A note to all US families wanting to experience Zero8 (as in free from the Top 8 Allergens) in Montreal---know that coconut is not considered a treenut.
We made reservations six months ago. Really excited and it was going to be a highlight of our trip to Quebec.
Zero8 waiter did not ask for DS's allergens (ana to fish, PN, pecan, walnut, avoid all treenuts, tested positive to coconut, advised by allergist to avoid). DS2 asked 'but shouldn't we state them?' I foolishly replied that 'well this restaurant doesn't serve the top 8 allergens'. Waiter smiled at comment. Still he didn't follow up to ask about allergens.
Restaurant was blistering hot as AC wasn't working. Waiter put us in a corner with no air flow--we ended up shuffling tables to get out of corner. There were only two other parties present. We had to ask repeatedly for water. We're from the South and its humidity--this was not a restaurant you would voluntarily sit in unless you had a family/friend with severe allergies.
Go through dinner, spring for dessert for husband and kids which we never, ever can do elsewhere. I scan all three options which seem fine--there's language after the three options referring to "lait" which my son has no problems with milk. I did not check that coco was for coconut, not cocoa as I had too quickly scanned. DS1 is using restroom, DS2 tastes mousse and says it tastes like coconut. I flag down a different waiter and explain how coconut is considered a treenut in the US and my son can't have this. Turns out it was in the appetizer too which he did consume. We had the mousse removed before he got back to the table.
We've traveled multiple states, never had issues with him eating his allergen. Multiple band and Scout trips (Philmont, NOAC). Close calls with the staff running to our table to remove a food they learned had an allergen, although never ingested.
But my son ate his allergen at Zero8. And our original waiter who took the order? Ghosted. He never returned to our table. Never apologized.