Evening at the Biltmore

Last night I attended the USC Mexican American Alumni Association annual scholarship dinner at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA. It's an event I always look forward to and thoroughly enjoy. The food was delicious and completely gluten free, except for the dessert. Started with a delicious salad (I skipped the ranch dressing and bread) then came the main course - steak with risotto and vegetables (yum). Then the long awaited dessert, which I unfortunately could not have - a small fruit tart that looked absolutely delicious. I didn't want to be the only one left out at the table not enjoying a final course. I kindly asked the waiter if he could prepare me a fruit salad. He came back with a plate full of fresh strawberries, oranges, grapes, pineapple and watermelon. I couldn't have been more grateful!

Remember when in doubt at a social setting, always talk to the waiters and staff about how the food is prepared. They may not know, but will certainly ask the chef or their supervisor. If you tell them you have a food allergy of any kind, they always take this information very seriously. You can also try asking for other items that you know are safe for you, but may not be part of the event's menu. Always be pleasant when asking...it'll hard for them to say no.