Travelling with Food Allergies

We have just returned from almost 7 weeks overseas. We took our 3 young children, including our son who is at risk of anaphylaxis to milk/dairy, egg, nuts and seafood, to the USA and Canada. I am pleased to report we made it through with not one reaction!!!!
Our trip started with the most remarkable experience at Mimi’s cafe in Anaheim, Disneyland. Over the last 7 years we have never eaten out as a family in a restaurant with our food allergic child prior to this holiday. I knew this trip would see me relinquishing that control and trust someone else to cook and feed my child. Our recent food challenge prior to leaving saw me a little nervous, seeing he reacted so aggressively to 1mL of milk. I contacted this particular restaurant ahead of time and when we arrived one of the chefs had been planning a ‘safe’ menu for our son. Let me tell you it wasn’t just any meal, it was a 5 star meal with incredible presentation and delicious dessert. Most chefs or restaurants don’t have the time or energy to devote to customers with such demanding diet restrictions but I was absolutely blown away at the positive energy ‘Chef Paul’ had when it came time to design a meal for our son. Each night the chef took us on a culinary tour of different states and countries, all with the omission of dairy/milk, egg, nuts and seafood. This restaurant was an absolute blessing for our family. The General Manager and Chef made our week at Disney unforgettable. Not only were they concerned about our son’s welfare but also determined to help his parents enjoy their week by making this ‘eating out’ burden easier. Let me tell you they achieved both very successfully. Our son was equally touched reminding us all that he had his “own chef”. We reminded him only in Disney where the magic comes alive and dreams are made of! It was the most exciting and spectacular time ever. This was the first time our family has ever sat down at a restaurant to eat a beautiful meal. They will never fully understand how touched we are by their time and generosity. Thank you Debbie and Paul!

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