A food blogger’s enjoyable meal at Sheffield restaurant marred by cruel jibe about her dietary restrictions

A visit to Amigos Mexican Kitchen in Sheffield, UK, turned sour for food blogger Billie Hyde when she was left humiliated by a waitress’s cruel comment on her bill. Billie Hyde, who was 22 at the time of the incident in May 2018, had enjoyed a ‘lovely’ meal with ‘excellent’ service until she was presented with the bill, which contained an insensitive remark about her dietary request.

Suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Billie had ordered a fillet of seabass with specific instructions for it to come with ‘no onions, no garlic, and no milk’ to avoid triggering her condition. The Mayo Clinic explains that IBS is a common disorder that can lead to symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Certain foods, including onions, garlic, and dairy products, can exacerbate these symptoms for some individuals.

Despite her meal being served according to her dietary needs and finding it thoroughly enjoyable, Billie was disheartened to see the bill mockingly annotated with “No onion, no garlic, no milk haha.” This thoughtless comment brought back the anxiety she had previously experienced about dining out due to her condition.

Billie expressed her disappointment, stating, “What happened brought back all the anxiety I’d had about going out for meals, and it’s really not on.”

In response to the incident, the owner of Amigos Mexican Kitchen, Khalid Wani, issued an apology and explained that the waitress did not intend to offend Billie. The comment was meant as an internal joke for the chef due to the multiple dietary requirements. The waitress received a verbal warning, and Wani assured that the restaurant always strives to provide the best experience for its customers and accommodate their needs.

Billie’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and understanding towards individuals with dietary restrictions, whether due to health conditions or personal choices. It highlights the need for awareness in the hospitality industry to ensure that all guests feel respected and comfortable when dining out.