Resturants
Eating out can be a risky adventure. Definitely not something you should do while flaring unless you have a great relationship with the restaurant. But humans are social beings and it feels good to get out with friends and hang out. Here are some tips for when you go out from SCD social media.
Call ahead and/or review the menu online first to at least get an idea that they can accommodate your requirements.
Ask to speak to the manager about your requirements. Sometimes the waitstaff is new, uneducated about food allergies or doesn't care. Discussing with the manager may be your best option.
Often restaurants will grill your steak on the same spot they grilled a sandwich or bun. So it is worth explaining that you have "allergies" to avoid cross-contamination and need a clean grill.
Always ask if they marinate their meat.
Chicken is always risky when eating out because so much poultry is injected with broth. Better to choose steak or seafood.
When ordering steamed vegetables always verify that they are not steamed over pasta water.
Confirm that any vegetables do not have additional spice mixes or sauces added.
Tips for ordering eggs:
Make sure they are using real eggs and not from a carton or powder.
Make sure they use a clean grill.
No milk added or other things like pancake batter.
Use real butter and not margarine.
Order over easy or poached to reduce risk of other things being added.
Many people do not know that margarine is not butter. For example, one member was told at Waffle House that they do not have real butter throughout their restaurants, though most servers will reply that they do even if you ask "butter, not margarine, right?"
When ordering a salad always specify no croutons, no cheese and no dressing or dressing on the side. Most of the time the cheese is shredded from a bag and not aged correctly.
Verify that any cheese you choose to eat is shredded or sliced in house.
Don't be afraid to bring your own salad dressing into a restaurant with you.
Chain restaurants can problematic. Many used prepackaged food and spice mixes. People usually have better luck at higher end restaurants and even the smaller diners that serve breakfast all day.
Mediterranean restaurants use a lot of fresh ingredients, olive oil and some make their own spice mixes. Still be diligent and ask questions.
Restaurant Card A downloadable list that can be used as a handout when dining out.
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