My cousin and her teenage son are visiting from Ohio and he has eosinophilic esophagitis and cannot eat dairy, wheat, or eggs. I’d still like to take them to a restaurant with some memorable food, but I’m frankly not sure where to start and thinking about a restaurant that will have (1) a few options with the restrictions mentioned above and (2) take the food restriction seriously in terms of making sure not even a small amount of them are present in his food. I have no food restrictions so have not had to think in this way before in DC. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

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FIFA95_itsinthegame t1_jechcxk wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:24 AM

Fancy Radish and Oyster Oyster can probably accommodate those restrictions. Wherever you go I would suggest calling ahead.

MoreCleverUserName t1_jecoth3 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 1:20 AM

Sounds like Ethiopian food would be a perfect fit if you avoid the chicken dishes (they are often served with a whole, hard-boiled egg added in) and confirm the restaurant only uses teff (a type of millet) in their injera. I would suggest Das in Georgetown or Dukem on U Street, as many of the other popular restaurants are small mom-and-pops that might be more difficult to coordinate the special dietary needs. Note that some dishes are traditionally cooked with butter so you’ll need them to walk you through those. But it is clarified butter/ghee, in case the milk solids are the allergen.

colorofmydreams t1_jecvju2 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:12 AM

Fogo de chao or any meat-heavy restaurant would be good. Fogo de Chao is memorable but it is a chain with some locations in Ohio so it might not feel speicial. Old Ebbitt is really good at dealing with food allergies and special needs and it is a DC institution so that would be a good and special choice, but maybe a bit fancy for a teenager. Any steakhouse would probably be a good option. Farmers Fishers Bakers on the Georgetown waterfront is also good with allergies.

Another idea might be to take them to the seafood market at the Wharf and cook at home, if he eats fish? Or take them to a seafood restaurant, but I don't have a specific allergy-friendly recommendation for one.

eliza3117 t1_jed049m wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:49 AM

I second Old Ebbitt Grill. I’ve been there while I had strict food restrictions (including grains and dairy). Great meal with a very knowledgeable and accommodating server - he let me know what I could eat and made suggestions for substitutions. A good pick if you’re looking for a DC classic.

ephemeralarteries t1_jechjhd wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:25 AM

in ignorant about the difference between wheat and gluten intolerance and I'd definitely still call to ask but as far as avoiding eggs and dairy I'd recommend for sit down places:

Sticky Fingers Diner

Fancy Radish

DC Vegan

any Ethiopian place

for fast casual:

Pow Pow

HipCityVeg

VEGZ

Falafel Inc.

romanceordelusion t1_jecnthg wrote on March 31, 2023 at 1:13 AM

I’d be worried about crossover at fast casual?

iimplodethings t1_jefl4e5 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:27 PM

One thing to be aware of is that unless you go to a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, there's a pretty large risk of cross contamination or just outright having wheat in things – one study found that upwards of 1/3 of restaurant meals labeled "gluten free" actually contained wheat.

Ethiopian food is great but often teff flour in the US is mixed with wheat flour, so make sure that isn't the case

Anyways, I second Chaia and also I'd add Seoul Spice to the list.

AnonyJustAName t1_jecyzhl wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:40 AM

I would personally make fun meals in so that there is 100% control over ingredients. Eating out with those restrictions might go ok but if not, could ruin trip and cause a long lasting flare. As someone whose kid had food restrictions, eating out is stressful. I'd make fun experience memories that are not food centered.

OldMarket3194 t1_jecf1wx wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:07 AM

Fogo de chao?

LaFemmePasGrande t1_jeec9cn wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:14 PM

I have a gluten intolerance so I’m not as up on the dairy and egg restrictions but bibibop is fully gluten free and not much dairy if any. Chaia comes up a lot as food allergen friendly. Sweet crimes is a gluten free bakery near eastern market. They take all food allergies seriously. Rise is another gluten free place in AdMo. Lots of gluten free people can’t tolerate eggs or dairy either so most places that focus on that will be safe. There’s a vegan, gluten free place in Baltimore that might be worth the trip.

[deleted] t1_jef958h wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:09 PM

[deleted]

d_hor t1_jegh0ej wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:59 PM

fancy radish, oyster oyster

vtsandtrooper t1_jee788r wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:25 AM

Ramen but skip the egg

vtsandtrooper t1_jee7aek wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:26 AM

Im an idiot, the ramen itself would be a problem

mycevicheaddiction t1_jeepaal wrote on March 31, 2023 at 1:58 PM

Pho could work though