By Angela Gartner
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nine foods in particular account for more than 90% of serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. The list includes milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybean and sesame. Celiac disease, which is different from a food allergy, is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. It can cause gastrointestinal issues including, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, as well as fatigue and other symptoms.
These are not new challenges, as families across the region are dealing with how to stay safe and spread awareness on food allergies and sensitivities.
Jay Leitson, co-owner of the 56 Restaurant Group, which includes 56 Kitchen and Catering, Elle Restaurant and Lounge, and Birdigo Chicken and Custard, has been in the industry for 40 years.
He says that, over the years, it seems like food sensitivities have become more prevalent. He became more aware when he was catering, as he would receive lists of sensitivities for guests.
His restaurant, 56 Kitchen, has a dedicated fryer and offers a menu with gluten-free and vegan options.
While he thinks the restaurant industry is doing better, everyone — restaurants and customers — has to do their part.
“You have a lot of customers that love us because we have a gluten-free, vegan fryer — they come back to us,“ he says.
He suggests if you have a food allergy or sensitivity to call the restaurant and ask questions like if they have another fryer dedicated for people with allergies, or how the service staff is trained in relying or knowing all the ingredients on the menu’s dishes.
“I get so many people that are allergic to different things, so you have to be careful and so that’s why we’re careful at the restaurant, as well,” he says.
Resources for Feeding issues and Food Allergies in the region
- Allison Rose Foundation, allisonrosefoundation.org
- Cleveland Feeding & Swallowing Center, cleveswallowingcenter.org
- Cleveland Clinic Food Allergy Center, cleveswallowingcenter.orgcleveswallowingcenter.org
The Food Challenge Clinic, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, uhhospitals.org
Here are just a few restaurants in the region that offer gluten-free, vegan-friendly and/or nut-free options. *
56 Kitchen
Solon and Mayfield Heights,
56kitchen.com
Avo Modern Mexican
Ohio City, avo-ohiocity.com
Brick and Vine
Brecksville, brickandvinerestaurant.com
BOSS ChickNBeer
Berea, Bay Village, Seven Hills, and Cuyahoga Falls,
bosschicknbeer.com
Cordelia
Cleveland, cordeliacle.com
Fahrenheit Cleveland fahrenheitrestaurants.com
Lizzie’s Bakery lizziesbakerynutfree.com
Tavern Six
Kirtland and Chagrin Falls, tavernsix.com
TownHall
Cleveland, townhallornowhere.com
Note* Menus, ingredients and preparation practices can change. Please review current menus and contact each restaurant directly for specific ingredients, allergen information and whether dedicated fryers or other equipment are used before ordering.