A quick check with our waitress clarified… If it said OK next to it, it was a dish that could be made gluten-free. (Don't worry, I've already explained how disappointing it is to think you might be able to have the duck because you think they're using wheat-free tamari, only to discover that actually they mean you could have the duck, but only a flavourless adulterated version… they're new, I forgive them.)

A little back and forth with the kitchen clarified what actually would be gluten-free without alteration and we were off. Our host told us that the bites were literally one mouthful, like tapas and that the "share" plates could be smaller than expected and she recommended four to five of them for the three of us. That meant a slightly more expensive dinner than we'd been planning, but never mind. We started with half a dozen Tasmanian oysters, which were fresh and delicious. 

The share menu is divided into sea, land and earth. My meat-eating companion and I quickly settled on the Korean BBQ ribs to represent the land section. The three of us agreed the rice-crusted snapper with green papaya was the go from the ocean. We got potatoes roasted with garlic as a side, and my vegaquarian friend (not avoiding gluten) got a deconstructed version of the asparagus so I could have some asparagus (and she could have the brioche-crumbed egg… sigh).

It was a toss up whether the ribs or the fish were better. Both were amazing. One piquant and sticky with a spicy coleslaw and the other delicate and falling apart beautifully contrasting beautifully with the sharp chilli papaya salad. The potatoes were good and crunchy, with whole cloves of roasted garlic.

For dessert, I had fresh mango and strawberries with a teensy scoop of house-made coconut sorbet. To be honest, this was the only disappointment: although it was delicious, the size seemed stingy for the $12 price tag. The botrytis semillon went beautifully with it, though.

Huxtable's food is absolutely superb and the wine list is strong too. A tad expensive but once they sort out the gluten-free menu, this will be a terrific place to dine. I'm definitely going back to try their breakfast and brunch menus.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Huxtable
huxtablerestaurant.com.au
131 Smith St, Fitzroy
03 9419 5101

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: 4 out of 5 stars

Nichols food and wine bar,
375 Nicholson St,
Carlton
03 9347 1007

Jan’s overhaul included introducing organic fair trade Jasper’s coffee, organic foods where possible, free-range eggs and, delightfully, an awareness of gluten-free cooking. At first, it was just gluten-free toast but the kitchen now ensures most flours used in items like the corn and zucchini fritters (served with slow-roasted tomatoes, bacon and avocado salsa) are gluten-free too. The gluten-free bread is the thick white loaf from local bakery Silly Yaks, so it works brilliantly when used in such dishes as French toast with poached spiced pears (or the special variation, caramelised French toast with sweetened ricotta and poached berries).

Unfortunately, recently it’s been harder to guarantee gluten-free items are available and specials are less likely to be gluten-free than they used to be. We’ve downgraded the café to three stars as a result.

As a bonus, the coffee is also excellent, thanks to the efforts of barista Carly, whose latte art includes mini-Mona Lisas you have to see to believe.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Café Quince,

43 -45 Spensley St, Clifton Hill 3068

Melbourne, Australia

+61 3 9482 4180

The menu has a ton of gluten-free food, all labelled clearly with a [GF] next to appropriate items. Options include gluten-free muffins if you’re only feeling peckish to the unbelievably delicious and spicy seafood jumbalaya (also available vegan) to the slightly odd beetroot chocolate cake. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is good.

Our only complaint was the coffee — I ordered decaf and it came weak as dishwater — and the service — when I complained about the coffee, I was told that decaf is weak. Not true. The waiter did take the coffee away and come back with a stronger one, which tasted strong, bitter and stale.

Ignore that, though, and the place is terrific.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Gluttony,
278 Smith St, Collingwood 3066
Melbourne, Australia
+61 3 9416 0336

Surprisingly, though, there’s no indication on the menu that you can expect this. None of the menu items are labelled gluten-free and although he’s a member of the Coeliac Society, that’s not prominently displayed.

That said, the food is terrific and the service is excellent. I had the risotto gorgonzola, which was rich and a touch heavy until I started adding tiny pieces of the delectable mushroom it was served with to each bite. Delicious. The creme caramel was superb too and the owner assured me without prompting that the ice-cream was gluten-free too.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Chianti Bistro
376 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill 3068
Melbourne, Australia
+61 3 9481 3262