2019 in Review

Happy New Year!

I can’t believe that 2020 is already here and like always the first day of the year is my day for
reflection here at The Aussie Coeliac. However, I also like to look forward at the year ahead and give you all a little bit of insight as to what to expect. Before I get into any of that though, I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Years filled with fantastic gluten free treats. I also hope that 2020 brings you lots of joy and success. It was a tough year for me, losing family, work stress and then deciding to build a studio kitchen.However, we got through it and fingers crossed 2020 is the bright light we need at the end of the tunnel.

2019 was a jam packed year for me as The Aussie Coeliac, we made our first venture to Tasmania. We were able to enjoy BROTH Me (sadly no longer open) and Samuel Pepy’s as well as Straight Up Coffee and Food. Then later on in the year we were lucky enough to visit Western Australia, what a busy trip that was. We travelled from Perth to Albany and back in a single day to visit Accredited Venue The Alkaline Café. Around Perth you’ll find a plethora of options too with Angel Falls Grill, Swan Valley and Kapitol Kitchen. Finally our last trip of the year was to our neighbor South Australia with the amazing Duke of Brunswick and so many bakeries. I did a lot of reviews here in Melbourne too and I thought to end 2019 I might highlight my favourite NEW venues of the year.

Top Venues

So for Tasmania I think Samuel Pepy’s takes the cake, 100% gluten free, a nice variety and such a
kitsch atmosphere. I’d definitely return on my next trip.

Western Australia; we had so many amazing meals here but I think Angel Falls Grill was the most
unique and that is why they are my pick for top 2019. They are 100% gluten free too with a very loud and upbeat atmosphere. Definitely check out the cocktails if you enjoy a drink.

South Australia; oh my gosh how do I choose? I mean being able to enjoy gluten free chicken, chips and gravy was definitely a highlight at Chick N Chips Glenelg. However, going on theme with the restaurant feel I’ll say Duke of Brunswick is a must visit. 100% gluten free pub with gluten free beer available. It’s a really welcoming place with a great feel.

Then we get to Victoria, my home state and I’ve reviewed so many venues that some of them aren’t even up yet. I think I may have to choose The Good Food Bakery. It is definitely a must visit for 2019100% gluten free and filled with amazing treats. It’s a massive trip from my place but I really want to go back and try more sweets and pies. Yes, I’ll stick with them but there were so many more amazing places I ate at this year so do go at check them out.

2019 Top Product Picks

Now I think it is time to look at products for 2019. I’ve chosen 5 and these are based on whether or not I have put them in my basket on more than one occasion. That means that a product I’ve only recently reviewed may be amazing but since I haven’t been to the shops lately I haven’t repurchased it. My list is as follows;

1. Kez’s Raspberry Melting Moments
   Those raspberry melting moments from Kez’s Kitchen have been in my basket almost every month since they were released. In fact on one occasion we had to buy two packs because Brody was eating them (yes the non-gluten free person) faster than I was.
2. Our Family Table Crispy Squid
   I think you all know that I am slightly obsessed with Calamari and the Our Family Table makes it so easy to get my fix. They’re already crumbed, they taste amazing even the people over who weren’t gluten free were devouring these.
3. House of Goodness Dumpling Flour
   Making dumplings has never been easier than with the House of Goodness dumpling flour. I’ve made my own flour mix before and it’s good. However, buying this stuff just makes the whole process a lot simpler.
4. Gelativo Ice Cream Cookies
   Oh my gosh these are amazing! I really don’t need to say anything else. I know some people aren’t a fan but they are perfect for me.
5. Woolworths Croissants
   Whether you love them or hate them which seems to be how the opinions are divided the Woolworths Croissants marked a change in the gluten free offerings at supermarkets. I haven’t had a bad packet yet. However, I am aware that some people are getting crushed, underbaked or even burnt ones. Personally, I have picked these up four or five times now and I still really love them.

That’s it for my top 5 products of 2019 and now it is time to think about the future. What will 2020
have in store? Around mid 2019 you might know that I started a youtube series called What’s New Coeliac. I took a break towards the end of the year while organizing the studio kitchen. However, starting today they will be back up and running better than even. Returning to Wednesday evenings I’ll be talking about the latest news and the specials over on the YouTube Channel. Thanks to the studio kitchen I will also be able to start filming more video content so stay tuned. Of course I’ll still be posting daily here to the website. One of the series I’ll be featuring later this year is ‘My Big Fat Coeliac Wedding’. That’s right we’re getting married this year. It’ll just be a four part mini-series with some tips on planning an entirely gluten free wedding in each state.

Finally, I have after much deliberation also started a Patreon page. Now don’t worry nothing here on the website will change and you have no obligation to join. It is just an option for those who do want to support the website to be able to do so. If you are interested in reading about what Patrons will get you can head to the page here. That’s it for the first day of the year. It’s a lot of reading so I hope you’ve managed to get through it all. If you don’t you won’t read this but I don’t blame you.

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Until Next Time;

Ashlee; The Aussie Coeliac.