Sushi Train, Gold Coast, Australia

When my sister recommended the Sushi Train on my recent visit to the Gold Coast I wasn't so sure what to expect. Having worked in Asia for so many years often means that attempts at Asian food in Australia have a hard time living up to my expectations. Of course I trust my sister, but her opinion was further confirmed when we arrived to Sushi Train for a mid-week bite and there was a line up not only to dine in but for takeaway too. This place is located in an industrial estate, not a pedestrian mall or walking street - people actually come out of their way to get here.  I humbly took our number and waited for a spot to open up.  Fortunately a space was made available for us within 10 minutes.  As you can imagine plates of sushi and other dishes such as edamame whirl around the train in front of you.  Serves start at $3.50 and top at $8.00 - you can tell how much each costs by the colour of the plate.  We never had to wait for anything and the conveyer belt was constantly topped up by the skilled sushi chefs who were making it all right in front of us.  You can also request something special from the menu and the chefs will be happy to oblige. All in all I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and quality of our meal.

Sushi Train

Cnr Hinkler Dr Mortensen Rd

Nerang, Gold Coast

Queensland

Australia

+61 (02) 5502 0660

Coffee Club, Mater Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia

Gooey caramel cheesecake. Say no more. 

The Coffee Club

(in front of the Mater Children's Hospital)

538 Stanley Street
South Brisbane 

QLD 4101, Australia(07) 3255 3913

www.thecoffeeclub.com.au

Zucchini

It is that time of year and zucchini are growing in my garden like crazy.  There is nothing like fresh organic veggies and herbs from your garden.  If you do not have a garden, visit one of your local farmer's markets for great locally grown food.

Any type of zucchini you have will work great in recipes.  I am growing three types of zucchini, but whatever you have or can find is perfect. So what's a girl to do on a Saturday night at home...make Dark Chocolate Chunk Zucchini Bread!
Dark Chocolate Chunk Zucchini Bread

Dinner & Show, Jupiter's Casino, Gold Coast, Australia

The best value meal on the Gold Coast can be found at Jupiter's casino.  Buy tickets for a show, add ten bucks and you'll get a two course meal as part of the experience.  I'm not saying the food is worth going for on its own but it sure is a filling meal for $10.  Pictured above are the pumpkin soup, Thai red curry soup, lamb shank and haloumi salad.  Currently showing is the toe tapping Stomp.

Jupiter's Casino

Casino Drive

Broadbeach

QLD 4218

Australia

Jupiter's Box Office

+61  5592 8303

http://www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au/

Let's talk flour

Once you have gone gluten free, baking is forever changed.  The days of pulling out your canister of whole wheat flour and everything turning out fabulous are gone.  You have to dive head first into learning about flour blending and recipe modification.  There are some good flour blends on the market for quick and straight forward substitution in basic recipes, but I have found most of them to be lacking in texture and nutrients. Rice flour is the primary ingredient in most of these over the counter blends, which basically turns your baked goods into grainy, high carbohydrate bricks.  Although it is quite an initial investment to get the flours needed to make your own blend, the reward is beyond words!

The Gluten Free Maestro Flour Blend 
2 cups super fine Brown Rice flour
1/2 cup super fine White Rice flour
1/2 cup Teff flour
3/4 cup Millet flour
1 1/2 cups super fine Sweet Rice flour
1 1/3 cups Tapioca Starch
1 1/3 cups Potato Starch (NOT flour)
3/4 cup Almond Flour
4 tsp. Xanthan Gum

Mix all ingredients together in an air-tight container.  You can freeze part of the flour if you are not a big baker.  Otherwise, store in the refrigerator or a cool pantry.  I buy all of my rice flours from Authentic Foods.  They are the only company that carries a super fine grind so your baked goods are not so gritty.  If you obtain rice flour somewhere else, blend it to a finer consistency in your food processor before making your flour blend. Substitute this flour blend into most baked goods recipes, with the exception of yeast breads.  This flour blend works great in sweet breads such as banana and zucchini as well as making lovely waffles that are crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.

First Avenue, Robina Town Centre, Gold Coast, Australia

 

 Warm sunshine, glass windows protecting you from the winter breeze, open views and a damn good cup of coffee.
First Avenue
Level 3, Robina Town Centre
Gold Coast, QLD, 4230
Australia
+61 (0)2 5593 2533

David's Fine Coffees, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Locally roasted, David's Fine Coffees can be found at markets around Coffs including the Thursday local market in the main street and the monthly wine and gourmet food tasting in the industrial estate in front of North Coast Wines.

David's Fine Coffees
9/21-23 Hurley Drive
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
Australia
david@davidsfinecoffees.com.au
http://davidsfinecoffees.com.au

And so we begin...

Well, I have been contemplating the idea of a blog and sharing of my gluten free recipes, tips and tricks for several months now.  While I would consider myself a good cook, a chef I am not.  That being said, after 18 months of trying so many gluten free recipes and foods available on the market and being thoroughly disappointed, I have decided to take the plunge and share the tasty dishes that my family, friends and I have enjoyed.  Gluten free food does not have to be taste and nutrient free!  I hope as I share my kitchen with you, that you too can find joy in eating delicious food again.

The Windmill, Coffs Harbour, Australia

The Windmill was on the borderline of making it to The Yum List as the service received on our last visit wasn't very smiley. However, I've been assured by my more kindly mum that usually service is good and perhaps the "poor dear was having a bad day". So... giving her the benefit of the doubt and because the meals are huge and tasty The Windmill Restaurant in Coffs Harbour has made it to The Yum List. As just mentioned, serving sizes are generous. For the protein lover your needs will certainly be satisfied here. Probably the most popular local favourite is the Trio - a combination of steak, chicken and prawns topped with a creamy sauce and served with a potato bake and a few veges on the side. Beware - the pasta mains are big enough for two - I'd recommend going for a starter portion unless you are truly ravenous and convinced of your face stuffing ability. Housed in a windmill and filled with Dutch paraphernalia, The Windmill is a unique place to satisfy large appetites in Coffs.

The Windmill Restaurant & Motor Lodge
168 Pacific Highway
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone 02 6652 2933
info@bigwindmill.com.au
http://www.bigwindmill.com.au/

Food of the Earth, Bellingen Markets, Australia

This wrap, from Food of the Earth at the Bellingen markets, could possibly be the most delectable meal I gobbled on this trip to Australia.  Seriously, I ate some exceptional food, and was guided by some well respected Aussie foodies, but this chartreuse nugget of a falafel spinach wrap, piled with FRESH salad veges and adorned with beetroot, hommus, chili and coriander sauces was the ultimate meal.  I've consumed a few falafels in my time but this was sincerely the freshest, lightest, tastiest version I've ever encountered. The steady stream of eager patrons, at the most popular stall at the markets, were greeted with super fast and friendly service so no-one had to wait too long, which meant lining up for seconds, thirds or more to take home was not a problem. Good for the earth, good for your body, glorious for your taste buds.

Food of the Earth

Bellingen Community Markets every third Saturday of the month

Bellingen Park, Church Street

Bellingen, NSW

Australia

Wainoni Farm, Bellingen Markets, Australia

The husband and wife team at Wainoni Farm grow their own non-sprayed bananas and berries to make homemade chewy dried bananas and muesli.  Another scrumptious treat found at the Bellingen markets.

Wainoni Farm
100 Pavans Access
Grassy Head
NSW 2441
+61 (0)2 65690408
wainoni.farm@gmail.com

Bellingen Markets, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Every third Saturday of the month local farmers, businesses and food producers get together at the Bellingen markets.  This idyllic setting with its greenery, live music and relaxed feel is a wonderful place to spend a Saturday morning mixing with the locals, grazing on some home made goodies and picking up some bargains.
Church St.
Bellingen
NSW Australia

Self Indulgence, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Australians really do their sweets… well… SWEET! Home made fudge from Self Indulgence in Coffs Harbour will surely give you your sugar fix for the next week or so.  Caramel, passionfruit, choc mint… how to decide? Find them in Coffs Harbour opposite the Ex Services club or at the monthly Bellingen markets.
Self Indulgence
Opposite the Ex-Services Club
Vernon St.
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
Australia
+61 (0)2 6651 2290

North Coast Wines, Coffs Harbour, Australia

North Coast Wines, located in the Industrial Estate of Coffs Harbour is an inexpensive place to find decent wine.  With around 20 wines on offer sourced from around Australia you can try before you buy.  Tastings run from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am - 4pm.  A variety of reds, whites, dessert and fortified wines are showcased with prices ranging from $4.15 to $16.80 depending on the amount you buy. You can do your bit for the earth by buying the first bottle from them for $2 and then using the same bottle to come back for refills.  Just think you're helping the environment every time you return for a refill ;-) You can even add your own label to signify special events.  I'm in the process of creating a birthday label for an ambrosial case of port for hubby's 40th.  

North Coast Wines

92-98 Industrial Dr.

Coffs Harbour

NSW 2450

Australia

1300 318 549

www.northcoastwines.com.au

Your Bru Microbrewery, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Your Bru takes the mess and time out of making your own beer.  With over 100 beer recipes you are sure to find a blend you like.  The concept is simple you come in by yourself or with a group of buddies. Taste some beers and discuss with the staff the type of beer you're after.  Make your selection and start mixing on site.  You can have as little or as much involvement as you like.  The staff will take care of the bottling process and you come back in a few weeks to collect your beer.  It's a cost effective (a bit over $1 a bottle), fuss-free and fun way to have a go at concocting your own. There's lots of cool equipment to marvel at on-site but my fav has to be the machine pictured above - a cross between a fridge and a keg to keep your beer at the perfect temperature - The Kegerator!

Your Bru

Microbrewery

Unit 4

92-96 Industrial Drive

Coffs Harbour

NSW 2450

Australia

+61 (0)2 6651 4141

info@yourbru.com.au

www.yourbru.com.au

Cafe Beachstone, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Busy, busy, busy! Cafe Beachstone is popular on the weekends. The huge open grassy spaces and playground make it an ideal location for families with young children. Mum and dad can enjoy a yummy all-day breakfast while the kids can go wild on the grass and play equipment. You don't have to have youngens to appreciate this cafe though. The food is fabulous, service is smiley and the open design allows you to take as little or as much sun as you please.  An effort is made to source local ingredients and the menu changes seasonally so you're always assured of a flavoursome meal.  Cafe Beachstone serves great breakfasts, coffee and treats AND the spectacular Northern NSW coastline is just a few metres away.

Cafe Beachstone

North Sapphire Road (off Split Solitary Road)

North Sapphire

NSW 2450
Australia

+61 (0)2 6653 6188

http://www.beachstonecafe.com.au/

The Happy Frog, Coffs Harbour, Australia

The Happy Frog makes me happy too.  It's not only a healthy cafe serving some of the yummiest treats in town (think delicious caramel date slice) but also doubles as a fresh food market offering locally grown organic produce. Fruit, veg, herbs and even coffee that is nutritious for your body and ethical for the earth can all be found here. The Happy Frog is a comfortable place to gather with a few friends, check out the community notice board and pick up a few groceries.

The Happy Frog

16 Park Avenue 

Coffs Harbour

NSW 2450

Australia

+61 (0)2 6652 947

Shearwater Restaurant, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Go for an early morning walk along the serene Coffs Creek and down to the boardwalk that winds through the tangled mangroves. Spy the tiny soldier crabs and be sure to work up an appetite as value $10 breakfasts await you at Shearwater Restaurant.  Drink, eat and be calm as you enjoy the peaceful views of the estuaries. Fresh juices, good coffee and spectacular surroundings - an amicable way to start the day.

Shearwater Restaurant

The Promenade 321

Harbour Drive

Coffs Harbour

NSW 2450

+61 (0)2 6651 6053 

info@shearwaterrestaurant.com.au

www.shearwaterrestaurant.com.au