I always inform the waiter of my allergy (well, almost always!). They are
usually very helpful and generally run off to check with the cook/chef. In
some cases, they have even brought out the box that the item was shipped in
so I could read the ingredients, e.g., bread rolls. I even had that happen
at a deli bar when buying bologna (I know that sounds like a contradiction
in terms <g>). In one case the chef made a special batter without milk or
butter for me. So, to make a short story, long, I have had some good
success. In most cases it is because the staff wanted to provide good
service. In a few cases I wondered if they were concerned about being sued.....

Don M

>Also, have any of you found waiters to be very uninformed about food
>preparation?  Many that I have had don't know and don't care.  My requests
>for dishes being prepared with no butter has been ignored several times.