My last post talked about sometimes feeling a bit left out in “group” eating situations. Kevin said I sounded a bit like a hater in that last post. Well, here’s a positive follow-up on that last post.
First a little background: When we go to a wedding dinner/reception I never know what foods will be served, how they were prepared, if I can enjoy a cocktail or two or if I can even partake of a party favor or snack on the table. I come prepared. I fill a small purse with a slice of bread, a small dish of butter and another of ranch salad dressing, a bottle or two of my gluten-free beer – RedBridge Gluten-Free Sorghum Beer (an Anheuser-Busch product) or two small (indiv. size) bottles of Barefoot wine, a snack-size bag of pretzels or crackers. I’d hate to go hungry. (lol) (Obviously if the wedding you are attending is a cash bar, you can’t bring your own drinks. Of course, if it’s a cash bar, chances are likely you should be able to find something you can drink if you’re looking for a cocktail.)
When we get to the reception hall, I like to find the kitchen right away so I can talk with someone about the food. I tell them that I have food allergies and ask if we can go over what foods I can or cannot eat. I also explain that it’s not only what foods they’re serving, but also how the foods were prepared. They’re generally more than happy to talk with me. Some apologize. Others offer to make a small pan of vegetables or an individual salad for me. At one wedding, held in an Italian restaurant, when I talked with one of the staff, they went above and beyond. They apologized that they hadn’t been told of my allergies ahead of time. There were several others, also with food allergies, in attendance and they’d prepared their foods accordingly. I would be able to eat those same foods, although I would only be able to enjoy a 5 course dinner, not 7, which was being offered to the majority of the guests. I suffered through (lol). The food was amazing – I couldn’t have eaten another bite. I always think how disappointing that dinner would have been for me if I hadn’t taken the initiative to inquire about the food. People can be very accommodating if you’re polite and not making demands. Explain your situation – “I have food allergies, I’d love to eat the foods you’ve prepared, but I have to be sure I won’t get sick”. Lastly, remember, these people were hired by the bride and groom; the evening’s menu is based on choices the couple made.
So, here’s the Pleasant Surprise part of my blog. The last two weddings we recently attended confirmed for me that people are starting to pay attention to food allergies.
Wedding #1 was out of town and catered by a restaurant. When I asked about the foods and their preparation, I was told the potatoes were mashed with Lactaid Milk. (I couldn’t eat them, but others could and that’s forward progress in acknowledging food allergies.) They also had individual packets of a vegan buttery spread (I could eat) and the salad had all of the toppings in side dishes so nothing was touching the lettuce (I could eat). The seasoned, baked chicken was served with a choice of two toppings – each on the side. (I could eat) I thanked her more than once for all of their extra effort. The food was delicious and I ate well that night. Bonus: They served wine. I didn’t need to crack open a brewski.
Wedding #2 was local and the dinner was prepared by local cooks. I know some of the girls personally, so when they saw me getting my food, I was called into the kitchen. As they looked at my plate containing only roast beef and green beans, I was told, “We’ve been waiting for you. Throw those beans out, they have butter on them. We have lettuce and tomato ready for you because you can’t eat the salad we’re serving.” While I couldn’t eat a lot of the food, I was still able to eat some and because I’d brought my food stash from home, I was all set. Once again, a delicious dinner. Bonus: They served wine.
So, there are two things to remember. First, come prepared with your own food. I bring it in a purse, which I keep at the table. (See pic below.) No one, other than the people at my table, is aware of what I have in my purse. Once everyone starts eating, very few notice if you pull a small dish of ranch dressing or a slice of bread out of your purse. When I plan to open a beer or wine, I go to the bar and ask for an empty glass. Back at my table, I pour my drink into the glass and tuck the empty bottle back in my purse. No one is the wiser. I’m not the only person doing this. I have a friend who has a very cute cooler which looks like a handbag. Everyone just assumes she carries a large, but cute, – and slightly heavy – handbag. Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask the kitchen staff questions. They would prefer you ask. They don’t want you getting sick from their food. We can never assume that we CAN eat something, so it’s also silly for us to assume we CAN’T eat something. Ask questions, you may be pleasantly surprised. I was.
Thanks for stopping.
Brenda
Disclaimer:
These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know? Just read your labels!)