Melbourne - Our Gluten Free Sojourn

We  OK 'I' have always been a little apprehensive about venturing outside of our comfort zone since we boarded this gluten free bus.  After all, we have had some not-very fun glutening episodes with our girl that have previously rocked the holiday vibe. And not in a good way.  Yeah that.

BUT you can't live in a bubble forever can you.  Well you probably can but where's the fun in that.  Not if you don't have to anyway.  Because that would be.. well.. STUPID.  

We have stuff to see, cool things to do, people to meet and best of all delicious gluten free food to eat and all of this OUTSIDE of our suburb.  It's out there.  Our mission: GO. SEEK. FIND.

I had my big girl pants on.  We were breaking out of this gluten free comfort zone.

Naturally I did a lot of research.  I mean A LOT.  

We were going on a real life HOLIDAY.

WE WERE MELBOURNE BOUND! 

Qantas kicked things off nicely.  Upon checking-in ~ "2 Gluten Free meals Mrs Hart?" Yes indeed.  

Too easy.  Aside from the in-flight entertainment (loosely translates to HEAVEN when travelling with kids), everyone with their OWN channels and OWN headphones and OWN choices and.. subsequently no arguments.  I settled in with the latest copy of Australian Gluten-Free Life.  I was set.  "Come Fly With Me.. Come Fly.. Come Fly Awaaaaaaaaayyyy.."

Qantas did good. We had gluten free bread, we had Mediterranean Lamb & vegetables, we had Rowie's Cakes and Good Lord we even had Salted Caramel Ice-cream thank-you very much.

I was loving this.   You might even say the corners of my mouth were even curled in an upward fashion.

Our first night saw us experience the delights of Mrs Parma's on Little Bourke Street.  

Mrs Parma's have full disclosure on their menu and website about possible traces but I had done my research, was informed and prepared.  Upon divulging our Coeliac status,  the staff member politely explained whilst they could not claim to be a 100% gluten free kitchen because of the fact that they use wheat products in the same kitchen, they would take great care when preparing my gluten free meal.  I can happily report no adverse effects.  What a great start.

Cafe Andiamo Strawberry Crepes

The next morning saw us walking the streets of the bustling CBD, discovering magic and hidden laneways at every turn.  And then we found it.  Degraves Street and the Holy Gail that is Cafe Andiamo.  Degraves Street like many Melbourne laneways has an uncanny resemblance to Diagon Alley.  Harry Potter fan or otherwise, you will love it.  The cafes and the hustle and bustle is fabulous.  The aroma of delicious coffee is all consuming.  So what led us here?  Strawberry Crepes my friends. Strawberry Crepes.  All gluten free and all as perfect as your imagination is allowing you right about now.  We frequented this establishment almost every day of our sojourn.  The kids ~ Coeliac and non-Coeliac alike, were lapping this culinary excellence right up and so was I.  The silence of breakfast satisfaction to the nth degree was truly golden.  I relished these morning moments while I slurped my superb coffee. And oh it WAS superb.  These Melbourne baristas have nailed the coffee thang. 

The rest of our stay consisted of ambling through the Queen Victoria Markets, people watching in Federation Square with a cheeky wine to accompany a late lunch at Transport Bar Federation Square, a tram ride to St Kilda for a look-see, some serious retail therapy in the CBD ~ a personal favourite The Emporium (the place is seriously A-M-A-Z-I-N-G), a trip to The Melbourne Zoo and frequent visits to Southbank of an evening to discover all the gluten free delights on offer - and there were many.  We experienced amazing buskers, artwork and friendly faces and help wherever we went.  The weather was also pretty fabulous.  I know right??

Gluten free is abundant in Melbourne. Not only that but there is a great understanding of gluten free, safe food prep/cross contamination issues in general.  These folk are really switched on where gluten free is concerned.  Hallelujah!

SpudBAR Fan

SpudBAR was a fav with my daughter.  With a 100% gluten free menu how could you go wrong?  Seriously yum.  We also enjoyed the likes of THRIVE in The Emporium and old favourites like Grill'd (various Melb locations).  Evenings saw us savour the delights of Bluetrain (Southgate Complex, Southbank) with various gluten free options and a very good understanding of GF prep and cross contamination issues, World Restaurant and Bar with various GF options and a separate fryer for chips :)  We also enjoyed a delicious GF risotto and wonderful service at the fabulous Tutto Bene - Southgate Complex (mid level), Southbank.  Fantastico.

Hopetoun Tea Rooms 

If you're in Melbourne, have a sweet tooth, are looking for a bit of extravagance and have the time ~ be sure to check out the delectable Hopetoun Tea Rooms (Block Arcade - CBD).  This place is the Aladdin's cave of cakes.  I'm not kidding. Decadent and delightful and lots of gluten free options.  Perfect for afternoon teas with mothers and daughters,  grandmothers and granddaughters or just with that someone special. 

Please understand this is a personal record and reflection of our wonderful experiences dining out in what is a fabulous destination for the gluten free traveller.  Please be vigilant about reading labels and assessing risks and make your own judgement about where you choose to eat - taking into account any possible cross contamination issues.  Menus change, Management changes.  Things always change. That's life.  Do your research, ask questions & make informed choices.  Be on top of your game.  Look after your health.  If in doubt, leave it out.  This is a priority as a person living with Coeliac Disease and will make for an extremely pleasant holiday.

Special thanks go to some especially lovely people & information sourced from -
The Australian Coeliac (September 2014 Issue), The Coeliac Plate (a fabulous website and reference point), Coeliac Victoria and Tasmania who went above and beyond to provide some invaluable information via email before we left and then delivered an information pack to our hotel,
Gluten Shmooten (an informative gluten free eating-in-Melbourne guide including fish & chips!) and finally Jas from the perfectly gorgeous The Gluten Free Scallywag - a wonderful blog that is worthy of some serious pouring over, who sent me a lovely email with the gluten free heads up for Melbs.

THANK-YOU!

I would also like to make special mention of the very sweet shopkeeper at a certain IGA 24 hour store on Queen street in the CBD who chased me up the street shouting "Miss! Miss!" just so that he could give my 2 littlies a Chupa Chup (GF of course) 'on the house' after frequenting his establishment on a few occasions.  WOW I love your people Melbourne.

I love your funky vibe. 

I love your bustle.

I love your FOOD.

I love your TOWN.

Until we meet again...

A little HIGH TEA frivolity

High Tea.  Good for the soul. Not so good for the waistline.. 
 
High Tea.  Time to catch up with your very best girlfriends and partake in a little merriment decorum.  Admit it ~ we are all guilty of the old "you know.. we really must catch up..." and NEVER do..  Why not?  Because life just gets in the way that's why. Plain and simple.  But it is a travesty. Really it is.  Laughter truly IS the best medicine.  We need it like we need air. AND we need tea and cakes and other tasty morsels.. 
 
High Tea.  alas.. no such thing exists for the coeliac amongst us.. ahhhh see.. that's where you're wrong..
It had come to my attention that an establishment in Victoria Park (Western Australia) put on a particularly lovely high tea and best of all, could cater to the gluten impaired. 
 
Not to sound crude but WAHOO!  'twas music to my ears I tell you. 

 
and so... my Coeliac and gluten intolerant compadres  ~ it was with great intestinal fortitude ( see what  did there .. )  I urged myself to delve deeper  ~ purely for the greater good of others of course..  It was a selfless quest ~ one that I humbly took on.. (strangely it wasn't that hard) and before I knew it, I was in over my head.  There was nothing else for it.. I was FORCED to make a booking. FORCED I tell you.

This quaint little establishment is called The Sassy Cookie 

Adjective:sassy
[sa-see]
Usage: N. American
1. Improperly forward or bold
= fresh, impertinent, imprudent,
   lippy, overbold, saucy, smart, wise


I love my word web dictionary app definition of sassy.  I was definitely in... and I knew just the improper riff-raff ladies to drag along
accompany me..

The Sassy Cookie
41 Duncan St, Victoria Park
 
Open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 4.00pm
Sat & Sun 9.00am - 4.00pm

High Tea only available on weekends

Offering morning and afternoon teas.  Their offerings and service are extremely popular so be sure to book ahead.  The Sassy Cookie's main range of cupcakes are also gluten free :)

A decadent range of teas, mouth watering macarons, tasty tarts and scrumptious scones just to mention a few of the delectable morsels on offer.  Starched white linen and impeccable table settings will transport you back to Victorian times where ladies often partook in these eloquent gatherings.  Naturally we fit right in ;)
Fab afternoon.  Lots of laughs. A little tea. Some cheeky bubbles and a bit of cake...
Good times..



It is important to note that The Sassy Cookie is not a 100% gluten free environment.

Although the gluten free cakes and some other food items are made from gluten free ingredients and great care is taken in prep and baking ~ The Sassy Cookie cannot guarantee the possibility of possible cross-contamination from other products in their kitchen..  However.. I am happy to report that this little Coeliac happily indulged and suffered no ill effects :)




  

Skewerz - Seek and You Will Find

I am finding (as I'm sure you are) that MANY places are offering more and more gluten free options every day.  If there is nothing indicating gluten free on the menu, don't despair.. there may well be gluten free options available or the establishment in many circumstances will accommodate your gluten free request and convert a menu option to gluten free or offer a gluten free alternative.  MOST places are accommodating because they want your patronage.  Hey we're still paying customers!!  and lets face it.. if you keep the customer happy & provide good service, then the customer is going to tell others about their pleasant dining experience.. you then become a 'returning' customer, you then return with friends, the establishment gains more customers.. yaddah yaddah yaddah

Such was the case recently when I took the initiative <yes blowing my own trumpet again> and contacted SKEWERZ head office to ask the burning questions..

If you haven't heard.. SKEWERZ offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine with not only traditional kebabz with fresh fillings but some new Mediterranean options including skewerz and tasty extras.

SKEWERZ were happy to hear from me and more than obliging to answer my questions.

So what I have learnt today I am happy to share with you here.

Both meats (the Doner and the chicken) used for kebabs contain gluten. (I know.. major bummer right?)  Optimal choices for the gluten impaired ( a term of endearment I use for myself but feel free to adopt) are the Garden or Greek Salads and the "skewerz".  Incidentally, the French dressing is gluten free. Now before you lash out... no there are not just salad options...

The skewerz are gluten free but only with the herb and garlic (mild or hot) or Moroccan.

Gluten free sauces include:

Tomato
BBQ
Sweet Chilli
Hot Chilli
Garlic Aioli
Smoky BBQ

The antipasto relish contains gluten

The bread products should never be on the grill or hot plate.

The halloumi and falafels are gluten free for a breadless kebab option - the Skewerz family refer to this option as the cheeky "naked kebab"

It is important to remember, that if you have a medical condition such as Coeliac Disease, you are gluten intolerant or have gluten sensitivity - where special care needs to be taken when preparing and serving your food - be sure to make the staff member aware of your dietary requirement when ordering. They are only human after all.. speak up people - they have only your best interests at heart.

Here in Perth you will find Skewerz at the following locations:

Carillon
Galleria
Garden City
Innaloo
Mandurah

Skewerz Kebabz
www.skewerz.net.au/

Rockpool Bar & Grill? No way..

So a couple of weeks ago Garrick totally blew me away by announcing that 'we' were going to the fabulous Rockpool Bar & Grill.  NO WAYYYYYYYYYY.

I was just a little bit excited..

I had heard so many wonderful things about this place.  OMG 'we' were actually going!!  I had read that this establishment had taken out three awards at the 2011 Gold Plate Awards -  named Best New Restaurant, Best Steakhouse and Best Wine List

Classy, sophisticated, elegant.. it was all that and more.  This place was really fancy schmancy and just quietly,  I was loving it.   I had visited the hairdresser earlier in the day, had on my LBD & cocktail shoes, Garrick was looking spunkalicious - we were feeling pretty spesh.. we strutted in like we rolled off the set of Saturday Night Fever ha ha.. lame..   We were the FIRST to arrive.  What?? Oh God, we didn't want to appear too enthusiastic and give away our carefully constructed ruse of super coolness (I kid of course.. as if..) but unfortunately our game was up at the bar.. Thinking that the safe bet was to order a timeless classic, a G&T, I was bombarded with a barrage of complex GIN options and not only that but in a french accent.. dear me, I was clearly out of my depth.. I looked at Garrick and pleaded desperately with my eyes to salvage this pitiful and clear lack of street smarts but it was hopeless.. Garrick was as clueless as I was.. we had no bloody idea.. what a bunch of amateurs.. I uttered in defeat.. "surprise me".

.... meanwhile Garrick ordered a beer and the whole vicious cycle started again (Dear God we were in pre-dinner-drinks HELL)  This wasn't the kind of place to be expecting a XXXX Garrick.

It turns out my Hendrick's Gin & in-house tonic with a sliver of cucumber was right on the money.  When our friends arrived moments later 2 of our party very stylishly ordered that exact concoction.  I had mixed emotions.. I mean I had somehow managed to order a very cool drink but clearly by default.. When I say we don't get out much.. that is an understatement of the most mammoth proportion,  we have KIDS, we NEVER go out and we had a lot of catching up to do.. we were hacks.

Our party was escorted to our table.  I might add at this juncture, the decor was fabulous.  The floor to ceiling mesh curtains sectioning various dining areas was complimented by warm lighting and some funky background music.  It was perfect, the  ambiance was lovely.  The chairs were super COMFORTABLE.  So important.  BUT the absolute standout for me was the SERVICE.  I wanted this night to be perfect.  After all, I wasn't sure when we we would be venturing out again. I needed this night to be perfect.. I needed to make the most of this opportunity.

I had contacted the restaurant about a week before and I had explained that I was GLUTEN CHALLENGED, I  was in fact, sadly more than that, I was .. a COELIAC.  I explained my dietary requirements and the importance of food prep for 'said affliction' and was seriously expecting to be met with *groan* "Hey Neil.. we've got one of 'those' again.." (ha ha like he was even there..) but I was way off the mark .  Brilliant.  The staff bent over backwards to make sure I had a good night.  Almost as soon as we sat down, a waitress introduced herself and proceeded to go through the entire menu discreetly, highlighting what I could have rather than what I couldn't - and you know what? The pros far outweighed the cons and I'm not kidding. Anything that was a potential risk, they would endeavour to transform to make the dish gluten free. There were minimal menu options that were off limits - seriously. I'm talking pasta (derr) obvious bread dishes but alot could be converted, fried calamari, the hand cut fat chips - but seriously, do you go to a place like Rockpool to have chips? COME ON. So on this particular night this is what I had -

Wood Fired Grilled Fremantle Octopus with Roasted Autumn Vegetables, Preserved Lemon Pesto
A 250g Cape Grim Dry Aged Fillet 36 Month Old Grass Fed
Sauteed Mixed Mushrooms
Charcoal Roasted Peppers and Red Onions with Marjoram
Green Beans with Creamy Anchovy, Chilli and Lemon Dressing, Toasted Almonds

Now I am going to go out on a limb here and say that my starter was possibly the best thing that I have ever tasted. IN MY LIFE. EVER. Big call I know but I'm putting it out there..

The steak.. well.. I mean these people KNOW steaks. They are STEAK PEOPLE.  I'm talking medium rare hot knife through butter.. GLORIOUS

And the sides? The worst thing I can say about the sides is that we had to share.. pffffft
and all washed down with a cheeky red or two..

Dessert? Look, at this point, I was feeling like a fat little bird.. happy and warm and enjoying my wine.  OK so I didn't stop there.. so I partook in some salted caramel merriment? What? DON'T JUDGE ME

I love FOOD.  I will ALWAYS love food.  Thank-you Rockpool. Thank-you for turning it on.
Thank-you from deep inside my being. Thank-you for looking after my Coeliac-ness.  BEST NIGHT out in a long time. I'll be back.

ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL
Crown Perth
Great Eastern Hwy
BURSWOOD  WA

Phone: +61 8 6252 1900
info@rockpoolperth.com

Elmar's in the Valley

Did you know that Elmar's has been around since 1987?  Yes! Initially as a smallgoods outlet in Highgate, then another outlet in Myaree, this german success story led to the birth of a wonderful establishment in Henley Brook.

As a family we have frequented Elmar's in the Valley many times.  Situated in the heart of the picturesque Swan Valley, we really are spoilt for choice - with so much on the menu, fabulous surroundings but perhaps best of all (in my opinion anyway), so much GLUTEN FREE.

Yes my Coeliac friends & gluten intolerant compadres, Elmar's will not disappoint. Their menu options are extensive and delicious (I can vouch for this!) If you would like to peruse their menu click here.



You will notice that many menu options have a © or a ©* next to them.  This indicates that the menu item is either Gluten Free or can be prepared Gluten Free.  Happy days!

Chloe from Elmar's in the Valley was more than happy to speak to me about 'gluten free options' and 'food preparation'.  She referred directly to the chef who advised the following -

“We ensure quality control in the kitchen based on strict HCCP guidelines. This means all food must be cooked, prepared and stored properly. The majority of our sauces are made from scratch so we know exactly what is going into our food, and ensure everything is prepared properly.”

What about the small goods you ask?  Are they Gluten Free?  This from their website -

"Elmar uses only the highest quality products and freshest ingredients in all of his traditional smallgoods recipes. In addition to this, all of the Elmar's Smallgoods products are GLUTEN FREE, and free of any artificial colours or flavours. This allows customers with most allergy problems the ability to happily indulge in Elmar's delicious products without the risk of allergic reactions".

More information can be found about Elmar's Small Goods here

Click here to source other locations for Elmar's Small Goods 

Elmar's also host the fabulous Elmar's in the Valley OKTOBERFEST - Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th and Sunday 21st October - a weekend full of live music, German food and beer (PLEASE NOTE ELMAR'S BEER IS NOT GLUTEN FREE) - but PLENTY of other gluten free beverages available of course!

So it's all good really.  Feel like a trip out to the beautiful Swan Valley?  Go on.. your tummy will thank you for it :)

The restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesday and Thursday and both lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday.

Guten Appetit!

Elmar's in the Valley
8731 West Swan Rd, Henley Brook
Tel (08) 9296 0058 Fax (08) 9296 6356

www.elmars.com.au

Hillarys Boat Harbour

and so.. school holidays are upon us.. lets doooooooooo something..

OK how about AQWA? (Perth's Underwater World as it was formerly known) we haven't been for eons and I'm sure the kids would LOVE it.  So off to Hillarys we went and it would have been SUPER AWESOME except for the fact that Ben had not had a sleep and so.. let the screaming begin <groan>.  It was like flying blind.. we should have KNOWN better.  Thinking that this little moment of hysteria would soon pass was madness BECAUSE IT DIDN'T..

Apologies to the other AQWA patrons for our mid afternoon performance. Yes it did continue FROM the car TO the aquarium.. no he DID NOT wish to get IN the stroller, madness ensued.. yes we dared to enter the CROWDED walkthrough acquarium - the largest in AUSTRALIA..
Had we lost our minds?? CLEARLY.  He would not be held, contained, consoled.. we were ever hopeful.  Masses of critical stares burning into every side of my skull.. EVEN FROM THE FISH. 

and then.. we were out.. FINALLY but.. please.. someone explain to me.. WHY must people stand in little groups right in the middle of a busy NARROW thoroughfare and even though I had a pained DISTRESSED expression and was clearly struggling with a STROLLER AND a SCREAMING almost 2 year old who was not going to CALM DOWN for anyone and there was clearly NO WAY past, did they CONTINUE having a little chat.. DEAR OH DEAR..
GOING INTO MELTDOWN

But ABOVE GROUND a hasty handball to dad did not resolve this hideous situation.. oh no.. and the poor starfish in the touchpool will be FOREVER scarred.  DO NOT lift the sea creatures above the surface of the water - Umm OOPS..  DO NOT SQUEEZE POKE OR BITE sea creatures - Umm OOPS.. <ok I embellsh slightly.. he did not bite anything>.  We made a hasty retreat.

Hungry anyone?? Of course!! Everyone was looking for a little nourishment after that ordeal.  Even Ben.. after all.. a nibble on a starfish was hardly satisfying.. but I digress..

The Sorrento Beach Shack was like an oasis in the desert, a needle in the haystack, a ..

OK OK so you get the idea.        

I am happy to report that their menu was extensive with quite a selection for the gluten free diner.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner AND CAKES!!

Plus these people understand gluten free requirements and careful food preparation. Could that be.. Silence?? No whingeing, great food and COFFEE?? Yes..

Food not music calmed the savage beast on this occasion. Thank you God  <I couldn't have handled much more this day>.  FINALLY peace was restored. Ahhhh that's better.

Open daily - check website for opening hours.
Located at Sorrento Quay, Hillarys Boat Harbour Western Australia

Mondo Nougat Swan Valley

Nougat - a traditional confectionary made with sugar and/or honey, whipped egg white and roasted nuts.  Originating in Italy in the 15th century, it is a taste sensation.  Whatever your preference, soft & chewy or crunchy it is a winning combination and Mondo Nougat in Perth's own Swan Valley can cater to every taste. With flavours on offer like vanilla, orange, lemon, cherry, chocolate, apricot and capuccino and a choice of soft or crunchy varieties, there is indeed something for everyone.

With a premium selection incorporating such ingredients and flavour combinations as Pistachio & Cranberry, Honey & Macadamia, Fruit & Nut and Blueberry, it seems Mondo have thought of everything and do not disappoint.

The factory showroom has so much more on offer than nougat alone, with delicious coffee, hot chocolate and other beverages, gelato and a miriad of cakes and treats available, many of which are gluten, lactose, sugar and cholesterol free.



Situated at -

640 Great Northern Highway
Herne Hill




Open -

Tues - Fri:  8.00 - 5.00
Sat & Sun: 9.30 - 5.00

(Public Holidays - check the website)                 




For retail stockists in Western Australia and other parts of Australia please refer to the website.

Although I am happy to report there is an online store (mmm dangerous..)

 mondonougat.com.au

Mends Street Cafe

Fancy a little coffee and cake?  Mmm don't mind if I do..

Called in for a coffee and was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of gluten free yummies on offer. So indulge we did. Lurvely.











Walnut and Apple Tart and Rhubarb and Apple Tart.
Hit the spot. Happy days.


Mends Street Cafe is located at 35 Mends Street, South Perth

Lime Cafe

A visit to Princess Margaret Hospital today saw us in the same neighbourhood as Lime Cafe and so we headed over for a little nourishment.

Lime Cafe is a gluten free & vegan friendly cafe located in the heart of West Perth.  This cafe offers fresh, healthy and organic deliciousness with everything from chocolate mud muffins to yummy wraps, super funky salads, curries, quinoa, roast veggies, jacket potatoes with fabulous fillings, freshly squeezed juices, ice-cream & organic coffee.. and that's just for starters..

The food is excellent and the choice is extensive.  Very popular with the West Perth corporate crowd and everyone in-between..

Located at 1260 Hay Street, West Perth it's definitely one not to miss.

Grill'd

Garrick and I were in downtown Mt Lawley yesterday - one of the trendy boutique and 'be-seen' cafe district suburbs of Perth.  There are some superb eateries here and Grill'd is no exception. 

Grill'd is not new, it has been around for a while now but for those of you gluten fighters who haven't ventured in to this bodacious burger bar, you had best get a move on.

These guys focus on quality, fresh local ingredients, steering away from the mass production and over processed we see so much of these days. With a menu that is extensive and smells that stimulate the olfactory senses it makes decision making a difficult task.

After selecting your gluten free bun, the choice is abundant. Just avoid the following ingredients and you are one step closer to burger euphoria:

· veggie pattie                                                                                                    

· chickpea pattie

· sweet chilli mayo

· satay sauce

· croutons

Oh and the chips are gluten free!

The staff member that served us was really switched on. After a chat about preparation, she kindly offered to prepare the burger out the back, away from the main prep area & not in the same toaster as other breads so as to avoid any cross-contamination issues.   **There is a 'may contain traces' statement on the menu board so obviously use common sense here. The golden rule here is - if in doubt, then leave it out.

With locations in most states and 5 here in Perth, there's bound to be one closeby.

So if you've got a hankering for a tasty burger, get on down to Grill'd. You'll be glad you did.

Check out their website www.grilld.com.au/

Houghtons Cafe

Called in to Houghtons Cafe (Houghtons Wines) this morning.  Living in the Swan Valley has its perks.  Superb wines, beautiful surrounds and great places to eat!

Houghtons doesn't disappoint where gluten free is concerned - providing a number of gluten free options including gluten free bread & crackers.  Although the children's menu and chips contain gluten, the staff at Houghtons are happy to talk to you beforehand to agree on a menu and prices for a child's pack catered to dietary requirements.


From Chilli mussels to sumptuous salads I am sure there is something to appeal to the most discerning diner.  Items that are gluten free change from menu to menu.


Although just a coffee and cake today I can assure you I will return at a later date to sample the wonderful menu.


Located at Dale Rd, Middle Swan
Houghton Cafe is open from 10am - 4pm (lunch service 11am to 3pm)
(excluding Christmas Day, New Year's Day & Good Friday)

http://www.houghton-wines.com.au/

Gloria Jean's Coffees

We called in to Gloria Jean's Coffees at Harbour Town this morning.  My intention was to grab a takeaway coffee and run (I wasn't expecting to find anything gluten free available) but I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of gluten free snacks on offer, so we sat in.

Abbey & Ben (my youngest) each tucked into a cute little gluten free daisy biscuit (labelled gluten free) and I enjoyed a White Choc & Cranberry Bliss cookie by Kez's (a company that have numerous gluten free yummies).

Needless to say nothing really touched the sides.. oh and the coffee was good too..

Gloria Jean's Coffees Australia have a nutritional information section under "Our Products"  on their website which details any allergens and is quite a good reference point.

With stores all over Perth and some country areas there's bound to be one near you.  Check them out.

www.gloriajeanscoffees.com.au/

Alternative Bites

We visited Alternative Bites yesterday for lunch. I love going there. Despite the fact that EVERYTHING on the menu is gluten free, the food actually tastes great and there is so much to choose from.

They offer everything from great coffee, delicious cakes, pies & sausage rolls, burgers, quiches, salads to toasted sandwiches, foccacias and hot chips.

Alternative Bites is located at Winthrop Village Shopping Centre, Somerville Blvd, Winthrop

www.alternativebites.com.au