Gloria Jeans Gluten-free friands

Last week I was shopping at Stocklands Shellharbour and feeling peckish. I stopped at Gloria Jeans and spotted their gluten-free friands made with almond meal. The last time I had enjoyed a friand was from Out For Lunch at the University of Wollongong. It is great to see more cafes and retail outlets offering gluten-free options!

Do you know of a cafe or restaurant that offers gluten-free options? Please let me know.

Regards, Vanessa

Sent from my iPhone

Dining Out in Shellharbour: Relish on Addison

One of the many restaurants a stone's throw from Shellharbour Beach to rave about is Relish on Addison.
Recently I found out that they offer  Gluten-Free options with their meals. It may pay to make a booking and specify your dietary requirements.

I'm really excited about their Chef Menu for June.

Note: All ingredients may not be listed, please advise of allergies + dietary requirements.Vegetarians & special dietary options are available on request

Shop 4, 6 Addison Street, Shellharbour Village
relish@ozemail.com.au
Phone 02 4295 5191
Fax     02 4295 4283

 Cocktail bar
Fully licensed bar
Functions available
Group bookings available


View Illawarra Gluten-Free in a larger map

Illawarra Gluten Free

Illawarra Gluten-Free is a directory of Gluten free products,
stores and online shopping catering to people from the Illawarra.

I started Illawarra Gluten-Free after realising that all the research I was doing on living a gluten free lifestyle and finding locally sourced food and restaurants would be best shared with others in the same plight.

In the past few years I had noticed a significant cause and effect between foods eaten and symptoms labeled as IBS which have now almost disappeared once I cut wheat and gluten out of my diet.  You can read my story about discovering my wheat sensitivity here.

I have provided an index of directories: books, flours, product outlets, recipes etc to get you started.

Crust Gourmet Pizza opening night, Wollongong

On Thursday October 15th I photographed the Opening Night of the new branch of Crust Pizzas in 53 Crown St Wollongong. I had a great time photographing the many patrons and friends and family of the Crust Pizza Bar owners, business partners and staff.

I was lucky enough to sample some delicious pizza (I am in love with their Mediterranean Lamb Pizza - Drool!) and they have even achieved what sounds impossible - the healthy, heart-friendly pizza that tastes delicious! One of the things I was really impressed with is the ability to watch the making of the pizza from the fresh ingredients. There are so many gourmet items that you can use to custom-make your own pizza or choose from their extensive menu. The possibilities are endless!

Costa Anastasiadis, (right, in above image) founder of Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, is proud to say that Crust’s six Heart Foundation 'Tick approved' pizzas were launched in early 2008 and reported to have up to half the fat and saturated fat of comparable pizzas from other takeaway outlets, between 50-70 percent less sodium, virtually no trans fat and each provide up to 80 percent of the recommended daily fibre intake for an adult. Crust's Creative Chef Peter Augoustis tracked down the best gourmet ingredients to create six of the best tasting and heart-friendly pizzas that are winning awards and fans around Australia.

 [ Wild Mushroom Pizza with asparagus ]




[ Shephard's Pie Pizza ]

[ Seafood Pizza ]



“We spent a considerable amount of time in product development to ensure that the Tick pizzas could offer a higher quality, healthier choice of takeaway to our customers while still tasting great,” says Costa. “The feedback we have had from customers has been fantastic, and awards such as this are further testament to the fact that there is a growing market in Australia for healthier takeaway foods..”



Crust is located next door to the Oxford Tavern in lower Crown St and offers Gluten-free options for all pizzas. Most definitely the best pizza I've enjoyed in Wollongong and wonderful service from staff who are more than happy to provide gluten-free options for pizzas and really know their pizza .

The Wollongong branch of Crust will have a slightly different layout to most Crust Pizza outlets, almost a piazza style with ability to dine in or takeaway.

Some of the patrons at the Opening Night who were really enjoying the great tasting pizza and fun party vibe.

 More images from the night:
 http://www.vanessapikerussell.com.au/food-photography/crust-pizza.html


Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar
53 Crown St Wollongong
http://www.crust.com.au

Country Life Sunflower and Liniseed Gluten-Free bread

Country Life Sunflower and Liniseed Gluten-Free bread:Vanessa Pike-RussellMy favourite Gluten-Free bread, purchased from Woolworths.
Made with the gluten-free goodness of rice flour, tapioca flour, almond meal, sunflower kernals and it tastes great!

Taken with a Pentax K20d at f8 as part of Photoctober

Gally from House of Hope Food Barn, Warrawong with some of the many Gluten-Free items available

Gally from House of Hope Food Barn, Warrawong with some of the many Gluten-Free items available:Vanessa Pike-RussellGally from House of Hope Food Barn, Warrawong with some of the many Gluten-Free items available

Read more about this wonderful charity that offers budget food, groceries and free fresh fruit and groceries for low income, pensioners or people who are struggling.

They also have a Cookery class on Wednesdays and stock a large range of gluten-free products.

Two locations:

Berkeley:

Berkeley Food Barn
Shop 5 Winnima Way, Berkeley
Open Thursday & Friday 10am - 3pm

Warrawong:
Cnr of Shellharbour Rd & North Cliffe Dr, Warrawong
Open Wednesday to Friday: 10am - 3pm

http://www.laketimes.com.au/article/couple_who_offer_hope_at_any_cost/

http://www.laketimes.com.au/article/food_barns_hope_hits_the_road/

Green Chilli Cornbread Recipe

A few weeks ago I made some amazing cornbread with some yellow polenta I purchased from an Italian Delicatessan & Cafe in Warrawong, NSW. The bread was so light and fluffy that we went through two loafs in no time. It is delicious hot or cold and the older the loaf got the more tasty it was, the texture changing to a crusty bread with a really unusual texture from the polenta flour in the mixture. This recipe makes two loaf pans and it freezes well.

1 cup gluten free flour (I used white maize meal but you could use one of a number of gluten-free flours listed)
1 cup yellow polenta
1/4c sugar or alternative (the first time I used raw sugar and the second I used agave syrup which has lower GI and tastes great)
2tsp cream of tartar
1tsp baking soda
1tsp cornflour
3/4tsp salt
1/4cup butter (or coconut oil)
2 eggs (or Orgran Egg Substitute)
1 cup buttermilk (or rice milk for dairy-free)
Combine and fill two loaf pans and bake @ 220oC for 25 min

Other variations found on the web include:

Green Chilli Cornbread Muffins A spicy little cornbread studded with fresh jalapeño peppers. Yum!
Chilli & Cheese Cornbread (with Polenta) Recipe

Note: To make this recipe gluten free it is important to use baking soda, cream of tartar and cornflour rather than baking powder.
Read more information below

How to make homemade gluten free baking powder
http://www.blisstree.com/bakingdelights/how-to-make-homemade-gluten-free-baking-powder/

Different between baking soda and baking powder
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm

Lee and Me Flourless Chocolate Cake and Iced Coffee

I have been hearing rave reviews about Lee and Me Cafe in Lower Crown St. Mall and today I finally got the chance to visit. It is located in the building that also houses Educated Palate which has downsized, now located on Townhall Place with the entry to Lee and Me on Crown Street opposite The Glasshouse Tavern.

I had just finished a photoshoot and was in need of a sugar fix to recharge the batteries when I arrived at Lee and Me and I made my way to the gluten-free baked goods I had been reading about. After a few moments I settled on a flourless Lindt chocolate cake with a tantalising crust giving way to a mousse texture to one amazing cake. Such a sinfully delicious taste with a dollop of cream and with a refreshing Iced Coffee for that afternoon pick-me-up.

After a stressful, if productive day it was great to sit and unwind with some amazing cake and enjoy some easy listening music and watch the people walking by. It was my first visit but I am certain to be back again soon. I also discovered that they offer Gluten-Free bread alternatives for sandwhiches and rolls. They have an amazing breakfast menu and lunch menu, both which feature some of my favourite foods including slow roasted pork belly, ricotta, chipolatas and the breakfast menu runs until the store closes at 5pm. Perfect for those who like a late breakfast like I do.

Lee and Me,
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle
75 Crown St Wollongong
NSW 2500 Australia

please ask the staff if you have dietary requirements and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. 10% surcharge on public holidays. No smoking. BYO wine only with corkage at $2.50 per person. Cakeage $1.0 per person. There is a toilet upstairs in the boutique which carries the latest fashions including the very popular Nudie jeans.

Make sure to check their blog for special offers and new products. If you are an artist Lee and Me are offering $250 in summer threads, looking for the best photos to launch their look for summer10. For more information visit their blog entry dated August 18th, 2009 for details.

Lee and Me
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle

opening hours - weekdays 7am - 5pm
weekends 8am - 4pm

87 Crown Street Wollongong 2500

phone: 02 42440695
email: leeandme[at]optusnet.com.au

www.leeandme.com.au/

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Illawarra Food Reviews by Vanessa Pike-Russell

http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/illawarra-food-reviews-lee-and-me.html

Gluten free baking with Siobhan

Today Siobhan and I made some Triple Choc Gluten Free muffins with the Orgran No Egg substitute and some delicious Buckwheat pancakes. We had a great time baking and now to enjoy the fruits of our labours. More photos to come! The food is just too YUMM!

Gluten Free Eating Directory of Australia

After my previous efforts to find Gluten Free items I am happy to share that there is a directory of Gluten Free Eating in Australia.

Welcome to the Gluten Free Eating Directory … a comprehensive gluten free guide dedicated to making gluten free eating easier across Australia! Our established free-to-use website provides detailed information about restaurants, cafes, takeaways, shopping outlets, products, manufacturers, gluten free online shops, services, publications and ‘eat’n’stay’ options that cater for gluten free diets. So if you have coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, or just prefer not to eat gluten, this site is for you.

http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/online_shopping.php

Unfortunately there are no Illawarra restaurants or cafes added to the NSW map search but I hope that we can change that. If you have seen the words 'gluten free' on a menu near you, please let me know or contact the Gluten Free Directory directly. Many hands make light work and here's hoping the Illawarra restaurants and cafes will make it easier to find gluten free eats!

After a little research (and some help from @sejtraav ) I can confirm some gluten free action at Lee and Me in Crown St, Wollongong and at Beachouse Restaurant, Wollongong harbour. More to be added to http://illawarraglutenfree.blogspot.com


Gluten Free Eating Directory
For all enquiries, including feedback about our site, please contact:
Email: enquiries@glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au
Phone: (03) 5443 7777
Mobile: 0400 558 741

Update: I just heard from the lovely people from Gluten Free Eating Directory and there are two businesses listed in the south coast area



Gluten Free Options
Range of gluten free food hamper bags
Convenient, easy and deluxe gluten free catering option

http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/view.php?business=335

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Available From
Orders can be placed directly with Berihurikari (see contact details above). Curry choices and prices are available on the Berihurikari website (click link on this page)
Deliveries are made to NSW Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Sydney suburbs. See website for details or contact Berihurikari direct
Berry Markets (1st Sunday of the month)
Kiama Produce Market (4th Saturday of the month)
Bowral Produce Market (2nd Saturday of the month)
Wollongong Mall Markets at Crown Central (every Friday)
Major events at Homebush stadium (from the food vendor area outside the stadium)
Various retail outlets including Manuka Fine Food Store (Canberra), Green Poppy (Shellharbour), Jamberoo General Store (Jamberoo), Kangaroo Valley Supermarket (Kangaroo Valley), Mangerton Convenience Store (Mangerton), Keiraville Fine Cuisine (Wollongong), Emporium (Berry)

More information:
http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/view_manufacturer.php?business=76