About

I was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies when I was 6 months old and was that kid carrying EpiPens and antihistamines around in a fanny pack in the 90s. For the longest time I felt like a burden to others and felt very limited about where I could go and what I could eat.

It took me a long time to learn that I could enjoy dining out and traveling just like everyone without allergies– it just takes me a bit of extra planning and preparation. I have been to 30 countries and 30+ states and enjoyed a lot of delicious food along the way.

How I dine out and travel

I have my own set of rules and questions I ask when I am searching for, and choosing, places to eat that have evolved over the years. I also have a great allergist who has helped me develop an allergy action plan so I feel safe eating out and know what to do in case I need medical care. I am fortunate to be married to a wonderful person who knows what to do in case of an emergency as well. Another thing that reduces my worries about dining out when traveling abroad is my set of Equal Eats cards; these are vital for communicating my allergies clearly.

I encourage you to ask the questions that matter most to you when locating restaurants to try. Every individual’s comfort level varies, and it’s crucial to communicate your allergies and related needs to the establishment. For example, places I try are typically not completely free of tree nuts and peanuts, but you may feel uncomfortable dining somewhere unless it is 100% free of your allergens. Menus can also change, and ingredient suppliers can fluctuate, so checking with the staff every time you visit is essential. There have been instances when I revisited a restaurant only to discover that a dish I previously enjoyed is no longer safe for me to consume or that I no longer feel confident dining there. It helps to have backup dining options in mind!

When traveling out of the USA, a lot of time and preparation goes into choosing a location and figuring out what I will be able to safely enjoy while there. Similar to dining out in the USA, I always prepare a Plan B and Plan C in case a restaurant doesn’t quite pan out so that I am not stressed trying to figure out where my next meal will come from. My general mindset is that I won’t be able to eat everything or everywhere while on a trip, but I will find something.

I’m excited to share my adventures around the city and all over the world with you!