Culips Everyday English Podcast Real Talk # 66 – How to tell your server you have food allergies
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Mar 26, 2026 Learn practical phrases for telling a server about severe allergies and asking about ingredients and garnishes. Hear how to request protection from cross-contamination and praise staff who go the extra mile. Get clear explanations of terms like severe allergy versus intolerance and common menu abbreviations such as EVOO, GF, DF, V, and NF.
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Tell Your Server About Severe Allergies Right Away
- Tell your server immediately about serious allergies using clear words like I have a severe nut allergy.
- Ask follow-ups about specific dishes (e.g., does the sauce contain peanuts or are they just a garnish) before ordering to avoid risk.
Cross Contamination Can Make Nut-Free Dishes Unsafe
- Cross-contamination is as important as ingredient presence because shared utensils or pans can expose allergens.
- Ask staff to use separate pans and utensils or notify the chef to prevent accidental exposure even when a dish is naturally nut-free.
Andrew's Notepad Trick From His Server Job
- Andrew recalls using a notepad as a server to write allergy notes to avoid mistakes.
- He relied on pen and paper during his six-month part-time server job to ensure accurate orders and good customer service.
