I don't want to whinge about dietary restrictions, but I just want to say that it is really difficult when you go out for a meal to find something that will suit. (no citrus, nuts, shellfish, food additives or colours, mushrooms, yeast, spicy or processed foods)
Previously, I would always choose some sort of seafood, and generally shellfish. A restaurant meal with a previously good range of food is now fraught with uncertainty as I run my eyes over the choices available.
As fish has been cleared, at least for the time being, as a source of intolerance, I started there, but all of the options had either citrus with them, as an integral part of the dish, or were combined with shellfish. Then, a look at the chicken, revealed tomato, as did the vegetarian option. I couldn't bring myself to choose steak, because my preference is for more on the well done side, and most restaurants don't want to cook it the way I want it. Anything with bread crumbs, or croutons, like Onion Soup as part of the dish is also out. No shellfish also meant I couldn't eat snails with garlic and butter, which really needs to be eaten with bread, anyway, as snails fit into the category of shellfish as far as intolerances go.
I was left with a leek soup, (very delicious) and venison meatballs, with gnocchi and a sauce parisienne. The sauce was a little like a chutney..., so not really sure whether I did the right thing, even then.
Then mineral water, which came served with a refreshing slice of lemon...which I didn't even think about until I had finished it... Must have been chatting too much.
At least the symptoms seem to be no worse today, and may even be a little better...
I am reliably informed, by a friend who is a coeliac, that travelling overseas with a food intolerance is mighty difficult. Language barriers, unfamiliar food, and sheer tiredness can mean that choosing something suitable is not easy at all.
