Sometimes Mexican restaurants can be a bit more challenging for me to communicate my allergy to milk, depending upon their grasp of English. My husband did teach me "no quesos" and "no leche" but I still do not feel that is always enough to convey all aspects of what I need to avoid. But I do love Mexican food, even without all the cheese and sour cream, so I do not avoid going to these restaurants.
This restaurant is in a strip mall and has been other eateries in the past with mediocre surroundings. But Sol Y Luna's owners have warmed up the place nicely starting with the water feature that greets you when you enter to the colors and nice Mexican styled wall decor.
My mom's friends were there when we arrived (fashionably late as per usual for my family!). There were already chips with bean dip, salsa and a spicy avocado dip at the table. The staff brings the chips and bean dip but the others were from the salsa bar- which is a nice touch. Our waiter came promptly and took our drink order and returned shortly. I inquired about a few menu items. (http://www.solylunanc.com/menu.html)I was pleased that he spoke perfect English. This just gave me confidence in relaying to him fully about what I needed to avoid. He was very helpful and knowledgeable of the menu items without having to ask. My mom wanted to have Shrimp Fajitas. She only eats a small amount so she wanted to possibly split this with me. We asked about the fajitas and he said they are made with jalapeno butter and that's what gives them the big sizzle. I suppose that's the way most Mexican restaurants fix those-so now I know. So I decided on the Pollo Al Carbon: grilled chicken breasts with grilled Anaheim chiles with pico de gallo, guacamole, rice, refried beans and flour tortillas. I asked to omit the rice as it was cooked with butter and no cheese on the beans. Otherwise, it sounded pretty tasty. In just a bit our food arrived. My mom's fajita sounded and smelled so good. As a matter of fact, everyone's looked delicious... except mine!
Two plain chicken breasts, one lonely chili, and a plate full of beans! I didn't want to complain since I hardly knew her friends. Heck, I'm already a spectacle by the time I ask so many questions to start!
I had eaten a few bites when another waiter brought my tortillas they had realized they had forgotten. I asked him about my pico de gallo and guacamole. He said, "I asked them about that and they said you didn't want it!" I said, "Oh, yes I do want it." So he happily brought it out to me. Then my food was pretty good.
That is a problem I do face from time to time. People will over-compensate for my milk allergy by being afraid to put anything on my food. As food allergies seem to be more prevalent I just hope restaurants continue to educate themselves on taking care of this smaller population of customers so that we are able to continue to dine out and enjoy great flavors too.
