DAY 1
Travel: American Airlines
This was the first time my family and I used American Airlines. They were great with accommodating allergies and had pre-boarding available.
Breakfast: Just Bagels
We got these at the local bodega on 181st street! This was the only place (bagel shops included) where the bagels are completely peanut and tree nut free!! These were delicious New York bagels labeled peanut and tree nut free! We bought these and made bagels and cream cheese for breakfast almost everyday.
Lunch: Malecon
Best Dominican food spot in the heights! There staff is trained and educated on allergens! They cook in vegetable oil and have a separate prep area for allergens. They have no peanuts or nuts in the majority of their main dishes. The only one is the pesto dish.
Dinner: Yang Garden Chinese Food
Allergy friendly Chinese food in NYC! As soon as you enter, they have a sign mentioning the top 8 allergens, what you can do as a customer to let them know, and what they do to make sure you are safe. There are two dishes on the menu that contain peanuts: the Kung Pao chicken and the Lo Mein. However, when you place your order they tell the entire kitchen about your allergen, change oils, clean utensils and surfaces, and prepare your meal free from your allergen. We did order the lo mein because my sister wanted it, but they made it completely peanut free. I stayed away from it just in case. However, their egg rolls, house fried rice, pork fried rice, and Szechuan chicken were delicious and safe for me to eat. They cook in soybean oil and shortening.
DAY 2
Lunch: George’s
100% nut-free pizzeria! They do have gluten-free options available upon request. The best pizza on 181st! Definitely try the house special or the regular cheese along with the garlic knots! Highly recommend! Absolutely delicious and safe!
Treat: A La Mode Ice Cream Shoppe
It was a DREAM being able to walk into an ice cream shop and know I’m 100% safe and get whatever flavor I want without fear of cross-contamination! The salted caramel is a must if you are a caramel lover! So creamy and huge chunks of caramel! Speed Bump is also a must—it’s their version of Rocky Road, and it’s my favorite flavor! They also have Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates for sale in their shop or as toppings! It was great, and I recommend anyone go there!
Dinner: Tony’s Di Napoli
Definitely call ahead of time and note it on the reservation that you have an allergy! They will have you speak directly with the chef to make sure there are options available for you. The main dishes, appetizers, and entrees are completely nut-free! They cook in vegetable and canola oil! They have gluten-free options available. The desserts are not nut-free and have a risk of cross-contamination. Definitely make sure to call ahead and tell your waiter about your allergies, as the menu does not have anything noted.
DAY 3
Lunch: Floridita
One of the best Cuban restaurants on 181st street! The staff is educated on allergens and does not use any peanuts or tree nuts in their kitchen (both for desserts and food dishes.) They have very limited gluten-free options. Definitely a must if you want authentic Cuban food.
Treat: Elegante Pastry Shop
This has been a staple in my family for years. We always make a point to go to this classic Italian bakery and pastry shop when we are there and load up to bring in our carry-on for the trip home. The staff is educated in allergen protocols and is able to answer any questions you have. They are 100% peanut-free. They do have tree nuts in the back but have clear protocols to ensure there is no cross-contamination. They use wheat flour for the Italian cookies, but do use almond paste for some cookies and hazelnut paste for others. I have had the cookies safely for years and have enjoyed multiple traditional Italian pastries like cannolis and Neapolitans.
Dinner: L&B Spumoni Gardens
L&B’s is a STAPLE in my family when we are in Brooklyn. L&B has everything from traditional Italian pizza, gelato, ice cream, Italian ice to a full kitchen with heroes and classic Italian dishes. They have always been so vigilant and proactive whenever I mention my allergies.
They cook in vegetable oil, so I can safely have all the eggplant or shrimp Parmesan heroes. For Italian ice and gelato, they clean the spoon and get a new tub of your desired flavor from the back as well as a new and clean cup or container to put your Italian ice in. The pizzeria area is 100% peanut and tree nut free. You definitely have to try their Sicilian slice when you are there!
