Page 48 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Quick Tip - Some countries have different variations on recipes we think are familiar. They may add common allergens for different textures of flavours. Never make assumptions with a food that might usually be safe at home.
When things go wrong
Cake Surprise, by Sydney P.
While vacationing in Hawaii several years ago, I had the unfortunate outcome of an allergic reaction. I was having dinner with friends at a hotel restaurant. I had done my homework and called ahead to ensure that they could accommodate my food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Since there was no language barrier, I assumed that the kitchen staff understood my condition. My main course went by without incident and my anxiety had almost dissipated. I thought I was now in the clear. As we were getting ready to pay, the waiter arrived with a steaming lava cake in hand for my friend's birthday. While my friends started to dig in, I stood up, went to talk with the waiter, and inquired about the ingredients. A few minutes later he returned from the kitchen with a smile. He declared that the chef had made the cake from scratch and that there was not a single nut inside. I felt slightly uncomfortable. But I decided to try some to join in the fun.
To make a long story short, I had an allergic reaction. I was well-equipped with my auto-injector and the hotel staff was quick to call an ambulance. The following day, after a not so exciting visit to the local emergency department, I returned to the restaurant to figure out what had happened. As it turns out, the chef was correct. The cake didn't have any nuts in it. But the waiter forgot to check the ingredients in the ice cream piled on top of the cake. I learned that macadamia nuts are a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. I learned many things from this experience: 1) If you have any doubt, whatsoever, don't risk it; 2) Always travel equipped with travel insurance; and, lastly, 3) Don’t be embarrassed to ask to speak directly with the chef!
Opened Eyes on the Open Water, by Talia
Last summer, my parents and I went on a cruise around Italy. Every evening we would have dinner in the ship’s dining room. When we booked the trip a few months prior, we informed the staff about my food allergies. The staff was very accommodating and assured me that there was a special section of the kitchen where “special orders” were prepared. They assured me that there would be no contamination with any of my allergens. The head chef even met with me to ask me what kind of food I liked!
One night, for dessert, we got chocolate cake. I asked the waiter if there were any nuts in the cake, just to be sure. He told me that there weren’t. I had eaten quite a bit of the cake when I noticed little decorations on the cake. I asked my mother if they were edible. She paused, and then told me to put my fork down. It turns out that they were made of marzipan, which contains almonds (one of my allergens).