Sunday 1 February 2015

Gluten Free Foody Challenge Accepted!

Gluten...

A dirty word to many a health fanatic. A protein that gives dough its awfully attractive elasticity. It can be found in a variety of food products including ice cream, sauces, and even alcohol. For just under 1% of the population, those with Coeliac Disease, gluten causes various health concerns. When one of my family members was diagnosed with the condition, I thought I'd take on the gluten free challenge myself.

By the way Uncle Jim, I thank you for inspiring this post. Your exaggerated response to your diagnosis was the catalyst for my mission.

Being the determined (some would say stubborn) person that I am, I wanted to show Jim that foody life was not over. Eating gluten free can be simple, if you know where to go. First stop, Amoretti's Italian Restaurant. That's right, pizza, pasta and plenty of other goodies.

Tasmanian Scallops
infused with fresh lime, ginger and chilli

Eggplant Involtini
filled with fresh ricotta and pesto, sauteed in fresh pomodoro sauce, topped with melted grana shavings and pinenuts


Spinach
pear, blue cheese and walnuts


Prosciutto and Figs
with garlic, gorgonzola, mascarpone and rocket

Caramelised Octopus
grilled with fresh herbs, olive oil and lemon


Mamma
looking super cute

With Amoretti's clearly labelled menus, finding gluten free options (marked with a GF) was simple. When it came to pizzas, all traditional bases could be substituted with a gluten free base. The staff  were extremely obliging and warm, despite my million and one questions.

So, what's the cost when Italian dining for three, with great service, allowances for dietary requirements AND a glass of fine wine? Approximately $90.

What's the cost of seeing your Uncle Jim calm his farm post (seriously non-serious) diagnosis? Priceless. By the way ladies, he's single. Just saying.

Before I leave you, there are a few things you should know. Amoretti's is located in Chiswick and Abbotsbury. I frequent the Abbotsbury restaurant, as it's beautifully tucked away in Plough and Harrow Park. It's suitable for intimate dinners and is regularly booked for wedding receptions. The tapas menu is perfect for people like me who have Food FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Try the Meatballs and the Apple Crumble Pizza. Sorry, these goodies aren't suitable for the gluten free folk, but the rest of you will love them.

Until next time, go and get ducked :)

5 comments:

  1. The food looks amazing!!! Thank you!!!

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  2. Maz, I'm privileged to be the subject of your first food blog. The food was indeed excellent and I was surprised how easy it was to find GF options on the menu. I feel much more confident going out and not worrying about finding something suitable to eat. The only disappointment is being called uncle. While it's cute, remember I'm not that old, you're just young. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Habibi Joo Joo! Not old at all.Possibly mature? Haha whenever you're ready to try the next place, let me know.

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