Going to restaurants is a fun way to try new food and explore all the options laid out on the menu in front of you. However it isn’t always the same for me and many others around the world. Since a young age I’ve had food allergies. I grew out of a few, but I’m still allergic to milk and have a risk of death if I consume eggs. I can’t remember a time where I didn’t have to be conscious of the ingredients I’m ingesting.

Recently my family went on a vacation to Europe, where we spent Christmas in Paris and New Year’s in London. The trip was so surreal, all of the historic sites and architecture were so unique and divine. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Past vacations I’ve gone anaphylactic, or had a reaction, to food we’ve been served. On this vacation the threat of a reaction was more worrying because of language barriers and the distance from home.

Before leaving I visited my allergist for a treatment and check up on the severity on my sensitivity. While making casual conversation we informed him of our upcoming trip. He notified us of a website to print off a card that would state my allergies and the mortal risk they cause in whatever language needed. Thanks to his advice, three laminated cards were packed in our luggage and handed to every waiter we met in France.

Our first night we visited a restaurant on Rue Clair street near our hotel. When it was time to order and the waiter looked towards me I handed him my card. He took it and read over it. He immediately asked me what I was interested in and opted to make any changes so I could eat my desired meal. Once served, he watched over to make sure I was unharmed. We returned to the restaurant three times, not only because of their commitment to my well-being, but because it was really good.

Each eatery we visited took my allergies into account and some even resorted to making “special meals”. Their awareness was unlike anything we’d ever seen in America. They took account of my difficulty and made sure I was not only safe but enjoyed the food I was given.

After experiencing the kindness and high class service of Paris, we were hoping for the same recognition from London. My family’s first dinner out I noticed a “v” next to certain items and a ”ve” next to others. I soon came to to the conclusion that they labeled all items on their menu that were vegan or vegetarian. Not only that but they had an allergy menu. We all agreed that we should definitely return to eat there again. However after walking by multiple restaurants the next morning we realized every restaurant labeled their food with the same “v” or  “ve”.

The food in London was delicious in contrast to popular belief and my family thoroughly enjoyed everything that was set down in front of us. Just like in Paris we had a restaurant that we ate at three times and we would’ve gone more if we could have done so.

The vacation was eye opening to where America is lacking in customer service. I felt extremely safe and never felt worried or scared to eat something in London and Paris; which isn’t the case for restaurants in this community.

The trip was very beautiful, inspiring, unique, and of course, delicious.