If you would like the chef to leave off a sauce, they are happy to accommodate.
I am allergic to sea food and need to always check that the sauces or soups are not made with any lobster or shrimp base or garnished with shrimp. In the event this occurs, they substitute with something else or leave the sauce or garnish off.
The biggest challenge is the language barrier with some of the servers. I have a Spanish translation of my allergy on a little laminated card that the server reads before I order. Often, he will take it to the chef and return with assurance that there is "no problem". The greeters at the door of all restaurants are the first line of communication, and they all seem to be fluent in English. I've tried to ask some of the folks who bring in food to the buffet steam tables and they will struggle to understand so its best to start with the greeters.
Don't hesitate to let your needs/wishes known.... always with a smile that is graciously returned with a smile
