Cafe "Nancy" at the Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet in Pakenham

For a long time, we’ve been keen to visit the Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet in Pakenham. It seems such a long way from the Melbourne suburbs, but for us, it was about a 50 minute drive, mostly along the M1 Monash Freeway.

Robert Gordon has been making world class pottery since 1945 and makes some of their range right here in Victoria. The outlet has a very large selection of pottery on display and they also hold pottery classes.

Read more on their site: https://www.robertgordonaustralia.com/

We knew that the outlet has a cafe but knew little about it.

We were expecting pottery but not vegan, gluten & dairy free food!

How wrong we were!

The outlet cafe is called “Nancy” and has both inside and outside tables.

“Nancy” is the sister cafe to “Lorna” in Ferntree Gully and “Maria” in Upwey. Each cafe is named after one of the owners grandmothers; Nancy was Josh's nana, an accomplished Tasmanian cook who also happened to be a potter. The sister cafes also have vegan and gluten free options on their menus.

When planning your trip to Robert Gordon, you must do the following:

1. Book a table at “Nancy”.  We didn’t but were very lucky as we were able to peruse the pottery while we waited for one to become available.
2. Before you sit down, visit the cake display, where we found some beautiful looking cakes including some vegan & gluten free options, as these are not shown on the menu.

We were very surprised to find many suitable brunch options for us on the menu.

I had a tofu scramble on some very nice gluten & dairy free bread, avocado and some of the home made hash brown.

The rest of the family shared a platter ( designed for Valentines Day) that had eggs your way on toast; mushrooms, Korean Fried Chicken Bao buns; arancini balls and chocolate waffles. Easily fed two, but not all gluten free.

Share Platter

We couldn’t fit in cake during the visit, but took a piece of the vegan & GF pistachio cake home for later.

It looks very dense but was surprisingly light with an extravagant berry cream icing. Delicious!

Vegan Pistachio Cake

The staff were very friendly and helpful even though this is a very busy venue.

If you are passing anywhere near Pakenham, definitely visit the Robert Gordon factory outlet. (Book at table first)

Links:

• "Nancy" at Robert Gordon, Pakenham: https://www.nancyeatery.com.au/
• "Lorna" in Fertree Gully: https://www.lornamelbourne.com.au/
• "Maria" in Upwey: https://www.mariamelbourne.com.au/

Rawlicious Delicious - Raw, Vegan treats

 I made a recent, rare visit to Passion Foods in South Melbourne to check out their range of gluten free, dairy free products that they stock and came home with some raw, vegan, gluten free & dairy free treats made by Rawlicious Delicious.

Lemon Pistachio Cheesecake

Smooth & creamy texture with a subtle lemon flavour.

Amazing!! Delicious!! I'm looking forward to eating this again very soon.

Rocky Road

Deliciously smooth & very chocolatey.

Rawlicious Delicious are based in Bundaberg, Queensland but have a couple of stockists in Melbourne:

1. Passion Foods
219 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne

2. Lebon Cakes
93 Acland St, St Kilda, Melbourne

Read more about Rawlicious Delicious treats on their website:

https://rawliciousdelicious.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawliciousdelicious/

(Photos are from Rawlicious Delicious)

2019 Gluten Free Expo, Melbourne - Video

Our latest visit to the Gluten Free Expo in Melbourne in October, 2019.
Very large number of quality exhibitors and plenty of people attending.
Add in an awesome goodie bag with some fantastic samples and I think this was one of the best expos ever!

List of exhibitors seen in the video

Coeliac Australia
https://www.coeliac.org.au/

Coles
https://www.coles.com.au/

Simply Wize
http://www.simplywize.com.au/

Vitality Bakehouse bread

Helgas & Country Life bread (part of Goodman Fielder)
http://www.countrylife.com.au

Barilla pasta
http://www.barilla.net.au/

Unforgettable Products
http://www.unforgettableproducts.com.au

Macarons De Paris
http://www.macarondeparis.com.au/

Freedom Foods
http://www.freedomfoods.com.au/

Ardor Food Co - Nutella Donuts & crepes
http://ardorfoodco.com.au/

Food For Health
http://www.foodforhealth.com.au/

Brians Gourmet Meats
https://www.briansgourmetmeats.com.au/

Mrs Brunts Shake & Bake bread
https://www.brunt.com.au/

GF Precinct
https://gfprecinct.com.au/

Mamaji's Curry Sauces
https://www.mamajis.com.au/

Orgran
http://www.orgran.com/

Two Bays Brewing
https://www.twobays.beer/

YesYouCan
http://www.saldoce.com.au/

Caffe Strada Bakery
http://www.caffestrada.com.au/gluten_free

Tea Tonic
https://www.teatonic.com.au/index.php/

Botanical Brew
https://botanicalbrew.com.au/

Well & Good
https://www.wellandgood.com.au/

Senza Wellness Foods
https://www.senzafoods.com.au/

We Love Cake (UK)
https://we-love-cake.co.uk/

Bells & Whistles (UK)
https://bells-whistles.co.uk/

Oh So Good Foods
https://www.ohsogoodfoods.com.au/

Danny Balboa Hot Sauce
https://www.dannybalboa.co/

Gluten Free Developments
https://www.glutenfreedevelopments.com.au/

Green Whisk
https://www.greenwhisk.com.au/

Ciao Mamma!
https://ciaomamma.com.au/


See You All Next Year!!

We Love Cake - Double Chocolate Brownies at Coles

We noticed these on the shelves at Coles today.

Gluten, Wheat & Milk Free cakes from We Love Cake.

Double Chocolate Brownies

Double Chocolate Brownies

Very Yummy!! A real brownie, fudgy but light texture.

The box contains 4 little bars separately wrapped in packs of 2. (So you don’t eat the whole box!)

Double Chocolate Brownies

Fruit Cake Slices

I haven’t tasted these as they contain some things that don’t agree with me: apple juice, Glucose-Fructose syrup & sulphur dioxide.

Fruit Cake Slices

Cost: $5.50 per box (Purchased by us. No affiliation with the product or suppliers)

These are made in the U.K. by We Love Cake.

 https://we-love-cake.co.uk/australian-products/ . Full ingredient lists on the site.

Their website shows quite a few gluten, wheat & milk free cakes. Maybe we will see more of these on the shelves in Australia.

Coeliac Awareness Week 2019

Coeliac Awareness Week is from 13-20 March, 2019

Be on the lookout for specials at the major supermarkets. Check your letterbox for the catalogues!

Have a look at the gluten free products available at Woolworths:
https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/search/products?searchTerm=gluten%20free

Freakonomics Podcast: The Demonization of Gluten

The team over at Freakonomics never fail to produce excellent podcasts.
This week, they have addressed Gluten.

This is very informative and very high quality content. Spend 45 minutes to listen when you can.
I use the iPhone app: Stitcher to manage my podcast listening.

Listen now in your browser:
http://freakonomics.com/podcast/demonization-gluten/

Get Stitcher for your phone: https://www.stitcher.com/

Gluten Free Expo, Melbourne 2016 - Video

If you weren't able to visit the Gluten Free Expo in Melbourne this year. Here are some highlights.

List of exhibitors seen in the video

Coeliac Society Victoria & Tasmania
http://victas.coeliac.org.au/

Simply Wize
http://www.simplywize.com.au/

Vitality Bakehouse bread

San Remo pasta
http://sanremo.com.au/

Pure Gluten Free Bakery - Treat No Wheat Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/pureglutenfree06/

O’Brien Beer
https://rebellionbrewing.com.au/obrien-beer

Little Earth Bakery - Bread
http://www.littleearthbakery.com.au/

Australian Gluten-Free Life magazine
http://agfl.com.au/

Windsor Park Country Flavour - Yo Yo's
http://www.windsorparkcountryflavour.com/

Helgas & Country Life bread (part of Goodman Fielder)
http://www.countrylife.com.au

Barilla pasta
http://www.barilla.net.au/

Coles
https://www.coles.com.au/

Schar
http://www.schar.com/

Genius bread
http://www.geniusglutenfree.com/en_gb

AVS Organic Foods - Non-Dairy Cheese
http://avsorganicfoods.com.au/

The Mixing Bowl Cupcakes - Brunswick
https://www.facebook.com/TheMixingBowlCupcakes/?fref=ts

Happy Camper - Pizza van
http://happycamperpizza.com.au/

Greek Street Food by Kara’s Kalamaki
http://www.greekstreetfood.com.au/

Unforgettable Products
http://www.unforgettableproducts.com.au

No Grainer
http://nograiner.com.au/

Gluten Free Bakehouse & Zehnder
http://gfbakehouse.com.au/

Macarons De Paris
http://www.macarondeparis.com.au/

Freedom Foods
http://www.freedomfoods.com.au/

Ayam
http://ayam.com/

Mrs Macs Pies
http://www.mrsmacs.com.au

The Whole Foodies
http://thewholefoodies.com.au/

Ardor Food Co - Nutella Donuts & crepes
http://ardorfoodco.com.au/

Sue Shepherd
http://shepherdworks.com.au/

Pana Chocolate
http://www.panachocolate.com

Food For Health
http://www.foodforhealth.com.au/

YesYouCan
http://www.saldoce.com.au/


See You All Next Year!!

2016 Gluten Free Expo, Melbourne

The Gluten Free Expo and Conference is on again in Melbourne on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of October, 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Jeffs' Shed).

Conference hosted by World Champion Aerial Skier, Jacqui Cooper

Assoc Prof Don Cameron - Paediatric Gastroenterologist

Dr Jason Tye-Din - Gastroenterologist

Jim Kantidakis - Physchologist

Kim Menzies - Dietitian

and more. 

Full details of the show at www.gfexpo.com.au

GF Expo is presented by The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania victas.coeliac.org.au

TV - The Intolerant Cooks

Tracy Bartram & Richard Barassi present a TV series with recipes for people with food intolerances from locations around Victoria.

Set your recorder for channel 7TWO at 2:30 on Saturday.
Full Episodes and Recipes are also available on their website at: http://www.intolerantcooks.com.au/

2015 Gluten Free Expo & Conference

The Gluten Free Expo and Conference is on again in Melbourne on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of October, 2015 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Jeffs' Shed).

Read our reports from previous years:

• 2014
• 2011
• 2010

These are always excellent events to discover new products (and sample them!)

Major sponsors are Coles and Simply Wize

Full details of the show at www.gfexpo.com.au

GF Expo is presented by The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania victas.coeliac.org.au

Breakfast - Gluten & Dairy Free

Gluten & Dairy Free Breakfast

Nearly everyone likes a cooked breakfast occasionally. And it can be really good, even if you cook it yourself, at home, and you can be confident about everything on the plate.

Here is a breakfast that I made recently. There is no dairy or gluten involved.

Grilled tomatoes.

The little truss tomatoes work well but otherwise, cut larger tomatoes in half. Place in a small frypan on low to medium heat. (They can burn easily). Drizzle with oil. Salt & pepper and a sprinkle of dried Oregano. Let them slowly cook while you get on with the rest.

Bacon.

This was some very nice gluten free bacon from a local deli. Place in another fry pan with a tiny amount of oil, if any, on low to medium heat.

Avocado.

Halve & slice up an avocado and place on your plate.  Some Rocket is also a nice addition.

Poached Eggs.

Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. (We kickstart this with boiling water from the kettle)
Add a decent splash of White Vinegar as this helps the egg whites to set.
Crack your fresh egg into a cup.
Reduce the heat to a slow simmer. (Not too many bubbles)
With a large spoon, spin the water in the saucepan. Not too much.
Pour your egg into the middle of the whirlpool. The spinning action helps to keep the egg white in a tight ball.
This is now your chance to pour a second egg into the saucepan next to the other one. I find that they rarely stick together.
Set your timer for 3 minutes (soft yolk). Don't let the water get back to a boil.

Toast.

The best gluten free & dairy free bread I've found in Melbourne, so far, is Soy & Linseed bread from Lichtenstiens Bakehouse in Balaclava.
This bread toasts very well and has a great texture & taste.
I buy mine from a local Coles supermarket and keep it in the freezer. Defrosting a few slices when needed. Not many Coles in Melbourne stock this bread. Another option is Sunnybrook Health Store in Ormond.

Ingredients: Rice flour 62%, water, eggs, salt, vegetable oil(canola), sugar, yeast, vegetable gum (guar or 412) vinegar. Made in the same premises as products containing nuts.

Now you just need to plate everything up and enjoy your home cooked, gluten & dairy free breakfast!

Would you rather go out for breakfast?

In Melbourne, especially, there are countless places that have excellent breakfasts.
Many of them offer gluten free bread, but my experience is that the bread is rarely also dairy free. Ask your waiter, but worst case is that you have to go without toast.

Also be wary of other menu items that often get cooked in butter. eg mushrooms, hash browns (gluten also)

Links

Lichtensteins Bakehouse
287 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183
http://www.lichtensteinsbakehouse.com.au/


Gluten Free Shop- Sunnybrook Health Store
553A North Road, Ormond, VIC, 3204, Australia
Melway Reference: 68 F8
Email: sales@glutenfreeshop.com.au
Telephone: (03) 9578 6400
http://www.glutenfreeshop.com.au/

Zebra Dream - Organic Coconut Icecream

We tried out one of the great flavours from Zebra Dream recently.

The little 150ml "Dixie cup" is an excellent way to try out the flavours and they seem to be available for around $5. (Spoon included under the lid!!)

The Choc Mint Crunch had a very smooth & creamy texture with the organic cacao nibs adding a bitter chocolatey crunch.

Ingredients:

• Organic Coconut milk
• Organic Agave syrup
• Organic Cacao powder
• Organic Cacao nibs
• Peppermint oil
• Organic Guar Gum
• Citrus Fibre

The Agave Syrup is not fructose friendly so I only had a little taste. But if this isn't a worry for you then definitely try these out. (The website shows that the Luscious Latte flavour has no Agave and is sweetened with coconut sugar. I'll try that one out when I next see them)

We found these in the freezer section at Sunnybrook in Ormond and also the Capital Kitchen at Chadstone Shopping Center.

Have you tried Zebra Dream? Let us know what you think.


Zebra Dream: www.zebradream.com

Sunnybrook Health Store: www.glutenfreeshop.com.au

Capital Kitchen:  www.capitalkitchen.com.au

Report on 2014 Gluten Free Expo & Conference

We were one of the many that attended the Gluten Free Expo and Conference in Melbourne on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of September, 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Jeffs' Shed).

Dr Rupert Hinds, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, was one of the many specialist speakers making up the conference.
http://www.digestivehealth.com.au/doctors-rupert-hinds.htm

GF Precinct gfprecinct.com.au  Artisan breads hand made in a gluten-free bakery in Melbourne.

The stand for Shepherd Works, Sue Shepherds organisation, was a hive of activity as many people were excited to meet her & have Sue sign their books and taste test her yummy lollies.
http://shepherdworks.com.au/

It took us quite a while to get passed the O'Brien Beer display as we tested many of their fine gluten free beers.  Our favorites will now be in the fridge at the ready.  I especially liked the Brown Ale.
https://rebellionbrewing.com.au/obrien-beer

The friendly chefs from Helgas Bread were busily preparing gourmet sandwiches using their latest gluten free breads for all to try.
http://www.helgas.com.au/

A regular at the gluten free expos and one of our favorites is Well & Good.
http://www.wellandgood.com.au/

Our review of their Crusty Bread Mix.

At the Coles stage, Masterchef contestants Courtney Roulston and Michael Weldon, demonstrated some of their skills.

Here are just some of the goodies, both free samples and purchases that we returned home with.

It was a great show with heaps of yummy things to try, buy and talk to the manufacturers about. That is the real benefit of the event.

Keep an eye on www.gfexpo.com.au for details of the next expo

GF Expo is presented by The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania victas.coeliac.org.au

2014 Gluten Free Expo & Conference

The Gluten Free Expo and Conference is on again in Melbourne on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of September, 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Jeffs' Shed).

As always, we look forward to discovering new gluten free products and tasting them all!
We'll be on the lookout for:

• Decadent Desserts www.decadentdesserts.com.au  GF & DF desserts from Gippsland.
• GF Precinct gfprecinct.com.au  Artisan breads hand made in a gluten-free bakery in Melbourne.
• Farinacci Pasta  farinaccipasta.com.au  Gluten Free pasta made in Caulfield.

Major sponsor this year is Coles

Full details of the show at www.gfexpo.com.au

GF Expo is presented by The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania victas.coeliac.org.au

Gluten Free Expo - Caulfield Race Course - 15 September 2012

The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania are the organisers of the Gluten Free Expo to be held at Caulfield Race Course, Melbourne on Saturday 15 September, 2012, 9:30 to 4:00.

This is a one day event only. Adult Entry Fee is $10 (Coeliac Society Members $5)

Full Expo details at http://www.glutenfreeexpovic-tas.org.au/

Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania at http://www.coeliac.org.au/vic-tas/

We will be going along to check out new gluten free products. See You there!

Report: 2011 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show

September hosted the 2011 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show at Jeffs Shed in Melbourne.
For us, this is an event that is not to be missed.

This year, the major sponsor was Macro Wholefoods Market. (You might remember that Macro was bought by Woolworths in mid-2009)

Presenters included: Tobie Puttock & Dr Sue Shepherd.

Here are some of our highlights:

• Macro Wholefoods Market
  Macro had a large display of their products, most of which you will find in your local Woolworths/Safeway.
  Recipe brochures from Toby Puttock, Spencer Clements, Dr. Sue Shepherd & Rowie Dillon were given away.
• Larder Fresh
  Roast Pumpkin & Chickpea Burger. Gluten Free, Egg free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, onion & garlic free, preservative free. We picked up some of these. Very tasty. Great for a snack, or light lunch. No onion but still full of flavor. They also produce Falafel but these have onion.
  http://www.larderfresh.com.au/
• Bayview
  Bayview is an Australian owned company producing a wide range of crumbed fish, chicken and related products, including a gluten free range.
  New products are in the works, including: Calamari & easy to cook Fish in a bag.
  You can always find their fish fillets and chicken tenderloins in my freezer.
  A suggestion for Bayview: Please include the ingredients list for your products on your website.
  http://www.bayviewseafoods.com.au/
• Melindas
  You will always find some of the Melindas range in our pantry, especially the "Heavenly Choc Fudge Brownie Mix".
  They were promoting their own Gluten Free Self Raising Flour mix and their iPhone Allergy Free Entertaining app. (Android version soon)
  One of our clan sampled their Tuscan Style Rissotto Cakes, which received the thumbs up. These are gluten free, but do contain onion and cheese is part of the recipe.
  http://melindasgfg.com/
• House of Biskota 
  had a very interesting display of biscuits that are gluten, dairy, egg and yeast free.
  For those conscious of fructose, be aware of the biscuits that have jam as the ingredients show this contains apple.
  http://houseofbiskota.com.au/GlutenFree
• "Uncle" Rick Grant
  Rick & Rhonda were showing off a new range of seasoning mixes that are gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, egg free, soy free and fructose friendly (no onion or garlic).
  Expect to see a lot more from Rick during 2012.
  http://www.rickgrant.com.au/
• Well and Good
  were present again with a fantastic range of products. Always full of enthusiasm and coming up with something new. They were showcasing several new products.
  http://www.wellandgood.com.au/
• Table of Plenty
  Gluten free Mini rice cakes but with a delicious top coating of chocolate.
  http://www.tableofplenty.com.au/
• Mary's Gone Crackers
  This range of crackers and cookies are made in the USA but distributed in Australia by Real Food Distributors.
  The Love Cookies range are fantastic, with our favourites being the N'Oatmeal Raisin (No Oatmeal!!) and the Double Chocolate.
  You can find these in health food stores and independent supermarkets.
  http://www.realfooddistributors.com.au/page/products.html
  http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/
• F G Roberts
  Regular show attendees, F G Roberts were presenting their new Palmira's bread mix which is gluten and wheat free and the bread can be made without yeast. Detailed information packs with recipes were made available.
  http://www.glutenfreehealth.com.au/
• Celebrate Health
  have an interesting range of gluten free baking mixes based on Chestnut flour (contain dairy), and a range of flavoured Quinoa: Tomato & Basil; Moroccan Spiced and Lemon & Thyme. (I've spotted these in Coles since the show)
  http://www.celebratehealth.com.au/
• Peppercorn Food Company
  were cooking up their range of gluten free sausages which are delicious.
  Not all of the them are fructose friendly as they contain garlic & onion.
  Unfortunately, the website does not list ingredients. These should be available at your local Woolworths. Ask your supermarket manager if they are not.
  http://www.peppercornfood.com.au/
• Gluten Free 4U
  This is a new bakery that has opened in Moorabbin and covers bread, pizza bases, tarts, cookies & cakes, all manufactured in a dedicated gluten and nut free enviornment.
  5/1 Bignell Rd. Moorabbin
  http://www.glutenfree4u.com.au/
• Kez's Free
  were launching their new Vienna Eclair gluten free biscuits.
  Not dairy free. Try the Melting Moments for a gluten and dairy free biscuit.
  http://www.kezs.com.au/products-kezs-free.asp
• Deeks Health Foods
  We first tried this bread while traveling in the ACT a few years ago and found it to be very good.
  Deeks is now becoming available in Victoria and definately worth a try. Available at Sunnybrook.
  http://www.deeks.com.au/
• Vitality Bakehouse
  Have a large range of gluten free baked goods.
  Their Christmas Pudding is also dairy free along with our favourite, the Orange Poppy Seed Muffins. (Hard to find on the Internet)
  http://www.raffleshealthyfoods.com.au/
• San Remo Pasta
  This is our first stop for gluten free pasta. Our favourites are the Penne & Spirals.
  http://www.sanremo.com.au/
• Yes You Can
  has a range of bread, cake and pancake mixes that are gluten, wheat and yeast free.
  Some have dairy free options including the cupcake mix.
  http://yesyoucan.net.au/yes-you-can/home

You can be sure we will be back in 2012 to see (and taste) the latest gluten free products on the market.

2011 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show

The Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show is on again in Melbourne on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of September, 2011 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibiton Centre (Jeffs' Shed).

As always, we look forward to discovering new gluten free products and tasting them all at the best gluten free show around.

Major sponsor this year is Macro (Woolworths) which is a change for this show. Previously, Coles has been the  major sponsor and has supported the show very well with a very large display of its products. Hopefully, Macro will be up to the task.

Book online before the show at http://www.glutenfreefoodshow.com.au/

Report: 2010 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show

October 1 & 2 was a busy weekend in Melbourne with the AFL Grand Final Replay at the MCG and the 2010 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show at Jeffs Shed in Melbourne.
We visited on the Sunday and the show looked as popular as ever, with a slightly different layout to previous years.

Here are some of our highlights:

• Coles - Major Sponsor
  Once again, Coles were present and a major sponsor of the show with a large display of the gluten free products that they stock.
  The goodie bag given to all show attendees, this year included a booklet of discount coupons for gluten free products from Coles.
  www.coles.com.au


• F.G. Roberts
  We have seen F.G.Roberts at every gluten free show we have attended and they have been very active in producing gluten free flour alternatives; soy products and bread mixes in Victoria since the 1930s.
  Their hands on demonstrations of their Cottage Bread Mix was exactly what we like to see at these events, along with plenty of samples. We look forward to trying this new mix out ourselves. They had a day old loaf for tasting which was still quite good for gluten free bread.
  www.GlutenFreeHealth.com.au


• Chang's Authentic Asian Cooking
  We were very impressed by the extensive range of Chang's Asian cooking sauces that are gluten free. Our cupboards always have a few of these ready for our next stir fry.
  From their flyer:
  In the manufacture of Changs Soy based sauces, gluten is first completely removed from the wheat flour. This leaves wheat starch, which is the extract of wheat named as an ingredient. Both sauces have been tested and found to contain NO detectable GLUTEN. which explains why wheat is mentioned on the ingredients list. Good to know.
  http://www.changs.com


• Bayview Gluten Free Products
  Bayview produce a range of frozen foods that are gluten free, dairy free, yeast free with no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or GM ingredients. Most of these are also fructose friendly.
  
  • Crumbed Chicken Tenderloins (Our favourites)
    
  • Crumbed Flounder Fillets
    
  • Crumbed Fish Bites
    
  • Crumbed Salmon & Vegetable Patties
    
  • Crumbed Chicken Breast Nuggets
    
  • Crumbed Vegetable Patties
  
  www.bayviewseafoods.com.au
  A suggestion to Bayview: Their website has nutrition information for each product but no ingredients list. I like to know what is in something before I buy it. Reading ingredients lists of products in the freezer section of the supermarket is not my favourite hobby.


• Well and Good - Crusty Bread Mix
  Well & Good continue to come out with some excellent products, many of which we have tasted for the first time at these shows.
  This year we were very impressed by the samples of bread made using their new Crusty Bread Mix. Very Tasty.
  Since the show, we have made our own bread using this mix. See the results here.
  Check out all their products on their website:
  www.wellandgood.com.au


• Simply Wize
  Simply Wize are another Victorian company with a history of quality gluten free products.
  This year they presented their Crusty Bread and French Stick mixes along with thier prepackaged Gnocchi.
  We are yet to try these products.
  www.momentumfoods.com.au


• San Remo
  San Remo gluten free pasta is a staple in our house and it is great to see them active in the gluten free marketplace and events like this.
  They were one of a very few of the manufacturers to have a Suggestion Box at their stand and I think it was getting plenty of use. What a great idea! Events like this put gluten free product manufacturers face to face with their end customers. A perfect opportunity to see what is working/not working with their products. Well Done San Remo!
  www.sanremo.com.au
  Suggestion: Ingredients list on your website please


• Kez's Free
  Kez's continue to produce a very high quality range of biscotti, biscuits and breads, all of which are are gluten free and some are dairy free.
  I always have a packet of the Melting Moments in the cupboard.
  New products from Kez are:
  • Chocolate Chip Indulgent Biscuits - Gluten Free
    
  • Cranberry Choc Chip with Chia - Gluten & Dairy Free
  
  The cranberry biscuits contain honey, so those of you with fructose malabsorption will need to be careful.
  www.kezs.com.au


• Boscastle Pies
  Boscastle is a well known name in the world of gourmet pies which now includes a gluten free range. The excellent allergen information available on their website indicates that these pies are also dairy free. They do contain onion & garlic so fructose malabsorption sufferers, be careful.
  We asked if they would ever produce a pie without onion? Their answer: No.
  www.boscastle.com.au


• Peppercorn Food Company Sausages
  Peppercorn Food Company had a great display of their many gluten free products and with plenty of samples being tasted.
  We were very pleased to find out that several of their sausages do not contain any onion. We went home with several packets of the Chicken Sausages with Fresh Lime and Spices; the Extra Lean Sausage Italian Style and Extra Lean Beef Sausage with Fresh Aisan Herbs and Spices.
  www.peppercornfood.com.au


• Eskal Noble Choice Dairy Free Chocolate
  It can be hard to find good quality dairy free chocolate. After a quick taste test of Eskals Noble Choice Dairy free chocolate with Mint, we'll be looking out for this one on the shelves.
  www.eskalfoods.com


• Orgran
  Orgran are a very well known brand in the gluten free market with an extensive and growing range of products.
  To make life easier for their customers, they have produced a quick reference guide that easily shows allergen information for each of their many products.
  A great idea from Orgran
  www.orgran.com


• Patties.....Missing
  Patties were a noticable absentee from the show this year. Patties Sausage Rolls; Meat Pies and especially the Lamingtons are items that I always have in my freezer.
  www.pattiesglutenfree.com


• Fox In The Box
  The Foxy Ladies from our much loved Fox in The Box restaurant in Brighton were present promoting their excellent allergy aware dining experience along with some new products: Foxy Hot Chocolate and Turkish Delight.
  www.foxinthebox.com


• Mamasita
  Mamasita is an authentic Mexican restaurant in Collins St with a menu that is entirely gluten free. They were serving up plenty of very interesting looking food throughout the show which we didn't get to taste.
  We will be trying out this restaurant soon.
  www.mamasita.com

It was great to see the two restaurants above at the show promoting themselves and we hope to see more like this next year.

Congratulations to the organisers on another excellent show!

Usual disclaimer, we have no connection with any of the producers listed. We look forward to seeing these products on local shelves and to next years show. See you there!

Report: 2009 Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free Food Show

Early October, 2009 saw us once again visiting The Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free Food Show at Jeffs Shed in Melbourne.

Here are some of our highlights:

• Coles - Major Sponsor
  It was great to see a major supermarket chain supporting the gluten free community with the largest exhibitor space and for stocking and promoting gluten free products.
  The goodie bag given free to all show attendees included a Gluten Free Recipe booklet from Coles that contains 8 recipes, some of which are egg, dairy and nut free.
  http://www.coles.com.au/


• Kez's Free
  Kez's have an excellent range of treats (biscotti, biscuits and breads) all are gluten free and some are dairy free.
  These are quality products and available at Coles and independent supermarkets. I especially enjoy the Melting Moments and the Cranberry Biscotti (unfortunately I can't get these at Coles so must get them at health food shops) They are pricey which means they aren't something I can have every day.
  http://www.kezs.com.au/


• Spring Hill Farm
  is a Victorian business specialising in gluten free treats including:
  
  • Rocky Road
  • Biscuits
  • Slices
  • Bread Mix
  The bread mix looks interesting as it is wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, nut free and soy free, but I am yet to try it out.
  http://www.springhillfarm.com.au/


• Melinda's Gluten-free Goodies
  Melinda's have a range of slice, biscuit, muffin and brownie mixes that helpfully include dairy and egg-free options.
  Their latest release (August 2009) is a selection of water crackers, claimed to be Australias first gluten free water cracker.
  http://www.melindas.com.au/


• Well and Good - Chocolate Mud Cake Mix
  We first saw this at last years show and couldn't walk past without trying out more of this great cake!!
  http://www.wellandgood.com.au/


• Vitarium
  This show was the first time we had ever seen or heard of this new Australian company with an interesting range of gluten free products:
  
  • Pancake Mix
  • Fruit Cake Mix
  • Bread Mix
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Gelatine Free Jelly
  • Plain Flour
  • Self Raising Flour
  Unfortunately, the website lacks any ingredient lists. I will have to look out for the products in store to see what they contain.
  http://www.vitarium.com.au/


• The Pastry Pantry
  The seemingly unstoppable Uncle Rick- Rick Grant was showcasing his latest venture in the gluten free market, ready rolled sheets of pastry in four flavours
  • Savoury Shortcrust
  • Sweet Shortcrust
  • Rough Puff
  • Rich Chocolate Shortcrust
  I have some of these in the freezer and will let you know how they go.
  As we passed Rick we heard several calls to Bring Back Uncle Rick. What do you say Rick??
  http://www.thepastrypantry.com.au/
  *** 2011 Update. Rick Grant is no longer involved with Pastry Pantry ***


• Naturally Good- Deli Dippers
  These were delicious, crunchy, mini-bread-roll, savoury dippers that are great with dips and wine. (We should know, as we went home with several boxes.)
  The available flavours are:
  
  • Rosemary & extra virgin olive oil
  • Roasted garlic & herb
  • Sea Salt
  • Cracked Pepper
  http://www.naturallygoodproducts.com.au/ (Website still under construction - November 2009)Website live in Feb 2010


• Tobie Puttock - Celebrity Cooking Stage
  Once again, we enjoyed watching Tobie cook some great dishes


• Dr. Bob Anderson- Seminar Theatre
  We listened to an excellent presentation by Dr. Anderson from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute on Why do I feel better on a gluten free diet?
  Dr. Anderson is also the Chairman of the Coeliac Research Fund, which deserves plenty of our support.
  http://www.coeliacresearchfund.org/

Congratulations to the organisers on an excellent show!

Usual disclaimer, we have no connection with any of the producers listed. We look forward to seeing these products on local shelves and to next years show. See you there!

Report: 2008 Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free Food Show

The Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free Food Show held over two days during October, 2008, no doubt, was a great success for the organiser Sue Shephard and her team. Congratulations Sue!!

We were there and here are some of the items that caught our eye and that we will be on the look out for in our local shops:

• Lockton Farm Gourmet sausages
  These are a very nice looking range of gluten free and low fat sausages including: Italian Pork and Fennel, Pork Pumpkin and Leak (Not good for fructose malabsorption people), Chicken Spinach and Pinenut, and many more.
  Shop 13 66-74 Brice Terrace
  Mooroolbark, Ph 9727 3200
  www.locktonfarmgourmet.com.au


• Healthy Feast Pies
  A range of nutritious delicious meals in a pie bursting with tantalising flavours
  Dairy & Egg Free, Gluten & Wheat Free, yeast Free, Preservative & Additive Free.
  
  • Australian Beef & Vegetable
    
  • Vegetable Tagine & Chicken Pie
    
  • Lentil & Potato Curry Pie
  
  Phone 02 9818 6333
  www.healthyfeast.com.au
  (Website under construction. Check back)


• La maison de Patisserie - Gluten Free Pastry Sheets - Delivered!
  This is a business that produces pastry sheets that are gluten free, wheat free, soy free, dairy free, low in fat, preservative free which is delivered directly to your home!
  By the time we visited them they had sold out of stock. Word is that the chocolate pastry is delicious and that the savoury pastry is great for pizza bases.
  More info on their website at www.glutenfreepastry.com.au
  Haven't tried this yet, but it sounds like something that I need to have in my freezer.....Just in case.


• Billabong Brewing - Gluten Free Beers
  Its great to see some more gluten free beers hitting the market. Billabong Brewing are based in Western Australia and produce a range of gf beers:
  
  • Australia's Pale Ale - 5.1% alc/vol
    
  • Blonde - 4.5% alc/vol
    
  • Ginger Beer - 4.5% alc/vol
    
  • Apple Beer - 5% alc/vol (No good for fructose malabsorption people)
  
  Phone: 08 9317 6099
  www.billabongbrewing.com.au


• Well and Good - Chocolate Mud Cake Mix
  I shudder to think of how many samples of this one cake we had!! We tasted, then said: "Are you sure this is gluten free and dairy free??" Then we had to try another piece. (Repeat this cycle several times!)
  The mix is:
  
  • Gluten free
    
  • Wheat free
    
  • Dairy free (Apparently this mix was available in the past but did contain dairy)
    
  • Nut free
    
  • Soya free
    
  • Fructose free
    
  • No Trans fat
    
  • GMO free
    
  • No artifical colour
    
  • No artifical flavour
  
  This mix was not yet released at the time of the show but I have found some at Sunnybrook Healthfood shop. (December 2008)
  We might get to try some of their other products if we can stop eating this cake for 5 minutes.
  13 Tower Court
  Noble Park, VIC 3174
  Phone 9769 1515
  www.wellandgood.com.au


• Tobie Puttock - Celebrity Cooking Stage
  We really enjoyed watching Tobie cook some great dishes from his latest book: "Italian Local"
  Thanks to Sue Shephard, Tobie is very aware of food allergies/intolerances and it is a joy to watch a professional at work. He made it all look very easy.

Congratulations again to Sue on a great show!

Usual disclaimer, we have no connection with Sue Shephard or any of the producers listed. We look forward to seeing these products on local shelves and to next years show. See you there!