Navigating the world of food outside of my kitchen can be very difficult and scary. Sometimes my allergens are thought of as preferences when in reality they are a life threatening. I have had emergency room visits from simply using the same toaster as someone who ate an everything bagel. I refuse to isolate myself from the joy of eating out just because I fear an allergic reaction. Cross contamination is preventable as long as I continue to advocate for my needs and as long as establishments continue to take allergies seriously. I don’t always come across places that are willing to accommodate me, but when I do I’ll be sure to share them here.