Lucy Buffett's LuLu's Allergy Menus
Lucy Buffett's LuLu's Allergy Menus
Dairy. Eggs. Gluten. Shellfish. Soy. Seafood. What do these six foods have in common? They’re among the most common food allergens.
While you may not have a food allergy, chances are someone you know does—more than 32 million Americans are living with potentially life-threatening food allergies. That means out of the 6+ million vacationers that visit our stretch of the Gulf Coast, there’s a fair number who have food allergies.
And when you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is what you’re going to eat. Vacations are meant to be relaxing (if not indulgent) after all!
Many eateries near and far have expanded their menu offerings in recent years to accommodate diners with food allergies; however, Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s is one in particular that has gone the extra mile.
This family-favorite dining spot in coastal Alabama doesn’t simply offer a few allergy-friendly options on the menu, LuLu’s has six separate allergy menus apart from their main menu!
Let’s take a closer look at their allergy menus and the meticulous process of preparing these menu specialties.
Family Fun, Allergy-Friendly Food, and Live Music at Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s
LuLu’s is known for its inviting, fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’re immediately greeted with coastal tunes from live bands, and sweet laughter from children playing on the ropes courses and in the beach arcade.
Lucy Buffett's LuLu's/Major Adam Colbert
Pair this festive atmosphere with the delicious, scratch-made dishes, it’s easy to see why LuLu’s has become one of the area’s most popular spots for families vacationing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
But those aren’t the only things that make this eatery so special.
In addition to their main menu, LuLu’s offers half a dozen carefully crafted menus for diners with food allergies:
The allergy menus started on a small scale and grew over the years to meet guests’ needs.
“We just kept growing it because we kept seeing a need for more and more, and the need to be very involved with it,” says Gerald Tipton, President of Lucy Buffett's LuLu's. “We wanted our guests with allergies to be just as comfortable and have a good time just like the other guests.”
Just as impressive as extensive allergy menus is the thorough process of making and delivering these dishes.
Making Allergy-Friendly Dishes—LuLu’s Style
A top concern for guests with food allergies is cross-contamination, as even a tiny amount of a food allergen can trigger signs and symptoms. Worry not! LuLu’s takes great strides to ensure cross-contamination doesn’t happen.
Lucy Buffett's LuLu's/Mike Buck Photography
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When a diner requests an allergy menu, the LuLu’s team rolls out the red carpet! A manager or supervisor comes to the table and talks through the allergy menu with the guests and takes their order. The manager/supervisor then speaks directly with the chef who will be preparing the meal, who then gets to work making it in a separate area from all other orders.
Once the allergy-free dish is prepared, the manager or supervisor comes back to the kitchen to inspect it carefully before hand-delivering to the guest.
LuLu’s has had plenty of practice in the time it’s been offering allergy-friendly options, so guests with food allergies can rest easy when dining at LuLu’s.
“We’ve been offering the allergy menus for over 10 years now, so we’ve gotten really good at the process,” says Tipton.
From a fantastic music line-up, to family-fun attractions, to made-from-scratch food with every guest in mind, LuLu’s has thought of it all! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan of this favorite eatery, don’t let your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation end without getting by LuLu’s!
LuLu’s makes it easy to beat the wait! Visit LuLusFunFoodMusic.com to reserve your place in line before you arrive.