Mexico restaurant not good for people with allergies

[livndisney]

The # you are given to call the restaurants is usually a central number if it is a restaurant in Epcot - so you really are not speaking to the chef at all but someone who works for Food services or whatever they call it. Honestly a peanut/tree nut allergy is one of the most common ones so will usually claim to have a good handle on it when you call that # - and most restaurants do fine.

We ate at two World Showcase restaurants in March and the # I was given for both was the same phone number - a central location - and was not a chef.

I have had issues with not feeling comfortable with the chef - and their claims that this or that was safe. I've had a chef tell me that something was safe when I know for sure it is a "may contains" and he was like "oh well...do what you want!" Um......OK!!! I never feel as comfortable with the meal when this happens - sounds like that is what happened to the OP.

I had this experience with the Chef at the character meal in MGM. He made it clear preparing food for me was an inconvience (even though, the allergy was noted when the ressies was made, AND I called the restaurant). The manager "spoke" with him, but I did not feel comfortable with him cooking for me after that. I did not eat and was not charged.

 

[hematite153]

If you have any kind of food allergies, you need to call in advance. Tell them where you have reservations for, and they will make sure that the restaurant has what they need to accommodate you....

This ought to work...but, it doesn't always.

On my last two trips the info in the system had been really badly skewed.

Last Sept. I had spoken directly to a couple of chefs and spoken to a person at the centralized allergy/special needs dining number as well as listing allergies when booking. Somewhere along the line something got messed up though and the computer kept listing my allergies as "shellfish, egg & dairy" and the chefs kept offering me things like "pork without the cream sauce". But, I'm allergic to MEAT products and I CAN eat dairy and eggs. I tried calling during the trip to fix it and was not successful.

Last Jan. I simply listed the allergies on the reservation since the extra effort in Sept. had proven so useless. Every restaurant simply had "allergy other". When I tried to question that I was told that the computer only allows them to check off pre-identified boxes and they cannot enter any text. (I also had several chefs tell me that the "vegetarian" option would not be safe if I had meat allergies and I really wanted to complain that they shouldn't be billing it as vegetarian then!)

I have heard so many stories of other people having a lot of success with advance planning that I will try again, but, I'm a little bit frustrated with the system.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Hematite: Write to guest relations and tell them of your difficulties. You never know, they may not realize how difficult hte system is for people with non-typical allergies.

 

[hematite153]

Hematite: Write to guest relations and tell them of your difficulties. You never know, they may not realize how difficult hte system is for people with non-typical allergies.

That's a good point and a good idea.

Thanks!

 

[cherylp3]

Regarding Religious reasons: example Kosher - there are Kosher meals available if you give 24 hrs notice and are willing to use a CC ( it is used if you don't show up)

To the person with a meat issue: You can request a kosher fish or pasta meal
(Kosher is not allowed to mix milk and meat - so no meat issues with the meal)

I was told by a chef today (I'm doing a special order) that when you ask dining for the chef's number that it sends a message to the chef to let them know you will be calling, the chef I spoke with suggested calling about a week in advance of your meal.

 

[Piper]

I have an allergy to, of all things, mango. I listed it on my reservations and emailed Brenda Bennett. She has sent several emails about some of the places I have ADRs telling me about specific items that have mango. Today, someone from Rose and Crown called me to tell me that their salad dressing had mango in it. I have been advised to check with the chef in all restaurants.

I think that I have had a very good response and am pleased so far. I'll let you know how it goes when I get back.

 

[hematite153]

To the person with a meat issue: You can request a kosher fish or pasta meal
(Kosher is not allowed to mix milk and meat - so no meat issues with the meal)

I've tried this in many places before, but, generally this means I get a meal without protein since I find that most places think you'll get protein at another meal. As far as at wdw--if I'm special ordering a meal in advance, I'd rather have something that more closely matches my own preferences.

However, I shouldn't need to order a kosher meal--they claim to have at least one vegetarian item on every menu that is available without a pre-order. So, without pre-arranging anything I should be able to eat this meal. But, when I said I had an 'allergy' several of the restaurants told me that the vegetarian meal would not be safe. I really think this is a serious problem--why are they advertising it as vegetarian then???

 

[cherylp3]

Understood on the protein issue.

I would agree that anything vegetarian should be free of meat derivataves as well. Perhaps you could call or email Brenda your concerns and also contact the Orlando Vegetarian group?

 

[mechurchlady]

The Kosher meal is a frozen dinner that is sealed in plastic as are the utensils. Being Kosher does not mean that the meal will be meatless. The noodles probably contain eggs or dairy, cannot remember what goes in noodles, lol. The fish dish may contain eggs, dairy or even meat depending on the menu. Kosher means no no meat AND dairy but can be either dairy or meat. Kosher allows mean AND eggs in the same meal as well as meals containing egg AND dairy. Vegans do not use honey which is allowed in the Kosher meal whether or not meat is present. Some vegans avoid refined sugar because bone ash (i think) is used to process the sugar. Gelatins may be made from animals. Cochineal is made from a tiny bug.

As a non-orthodox Jew why should I have to eat a frozen dinner and call ahead the day before to get it? Why be denied all the dining wonders because some food may have something I cannot eat in it. Why pay $10 to $50 for a meal but then realize your religious and/or moral values are violated. There are some religions like 7th day adventist who do not eat meat, Mormons and Baptist avoid alcohol, and Muslims avoid pork. I would be very upset to find out the my beans had lard in them, for example, if I was a non-meat eater. I recently had a hissy fit when my burger was touching another burger's bun. Last night I found out about Nasty Burgers which make me cringe at what is in that deep fryer, sigh.

 

[cherylp3]

I was helping the person that had a meat allergy : she clearly stated she ate eggs and dairy.

Trust me I've had the kosher meals before. I find them needing improvement.
As someone who has dairy intolerance, I also would be upset if ordered something and found it had dairy.

 

[livndisney]

As a non-orthodox Jew why should I have to eat a frozen dinner and call ahead the day before to get it? Why be denied all the dining wonders because some food may have something I cannot eat in it. Why pay $10 to $50 for a meal but then realize your religious and/or moral values are violated. There are some religions like 7th day adventist who do not eat meat, Mormons and Baptist avoid alcohol, and Muslims avoid pork. I would be very upset to find out the my beans had lard in them, for example, if I was a non-meat eater. I recently had a hissy fit when my burger was touching another burger's bun. Last night I found out about Nasty Burgers which make me cringe at what is in that deep fryer, sigh.

I am not sure I understand this. I always have to call ahead to have a sit down meal. I have severe food allergies, there are TONS of places I can't eat. I have even been told by a Disney Chef (on the day of the ressies) not come to Ohana's as they would not be able to cook for me. And this is after I spoke to several people at Ohana's about my allergies and being assured I had nothing to worry about.

How do you feel it should be handled?

 

[cherylp3]

liv: I believe mechurchlady was specifically referring to the kosher meals.

 

[VAN]

I guess I'm also not understanding ... it appears that the restaurant staff refunded your dining credits.

If I had some special dietary needs, I would not wait until I showed up at the restaurant to discuss them. I'd do some research in advance prior to making reservations to ensure that my needs could be met.

You say that all the other restaurants were full. I believe that there are a couple at the Boardwalk that are on the dining plan and don't take reservations.

I know some of you will disagree, but if I have special needs, I feel it is MY responsibility to make sure they are met, rather than assuming that others will have my best interests at heart and/or are even in a position to meet my special requirements.

I'm sorry for being harsh about this, but feel that we need to look after ourselves rather than set ourselves up for disappointment because someone isn't/won't go out of their way for us.

 

[dclfun]

We've also had experiences where the chef that was assigned to us didn't "get it". My son is in renal failure/dialysis and is on a very strict diet- no sodium, very low potassium, calcium, phosphorus which really means he can eat plain red meats, not so much chicken or shellfish, plain veggies ( but only certain ones), and rice or noodles( made with little salt only) Breads have lots of sodium and many foods are now fortified with calcium. Many fruits have potassium. It's a difficult diet to follow. We dined once at Cali grill and requested that his steak be cooked w/o salt. The chef said, "well, we have to cook it in *some* salt or it won't taste right. After a little discussion he finally agreed to cook the steak w/o salt as long as we knew it might not "taste good" but my son was embarrassed to discuss his medical condition in front of everyone which the chef clearly didn't understand and shouldn't have to understand. We asked for what he needed and didn't want to argue about it or feel like his needs were an imposition. We also had great difficulty at Boma. My son got a meal of gristly, fatty prime rib and noodles with unsalted cold butter on the side...period, no dessert, nothing else. It wasn't until I complained about the lack of variety and asked that he be at least given some unsalted veggies and fresh fruit w/o sauce or accompaniments that they complied but everyone else was nearly finished by the time I insisted on some further options. The chef was escorting people through the buffet and pointing out allergy needs but for ingredient needs and restrictions, she was clueless. Brenda Bennett was a godsend, helping us with CS meals and arranging prepared foods he could eat to be picked up at specific times/locations. It meant planning on our part but it really helped him feel he could enjoy his meals too. We didn't have much success with calling ahead for TS places as we were told that his needs could be met and just to speak with the chef when we got to the restaurant- not true. As to the issue of vegetarian food, I feel strongly that it should be just that- no meat or meat products. Lard/meat by products should not be allowed in the cooking process- ugh!---Kathy

 

[Selket]

We also had great difficulty at Boma. My son got a meal of gristly, fatty prime rib and noodles with unsalted cold butter on the side...period, no dessert, nothing else.

If you can eat at Boma when Chef TJ is there you will have the best experience dining with food restrictions of any restaurant on Disney property. He is completely awesome.

 

[Talking Hands]

If you can eat at Boma when Chef TJ is there you will have the best experience dining with food restrictions of any restaurant on Disney property. He is completely awesome.

Amen to that. Twice Chef TJ has made special meals for someone in our party. Once for my daughter who is vegan and once for me who is diabetic and have an allergy to all sugar substitutes but Splenda. Both times the meals were awesome. He also made sure I had desserts every night in concierge that were safe for me. Most of the dishes at Boma I found out do have some sugar or other ingredient in them I can't have (allergic to mango as well) TJ prepared the best meal and used Splenda as the swetener for all of it. I did give Boma several weeks notice of this problem as I knew they might not have this ingrdient avaialble on short notice.

 

[mechurchlady]

I was addressing the Kosher meals as a substiture for vegan and other diets. Being vegan is not easy and many common foods may containg meat. I wish people would stop saying Kosher meals is the answer. It is not and is a frozen dinner heated up in a microwave. There are not guarantees that the Kosher will be GF, cassein, meat, egg, nut, soy, etc. free.

I have celiac which means damage to my insides as well as chocolate, soy, egg and dairy. Each trip away from home requires much planning. A dinner with friends at a new restaurant may mean online research and/or emails and phone calls. Even if it is last minute I know where every GR place is.

Due to the high number of people on special diets it is very important that people educate and demand satisfaction. I did some educating at the burger stand when they gave me mom's burger in the same bag as mine. Her burger was touching mine. Education and awareness is the key. I told the lady at the burger stand to look at my inflamed eyelid and hand. Any wheat means internal damage which means malabsorbtion which leads to a low immune system. those infections are because gluten got into me somehow. OOOHH and you see the light bulb pop on.

I think they must think we are picky eaters who do nto like eggs, soy, milk, nuts or food dyes. I am a fussy eater who eats no wheat, so what if a bit of wheat is in my food, and oopsy. sigh i could rant all night on this topic, lol.

 

[dclfun]

I think for anyone with special needs there's a concern about "demanding" satisfaction and accommodation vs. feeling like we're asking for something unrealistic. Where is the line drawn? Where is the responsibility? Is every restaurant required to accommodate every specific dietary need and allergy or are we, the allergic or with needs, supposed to just suck it up and dine only at places that ARE accommodating? Is there even any law regarding accommodations in dining/ingredients and if they must be made? I'm just playing devil's advocate since I really don't know. When we stayed at concierge level recently I didn't ask if they could bring snacks/foods to the lounge that my son could eat. Since most of the evening foods at AKL concierge are brought up from Boma/Jiko they all have rubs or salt, or something else David can't eat. In the evening if we were in the lounge, he got to enjoy Sprite and certain fresh fruits but mostly everything else was off limits. As I felt as though those were offerings that came with concierge and we could take them or leave them, I didn't expect anyone to accommodate his needs in that area. Dining in a restaurant I did expect that. I'm just wondering how others feel on the subject as more and more people have allergies or have specific dietary needs and have trouble finding restaurants either in their home town or at WDW, etc. We usually prepare fresh, organic foods at home and don't eat out except at WDW so I haven't had alot of experience. Do we accept that we can't eat out at home yet expect WDW to accommodate everyone? Is that reasonable? Is it legally required or are we just lucky that WDW in general does well in that area but they don't really have to? How do most people handle dining out, outside of the "world"?---Kathy

 

[Talking Hands]

Honestly I would like total accommodation on my dietary needs but also realize it is not practical. Like diet sodas. I know Disney doesn't carry any made with Splenda so I will either carry my own or get unsweetened ice tea. As for other allergies I am careful what I eat so as not to be served shellfish or mango. If there is something on a buffet i would like and it is next to something I can't have I will ask that a fresh serving be provided due to cross contamination issues but if it doen't happen I just don't eat that item and move on. You learn to adjust and be cautious. Or just not eat at that restaurant.
I have been warned not to go to the Japanese restaurant by Brenda and also a friend that is a castmember. Both have said that it isn't safe and they can't guarantee that there will be no cross contamination of my food behind the scenes. I go there at my own risk. Since my allergy at this point isn't to the point of anaphalaxis I decide if the risk is worth the enjoyment. So far it hasn't been as we cook Japanese food at home a good deal of the time.
Ultimately our health is up to ourselves and we have to make the decisions of what we will and wll not accept. When a chef offers an alternative that is not acceptible it is up to us to refuse that. I had a Chef at Garden Grill offer me a Rice Krispie treat as an acceptible dessert for a diabetic because he said he had a diabetic relative that eats them. No, not an acceptible dessert. I went without dessert instead as there was nothing with Splenda, the only artificial sweetener I can tolerate and no fresh fruit that I could have. Even the sugar free ice cream is not ok for me.

 

[livndisney]

I second what Kathy and Lisbet have said.
We have various allergies in our family. Mine being most severe (life threatening). We don't eat out except for at WDW. I don't "demand" to be accommodated. If I have done my part and notified a chef ahead of time, and I get there and don't feel my needs are met. I don't eat. I have only had this problem once (character meal at MGM). The chef just did not get "it", speaking with a manager did not help. So I did not eat and was not charged.
I was not thrilled with the way the Chef at Ohana's handled my situation and have avoided that place ever since. But I feel it would have been wrong of me to go to Ohana's and demand to be served. Do I know if it is legal for them to refuse me? no.

I do worry about cross contamination, but have found for the most part even the chef's at the food courts are wonderful. They will cook my food on a clean grill, change gloves etc. Try getting the workers at Subway to change their gloves LOL.

The one "thing" I will "fight" for is dairy free ice cream. I know which places in the parks serve dairy free ice cream. I will not accept the lazy CM who doesn't want to be bothered so they tell me they don't have it. (I will not tell my DD she cannot have ice cream in a hot theme park.) I have and will ask for a manager.