I'm Going Out to Dinner Before Prom
Dear FAANTeen,
I’m planning on going to a pre-prom dinner with my date and a group of friends. I’m worried about how to handle my food allergy in a restaurant with a big group of people. What should I say to the waitress to explain my food allergy? How do I ask about it without making a huge deal?
Prom should be a night of fun, not stress, so planning the night out in advance is important. Being organized greatly reduces the risks that may arise from going out to dinner with a big group. Careful planning prevents dinner from becoming chaotic. Additionally, the highlight of the evening should be partying with friends—not eating a safe meal.
The first thing you can do to prepare for the night out is to volunteer to arrange the dinner plan. If you are in control, you have the freedom to pick a restaurant that you know is safe. Familiarity with a specific restaurant will make it much easier for you to relax on the actual night of prom. By accepting the extra responsibility, you help yourself out in the long run. Since your voice will be the one directly in contact with the restaurant staff, you can ensure that there is no miscommunication.
If it is not possible for you to take control and make the reservations, immediately speak to the person in your group who will be in charge. Once you know which restaurant you will be going to, you eliminate the surprise of arriving at a restaurant that could be dangerous. If you have the opportunity, visit the restaurant during off-peak hours the week before prom to check out its atmosphere and the types of food served. Talk to the manager about which menu selections may be safest for you. If visiting the restaurant in person is impractical, call or go online to get a copy of the menu in advance. It is best to be confident in what you will be ordering.
Regardless of whether you make it to the restaurant in advance, it would be a smart move to call the manager beforehand and tell him or her that you have a food allergy. You can ask the manager to make sure a note is attached to your reservation so that your server will be prepared before you are even seated.
Then, once your party has arrived, you can approach your server and tell him or her that you are the one with a food allergy. If you have already called to ask about a menu item, you will not have to ask all of your questions in front of the large group. This may save time and hassle. However, remind the waitperson of your food allergy and verify that the ingredients have not changed.
Stephanie is a student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations. She is allergic to nuts and seafood and is a past winner of the FAAN Scholarship Essay Contest.
Comments
I went to junior prom last year and had a blast. Sure, it was a little leg work figuring out the dinner thing with my food allergies, but it was totally worth it! I can't wait for senior prom this year.~Cara age 17, allergic to fish and shellfish
The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.
