One very frequent question we get from clients is whether or not we can accommodate food allergies. 20 years ago the topic of allergies wasn’t nearly as common as it is today. With the prevalence of food allergies on the rise, so too are your options when it comes to accommodating guests with dietary restrictions.
While most of the time a caterer can pull together a quick meal for a last minute allergy request, advanced notice will ensure that your guests will be able to enjoy the meal. We always recommend letting your caterer know up front about allergies so they can offer a larger selection of menu items. If you are concerned about guests feeling awkward asking for a special meal, make a notation on your r.s.v.p. card asking for any dietary restrictions; this simple gesture will put both parties at ease and ensure that everyone has a great time at the event, free of any allergic reactions or guests going hungry.
Our menus are both flexible and innovative when it comes to ensuring that guests are not only safe from interactions with reaction causing foods, but they aren’t limited to boring or bland foods. The stigma once associated with food allergies is long gone and with it your concerns about guests with special diets.
Often times we simply modify the existing menu items, as we did at a tasting this weekend, to accommodate a gluten allergy. Here we modified three hors d’oeuvres and made special entrees for the gluten free guests. If you are unsure about a particular allergy, ask your caterer for more information as they should be familiar with foods that contain allergens that you may be unfamiliar with. For instance, this couple chose a crispy wedge salad with buttermilk bleu cheese crumbles and dressing. Most bleu cheese is made with gluten containing products, so our chef special ordered a gluten free cheese for the salad.
Put your worries about your guest’s dietary requests to rest. With an open conversation with your caterer you can offer your guests a wonderful meal made especially for their needs. Not only will they have a wonderful time, but they will surely remember your thoughtfulness for years to come.
