>

Mother Nature is brutal
Heard a story about a woman wanted a dish made a certain way i think for allergen reasons, the chef did his best to accommodate while keeping the dish as true as he could. Her partner ordered same dish without changes.
Meals were served, she promptly starts picking at her partners plate to see how different they were. >

🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ >

I really read this the first couple times as “people with allergies shouldn’t eat people out” 
and I was really confused and dying to see the comments. >

Nut allergy is serious business man >

Allergic to shellfish 🤷🏻‍♀️ >

No bearded clams for you! >

It's not that people with severe allergies shouldn't eat out, but rather, they shouldn't try to order something that has the ingredient they're allergic to and doesn't have an easy or obvious substitution. >

Then they go to bakeries and ask for something gluten free >

Gluten is not the sort of allergy that kills you by traces of the allergen. >

I guess celiac isn't technically an allergy, but traces of gluten will do some pretty serious damage in the long run >

It is an allergy. It is diagnosed by the presence of antibodies to gluten. >

Auto immune disease, but for me it's a lot easier to say that I've got an allergy because it's the only way people take it seriously and stop trying to force me to eat their fucking food that could make me sick for weeks. >

it was hard for me to get with this concept at first but i've learned as i get deeper into life as a sick person that it's totally okay to lie if that's what it takes to get treated with respect >

Most normal people will consider food allergy to mean 'something that makes them sick', so lactose intolerance is lumped in the same as a shellfish allergy.
At the end of the day it's just about what the person is comfortable eating.  No need to be pedantic.  They don't want it. >

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm no. Allergies are potentially life threatening. Lactose Intolerant people will hardly every call themselves "allergic to dairy"....don't use the word allergy if it isn't an allergy....it makes restaurant worker's lives harder. >

There are different levels of being allergic.  I'm allergic to all kinds of things.  Shellfish, many raw fruits, nuts, the list goes on.  Deathly allergic to none.    I'm also allergic, oops sorry, intolerant to lactose.
So you're ok with me bringing up the shellfish allergy, even though it is mild, but I should not bring up lactose intolerance and just shit myself after dessert? >

Having allergies is fine. The problem is with people who have allergies, and don't take any steps to prepare for the world. The guy with the tea allergy(lolwut?) should have alternate choices in mind before reaching the register. If he had the decency to prepare, this wouldn't have been an issue. >

While some allergies might be obvious to find, some allergies aren't as obvious just by looking at the menu and not every restaurant has allergens listed. Soy is such a widely used ingredient in the least obvious places. And sometimes you try to contact the restaurant in advance and they don't respond for several days, if at all. >

If a restaurant can't be bothered to return an email about allergens would you trust them to make your food in an allergen free environment? >

Sometimes, it's not an option. Just last weekend my family went out to eat for my grandma's birthday and I had to ask the waitress right there. The servers and the chefs aren't the ones checking email. It would honestly depend on the restaurant. If it's simply checking the ingredient on the bun, it's fine. Other times, it can get more complicated. If it seems sketchy, I order a salad with no croutons, tomatoes, or cucumber. >

People with severe allergies are fine it’s the fucking bozos that don’t tell you they have a severe allergy, like what the actual fuck is wrong with you if you wait until the last minute to say something. >

There was a reddit post a couple years ago from a dude who made a big dinner for a bunch of family and friends. One of his friends girlfriends was severely allergic to seafood of some sort (I think) and ate it and ended up having a reaction so severe she was in a coma and was facing lifelong effects. Apparently she knew about the allergy but never said anything so as not to be rude or something. I can't remember exactly but yeah ..always wondered how that turned out. If it was indeed true. >

It’s even more rude to not say anything, what the hell lol >

more like "people with severe allergies should KNOW WHICH REPLACEMENTS THEY CAN USE AND HOW TO ORDER THEM" as well as "should do research to make sure their replacements are feasible at this establishment" 
​
When I was a manager at a burger joint before they had Gluten free buns available- we had a regular come in who was a Celiacs (not an allergy but can't eat gluten without wrecking her system) she asked me "can my burger go straight from the grill- to my tray, don't even put it next to the bread. I said sure, we can do that. Once she confirmed we could do that, she came all the time, with HER OWN gluten free buns and packets of sauces. got her burger handled that 1 second special way...and never had any issues or held up any lines. >

Yeah, I could always tell "celiacs" weren't really celiacs when I worked at a restaurant where burgers were one of our main things. We toasted the buns and only a few times in almost decade did I have someone actually take me up on the offer to not toast the gluten free bun for them. Or you'd get people wanting to order something deep fried that we simply couldn't do because we only had two baskets and couldn't cross contaminate the fries with seafood, then suddenly they would be okay. Just say you're gluten free then douche bags instead of co-opting an actual very serious disorder. >

And making me shut down an entire station to sanitize it before I make your food. That’s the biggest thing to me. I’ll make you whatever-free you want- don’t say something that will make me think you’ll DIE if I use a shortcut around the real allergy procedure. >

He was allergic to tea leaves but wanted tea? >

She was allergic to the black tea ingredient and yeah still wanted a tea, we substituted for an iced tea that wasn’t actually tea and is just yummy fruit syrup >

The single ingredient in black tea is tea leaves..? Like, black tea is just oxidized plant. Unless you have a specific tea with added aroma/flavour >

They could have an allergy to a component of tea leaves, such as to tannins >

If someone is allergic to a something found in the single ingredient of what they want to order, maybe they shouldn't order it. >

If it was only found in tea leaves I’d agree, however tannins are pretty widespread throughout many fruits, vegetables, and nuts >

Sorry if I was a bit unclear. What I meant was that seeing as tea is only one ingredient, if you are allergic to a compound found in tea, you should just not order tea >

Oh yep that makes sense, although a lot of the population unfortunately aren’t smart enough to figure that out >

i kinda agree. 
if you have a "serious" allergy or simply dislike an ingredient, then well... order something else or eat somewhere else. 
the dish is the dish. if you are allergic to peanuts then you cannot expect an asian restaurant to substitute peanuts in a dish with oeanut sauce. 
if you are allergic to gluten.. maybe not order pasta / pizza ? 
I think its kinda whack that its gotten "normal" to  expect restaurants to change their dishes and cater to any specific preference or need. >

I have anaphylaxis to dairy and guess where I eat out?
Sushi places/steakhouses where the meat and dairy rarely even go near each other.
Otherwise I eat nothing or just get fries/a salad. Maybe a burger(I take off the bun)
I’d never go to a place like an Italian restaurant and expect no butter/cheese lol >

Try kosher stuff. They never mix meet with dairy. >

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Kosher places.
Also: Kosher burgers are basically Krabby Patties in taste >

Wouldn't kosher burgers just taste like regular non-cheese burgers? >

Its a higher quality of meat, Kosher means more than just 'did not touch dairy' >

I know about no pork (and other animals) and a certain way of slaughter. How would that affect a beef of chicken patty? >

only the front 4 quarters of a cow are kosher >

If you have an allergy that is life threatening or is going to make you violently ill and you “trust” a minimum wage food employee to prepare your food, you’re the idiot here. Sorry not sorry. >

I don't agree that they shouldn't go out to eat, but they absolutely are responsible for knowing what they're allergic to and what alternatives they can consume. >

As someone who comes with a list of food allergies there's only a handful of places I can eat and I know it. Going to a tea shop knowing you can't have anything though is a grade a douch move though.
Eating out is a nightmare so I've always got snacks and I know the best place to get something I'm in the mood for. Going somewhere new research is always something done but tbh it's easier to just not bother going in. 
Having people make it seem like not a big deal though drives me nuts (which is on my list) as you don't have to deal with the after effects. >

When I worked at a busy pizza shop we had a gluten free crust available… we’d always use a different pizza cutter but still the pizza was going in the same oven as the gluten pizzas, there is flour in the air, every time you grab veggies or cheese it has most definitely been contaminated with some flour ever slightly. One time this lady came in and she was screaming at the owner of how her husband with SEVERE celiacs became very very sick eating the gluten free pizza from our shop. I wanted to ask her how her husband survived this long. >

Cause duck doughnuts, bacon doughnuts are worth it. I think the guy ordering tea is more like a person who should know what they want before getting into a line. >

Which one do you prefer,the maple bacon or bacon in the sun? >

Bacon in the sun >

There are options for people with allergies and they pretty much go out trying to find them. Also, they may take the risk if that means they can have a relatively normal social life. >

Ostracized for having an allergy, no. Holding up a line due to the fact - yes that person should just make like a tree and leaf. I have kids, they are picky sometimes. We have gotten to the front of a line and they had not made up their minds. We step aside, let people continue on their day until we are 100% ready. It’s not an allergy issue, it’s an entitlement issue with the person in question. >

On the flip side: People should be able to go to a restaurant and ask about their menu and ingredients to find something that they can eat if they have food sensitivities, allergies, or are on a restricted diet.  My daughter has Galactosemia and can't eat anything with dairy. We know what she can and cannot have at a lot of chain restaurants and our local places.  Sometime we venture out to a new place and we have to ask questions.  It is really disheartening when we are met with sighs and annoyed looks.  "Listen dude.  She has to deal with this everyday of her life.  Is it that hard to check if the hamburger bun has milk?" >

I basically agree. Like, there are places that would be generally safe for certain allergies, but don't go to fucking Panera Bread if you have a severe gluten allergy. >

i agree its annoying to have to accommodate people sometimes in hospitality, but you will probably forget about the inconvenience of helping them after like a day, human kindness and helping another should always come in front of "but i dont want to".
you shouldnt eat in places that are full of ur allergy, but if ur in that situation regardless, last thing you want is probably also the server being in a pissy with you for an allergy you cannot help. >

I have a friend whose mother is allergic to... just so many different foods. But the rest of her family has no food sensitivities. She has a nice little laminated card, which she carries at all times, that lists all of her allergens, and she has never once so much as raised a complaint to her table about the length of time she has to wait for her food. And she waits, because there's a ton of prep required to make her food. 
She recognizes that there's a risk of cross contamination, but the alternative is that the family never eats out or the rest of the family eats out and excludes her, and neither is an option they should have to choose when they're perfectly capable of accommodating her at a myriad of restaurants. Isn't that the point of accommodating people? Your opinion is that people should suffer without accommodation for things completely out of their control?  That's not just unpopular. That's gross. >

As someone with several food allergies, people with this kind of attitude make us not want to eat certain places. I'm allergic to mustard, if I ask of there's mustard on a sandwich and you roll your eyes at me I'm liable to get pissy. I always double check because I've been too many places where it's not kisted on the description and I have to send my food back because I can't eat it. >

I've noticed reddit has a weird hatred of people with allergies. Heaven forbid anyone be inconvienced to accomodate a person's safety. Obviously the example in the post is beyond the norm of allergen inconvience and simply has to do with the person not being prepared to order an alternative and not being willing to let others order first. >

Yeah, its like how dare you clarify this thing that could kill you or make you very sick isn't in your food! I always try to order last at a new place because I know my order can take a little longer because of questions like is there mustard, us there sesame oil, is there strawberry/peaches/pineapple in the mixed fruit. >

People are mind boggling. 
Fruit is such a tough one too, most people don't think of it or don't believe it. >

My ex mother in law told me there was no way I was allergic to strawberries. Snuck strawberry juice into a smoothie I was drinking and then got offended when the ER doctor called her a hazard to humanity >

My mother has a less malicious but similar story about her MIL. People are crazy >

Oh that whole family was a pack of assholes. They like to bully and guilt trip people into doing what they want, but then whine when nobody wants anything to do with them. >

i kind of agree - the thing is - if you have a severe allergy - you really need to understand....there is very little most restaurant employees can do to avoid cross contamination. with the speed people want their meals prepared, it's just gonna happen. it's not that you should just stop eating out, but be aware that some of your requests just might not be possible and you shouldn't take your frustrations out on restaurant staff. there's nothing they can do. >

I have an auto-immune disease which makes anything social with friends (because most social things are to do with food) really annoying. I hate being the burden at a restaurant.
I get it's frustrating for you as a server, but you have two options, tell me you can't serve me and I'll go elsewhere, or help me experience a normal social outing without being judged and condemned for something I was born with. >

What am I supposed to do? Just never leave the house? If I am always at risk of illness because of my severe allergy to nuts, you can expand this to anything where any trace of nuts can be found. I tell everyone about my allergy, that's enough safety for me. >

As someone with anaphylactic allergies, I can eat out, I just know to order things I can eat and ask the kitchen to keep my food separate from the things I’m allergic to. If the kitchen doesn’t feel comfortable serving me, I don’t take it personally and just eat elsewhere. I think your situation is about people who try to ask for substitutions where it isn’t really possible. That’s unreasonable. Im allergic to peanuts, so I would never go to Five Guys or somewhere that peanuts are so prevalent >

I think going out with allergies is fine but don’t order something with said allergy and ask them to make it different. Order something you know is good or can do minimal subs >

I feel bad for service workers who have to deal with clueless people and/or passive-aggressive douchebags on top of everything else. >

As someone with allergies to foods, it’s usually not hard… I have a shellfish allergy and if we go to a seafood restaurant I just ask for the food to be prepared separately with clean gloves, hsve never once had an issues either the chef or manager will come out and talk to me, not that big of a deal lmao >

Not that big of a deal to you. No one is thrilled to see that request on a busy evening. >

You're right. I normally am sympathetic, but a person with shellfish allergies going to a seafood restaurant is like a Hindu going to a steakhouse. It is foolish. Eat somewhere else. >

When the rest of your friends or family are going there, you might not have much of a choice if your purpose is to stay with them. And whatever happened to “the customer is always right?” >

"the customer is always right" was never real >

I am allergic to poultry and it sucks, but dine out all of the time. I carry Benadryl and an epipen for any accidents or severe reactions. I know where I can and cannot eat and don’t burden others. I’ve learned the hard way that my allergy is tricky, no pepperoni pizza for example. Never eat a hot dog on the 4th of July again unless I bought it and know for sure it’s all beef. I’m still a good dude and I’m not gonna live in a cave just because I can’t go to KFC or eat wings at Hooters. Thanksgiving is the worst holiday of the year and has been lonely before I started my own family. >

I disagree. I'm severely allergic to walnuts and strawberries. If I go out and I see there's food they could possible contain one of them, I ask. I love carrot cake and I always ask if it had walnuts in it because most of the time it does. People with allergies deserve to enjoy eating out too >

Should paralyzed people not go out? >

I always check menues and ingredients before I go anywhere, so when I arrive I know exactly what I can eat. >

I have celiac disease (basically cant have gluten) and I eat out all the time. I order things without the gluten ingredients and hope I don't get sick. I know there's a risk, and I also don't expect to eat anything at restaurants that are outings that I didn't plan. Because I might not be able to eat at the restaurant. I know Red Robin has a specific fryer for gluten free fries and has gluten free buns and they let you know what has what so I know I'm not gonna get sick. I'm not gonna go to a bakery and be like "prepare something gluten free" I'll go to the gluten free bakery that's nearby. Basically, they should eat out, but find places that can accommodate your allergies. >

In other news, people with any condition that makes them a potential inconvenience should never go anywhere because it annoys other people, especially people whose job is to cater to the public. >

Because they are special little snowflakes, and probably don't have an allergy but feel special saying it is an allergy. Like all the gluten allergic people who eat bread.
Used to have a friend who actually had celiac, allergy to gluten. She used to have her own little birthday cake and then everyone else got the regular cake. No breadsticks for her. >

Or you could say that people with severe allergies should research their allergies and come prepared so they don’t hold up the line. I think that’s sufficient >

I disagree. My daughter is allergic to tree nuts. BUT I go places that don't have nuts or we don't order something that may be modified because that's a hassle for both sides. Entitled ridiculous people should stay home. >

My daughter has a severe food allergy and we still eat out. Your person is just an asshole. I would also never order something that had to e allergy in it. I don’t care if it can be made a different way >

So someone has to live and navigate a life with a severe allergy and the complaint is the line being held up for 15 minutes? 15 minutes of discomfort/patience vs. living with a challenging health condition. Maybe people troubled by complicated orders and lines should get a job that’s less stressful to them? Also if you can’t be held up in line for your food, then maybe eat at home too? >


Cross contamination shouldn’t be happening. If it’s happening daily then the restaurant would be coded because so many people have unknown allergies 2. Just because someone has a severe allergy doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to enjoy luxuries. I agree that if you’re knowingly allergic to something in the whole menu then don’t eat there, but I shouldn’t be exempt from eating out because a restaurant has a singular seafood dish on its entire menu. >

You can say it shouldn't be happening but it does happen, it's not a risk the customer should take, I work in a coffee shop and the cakes with nuts are put in the same cover as ones without, people just use any tongs to hand to get the cakes/pastries, we use separate cloths to clean the steamer but at the end of the day we are using the same cloth for almond, oat, coconut and soya milk >

You kind of conveniently ignored the part where I said I agree with you in your case. Obviously a coffee shop is a little different especially in your case. If you’re allergic to something that’s used in most of the menu or is used in the same appliances then don’t go there. I’m talking about places where there’s only one or two dishes on the menu that have something you’re allergic to. >

I misunderstood that part, was just making the point that we have systems to avoid cross contamination, colour coded tongs and cloths for example but that it doesn't make it safe because workers either aren't trained properly, or they don't care, it doesn't matter if I use the correct tongs to serve the customer when another one of my colleagues has already contaminated it, I do still follow the colour coding just so I'm complying but I know it's pointless when I see half of my colleagues don't bother. >

If someone can normally have something (like tea) and is surprised by a random ingredient (sunflower? A fruit? Idk what it was) they aren’t being a jerk and they shouldn’t never eat out again because your tea happened to have that ingredient. Tea can have all sorts of ingredients and whatever ingredient you have in your tea isn’t a requirement for all teas. >

Yes! There are so many weird additives now that are allergens, like shea butter or sunflower >

I somewhat agree. Yet another reason why I wouldn't want to have to work in the food and beverage industry is that you have to be really careful about avoiding getting even the most minute trace of allergens into the food of someone with severe food allergies. So there is a massive liability involved in serving these customers; and yet they pay the same price as those who don't have these special needs. >

As someone celiac disease, there is usually an upcharge on my meals to keep it gluten free. >

Yes, you're right. That's why I sit with friends and family at gatherings and restaurants and WATCH them eat while I have nothing. Is that what you're talking about? I wouldn't wish it on anyone, and you're a terrible person if that's what you want for others. >

Fill up on beer, i guess? >

I don't drink alcohol. >

Fill up on ice water, I guess? >

It’s part of the greater concept that people shouldn’t expect the masses to cater to their opinions or needs. 100’s of people shouldn’t be required to cater to the needs on 1, both sides of the political ideology spectrum >


100’s of people shouldn’t be required to cater to the needs on 1

If catering to that person is a mild inconvenience to hundreds, but a life or death situation to one, then it's worth it >

If you have a nut allergy never buy cakes from a coffee shop, there is so much cross contamination >

I have diabetes and it can be a pain in the ass for wait staff as well as me.  I hate that I have to tell them I’m diabetic, and don’t just dislike sweet stuff.  That being said, it’s up to me to 1) let the wait staff no right away if I’m asking for a substitution or alternative, 2) do my research in advance to know what is available to order, and 3) if something isn’t available… then I don’t eat/drink and I don’t complain! >

TIL people with even common disabilities shouldn't be allowed to enjoy basic amenities. >

Maybe your staff should be better informed on ingredients. >

Work in a restaurant and people are always like "Oh by the way I'm allergic to... Maybe I should have say it on the phone" 
OF COURSE YES EXCEPT IF YOU WANNA DIE
Anyway 90% of peoples saying "I'm allergic to...." are just slightly intolerant. >

you do not get to just assume that peoples allergies are worse than they are. people like you are the reason i don't go to anyone's birthday anymore. you think it's fun having to tell the waiter you can't digest anything and then just PRAY they believe you? >

Despite your username, you seem neither patient nor fun. Perhaps best to keep away from those parties! >

I mean I think it’s fine as long as you’re responsible and are upfront with it. Otherwise you’re just an idiot lol >

That’s kinda ableist. >

Not kinda lol
Also OP why is your restaurant so chill about cross contamination???? Clean your shit up >

Agree.  They’re putting too much pressure on food workers.  I remember an Indian takeaway owner getting locked up for this. If your allergies are that bad you should prepare your own food. >

The restaurant should've just said no. >

I've always said just this. Don't put me in your life or death situation or quit LYING About Having Allergies. >

You think we’d be lying? It’s annoying enough to have to remember to ask you grumpy butts for help. >

I'm sorry but you're not allergic to "that green stuff". Like it might kill you to eat something you aren't familiar with but it's not necessarily allergies, more likely unchecked bratty kid syndrome. If you are deathly allergic don't put your life in the hands of people who don't even get paid minimum wage🤦
At least 50% of "allergies" one deals with at restaurants are bullshit and that's not good for people with actual allergies. Think about it >

A yes I am totally lying when my throat closes up because I ate sesame. I am just being entitled when I have allergic reaction because someone didn’t clean the kitchen properly. You are the entitled one for thinking oh I can’t be bothered to wash the cutting boards or make sure you don’t put sesame on a dish that doesn’t have it in the first place >

Tbh they ruin all the fun I agree >

My sister had a bday party when she was 16 and made the best peanut Butter cookies. The kid with a peanut allergy simply asked “do these have chocolate chips?” She said no, and processed to eat one. They even had the classic peanut cookie cross fork mark. People are dumb. >

I went to pick up sushi from a sushi restaurant. A woman came in and informed everyone in earshot that she was allergic to fish. Lady. You’re at a sushi restaurant. Go home. >

Sushi means rice. There is sushi without fish in it. >

Yes I am aware. However I feel that if someone was worried about cross contamination/ allergic to fish, why even go to a restaurant where the menu is predominantly fish? It’s like taking a vegetarian to a steakhouse. Sure, they have salads, but why even bother? >

Sometimes it's not about the person with the allergy, but who they will be dining with and why. >

As someone with celiac, I’ve come to agree with this opinion. It’s ridiculous to expect every restaurant to cater to literally EVERY SINGLE allergy with absolutely no cross contamination? It’s just not possible. I’ll just eat at home. The only way I will go to out to eat is if there are TONS of reviews online that confirm they did not get sick after eating there. >

Imagine being so upset you make a post about this on Reddit.  Borders on discrimination because it creates a hostility towards people with allergies eating out. >

Hence the unpopular opinon >

If I said people in wheelchairs shouldn't get on the bus because it takes so long to load them up, is that unpopular or discrimination?  What you said is not unpopular it's discrimination but you are creating hostility towards a disadvantaged population. >

I find your post quite offensive. Having an allergy is basically having a non-physical disability! And many of us have them, they’re not just food related. I personally suffer from Celiac disease, where a protein in many grains destroys the lining of the intestine. Yes, it’s serious.
However, that DOES NOT mean it is impossible to eat out. We just did at CPK last night. If you haven’t been around in the past DECADE, you should realize that this problem is coming more to the attention of others and PLENTY of alternatives are available.
Some places are just more caring than others. You don’t seem to work at somewhere like that. >

Ugh, this made working at Jersey Mike's sub shop awful. In the middle of a lunch rush someone would order a gluten free sandwich and for that you have to change your gloves, lay down different paper and change your knife. With other sandwiches you can make like 2 or 3 at once and keep the line moving but not with gluten free cause you can't touch the other sandwiches. Most ppl that ordered that aren't even allergic to gluten and if they are I'm sure we cross contaminated anyway cause this was a SUB SHOP! >

Ok so I have Crohn’s disease and canola oil aka rapeseed oil is a huge trigger for inflammation.. it is banned in a lot of European countries as it is known to be terrible for all people not just people with autoimmune diseases. I always call ahead to ask if a restaurant can accommodate and use butter or olive oil instead, if they can’t I just don’t go there. 
The tea thing seems pretty stupid on that persons part.. what exactly were they allergic to? There are so many herbal tea blends but most coffee shops sell green and black teas that are premade so that does seem rather inconsiderate on her end. 
But at the same time, another solution is if it is possible to make her a special drink, just tell her that it’ll take longer and she’ll have to wait as you make other orders while trying to figure out something that she can have. Or if you don’t have enough staff to accommodate at the time, say that unfortunately you cannot accommodate or make that kind of drink at this time. >

I’m celiac and don’t eat out anymore. It’s not worth the pain. >

I have a serious peanut allergy. I just go to restaurants that I know for a fact don’t have anything with peanuts on their menu >

I agree with this…. >

I think what you encountered is not a "person with severe allergies" but a "severe asshole". Should they eat out is the question. >

Totally agree