds like you are on your way to becoming an advocate for restaurants to offer or at least accommodate a wider variety of specialty menu items!! you go, girl!!
ReplyDeletelove the pics of tate you are taking!
love,
camille