Vacationing is a nerve racking experience for any mom of a food allergy child. But the beautiful resort The Cove in the Atlantis took the sting out of my travel experience. The main restaurant at The Cove is Mosaic. A beautiful buffet style meal is served morning till night. The choices are endless and completely delicious. Every Time we ate a meal at Mosaic we were treated like royalty. A chef would personally take my daughter and I through the entire selection and point out what she could safely eat. If the chef was not certain of it’s safety, he would prepare a separate version for her. This was the second time we have stayed at The Cove. One of our main reasons is the outstanding service we received at the Mosiac. Head chef, Thomas Lunn, is an exceptional man. His staff is well trained and respectful of the severity of food allergies.
Bertuccis
Our family had a fantastic experience at Bertuccis last night. In the past, Bertuccis had served pasta that may contain nuts. To our delight, they have switched companies to one that does not. The wait staff was genuinely concerned with my daughter’s condition and went out of their way to keep her safe. They sent over the manger, Brian, who was an absolute angel. He bent over backwards to check labels and speak with his cook to ensure a safe meal. The menu has been updated and was very tasty. Our waitress, Catie, could not have been nicer. We don’t often get that type of attention, so we were thrilled. I have a feeling that Bertuccis nationally will be the same. I am very grateful the one in Bryn Mawr, Pa. is!
Sweetgreen
It is rare to find a new, healthy and delicious restaurant that caters to individuals with food allergies. Sweetgreen in Ardmore, Pa is just that place. A small chain out of Washington, DC run by people who really care about what you put in your body and the environment. This place gives new meaning to the word salad. All ingredients are organically grown locally. With dozens of creative toppings, your salad becomes the main course. They also serve delicious wraps and soups. There is a yogurt bar with inventive toppings like baked apples in agave honey. The staff at Sweetgreen is trained to work directly with customers with food allergies. When I took my daughter there, the first thing the salad maker did was put gloves on and assure us she was getting a freshly cleaned bowl and tongs. As we went down the choices , Rachael (very sweet salad maker), pointed out exactly what was safe. She brought to our attention how the nuts are kept separately. The manger, Glen Ellis, went out of his way to go over exactly how he feels about the severity of food allergies. He is a manger who obviously cares about his customers and his product. The food is outstanding and fresh. I look forward to speaking with the owners of Sweetgreen to help them continue to serve this fast growing population of food allergy diners.
Elevation Burger
My family rarely eats red meat. But I found a restaurant that serves grass fed organic burgers. They also carry delicious veggie burgers. The restaurant is Elevation Burger. This chain burger joint is clean, fresh and nut free. However, they do sell prepackaged cookies that have nuts. But their buns, burgers and toppings do not. The french fries are hand cut on the spot and fried in olive oil. They call them “fresh fries”. We went to the one in Wynnewood, Pa. The manger Daniel was extraordinary. He showed us all of the ingredients. Daniel had my girls use the potato slicer which they loved. The food was absolutely delicious!
You Never Know Where They Hide
Many anchovy pastes, loose tea leaves and cheeses may contain nuts. When a manufacturer says “May Contain”, they’re telling you that there may be an ingredient that could kill you!
PF Changs
The golden rule is that people with nut allergies should never eat at Chinese restaurants. However, our experience at he PF Changs in Alpharetta, Ga was absolutely a dream. We were met by the manger who escorted us to our table. She explained the great lengths her kitchen goes keeping nuts away from allergic customers. If all restaurants took allergies that seriously, life would be safer. Ally was able to eat 95% of the extensive menu. She was thrilled to finally try Asian dishes her friends have always eaten. The food was fresh, flavorful and completely nut free. They can also accommodate other food allergies. The wait staff was extremely well educated on food allergies. Our table was truly given the 5 star treatment. After we ate, the manager took my girls on a back stage tour of their kitchen. A very special night for many reasons. I have not dined at any other PF Changs, but plan on trying the one near me. I will blog as soon as I do.
A Taste of Britain
Never has my child been able to enjoy tea and baked goods. At the newly opened A Taste of Britain she can. This adorable tea shop is located in the Eagle Village Shops in Wayne, Pa. The perfect place for salads, sandwiches, soups and much more. But the stars of this quaint restaurant are the tea and baked goods. Every type of English tea made hot or cold is available. Fresh scones are made daily and can be guaranteed nut free. The talented pastry chef is extremely familiar with food allergies. All precautions are made to keep customers safe. The manger goes out of her way to accommodate my daughter. If you are concerned about other allergens, she will personally work with her kitchen to ensure your safety. This unique cafe/tea shop also caters. They have just added a dinner menu that looks delicious. My little girl feels special having high tea at this precious tea shop. To make a reservation call 610-971-0390.
Aqualina Resort Miami
The Aqualina Resort in Miami, Florida is an absolute dream come true for this mom of a child with food allergies! After arriving at this beautiful hotel, the entire staff had a meeting regarding my child’s food allergies. Everyone was on notice to help protect my child. The managers of all restaurants went above the call of duty to prepare safe food for my daughter. When they were unsure of ingredients , they would go to the store and purchase items with labels. Every time we entered a restaurant we were greeted by at least 5 staff members who bent over backwards to help. Anything my daughter desired was made to order and safe for her. By the way, the food is exceptional. My child felt safe and special at this one of a kind resort. As a mom, I felt at ease and actually enjoyed dining out at a hotel. I look forward to vacationing again at this wonderful place.
Tango
Tango restaurant located 39 Morris Ave in Bryn Mar, Pa is the perfect place to take a child with food allergies. General manager Renee’ Shea and the head chef go out of their way to accommodate customers with food allergies. The chef has a child who is allergic to nuts, so he is ready and willing to help your child. The menu has a wide selection for both adults and children. Located on the trains tracks in historic Bryn Mawr, this place is extremely cool. The food is delicious and the bar scene is hopping! They always serve my children Shirley Temples which they absolutely adore. Thank you Tango and Renee’!
Bravo Pizza Bryn Mawr Pa
As a parent of a child with a food allergy , I am always thrilled to find a restaurant owner who goes out of their way for my family. Chef/owner Mike at Bravo Pizza in Bryn Mar, Pa is wonderful. He makes that special effort to ensure my child’s safety. The warm family like atmosphere Mike has created is unusual in this day and age. The food is delicious and fresh. Mike takes the time to review all ingredients with us each time. I highly recommend Bravo to anyone who wants delicious Italian food and may have food allergies.
