Usually feel very happy and safe here! As it is one of two places both myself and my roommate (who has numerous allergies: legumes, soy, tree nuts, peanuts) can enjoy together (I’m celiac and dairy and meat free).
Recently, I went in to order a takeout salad and - knowing that salad prep stations can be one of the most contaminated areas in a kitchen - asked about the safety of the particular item or if I was better off ordering hot food.
I got the canned response celiacs are terribly familiar with about not being able to guarantee anything, I apologized and asked for details on what they do to prevent cross contamination … just another comment on how they’re conscientious of allergies and that it’s peanut/ tree restaurant (again that’s great but unhelpful here).
Another worker who was taking my order asked if I had any questions I could help with, so I tried again to ask about what steps they take / if the salad bar was my worst bet. The original worker cut off her response with a snappy: “she’s not going to tell you anything different that what I said” or something along those lines.
At the time I was embarrassed and felt like I had been the one in the wrong for asking again. But in a restaurant known for its allergy awareness I don’t think asking about what measures they take is out of line at all.
This was the first truly poor experience I had here, and the only interaction I had with this woman. The man who I understand to be the owner has always been warm, welcoming, and gone out of his way to assure we felt safe eating here. All love to this establishment but a reminder that people with dietary restrictions are ~anxious~ and concerns are valid. openness about safe practices is how you establish trust and create repeat customers.
— Very
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Most/All
— Excellent