Kingston restaurants given tick of approval in Australian first
Two RSLs in Melbourne’s south have joined a growing range of eateries with gluten-free menus. Check out tasty options now available, which include black bean burgers and lemon pepper squid.
Inner South
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Kingston Diggers are leading the charge on safe dining with two RSL venues now officially gluten free.
The Cheltenham Moorabbin and Bentleigh sub-branches are the first venues in the country to be accredited by Coeliac Australia.
The clubs recently launched separate gluten free menus, and also have vegetarian and vegan options for patrons.
The move was initiated by general manager Glenn Sanders, who has a son with coeliac disease.
“I know how difficult it can be for families to find gluten free options when eating out. Coeliac Australia accreditation reassures our gluten free patrons that we can properly cater for their needs,” Mr Sanders said.
People with coeliac disease can’t eat gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.
Coeliac Australia chief executive Michelle Laforest said these two venues were
“creating RSL history in Australia”.
“It’s a real a game changer for Coeliac Australia’s gluten free accreditation program,” Ms Laforest said.
“It signals to other clubs and pubs across Australia that providing genuine gluten free options is achievable.
“It doesn’t need to be the entire menu and often simple and inexpensive changes to processes can help meet your customers’ needs.”
Dishes on the menu include black bean burgers, lemon pepper squid, chicken and eggplant parmagianas and wild mushroom and pine nut risotto.
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The head chefs at both venues and their teams had to meet stringent requirements including laboratory testing, on-site audit and training to become accredited by Coeliac Australia.
“Our chefs already had a great working knowledge of the importance of providing genuine gluten free options for our diners with coeliac disease,” Mr Sanders said.
“But the accreditation process has formalised our food handling processes, and the teams have done a great job with our new gluten free menus.”
Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL 50 Acres restaurant offers a contemporary menu while the Bentleigh RSL features classic bistro meals and has a special gluten-free kids menu.
The menus include dishes such as grilled barramundi, bangers and mash, beef cheek ragu and gluten free burgers with chips.
Coeliac Australia has developed a suite of resources specifically for the food service industry to help businesses prepare gluten free options that comply with national food regulations and meet the needs of their gluten-free customers.
Details: coeliac.org.au/food-industry
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