Melburnians who can’t eat gluten struggle to experience some of Melbourne’s best food. However, demand for gluten-free events is increasing and some of Melbourne’s popular culinary spots are embracing the opportunity. If you’re gluten-free, eat in confidence at any one of these events in May and June.
Gluten Freedom at The Fox Hotel on May 28
Do you love beer but your body hates gluten? Gluten Freedom at The Fox Hotel has you covered on May 28 for lunch and dinner. Over two separate sittings, The Fox Hotel will serve eight gluten-free beers from Mornington Peninsula’s TWØBAYS Brewing Co. Beers will be expertly matched to four coeliac-friendly dishes. Vegan options on the food will be available. TWØBAYS’ beers are Coeliac Australia accredited (plus vegan) and the brewers will attend each sitting. According to The Fox Hotel, the fire will be lit and records will be spinning. Book for the lunch session at 1pm or the dinner sitting at 7pm. Secure your tickets at The Fox Hotel website or phone 9416 4957. Tickets are $100 per person. Confirm any additional dietary requirements when you book.
Gluten-Free Supper Club with Ardor Food Co. on June 9
Artisan gluten-free food manufacturer Ardor Food Co. and food experience facilitator Drool are hosting a gluten-free supper club evening. On the night, expect a complimentary drink on arrival and a three-course meal featuring gluten-free pasta made fresh before your eyes. There will be vegan options on the menu, too. During the evening, there will be a Q+A session with the owner of Ardor Food Co., Vince Lotito. Ardor Food Co.’s products are also Coeliac Australia accredited. The event will be held at Westgarth Foodstore and Eatery from 7pm and tickets are $109.00 per person. Book directly through the Drool website.
Gluten-Free + Vegan Pizza Masterclass at 113Eatery on June 12
Yes, you can recreate Italian classics without gluten, dairy or eggs. Shop225 has been doing it for years and the pizzeria is Australia’s first Coeliac Australia accredited establishment. Lorenzo Tron’s third location – 113Eatery – is following suit. Head Pizzaiolo Edoardo Nicita will teach you how to make 113Eatery’s signature gluten-free pizza dough from scratch. Then, you’ll roll out your own pizza and prepare it with optional vegan toppings. You’ll enjoy the flavour and texture of traditional Italian cuisine without the threat of gluten. Class starts at 11am and you get to taste the wood-fired fruits of your labour before finishing at 1pm. Tickets are $99 per person. Book via the Drool website.
Gluten-Free Kitchen Skills Workshop at CERES Environment Park on June 26
CERES Environment Park is popular among Melburnians because of the number of resourceful courses and workshops they run. Much of these events involve food, mostly grown on the grounds. In June, CERES will teach people how to cook gluten-free and the essential kitchen ingredients involved. The trainer for this workshop is Melanie Leeson, who has worked as a head chef in establishments across the city – Monk Bodhi Dharma and My Goodness Organics and Pressed Juices. She is now the director of Mettle + Grace, and campaigns for food as medicine with a focus on wholefoods. A number of recipes will be made during this five-hour workshop including GF cake, crackers and dips, pizzas and a short-crust pastry quiche. Afterwards, the class will sit down and enjoy a GF lunch together. Tickets are $103.00 per person. Book your spot online and confirm any extra dietary requirements upon booking including vegan.
