One of Scotland’s top chefs has sparked a social media storm after lashing out at the rapid rise in diners claiming to have “special dietary requirements.”
Multiple award-winning Fife chef Craig Millar has launched an outspoken attack on diners claiming to have fake allergies and following fad diets.
The owner of the highly-rated 16 West End in St Monans has had more than 13,000 views of his tweet branding the fussy eaters “f***witarians.”
The outspoken chef prompted a backlash from vegan and allergic diners but has been strongly backed by other industry figures and loyal customers.
In the post which sparked the debate, Mr Millar said he had been stunned to complete a full service without any ludicrous special requests from customers.
“We actually just did a full service with no ‘dietaries’,” he said.
Full restaurant tonight and no allergies or special requests ?
— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) April 6, 2019
“It was like the ’90s all over again, when the words pescatarian, flexitarian and f***witarian didn’t exist and the only allergies were hay fever.
“I’m now going to petition to have April 6 made a national chefs’ holiday.”
Twitter user Mike Thomas hit back: “Thanks Craig, I know which restaurant to avoid in the future.
“Calling someone a f***wit for having food allergies is a great way to promote your business.”
Another account with username Damedithe1st said: “As someone who has food intolerances (which I always alert restaurants about well in advance) may I say that your tweets make me feel less inclined to visit your establishment – I’m sure it is a pain for chefs to adapt dishes but I have found that most do so with good grace.”
I genuinely don’t have a problem with proper allergies it is the fad diet followers that pick and choose between courses!
— Craig Millar (@craigcmillar) April 7, 2019
Mr Millar replied: “I do take food intolerances seriously.
“It’s when I get requests for specific diets – for example vegans – I prepare entire tasting menu then they decide to eat fish that night. Dairy free diet – prepare whole menu – then they order a cappuccino. Genuine food intolerances I don’t mind!”
The chef has spoken out previously about his frustration in trying to meet the needs of diners who have jumped on the latest eating bandwagon.
He said: “Right, for the last time – if you eat fish you’re not a vegetarian.
“If you have a serious genuine allergy give us a wee heads up please.”