A while ago, we vacationed on St. Martin (French side) in the little town of Grand Case. We ate lunch at the restaurant l’Escapade, sitting next to the railing with the sea rolling in under us on a beautiful, sunny December day, far away from the chill of North America. I had a seafood salad (mine without the vinaigrette, but with olive oil and lemon juice as the dressing). It was absolutely delicious! And light enough to make room for dinner a few hours later at the restaurant down the street called TasteVin. There, I enjoyed cod with a ratatouille the likes of which I’ve never encountered! Each of the vegetables was sliced, cooked and then layered on the plate! I don’t think I can duplicate this at home – and I’m sorry I didn’t take a picture.
All this is to say, you can eat exquisitely and deliciously, even when you’re a hot mess of allergies and food sensitivities! Seniors often do develop “food situations” and Senior Minimalism can help you to eat intentionally just as you begin to live intentionally.
If you know what you need, don’t be afraid to ask for food prepared at the highest level by the wonderful chefs who enjoy being challenged if you enjoy the meal! One chef commented to me that he only looked at my list (see below) of “can eats”, not at the “cannot eats” and then created my meals accordingly. He also said that the reward was seeing the plate from that Seriously Delicious Meal come back empty!!
Hint – make friends with the chef if you can. Stick your head in the kitchen and compliment the meal. The chef will remember you (and your whole table will benefit). Be pleasant, smile, be happy!!! They really don’t want to kill you!!!
Here’s the cheat sheet I created as a chart in a Word document. I give this little chart to the chefs, especially at restaurants where I plan to return. It has been very popular with most restaurants. Although it doesn’t list all the foods I avoid when I’m at home, it makes it possible to dine out. I have these lists in English, French, Italian and Spanish.
