Gluten Savvy

Nichols food and wine bar (Melbourne, Australia)

Aug 22nd, 2010 by leshkaran

I decided to try this place after noticing the ‘gluten-free friendly’ claim and the '100% like it' votes on Urbanspoon — a food review website where the general public can place assessments of their dining experiences — and I'm glad to say that I did. Nichols food and wine bar has been opened for only 5 months, and it seems people are yet to discover this little treasure: the place was empty, except for a couple of tables, on this particular Friday evening. It’s on Nicholson Street in Carlton North, so parking can be a little tricky at this time of night.

Nichols food and wine bar is a small place divided into two sections: it has a sunken level upon entry that houses comfy couches and mini tables to enjoy wine with friends and a dining section a few stairs up. Exposed red brick walls, dim lighting, black and white photographs, and soft lounge music give the place a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance. Even after a high-paced week, I couldn't help but feel calm in such a space. The service is the same: laid back, but knowledgeable — about both the food and wine.

For a place that seems to be balancing quality in-house made food with choice, the menu is a decent size: there are about five entrees and mains each, around 10 grazing plates, a handful of specials, including 5 desserts. About a third of the dishes are gluten free and any of the pasta dishes can be accommodated upon request (with rice and corn flour pasta). I was also informed by the waitress that the chef, at times, makes some of the savoury tarts on the menu with gluten-free flour, but there weren’t any available on the night.

After a bit of a wait, my entrée of chicken and prosciutto salad ($12.50) arrived. Graced with spinach leaves, tomatoes and just the right amount of French dressing — it was both generous and yummy. My main meal was exceptional: I had the duck leg confit ($27); it was how it should be — soft, moist and ‘fall off the bone’ type of meat. The dish came with a potato and rosemary rosti, roasted parsnip and plenty of jus — yummy! I also had a side of perfectly cooked green beans ($8) with butter and crunchy toasted almond slithers. A flourless orange cake, served with lemon infused quince and ice cream, sealed off my evening nicely. I left happy and extremely full — and vouched to be back for more.

Rating: