How should you handle dietary restriction requests (e.g., dairy-free)?

• A. Ignore restrictions and serve normally.
• B. Confirm restrictions, coordinate with kitchen, and plate accordingly to prevent cross-contact.
• C. Tell the guest to fix it themselves.
• D. Remove all dairy from the kitchen permanently.

Answer: (B)

Handling dietary restriction requests safely hinges on clear communication and preventing cross-contact. Start by confirming the exact restriction and any ingredients to avoid with the guest, so you know what needs to be excluded. Then quickly coordinate with the kitchen, marking the order for a dairy-free preparation, and ensure separate utensils, clean surfaces, and any dairy-free substitutes are used so no dairy residue contaminates the dish. Plate the meal on a clean plate, double-check that sauces and garnishes are dairy-free, and confirm with the guest when you deliver that their dish meets the restriction. Ignoring restrictions can expose the guest to dairy, telling them to fix it themselves is poor service, and removing dairy from the whole kitchen is unnecessary and disruptive to operations.