Eating out - help!

[squirrel]

Hi all,

My sister-in-law is coming to visit us and my husband wants to organise going out for a meal, which would be lovely. However, neither of us are sure what kind of restaurant will be best considering my new limitations on what I can eat, or which will provide a dairy free option (without peppers and tomatoes either!). I am sure that most of you have already dealt with this scenario before now - any tips for a confused newcomer to this?

Cheers,
Clare

[cnc]

I'd suggest you contact restaurants before hand, and see if they can help you.
Go with your instincts as well, if someone tells you they'll be able to help, but don't look convinced, then try somewhere else.
Whereabouts are you in Scotland?
Restaurants that cook from scratch are going to be the best for you as they will then be able to omit ingredients for you.

[squirrel]

Hi there,

I live just outside Falkirk, but will most likely go out for food in Glasgow as there is much more choice there. I know that there are a couple of Vegan restaurants that might be ok, but I don't want to 'subject' others to my limitations if I can help it.

Cheers,
Clare

[yvie]

Hi
I was in a restaurant recently and they made chicken nuggets from scratch for my daughter, leaving out milk, and using chicken with no additives! and I always ask for the ingredients list at the table as well as calling beforehand if I get the chance.
There is usually something you can have even if the choice isn't as big as the rest of the party.
I take fresh fruit and a sweet for her too, in case they havent got anything at all. They don't usually mind. One restuarant didn't have any fresh fruit so someone popped to the nearest shop and bought some!
Some chefs enjoy the challenge!

Happy eating out!

Yvie

[cnc]

You should be able to get eat out in a mainstream restaurant reasonably easily in Glasgow.
I'd personally have a look on something like google and then contact some of the restaurants directly and see what they say. Or if you have a favourite restaurant try there first. Some of the chains of restaurants are quite helpful as well- I'm going to Zizzis for my birthday and they told me that it wouldn't be a problem to cater for me as they can just omit anything that I can't eat.
It will take some work before hand, but I wouldn't let that put you off.

[ellsie]

How about chinese as they don't cook with milk and you get a wide choice!

[rebecca c]

Thai is a good bet but you'll have to warn them about the peppers, tomatoes and MSG even so they should be able to cater for you.

[matt]

well it's been said but just call the resturant before hand and ask. if they are reluctant then don't go. i'm sure you'll find one that's happy to help

[Pam]

Chinese food often contains a lot of msg, I don't know if this is the same in restaurants.

Italian usually contains either dairy or tomatoes.

Indian - you would have to be very selective

Steak and chips in a restaurant selling british food would probably be a safe option (tell them not to put butter on the veg and watch out for any sauces that can be added).

[Nic]

How about Japanese or Thai?

Both of those are non-dairy, and neither uses tomatoes much, either. I'm going out for my wedding anniversary tomorrow, and will go and eat lots of sushi, as if I'm going for a treat I want a menu with a decent choice...

If there's a Wagamama around, they're really good for noodles and even have a non-dairy pudding!

Good luck!

Nic

[squirrel]

Hi there,

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I hadn't thought of Japanese, but now that you mention it, that seems to be a good idea - and we have an excellent Teppanyaki restaurant in Glasgow, so I think my mind is made up!

Thanks again.
Clare

[Nic]

Glad I could help.:D

Even the batter on the tempura is non-dairy (or at least, it is if they do it properly, I can't absolutely guarantee it always will be). And the sweets are very nice...

Nic