Welcome to the DSACO Food Critics Blog! A blog that is written using the input from adults with Down syndrome who happen to love getting together to break bread and socialize with one another. Sometimes there are misconceptions about people with Down syndrome that can be cleared up with education and awareness. These misconceptions can be found everywhere at times, including restaurants. Our goal with the Food Critics is to enjoy time together, eat great food and spread acceptance, respect and inclusion awareness in our community by hearing directly from adults with Down syndrome about what they desire at restaurants.
Our first restaurant spotlight is Hideaway Pizza on NW Expressway. Sixteen adults with Down syndrome visited this establishment, but our group size was 31. Thirteen of the adults with Down syndrome contributed their opinions. A big kudos goes to Hideaway for accommodating us since we were expecting 24 (but, YAY, for a big turnout for our first Food Critics get together.)
The atmosphere of Hideaway was welcoming and all agreed it was accessible for people with disabilities. Everyone in our group was greeted and given a regular menu (not a child’s menu, which can be insulting to adults with Down syndrome). Most of our individuals felt the menu was easy to read, but a couple of them voiced it wasn’t. Jonathan and Timothy both suggested more pictures on the menu would be helpful. They did not have a separate gluten free menu, however, there were gluten free options listed. We appreciated the inclusion aspect of gluten free being on the regular menu. Addie thought, “the gluten free pizza was great”, but would love to see “more gluten free options “ available. Emily agreed that the gluten free pizza was great with the comment, “I love this pizza so much, even their crust on the gluten free pizza.” The quality of the food was unanimously rated “GREAT”.
The staff was friendly, welcoming and greeted each of us as we arrived. When taking orders our waitress spoke directly to each adult with Down syndrome and did not expect others to give the order. Josie said that, “Our waitress, Maci, was very friendly.” Timothy commented, “Great staff”, Hannah claimed, “the waiter did awesome with my food.” Madison noted, the “service was great for a very large group.” Cynthia appreciated that the waitress was, “very friendly and courteous.”
Our Food Critics highly recommend Hideaway Pizza on NW Expressway. Eduardo, Ashley and Mariella all agreed that Hideaway has “good service, good people and good food.” Hannah “recommends Hideaway to friends and family.” Danielle sums up our Food Critics critique with “It’s a wonderful place to eat.”
Stay tuned for next month’s DSACO Food Critics Restaurant Review!
