FoodAllergyEczemaChildPsychology

After a long drive from the airport fighting the congested roads of Bali, we reached Kuta late afternoon.  Upon check-in at the Stones Hotel - Legian Bali (A Marriott Autograph Collection) we were warmly greeted by the Food and Beverage (F&B) Manager and Chef Joachim Kreisel. The F&B Manager and Chef Joachim were extremely professional and advised us the entire kitchen staff were alerted regarding our son Krish's multiple food allergies; and a separate area had been set up in the hotel kitchen for preparation of Krish's meals. We were delighted with the personal attention and felt completely assured the staff of the Stones Hotel would ensure Krish's dining experience would be safe and enjoyable. The warm, sunny Bali weather invited us into the pool each morning with beautiful views of the luxurious cool waters and bright, blue skies from our room, we were tempted for a quick dip, before hitting the shops and spending millions of Indonesian Rupiah. ...

Dining at the Leela Ambience Hotel's famous Italian restaurant "Zanotta", in my son's exact words: "Was Like Being Transported to Another Dimension!" Italian Master Chef Leidy Liz Levitan Hernandez’s bubbly personality blended with the luxurious  menu can only enrich your tastebuds and feed the soul. Chef Leidy started Krish's dining experience with a mango and avocado green salad with a  pumpkin soup then a ravioli for the main course and made a delicious chocolate and mango sorbet for dessert. Special thanks to Chef Amit Thapa who personally handcrafted the most delicate, delicious eggless spinach and ricotta ravioli with luscious tomato and basil sauce; it was an  unforgettable experience for our son Krish - his first time tasting ravioli!!!                   Yummy!! Sensational Mango and Chocolate Sorbet with a Sliced Mango Chip  Krish was obviously not satisfied and the next day went b...

Gurgaon, India, has many special places, one of our favourite places is not only near a Shopping Paradise - Ambience Mall but is home to the "Spectra", an international restaurant with amazing service and a place to enjoy a meal in luxury - the Leela Ambience Hotel is truly a delight!   Our son, Krish felt like a King being pampered by Chef Anand and Chef Mohit with their 24-hour personal service via Whats App the Chefs ensured Krish was served his breakfast, lunch and dinner on time and specially prepared as requested. The exquisite fine dining for Krish at the Spectra included: specially prepared ham and pineapple pizza, potato and leek soup, pumpkin soup, chicken fingers, spaghetti bolognaise, vegetable fajitas, potato wedges, mango, avocado, olives green salad with a zesty salad dressing. The desserts included chocolate mousse, cheese and fruit platter and a coffee panna cotta. The Chefs prepared a variety of dishes ensuring Krish always had a ...

We were welcomed at the Amritsar airport by a blast of hot air, walking into 47 degree C heat, we entered chaos... strange smells, a crowd of people shouting and traffic congestion. Soon we found our taxi driver and we couldn't wait to see the ethereal Golden Temple. At check-in we met Head Chef Harpal Singh at the Fairfield by Marriott, he immediately understood Krish's dietary requirements and went to the storeroom to find brand new crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment. He made a delicious vegetarian Chinese Fried Noodle which delighted not only Krish but gave us all energy for the evening. After purchasing a few items in the famous Amritsar markets we drove to the Golden Temple. We were blessed by the rain as we walked towards the temple, the lightening flashed in the sky and we were drenched, but enjoyed the ambience, the reverberating sounds of Waheguru mantras and the sweet smell of Karah Prasad. The one hour queue moved at a snails pace. It soon became ...

The Eros Hotel at Nehru Place, New Delhi was a charming place to visit, its location being a stone's throw away from the best shopping areas was a treat. We shopped till we dropped at Greater Kailash, South Extension and Kalkaji Markets, then relaxed at the 24-hour Blooms Buffet Restaurant. After a delicious ice lemon tea and sweet lime soda we enjoyed the delicious soups and starters. Krish met Chef Deepak upon our arrival and he prepared a tasty mango, avocado, green salad along with a zesty lemon juice/olive oil salad dressing and a freshly made mushroom soup avoiding all Krish's allergens. A cool dip in the pool was followed by a delectable dinner in the comfort of our room; firstly a delicate cheese/cracker platter, then a scrumptious braised lamb with mash and grilled vegetables was served, along with a creamy chocolate mousse and fresh fruit parfait for dessert. Krish was in 7th heaven!! Chef Deepak had certainly impressed us with his culinary skills and mana...

Our last few nights in Sri Lanka were at the Hilton, Colombo. The bustling city never ceased to amaze us with its beautiful museums and architecture.            A beautiful city, warm, friendly people, restaurants galore, shoppers paradise and great weather....where else will you get such value for your dollar with such a Quality holiday destination. Our stay at the Hilton, Colombo was with the care and personal attention of Mr Jagath, Mr Krish and Chef Disanayaka. The food and beverage team along with the staff in the Club Lounge performed at their highest level without any notice. At this hotel my son enjoyed eggless bread and fruits for breakfast along with soups, cannelloni and the ultimate was a delectable, juicy steak with mashed potato and steamed vegetables. To put the icing on the cake literally, a special dessert was sent to our table and room for the duration of the stay especially made by the Chef for my son. The F&B te...

The Marriott at Weligama Bay was a cornucopia of sensory experiences. Firstly the magnificent view from our room was a visual treat. We were extremely worried travelling to Sri Lanka for the first time with our son and his multiple food allergies. Once we arrived at the Marriott, Weligama Bay the response to our son's dietary requirements was overwhelming. His meals were prepared with utmost care and attention, a clear indication of a sanitised, allergen free kitchen. Our heartfelt gratitude to Chef Sandeep and Chef Saurabh and the entire Food and Beverage Team at the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa.           My son enjoyed specially made ham and cheese paninis for breakfast, fresh soups and pasta for lunch and well balanced roast chicken and grilled lamb for dinner, all made with the resort restaurant's in-house finest ingredients. The Shepherd's Pie made for my son's dinner on our last night at the resort was in his words -"Awesome - the bes...

The arrival at the charming Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya was bliss with a steaming hot cup of tea, after the notorious, nauseating, drive up the steep mountain slopes. The immediate drop in temperature was refreshing as we walked into the lobby and up the staircase into our elegant, cosy rooms.           We were overwhelmed by the beautiful banquet hall with delectable dishes from all parts of the world, decorated with cute carvings. We soon met Chef Viraj and Chef Priyantha who were extremely vigilant during my son's meal preparations and not only made delicious soups, Chinese noodles and but were experts at well balanced western dishes too. The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya has a spectacular selection of teas and a highly acclaimed High Tea menu. Thanks to both Chefs my son was able to enjoy a complete allergen free extravagant and delicious menu suiting his dietary requirements, coupled with his favourite blend of earl grey tea; whilst we sat with him enj...

Landing in Colombo, Sri Lanka is certainly a shock to the system compared to the sterility and sanctity of Singapore.  The traffic - an absolute organised mess of bicycles, motorbikes, cars, trucks, buses and people trying to weave their way through the shouting and beeping of Colombo roads. A trip which should take 10mins from A to B would take triple the time due to the constant traffic congestion in some areas. Loved the shopping - fantastic boutiques to our delight for men and ladies alike! We settled into the Hilton Colombo Residences and were pleased the Head Chef was attentive to our son's food allergy needs. Breakfast for my son is usually fruit and/or a salad until we have time to discuss menu options. The kitchen staff ensured us there would be no issue. We asked for a Shepherds Pie to be made for lunch and the kitchen staff unfortunately did not understand the recipe and brought the mash separate from the bolognaise sauce which had pasta mixed into the dish!! I ...

We were amazed by the ancient architecture of Buddha temples and rock paintings at Dambulla. One needs a great deal of energy to climb up and down the 100+ steps to the temple to be captured by the intricate Buddha statues and cave paintings.              We stood enthralled by the captivating sight of of Buddha's omnipresence surrounding us and were overwhelmed by our emotions, feeling like we had reached the abode of God in the heavens. We stayed at the Jetwing Lake, Dambulla, an interesting hotel focused on environmental sustainability, reducing wastage, recycling, using solar energy and reducing the use of plastic in their supplies. The Chef immediately responded to my son's needs but did not have the ingredients readily available, although they were informed of his arrival one month in advance. Once I provided a packet of eggless noodles, eggless pasta/spaghetti brought from home, they were able to add vegetables and sauces and ...