We all know that living with food allergies is challenging, especially while eating out. We need to be diligent and vigilant to ensure that we do not end up in the bathroom all evening or worse that we do not end up in the hospital. To add to our cautious feeling while dining out, we also feel like we are put on the spot. The whole table stops to hear our list of allergies and to see how we discuss with the server possible alternatives. Everyone waits with baited breath to see if we can eat here or if we have to go somewhere else. Dining out can be quite an ordeal but it is feasible. I do it at least once a week and sometimes up to four times, with no reactions. Knock on wood!
Well this past weekend, this Allergic Traveler had a different experience. I went out to a bloggers’ conference being held in Raleigh. We had dinner on Friday night and the conference was held on Saturday. I will tell you more about the conference in the next post. For now I am going to focus on the dinner.
We went to Primal Food & Spirits in Durham, NC, where 29 of us (yes 29!) had to order special meals. Many at the table were gluten free while others were dairy free or had a list of allergies (like me!). This restaurant specializes in gluten free dining. Their menu is quite extensive. There is something for everyone. People at our table had everything from beef ribs, to feta and bacon, to octopus and fish. Aside from the deliciousness, the other thing that impressed me about this restaurant is that it has only been open for about a month. The owners took great pride in taking care of us. To cater to a team of 29 bloggers while only being open for less than a month is very gutsy. But when you offer a great product and service, then why not? I would like to thank Primal Food & Spirits for an excellent job, great presentation and superb service. I am very much looking forward to my next dining experience there.
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As a person with Celiac I was anxiously waiting the opening of this business. My wife and I went there last weekend and it was amazing!! This was the first time I have ever been able to walk into a restaurant and not wonder “what can I eat that will not make me sick” I had to keep telling myself the ENTIRE menu was available to me. The staff was great and the GM even was making stops at every table to ensure all were having a good meal. This will be a regular night out for me and my wife for sure!!!
Glad you liked it! Isn’t it a great feeling when you can dine with ease? I can’t wait to go back.
I absolutely love this restaurant! My boyfriend and I went on their opening weekend and were so excited to have an entire menu of delicious choices 🙂
I looked forwards to Primal’s opening for months, and my husband took me there for the first time for our anniversary two weekends ago. It was wonderful! Can’t wait to go again.
My husband and daughter had no idea they’d feel so relaxed eating at Primal. They thought it was too good to be true. Our meals were wonderful and we look forward to future visits.