Last night, I treated myself. I am lucky. I live in a big city surrounded by gluten free restaurants that are safe and delicious.

Within a 5 mile radius of my house, I know of 3 almost completely dedicated gluten free restaurants. I know of about 10 restaurants where I can get a safe gluten free meal.

Anyway, last night I rolled around in that luxury. Due to various reasons, I had to take my daughter to a practice that was across town. It was within a 7 minute drive of one of my favorite gluten free places.

I ate polenta fries, onion rings, and tuna nachos without fear. I didn’t have a long conversation with the waitress about cross contamination in the kitchen. I didn’t ask about a dedicated fryer. I ordered and ate, like a normal person.

More restaurants need to understand the small luxury that dining out can offer. Eating out can be a respite for those with food allergies. A break in a world where eating is often either work or fear inducing. A place where we can just have a moment to enjoy company or a quiet moment to ourselves.

Last night was a quiet moment for me after a long and busy holiday season. I didn’t realize how much I needed that hour by myself at a table enjoying a meal. I let someone else take care of it all.

We often focus so much on ensuring we are getting a celiac safe meal. Sometimes it is hard to let go. It is hard to trust someone to get it right. People so often get it wrong, it’s hard to trust. It’s hard to believe someone can do it as well as I can.

Anyway, I’m grateful that I have restaurants, friends, and family I can trust for a safe meal. I hope you have the same.

Tomorrow I’ll get back to ranting and raving, but today this feels right.