Day 129: "Dining Out With Food Allergies"

Tonight we decided to be brave on two accounts. 1-by taking our 2.5yr old triplets & their 4.5yr old big sister out to dinner. And 2-dining out in a restaurant we've never taken Owen since his reaction.

We usually steer clear of sit down places on a weekend, just because, well if you are a parent or have ever dined out with small children, it usually doesn't go so well. But we decided to try Chili's. I had recently been there with a friend and after examining the menu and then at home researching through Allergy Eats some local info and reviews, felt that this would be a safe environment for us to try! I wasn't at all anxious about an accidental exposure or cross contact with foods in the kitchen, the only thing on the menu that contained nuts was pesto and we weren't ordering that. After downing an entire dish of tortilla chips and salsa within 10 minutes the kids had quesadillas and french fries and despite some constant turning around and trying to talk to everyone (Noah) we had a great meal! We even had a table practically give us a standing ovation as we left, not b/c we were leave (which at first is what I thought) but because the kids did so great, and we left without anyone screaming or in tears! That was a first for me!

Afterwards we decided we deserved to treat ourselves to some ice cream. There's an amazing local place called LuGia's and I've heard from other families that deal with food allergies that they really take precautions to accommodate everyone! So we ordered rainbow sorbet for the littles, and Emmalee wanted twist with rainbow sprinkles. They used new gloves to get Owen's sorbet, got the dish and spoon from closed containers that were separate from the others and were very careful! I will absolutely be going back again this season for more! Not going to lie, I figured a bunch of teens wouldn't take the time to be careful, but honestly, they didn't question a thing and were so on top of it, I bite my tongue and believe they were more caring than many adults I've run into. Well done LuGia's!