Gluten Free Friands at McDonalds

Ever walked into a McDonalds and thought

'is there anything here which is gluten free?" 

Unfortunately they do not offer a gluten free bun or wrap option but they DO have gluten free friands in McCafe! Only $2.40 and absolutely delicious. So far I have tried the raspberry friand and chocolate friand. On the McDonalds McCafe section they list more gluten-free products:

• Orange & Almond - Mini 
• Gluten Free Triple Choc Fudge Cookies 
• Gluten Free White Choc Chunk & Macadamia Nut Cookie
• Jaffa torte
• Almond and Orange Loaf

They also have garden salads which are tasty and healthy. Even better is to order a classic seared chicken without the mayonnaise and bun!

Classic Seared Chicken: 100% marinated chicken breast chicken breast with salad leaves

Other menu items which are gluten free include:

• creamy ranch dipping sauce
• honey mustard dipping sauce
• salad dressing -italian
• hashbrown
• garden salad

Some items which contain gluten that surprised me:

• iced coffee
• sundae - hot fudge
• vanilla chai latte
• caramel flavoured syrup
• hazelnut flavoured syrup
• vanilla flavoured syrup
• frappe (all of them)
• soy milk

I love hot fudge sundaes and never thought they would contain gluten. 

Read the nutirition: food sensitivities list for more information

Links:

McDonalds Food Sensitivity overview

http://mcdonalds.com.au/sites/mcdonalds.com.au/files/images/Food-Sensitivity-7-April-2011.pdf

McCafe Menu items

http://mcdonalds.com.au/sites/mcdonalds.com.au/files/images/McCafe-The-Full-Range.pdf

Gluten Free Pizza: Costa Azzurra

Located in Fairy Meadow just north of Wollongong provides traditional gourmet woodfire pizzas with a menu based on homestyle Italian cuisine. Executive Chef and co-owner Chris Stojanovski has devised a diverse menu that ensures an impeccable dining experience.

I was viewing the Country Life website and their list of restaurants and retail outlets in the Illawarra and saw that Costa Azzurra was on the list. It is great to see so many pizza restaurants catering for those requiring a gluten-free diet.  Make sure that you tell them that you heard about them on Illawarra Gluten Free.

 

Costa Azzurra is open Tuesday through to Sunday evenings from 5pm until late. They are also open for lunch gatherings 7 days a week for bookings of 15 people & above. Functions are available for up to 120 people with exclusive rights of the premises. For a dining experience in a relaxed, casual setting that is a family friendly environment and simply classic Italian food,  visit Costa Azzurra Woodfire Restaurant. For bookings call 4285 4520.

COSTA AZZURRA
Woodfire Restaurant
71 Princes Highway
Fairy Meadow
Ph : 02 4285 4520

Gluten-free friands from Gloria Jeans, Shellharbour

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.

For those who don't know, a Friand is traditionally made mainly with nut-meal, usually Almond, butter (melted at exactly the right temperature) and only a small measure of flour. Unlike the many oval or rectangular basic sponge cup cakes I see around posing as Friands, ours are the real thing - moist and long lasting. If you've ever eaten one of ours you'll never forget the difference. These were another example of successful in-house development. Based on a recipe from an old and treasured pastry-cook's "bible", all in French, Marc Spender - our R&D specialist at the time, developed eight spectacular flavours - I recommend the Lime!

The last time I had enjoyed a friand was from Out For Lunch at the University of Wollongong. They also serve gluten-free bread and a wide range of products.

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 and I will add it to this blog and the directory of gluten-free Illawarra and Google Map.

Regards, Vanessa


Sent from my iPhone

Sugar Cube Belgium Waffles, Wollongong:Vanessa Pike-Russell

Today I finally made it into The Sugar Cube in Wollongong and enjoyed a gluten-free waffle with strawberries and cream. Such indulgence!

I also enjoyed a mocha and sat down at the cute red stools and table and enjoyed having a few moments to myself and just taking my time to enjoy my first ever gluten-free belgium waffles and a cup of Lazumba mocha coffee.

Definitely not the last time! I would love to try their Banoffee waffles. A great way to warm up on a cold, overcast day.

The service was fantastic and so friendly. Definitely worth a visit!

The Sugar Cube Coffee & Treats
13 Crown Street (Corner Crown & Harbour Streets)
WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Tel. 02 4227 3888

OPENING HOURS

Mon – Thurs 7.15am to 6pm
Friday 7.15am to 10pm
Sat 8.30am to 10pm
Sun 8.30am to 6pm

Sugar Cube Belgium Waffles, Wollongong

More Illawarra Food and Restaurant Reviews at http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

Photography by Vanessa Pike-Russell
http://www.vanessapikerussell.com.au

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

Dining Out in Wollongong: Bombora Seafood

Bombora Seafood has an extensive range of gluten free options including breakfast cereals and cooked breakfasts including gluten free toast. Their gluten-free options for lunch and dinner include gluten-freepasta, risotto, and their wide range of seafood dishes. For those with a sweet tooth you will be delighted with their range of gluten free cakes. 

  

Address: Shops 1 & 2, Fishermans Co-Op,

Endeavour Drive, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500

Phone: (02) 4229 7011

Fax: (02) 4229 7033

http://www.bomboraseafood.com.au

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Dining Out in Shellharbour: Country Kitchen Cafe

Shellharbour Country Kitchen Cafe, is a family friendly cafe with an extensive menu. Shellharbour Country Kitchen is proud of their home-made food and cakes. Situated in the picturesque village of Shellharbour, the cafe's building is heritage listed as one of the Illawarras oldest structures in Shellharbour at over 152 years old.

The Cafe boasts a gluten free menu including soups during winter, served with gluten free bread. Other gluten-free meals include: Mango Chicken; Vegetarian Nachos; Grilled Fish; Chicken Caesar Salad (with gluten free croutons); and sandwiches and hamburgers made with gluten free bread.

They also offer take away and a catering service. 

10 Addison Street, Shellharbour, NSW 2529

p: (02) 4296 3205 

View Illawarra Gluten-Free in a larger map

Bulli - Gluten Free Dining -

A kind reader by the name of Renee sent an email alerting me to yet another wonderful gluten free restaurant in the Illawarra. This time it is located in Bulli and from their website I learned that they are past winners (2008) of South Coast 'Best Pizza Restaurant" in restaurant and caterers awards.

Whilst it doesn't list gluten-free options on the main page of the site  our reader Renee says that it does.

"Bon Aroma Pizza offer several gluten free meals, including the option of gluten free pizza bases and gluten free pasta, as well as risottos and mains that are gluten free.

The menu is available at www.bonaromapizza.com.au "

Being a seafood lover I am drawn to their tasting plate. It sounds delicious and so inexpensive!

Seafood Tasting Plate
‘w’ salt & pepper calamari, garlic prawns, chilli mussels, ‘w’ beer battered fish & dipping sauces served with wood fired bread 2 person 20.00 4 person 38.00

I'm also curious to try the Italian Tasting plate.

Italian Share Plate
Marinated olives, fetta, chorizo, salt & pepper calamari , arincini(rice balls),homemade meatballs ,dips served w wood fired pizza bread  - 2 person 18.00 4 person 36.00

There are several items on the mains menu that are coded with the letter G for Gluten Free, making it easy to locate gluten free meals including Fish (Barramundi), Chicken, Veal and Lamb dishes.  I will be sure to visit when next in Bulli.

Note: Closed on Mondays

Address: Shop 1 323 Princes Highway, Bulli 2516

Phone: (02) 4283 5455

Delivery:
From 5.00pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday Only

Fully licensed: (BYO bottled wine only)


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Dining out: Out For Lunch, Wollongong Uni

Filed under: Dining Out

Out For Lunch serves a delicious array of coffee, loose leaf tea, cakes, sweet pastries, sandwiches, salads and much more! 

Also catering to a good range of vegan and gluten free options. Eat in or takeaway. Check out their daily coffee & muffin special for only $5.20. Ready to heat & serve dinner meals also available and all food is made fresh on the premises.

Location: Bldg 17 arcade, opp Student Central (formerly Sal Paradise)

Monday - Friday :  8am - 5:30pm.

Ph: 4221 8028

Pizza World offers Gluten-Free options

Filed under: Dining Out


For $4 extra you can now order a pizza from Pizza World, Warilla that has a gluten-free base.

I sampled my favourite variety - Seafood - and it was SO good! The crust reminded me of the

Country Life Gluten Free white bread and was a welcome change to the standard stodgy pizza base.

I would definitely buy it again!

Pizza World & Sizzling Ribs Warilla maps.google.com.au 1/115 Shellharbour Rd Warilla NSW 2528 (02) 4297 1444 Get directions - Is this accurate? Write a review More information »

Pizza World offers Gluten-Free options

For $4 extra you can now order a pizza from Pizza World, Warilla that has a gluten-free base.

I sampled my favourite variety - Seafood - and it was SO good! The crust reminded me of the

Country Life Gluten Free white bread and was a welcome change to the standard stodgy pizza base.

I would definitely buy it again!

Pizza World & Sizzling Ribs Warilla maps.google.com.au 1/115 Shellharbour Rd Warilla NSW 2528 (02) 4297 1444 Get directions - Is this accurate? Write a review More information »

Dining out: Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar

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!




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.



“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 .












 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

Crust Gourmet Pizzas opening in Wollongong and offering Gluten free pizza options

I have just heard the news that Crust Pizza is opening a branch in Wollongong!

Here are a few of my favourites but take a moment to view their full menu

Tandoori

Chicken Breast Fillets Marinated in Tandoori Spices with
Shallots & crushed Cashews, topped with Mint Yoghurt

Medium $16.00 Large $20.00

Satay Chicken Breast Fillets & Spanish Onions,
garnished with Snow Pea Sprouts, Sesame Seeds & a drizzle of Honey

Medium $16.00

Large $20.00

Philly Steak

Black Angus Roast Beef, Roasted Capsicum, Fresh Capsicum, Caramelised Onions, Mushrooms, Double Mozzarella, topped with Dijon Mustard & Wild Rocket

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars provide a choice of gluten free take-away options. Using gluten free pizza bases manufactured off-site in a dedicated gluten free environment, there is an extensive range of gluten free pizza varieties to choose from. We also have starter pizzas that can be made gluten free, as well as a selection of salads.

Gluten free pizzas are available in a medium size, and are charged at large pizza rates. When placing an order, please mention your gluten free requirements to the Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar staff, and they will be happy to discuss your gluten free options.

Crust Pizza Store.
Wollongong Store Details

Shop 105, 53 – 61 Crown Street
Wollongong, NSW 2500
02 4226 4479
02 4226 4473
wollongong@crust.com.au
Opening night Thursday October 15th at 6pm

Gluten-Free Pizza Restaraunts in the Illawarra

The list is fairly short so please take the time to add a comment if you know of a Pizza Restaurant that offers Gluten-Free pizzas or meals.

Figtree Gourmet Kitchen

"Figtree Gourmet Kitchen is the Illawarra's longest established wood fired pizza restaurant. It was first founded in 1998 by the Caroutas family and was taken over by brothers David and Andrew Ferri in April 2001. After running the restaurant for 3 years together, Andrew took over sole ownership in 2004, and currently runs it with the support of his wife Elisa.

Andrew has 19 years experience in working and running pizza restaurants, and has established himself as one of the leading pizza chefs in the area. This is shown by the restaurants recent honors in winning the Restaurant and Catering NSW ‘2009 Best Pizza Restaurant South Coast Region’ followed by taking out the ‘Best Pizza Restaurant Regional NSW ‘which now qualifies Figtree Gourmet Kitchen for possible national honors!
Much of this success is attributed to a great team of dedicated staff, lead by head chef Luke Pennial, who collectively share the same vision of Andrew and Elisa of providing a great casual dining experience. The ingredients of great food combined with great service help them achieve this vision, and are key components in the restaurant achieving its most recent successes, and on moving forward in the future.
Whilst appreciating these industry recognitions, the team at Figtree Gourmet Kitchen continually strives to find ways of improving their overall operation of the business."

	Phone 4226 6995 Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm Shop 2/47 Princes Hwy, West Wollongong (under awning in the Figtree Cellar complex) All Major Cards Accepted BY

Opening Hours
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm

Address:
Shop 2, 47 Princes Highway, West Wollongong
(Under the awning in the Figtree Cellars complex)

Phone:
(02) 4226 6995

http://www.fgk.com.au