It is Friday night and I don’t want to cook but sometimes going out for dinner gluten free can just be all too difficult! Not at The Singing Chef where most things on the theme menus are gluten free or easily adapted to be gluten free. June is French theme and on a chilly evening the food was warm and satisfying.

I started with the Soupe de Poisson, a robust fish soup with tomato and garlic rouille. For mains I chose the Beef Bourgoigon, a tender braised beef and merlot with parisienne potato and carrots. Aubrey had the Filet de Poisson avec Epinard Beurre Rouge, a tender Barramundi fillet wrapped in spinach and steamed butter sauce with pilaf rice. For dessert I picked the Creme Brulee custard with burnt caramel topping which was delicious with a crispy shell to crack open to reveal warm creamy custard. Finished off with strong Yallingup Coffee Company flat white made to perfection.

Main Meals

Creme Brulee & Coffee

Bunbury Thursday 17th June 2010

Morning tea @ Mojos 10am

Awareness Forum @ Milligan House 1pm

Call Kaye for more details on 1300 458 836

On a cold morning there is nothing like warm porridge! I am missing my oats and have been looking for a substitute.   I made a bowl of Real Good Foods Organic Lemon Polenta Porridge with milk this morning and added some extra sultanas and chopped dates – was delicious.   I bought it at Balingup on our recent visit but Tastefully Yours stocks the same brand or check out their website here.

Aubrey and I had lunch at the 100% Gluten Free Balingup Bronze Cafe to celebrate our three year anniversary of meeting at Dome in Fremantle.   This is my favourite cafe as I can eat anything on the menu and be assured it is gluten free. It is also always delicious and flavoursome. I had the arborio rice balls stuffed with spinach and fetta and covered in a lovely crispy coating. Aubrey had the bacon and mushroom cheesy slice. Both were served with generous and tasty side salads with a tangy balsamic dressing. We took a stroll around picturesque Balingup and bought some herbal sprinkle and stock cube substitute at Tinderbox. Then back to the cafe for coffee and baked cheesecake which was delicious with a nutty base and tangy cheesecake filling.   The coffee at Balingup Bronze Cafe is not for the faint hearted and very Melbourne style!   There is also a gluten free store and bought some lemon polenta porridge which cannot wait to taste.   Check out my link to the Balingup Bronze Cafe – you won’t be disappointed.

GF Baked Cheescake & Coffee

100% Gluten Free

On Friday I went to my last HACC Network meeting and while this is not anything to do with being gluten free I wanted to write about it.   Over 20 years ago became involved in the HACC program.   Thank you to all for the best wishes, gifts and flowers!

Gerberas - my favourite flowers!

Cacao Chocolates

I had to travel to Melbourne for a work conference and as usual travelling GF is difficult and requires prior planning.   Calling Qantas to get special meal ordered as cannot do online, checking with the hotel and conference organisers that GF meals available. Travelling to the airport was a good excuse to stop for lunch at my favourite place in Perth – Jus Burgers in Leederville.   They do the best GF burgers and chips and it is a treat – thank goodness I don’t live close by. The meals on the plane were OK but annoys me that because GF assumed I am lactose free as well and get soy milk which I really cannot tolerate.   The meals at the conference were OK as well though show how little people understand as had GF bread but no ‘safe’ way to toast as forgot my toaster bags! It was all made worthwhile by a walk from Albert Park to Fitzroy St in St Kilda to Cacao Fine Chocolates.   What a divine place, flourless chocolate cake, hot chocolate and delectable selection of chocolates mostly GF.   The staff were well informed about GF products in the shop and packaged and wrapped my selection with care. Check out the website here

Aubrey and I married in February 2010 and chose to have a small casual wedding.   We found a lovely bed & breakfast in the Ferguson Valley and had the wedding in the afternoon.   Kim and Simon our hosts were fantastic and helped us plan finger foods for after the ceremony that were all gluten free.   We had beautiful and decadent gluten free chocolate cupcakes with colourful gerbera decorations to match my bouquet and dress.

I can definitely recommend the Peppermint Lane Lodge B&B if you want a gluten free weekend away.   Aubrey  and I stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed evening meals and breakfast all gluten free.  The lemon tarts Kim made had the best gluten free pastry I have tasted – it was crispy and melt in your mouth!

GF cupcakes from Cupcake Cottage