While the idea of trusting someone you don’t know to prepare a meal for your peanut allergic child might seem overwhelming and even plain crazy at times, it doesn’t have to be that way.

The key to eating safely in restaurants: communication. Don’t be afraid to tell the host who seats you, the waiter in charge of bringing you the drinks and the manager who stops by your table to make sure everything is going smoothly.

We asked our Facebook fans what their favorite restaurants – both chains and independents – were. From those answers, we compiled our Favorite Eateries List (and added some of our favorites).

It’s a list in progress that will continue to evolve over the next few months. Please email PeanutAllergyMom.com if you would like to add a restaurant* to this page.

Don’t give up your favorite double pepperoni pizza loaded with extra cheese, fresh peppers and juicy pineapple chunks served at the neighborhood joint for a homemade bland turkey sandwich on day-old bread and stale potato chips.

*This is an informal list of favorite restaurants submitted by PeanutAllergyMom.com readers. PeanutAllergyMom does not guarantee these restaurants cook with or offer peanut- and nut-free foods. Please verify all information listed on our website and Favorite Eateries page before you consume food at any of these establishments.