Confidently Dine Out with Special Diets

Dining outside the home with celiac / coeliac, gluten sensitivities, food allergies, diabetes and other special diets requires cooperation between guests and restaurants. The chart below outlines this process in two components: planning and table-side communication.

Based upon years of research, personal experience and extensive discussions with hospitality professionals, the following approach is designed to help you, the person managing healthy lifestyles, eat out safely.

The objective is to enjoy safe experiences regardless of your choice of restaurant, cuisine or location. These suggestions include eight key steps on how to safely eat outside the home.

Planning Effort to Safely Dine Out

I. Educate yourself about eating outside the home

II. Assess your dining comfort level for your safe meal

• Identify your safety factors
• Based upon your previous needs and experience, evaluate what cuisines are low risk and high risk
• Assess specific restaurant cuisines

III. Identify your eating options and preferences

• Determine what type of establishment and atmosphere you prefer
• Assess what type of restaurant cuisine you prefer
• Determine if it is most important to go somewhere new, familiar or recommended
• Select your restaurant

IV. Determine the level of pre-planning effort desired

• Conduct research as necessary on ingredients, preparation and menu items
• Determine the best time for your reservation or meal
• Determine the level of communication and interaction necessary with the restaurant
• Bring reference materials required to order your special meal

Tableside Communications

I. Discuss your desired dietary needs with the restaurant

• Determine your approach to explaining your dietary needs
• Initiate your first contact with restaurant
• Discuss requirements with the restaurant staff and potentially request a manager or the chef, if needed

II. Evaluate what to order

• Discuss the menu with the restaurant professionals
• Place the order for your special meal meal

III. Receive order and appreciate your special meal

• Confirm your order upon delivery
• Enjoy your safe meal
• Relax and appreciate the dining experience

IV. Provide feedback on your dining experience

• Provide constructive feedback to restaurant professionals on your dining experience
• Recommend the dining establishment to your friends and family

Excerpted from the Award-Winning Book Series—Let’s Eat Out!