Taking your niece or nephew on a trip can create a lifelong memory; however, if she or he has dietary needs, even a day trip can seem like a horrendous difficulty.  Sometimes it is enough to make an auntie throw in the towel and abandon her plans.  But defeat is not inevitable.  With some simple preparations, dining out with dietary needs can be a painless process.

1.    Have a clear understanding of the necessary limitations and/or flexibility.

Does your nephew need a gluten-free/casein-free/soy-free dinner?  Does your niece have an anaphylactic peanut allergy?  Is it a matter of maintaining a strict vegetarian diet, or is there room for some flexibility?  It is important to be clear about the boundaries.  This will allow you to communicate effectively with others about the issue and avoid mishaps.

2.    Contact the restaurant ahead of time.

For various reasons such as health, philosophy and religion, dietary restrictions are becoming a greater concern in our population.  Consequently, many restaurants can now accommodate dietary needs if given enough time to prepare.  Once notified, the restaurant can inform you of their process for handling special dietary requests and guide you through it.  Sometimes (in cases of a common request like kosher meals) the eatery will already have a standard menu they can send for review by e-mail or fax.  On occasion, this type of information can be found on a restaurant’s website.  Other times, it may be necessary to personally speak with the chef who will prepare your meal.  Whatever the process, though, it is usually not complicated and the staff often has some experience in accommodating the condition.

3.    Write down the dietary restrictions and bring this notation with you.

When under pressure (and especially when unfamiliar) the details of a restricted diet can become hazy, but don’t allow a fuzzy memory to sabotage your special event.  This is not a final exam.  Cheat sheets are permitted.  Don’t be shy about putting all pertinent information on a note card and carrying it with you for reference.  If some dietary flexibility can be considered, notate the conditions for that.  If a specific cooking technique is required, make sure you’ve written it down.  It is wise to record particulars so that you have perfect clarity if questions arise during your eating experience.  You want your niece or nephew to remain within the safety zone, and being able to double-check your instructions will help you achieve that goal.

4.    Speak to the chef upon arrival.

You may have dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” prior to bringing that precious kid to your dining event, but it is still important to review the plan with kitchen staff when you get there.  A restaurant is a busy place with many people vying for attention.  You want to be sure, though, that everyone is reminded and aware of your delicate circumstances.  Notify the hostess when you walk in that you’ve made prior arrangements for special dietary requests.  After being seated and before you order, remind your server of your need to speak with the chef.  When the individual preparing your meal comes to your table, briefly review the plans that were made.  After a full day of hectic kitchen business, he or she will probably be grateful for the “refresher”.  They will also be more likely to remain hyper-aware in their preparation of your niece or nephew’s meal.

5.    When in doubt, leave it out.

I have found that chefs often look for ways to liven up the bland flavor that tends to plague restricted diets.  They are interested in giving you a special experience, so they may suggest additions to what was pre-arranged.  I would caution you, though, that you should not give in to this temptation unless you are certain of an item’s safety.  Due to hidden ingredients, a seemingly harmless food can turn a dreamy event into a living nightmare.  It may be best to forgo the dressing on that salad or pass up the sauce for that pasta.  The peace of mind you’ll have during your meal will be worth the lack of zing your niece or nephew ingests.

These five tips are not difficult to do.  They only require some diligence and organization.  I will tell you from experience, the payoff is worth the minor inconvenience when you find you’re able to give your special kid the treat of a dining event in which they cannot often indulge.