One of the many things I had to give up, or limit myself with, was beer. I love beer, always have. I guess I am not alone.

When I heard that RedBay Microbrewery in Cleveland offered Gluten-Free beer I was overjoyed. I had purchased some gluten-free beers through ebay and online but they were fairly expensive.

In December I attended a RedBay Tasting event which I found as an online deal. Normally $100, my husband and I paid $45 each for a two hour tour and tasting of cider, beer and ginger beer. We then were allowed to bottle, cap and box a carton each. My husband wasn't feeling well so we decided to collect our beer after the new year.

I am happy to say that two days ago Redbay returned my calls and with the help of my Aunt and Uncle we bottled a carton of Gluten-Free beer and a carton of Knight's First - Redbay Brewery's take on Newcastle Brown. Both beers were full-bodied and it is great to know that there are no chemicals or preservatives. It means you have to drink them in a timely fashion but I am sure that won't be  a problem ;)

Red Bay Micro-Brewery

7/77 Shore st West
Cleveland Qld. 4163

Ph 07) 3488 2739
Fx 07) 3488 2740

mybeer@redbaybrewery.com.au

TRADING HOURS
Tuesday 11am — 6:30pm
Wednesday 11am — 6:30pm
Thursday 11am — 7pm
Friday 11am — 7pm
Saturday 8am — 3:30pm

CLOSED –Sunday and Monday     

I just received an email from Caveau in Wollongong - the only restaurant to receive a 'hat' in the Sydney Morning Herald Best Sydney Restaurants guide. Enjoy! I'm drooling from Brisbane, QLD.

or view the online version here.

Valentine’s Day at Caveau Thursday 14th February 2013 Three course early bird menu – 5.30pm sitting ($110pp including french champagne on arrival and a red rose per couple) Entree Cured ocean trout, tomato jelly,  shellfish foam and pea mousse line or Warm confit duck salad, seared foie gras,  fig puree and Peking style dressing Main Roasted lobster tail, crushed purple congo potatoes,  braised pork cheek, grape tomatoes, baby fennel and lobster jus or Black angus fillet mignon, pommes  anna, spinach and bernaise sauce Dessert Bouche D’Affinois (cheese) with sultana paste and house made walnut bread or Belgian chocolate mousse and raspberry pave, shaved white chocolate and fresh peach ________________ Eight course tasting menu ($180pp including French champagne on arrival and a red rose per couple ) Three freshly shucked rock oysters with smoked kingfish and ponzu Cured ocean trout, tomato jelly, shellfish foam and pea mousseline Prawn and scallop escabeche, citrus fruits, saffron, basil and shaved fennel Warm confit duck salad, seared foie gras, fig puree and Peking style dressing Roasted lobster tail, crushed purple congo potatoes, braised pork cheek, grape tomatoes Black angus fillet mignon, pommes anna, spinach and bernaise sauce Bouche D’Affinois with sultana paste and house made walnut bread Belgian chocolate mousse and raspberry pave, shaved white chocolate and fresh peach Bookings essential.  Please email finedining@caveau.com.au Caveau 122-124 Keira Street Wollongong, NSW. There is parking at the back of the restaurant (Keira Lane), or  street parking in and around Keira Street. For a map of the restaurant location, click here.  www.caveau.com.au