I hate going out for dinner to nice restaurants and feeling like a real difficult customer. It makes me feel embarrassed to ask the waiter for gluten free, sauce free, everything free food. I feel like the fussiest fuss pot going, but this can't be helped and I have found that the majority of restaurants are more than happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
On Wednesday night I went to Hakkasan in London to celebrate my boyfriend's sisters birthday. I had been to Hakkasan once before and it hadn't worked out very well... My boyfriend had booked for us to go in November 2014 for our anniversary and I was so looking forward to going as I had never been before. We had arranged to stay the night in London, and were both looking forward to it. Typically in true 'Daisy' style, the day of our anniversary I was not feeling well. I made myself go into work (it was only a walk from where we were staying) but left an hour later. I was suffering with stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, a temperature - all of which I now know is my Crohn's flaring up. I thought I just had a bug or the flu coming on and went to bed to make sure I felt better for the evening. I couldn't eat anything at all, but because of the diarrhoea and sickness made sure I kept drinking lots of water. I was determined to go out that night and celebrate my anniversary nicely. I didn't let on to my boyfriend how bad I was, because I didn't want to spoil the night for him. So anyway, we went to the restaurant and all was ok. My boyfriend ordered all the food as I didn't know what to choose and so much came out which all looked and smelt delicious. I remember I put one pork rib in my mouth and it wasn't going anywhere. I quickly made a run to the toilet and saved myself from vomiting in the middle of the posh Mayfair eatery! I started to cry as I couldn't believe I was spoiling yet another night out. I really felt terrible but there was no way I could stay out. I went back to the table and said to my boyfriend how sorry I was and asked if we could go home. He was more than happy to and said I should've told him how bad I felt as he would have understood and I know he would have because he is so supportive and I am so lucky to have him.
So with my first trip to Hakkasan not going down well, I decided I would plan ahead this time! I had read somewhere that most restaurants will accommodate to your dietary requirements if you contact them before hand, so this is what I did. I sent an email to Hakkasan Hanway Place explaining my condition and foods that I could eat and they were more than happy to help. They gave me options of things to choose from and I went for steamed fish, veg and plain rice. During the evening the waiters were all lovely and really helpful, explaining anything to me and answering any of my questions. It felt so lovely to have a nice dinner out and not be worried about what the staff thought of me being difficult, or forcing myself to eat something for the sake of not looking rude.
Me and the birthday girl Emma B
With what I have learnt about contacting restaurants in mind, I have contacted the few restaurants and hotel I have booked for when I go to Vegas next week. They have all replied with more than helpful responses and this has made me feel much more at ease about going and still being able to enjoy myself. So this time next week I will be eating dinner at Hakkasan in Las Vegas!
XOXO Crohnie Girl
#hakkasan #eatclean #dietryrequirements #eatingout #glutenfree
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