CRUMBS, CAUTION AND COMPASSION:
THE GOLDEN RULE: Always ask questions. It only takes one inquiry to ensure a safe experience, and once you know a dish is safe, it can become a go-to favorite. To the restaurants that go the extra mile- we see you and we thank you.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 45
CRUMBS, CAUTION AND COMPASSION:
Eating Out With Food Allergies in Stillwater
A sandwich shop is one of my family’ s favorite types of restaurants, but as someone with a high gluten intolerance, I used to never join them.
Asandwich shop is one of my family’ s favorite types of restaurants, but as someone with a high gluten intolerance, I used to never join them. I’ ll never forget a couple of years ago when I tried to order a salad there. I watched the worker prepare it without changing the gloves he had just worn to make a sandwich, and he prepped it on a counter covered in breadcrumbs. I didn’ t dare chance eating it.
Fast forward two years: I stopped by the restaurant to order sandwiches for my family’ s dinner, and the new owner, Ryan Costello, was there training employees. As I left, he said,“ I hope you’ ll be back.” I responded that it was highly likely because my family loves Jersey Mike’ s.“ Well, hopefully you will, too,” he said with a smile.
I explained that I have a gluten intolerance and that even with a gluten-free bread option, cross-contamination is a major concern. He assured me that under his ownership, the utmost precautions would be taken to accommodate guests— new gloves, thoroughly wiped counters and equipment, and sandwiches prepped on clean parchment paper.
About four months later, we decided to give it a try. Costello’ s promises held true. The staff was wonderful— thorough, cautious, and kind— despite a line forming behind us due to the extra prep time. One of the workers even told me,“ People with celiac disease have to eat, too.” Navigating Different Allergens
For people with lactose intolerance, it is usually easy to avoid dairy; you can simply ask to have it removed. Peanut allergens, however, can be harder to spot. While peanuts are rarely used in standard sandwiches, there are exceptions. For example, while most shops do not use peanut oil, Jimmy John’ s uses it for their chips. According to the National Peanut Board and the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, fried food is often the culprit when it comes to peanut oil, so always ask about fries or house-made chips.
At sushi and Asian restaurants, peanut-based oils and sauces are common. While Jersey Mike’ s offers the benefit of an open kitchen where you can watch the safety measures firsthand, other restaurants with closed kitchens require more trust.
The Golden Rule: Always ask questions. It only takes one inquiry to ensure a safe experience, and once you know a dish is safe, it can become a go-to favorite. To
the restaurants that go the extra mile- we see you and we thank you.
STILLWATER LOCAL RESTAURANT INSIGHTS
SANDWICH JOINTS
McAlister’ s Deli and Panera Bread: Both offer GF bread and take precautions like cleaning counters, changing gloves, and using barrier paper during prep.
Red Rock Bakery & Deli: They do not offer GF bread, but if you order a salad and specify an allergy, they will take the utmost precautions.
Pickleman’ s Gourmet Café: While they lack GF bread, they offer lettuce wraps and 10- inch cauliflower crust pizzas. They follow standard allergy precautions upon request.
THE GOLDEN RULE: Always ask questions. It only takes one inquiry to ensure a safe experience, and once you know a dish is safe, it can become a go-to favorite. To the restaurants that go the extra mile- we see you and we thank you.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 45