Go Ahead- Go Out to Eat GDF Style! (It's not as scary as you may think!)

Hostess: Ok, here are your menus and your server will be right with you.
Me: Actually, can I have an allergen menu?
Hostess: Huh?
Me: A menu that says what doesn't have gluten or dairy in it.
Hostess: Let me check with the manager.
*Wait*
Manager: Here's a gluten-free menu.
Me: Thanks so much, but I also need the dairy-free menu.
Manager: Oh, let me go grab that.
*Wait*
Server: Has everyone had enough time to look at the menu and are ready to order?
Me: *sigh*

Does this sound familiar?  Luckily, restaurants are getting better about this, but it is still intimidating to go out to eat.  It's manageable with one food allergy, but the moment you don't fit in the box, forget it!  I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't blame the wait staff at all.  How could you conceivably keep up with all of these food allergies that everyone has nowadays?  It's unfortunately just the nature of the beast, and let me tell you, food allergies are definitely beastly.

I have found a couple favorites though to help you skip the whole menu debacle for routine outings.  So, if you trust my recommendation, or you just feel gutsy (no pun intended), try ordering these items at these places when you go out and just skip the menu altogether!

Disclaimer: I am not saying that any of these meals are healthy, just that they are gluten and dairy-free options that taste good, which is a feat in and of itself.

At American restaurants like Chili's:

Don't forget to ask them to hold the cheese!

At Pizza or Italian restaurants:

Salad pizza is great for lunch or a lite dinner, or you could
opt for veggie pizza with no cheese.  Either way, make sure
you order it with gluten free crust!

At Mexican restaurants:

Corn tortilla tacos with your choice of meat , pico
de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, and salsa.  Mmmmm!

I hope this helps!  Enjoy my GDF-ers! xoxo!