Here is an article about another person's experience with soy allergy.  I am fascinated by her suggestion that other legumes could also cause problems, as I've had a new breakout for the first time since clearing up my soy allergy rash in 2007.  Considering my consequence of consuming soy, I know that the current breakout is not a result of that particular ingredient.  However, this week I made a lovely Mediterranean chick pea soup, and I am struggling with a rash again.  Hm…

Here is the link to the article: http://rfox.hubpages.com/hub/Soy-Allergy-and-Foods-To-Avoid
It is a very informative and interesting read, even for those of you who have no issues with soy, because it gives a bit of information about how soy is in everything.  I hadn't thought of the airplane food issue, but that is because it's been so long since I've travelled that it has not come up for me yet.  The few times I've travelled have typically been long, overseas flights - like to Australia or Europe.

My only comment about Ms Fox's list is a technicality.  I believe that carob in and of itself is not related to soy - however, when listed as an ingredient in something (most often as carob chips), it often does have soy lecithin or other soy derivatives.

TOYO


Toyo Japanese Restaurant
1463 Shattuck Ave  (between Rose St & Vine St) Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 843-3768

Relaxed:  Low Cost ($40 including tip for two people, with leftovers); neighborhood gem.
This restaurant cooks with RICE BRAN oil and is proud of it.  This is the first restaurant I'd ever encountered who uses rice bran oil, which I'd not heard of before.  They've been there for something like 30 years, and I've gone perhaps once every two or three years over the past fifteen.  Every time I've gone in, I'm always pleasantly surprised by the amazing quality of this local hole-in-the-wall.  


Ambiance: This is a small restaurant that has never updated its fixtures.  They play vague (unmemorable, possibly unrecognizable) but not-too-loud background music that helps with having a more private conversation from the other tables.  

Food: Just as the Yelpers imply, the servings are generous and delicious.  I would not order a teriyaki dish so I cannot speak to that end, but their sushi, salad, and miso soup (per my hubby) are great!  
This restaurant uses both organic and conventional ingredients.


Is it Sara-Safe? Yes, as long as I know what and how to order. (I know, where have you heard that before?)  On my most recent visit, I shared some sushi rolls and an order of veggie tempura with my husband. Said husband also had miso soup.  The restaurant has added an organic green salad to the menu, served with a house made dressing on the side (the dressing contains soy).

The staff here is kind, but the older lady's grasp of English takes some patience.  When I asked about the cooking oil, she didn't know what I meant until the third or fourth attempt, at which point she presented a framed information sheet about the fact that they use rice bran oil.  We found it much easier to express my need to avoid soy to the younger lady working there, who also has a thick accent.  

Do NOT eat here if you don't have patience for heavy accents, or if yours is a more finicky or difficult dietary need since the language barrier will make it difficult to communicate your needs.  (If fresh fish and organic salad work, then you'll be fine.)