IHOP almost killed me then failed to apologize

Next time that this happens, be sure to go to the ER. Not every
restaurant is gonna be near a pharmacy, you know.

I'm confused.... if you were having an allergic reaction why didn't
you just go to the hospital?

Sure they could try to pin a "dine and dash" on you but... I'm pretty
sure you'd rather face that then be dead. And that most courts would
agree.

This story reminds me of the time I waited tables at a little cafe.. I
had a couple and they woman ordered the apple cobbler, I mistakenly
brought her out a banana pudding, she took one bite a very loudly said
to me how she was allergic to bananas, and made a big spectacle of
herself by scratching a lot. I really don't see how she could've not
know it was banana pudding, it totally reeked of bananas.

A few things wrong with your story:

1. Don't you look at or in your food before you eat it to make sure it
does not contain anything you are allergic to?

2. The wait staff cannot read minds, they do not know what you are
allergic to.

3. You throat was closing up and you fannied about waiting for an
apology?

4. If you allergy is severe enough to close up your throat, how come
you don't carry an epipen?

Next time order the pancakes.

While I can symphathize of your allergy, it's not IHOP's fault you
cannot eat something. Did you even tell the waitress of your allergy?
What if your crepes were cooked right after or next to an omlet with
peppers? I honestly feel for those who have allergies, but how the
heck can you expect them to know unless you tell them? Seems to me you
just want free food. I hope they totally deny you.

The best way to avoid cross-contamination or mistakenly getting
ingredients you are allergic to is to notify your server of any
allergies you have as soon as you sit down, regardless of what it says
in the menu. A lot of restaurants don't list all of the ingredients,
and sometimes a certain ingredient can even be in a sauce or seasoning
without you knowing it.
Always, always start your meal by telling your server "I'm allergic to
peppers. Could you please make sure that there isn't any in my food?"
And always carry and Epi pen. It's a miracle that Benadryl saved your
life, you may not be so lucky next time.

If you apologize, you accept responsibility which opens the door to
lawsuits.

I was taught never, EVER say, "I'm sorry" at my retail job even if it
was the store's fault someone got hurt.

I am a little confused - are you upset that she didn't come and
personally apologize to you...? Or did she do one of those lame
apologies that aren't really the same as 'I'm sorry'?

If your throat is closing up you go to the ER. I work in a place with
several people who have "life threatening allergies" to certain foods.
All of those people carry epipens for just such an occassion. The rest
of us know how to administer them and know as soon as we use it, we
need to call 911.

you routinely go back to places that nearly kill you!

Probably not the wisest choice.

And honestly, somehow I don't see the chef standing in the kitchen,
rubbing his hands together menancingly and laughing to himself as he
commented aloud, "What what I'm gonna do to THIS one!"

Personally, if I was that "deathly" allergic to bell peppers, I'd
probably avoid menu items that are listed as "garden" as that is often
a staple in vegetarian dishes.

Having a stressful job and needing your weekends so badly - an ounce
of prevention.. . . .

As someone who is highly allergic to peanuts I know the dangers of
eating out. But NEVER EVER would i not go to the hospital if i feel my
throat is closing, you dont risk your life on a trip to the pharmacy
and benadryl. I'm sorry the whole thing sounds ridiculous, the manager
dealt with it, credited your meal and apologized to your husband. I
suppose he could have hunted you down to apologize directly but hey of
course you want something above and beyond that even.

Next time if your throat is closing screw the complaining to the chef
and checking the plate, go to the bloody hospital, you will get far
more sympathy that way. And probably more from the company too.

your throat is closing up and you went to the store and not the ER?

Benadryl saved your life?

is probably the most bullheaded thing I've ever heard.

I am mostly always on the letter writer's side.

I'm sorry but I take issue with people taking for granted the gift of
life and totally disregarding the things that have gone right and
instead preferring to wallow in their anger at the things that have
gone wrong.

Sounds like she did apologize. And compensated the meal. Like she
should have. When I react, I am up and out of wherever I am. Check,
food, and apology be damned. My husband gives a quick explanation, and
lets them know we will be back. Might be a while.
I have several food allergies. Banana's are the most lethal of them.
And since I work in a grocery store, I keep Benadryl close, as I can't
even touch them. Epi-pen at the pharmacy as well. When I go out to
eat, I let the server know of my allergies when I place my order. At
that time, I also let them know if I ingest the allergens, I will be
sick...quickly. When I get my food I check it carefully. If at that
point I am satisfied, I eat. Otherwise I send it back. Since we tend
to return to the few restaurant we eat at, they know us, and are
prepared. The onus to check your food is on you!!
Would also have to wonder how much Benadryl you took. I know it makes
me sleepy, but stupored?

Shouldn't someone with a severe allergy of *any* kind carry and Epi
pen on them? Why on earth would you take that kind of a risk? Not
every restaurant is going to be near a pharmacy.