Hi there! I’m often asked about how to dine out when it comes to eating real food, so today in this Dining-Venture Episode 1 video we’re showing you how we dine out at ANY restaurant.
In the first of many episodes to come, we’re taking you along with us as we grab some burgers and fries! You’ll see the questions that we ask and the tips that we have for you when it comes to dining out anywhere!
Mike and I have both worked in restaurants in the past – Claim Jumper actually being the restaurant that we met at, nearly 15 years ago – so we know the in’s and out’s of how things work and how to get served what you want.
Some of the key takeaways from this Dining-Venture Episode 1 video:
First things first, kindness goes a LONG way.
When you ask the server questions nicely without being rude, you’ll find that they’re more than willing to work with you. As long as they have it on the menu somewhere, most restaurants are often willing to piece together items to create a meal that works for you.
Mike and I have been eating this way for nearly 5 years, and through lots of experimentation, we’ve found exactly what makes each of us feel our best, and what doesn’t. For example, neither of us do well with gluten (especially me), so it’s something that we always avoid, but we also know that we’re not super sensitive to cross-contamination.
Years ago I was super sensitive to cross contamination with gluten, so I needed to be extra careful when dining out, and would let me server know that I had an allergy.
If you know that you’re super sensitive/allergic to something, or have any sort of hesitation about eating at a particular restaurant, it’s worth calling ahead and speaking to a manager. These are the things that managers will take seriously, as they want you to be happy while dining out at their restaurant.
Second, you can get meat & veggies pretty much anywhere.
It may not be exactly what you want, especially if you don’t have a say in where you’re dining out, but it’s important to recognize that it’s just one meal, and that you’ll be okay. You can even bring your own sauces/dressings/etc if you’d like!
Third, ask if they have a gluten-free menu, or allergy guide available.
You can check online, call, or simply ask when you get to their restaurant. Most restaurants (especially larger chains) will have at minimum, an allergy guide available for their menu.
Lastly, let go of any need for perfectionism.
To me, stressing over food is NEVER worth it. I see it so often – someone is stressed that they aren’t able to dine out because the food isn’t perfectly organic/grass-fed/etc. Realize that it’s OKAY if the food isn’t as high as your standards may be when you eat at home.
For more tips on dining out at any restaurant, be sure to check out my Tips For Dining Out Paleo!
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