Traveling without corn....Chicago

So, I've been meaning to do this for a while, but we all know me and procrastination.

Still, this trip definitely had me wanting to thanks to the wonderful reaction from the head chef today at lunch when I asked if they could make me what I'd had previously for dinner w/ no issues since I didn't want to risk migraine or worse on a plane day.

Disclaimer: I am "corn-lite" in that I'm not anaphylactic and can handle minor exposures of certain corn products, especially now that I have compounded corn free claritin (not that I've tested it in extreme circumstances) I'd advise you to still do due diligence in interactions with wait and kitchen staff to make sure that my experience is safe for you, and also, to ensure that products/procedures are still the same since ingredients can vary by season etc.

So here goes: Dining in Chicago with corn allergy

Osteria Via Stato at the Embassy Suites on State street
Appetizer: Grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes.
-> I confirmed that they did not use corn oil for the saute process. Wait staff confirmed that it was olive oil.

Main course: SPAGHETTI ARRABIATA/Crushed Tomatoes & Calabrian Chilis
--> I confirmed with wait staff that the tomatoes were not canned and informed them of the corn allergy.

Drinks: Patron silver vodka on ice with lime :)

The Osteria Via Stato is closed for lunch, but the adjoining sister restaurant (pizza via stato) is open. Of course, Pizza carries its own issues and if I wasn't traveling for business I may have guinea pigged it. As it was, I was looking for a safe lunch meal since my flight didn't leave to 5:00 pm and I had to do work. Thus, after perusing the menu and not seeing anything that I'd classify as safe enough for this purpose, I asked if it would be possible to get the same thing I'd had before, or if the chef could recommend a safe substitute. The waitress checked and said the chef would be able to make the same dish, but it would take a little bit of extra time. While I was eating it, the chef actually came out to talk to me and remarked that he'd seen documentaries on corn in the food supply etc.

So I'd definitely recommend this restaurant as one that will go the extra mile to try to find a safe option for those with corn allergies (as well as others likely). As anyone with food allergies knows, it's best to try to hit these things when they're not in peak meal rush to ensure personal attention.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba --> Spanish tapas
I did not eat here this year, but at there last year. There were several items I ate without issues, though I don't remember the exact ones. Despite the restaurant being crushed, the waitress took the time to check w/ the kitchen as to which dishes would be free of corn oil and corn breading/starches. I had no reactions

Greek Islands --> greek food
Definitely lower on the safe list. I love greek food and there are not enough places in NJ so I ate here last year and went this year when I wanted something different without searching through restaurant websites for hours. The staff is friendly, but the food is heavily spiced and I think the spice mixes may not be that safe...that or the yogurt used in the tatziki is definitely not safe. I always feel a little spacy after and have bad gas that can include gas pains. This year I got the gyro salad and had less problem than last year when I'd had a special dish. I think it would have been better if I'd just said to have it with just tatziki without any vinegarette (dressing did not taste "home made" despite claims). Of course, reaction probably also due to my inability to turn down spanokopita. Still, a reasonable option that could be used.