Hello Spring Menu. Hello Gluten-Free!
In the past, Melbournians with dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free would have to cook at home. Restaurants offered such limited options that eating out was a chore. Well, today things are different. More people are dining out as more restaurants expand their menus to cater to special diets.
From GF four-cheese pasta and pizza to delicious GF Danish pastries and pecan tarts, Melbourne restaurants have lifted their game.
A lifestyle choice or essential dietary requirement?
A gluten-free diet consists of eating meals that don’t contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, which is almost all cakes, biscuits, pasta, pastries, pizza, bread… basically all the good stuff.
However, some people can’t tolerate gluten. It makes them feel bloated, tired, nauseous and gassy. If you’re gluten-intolerant, chances are you have also heard about Celiac disease. Just to make it clear, gluten intolerance and Celiac disease are not one and the same.
Although the symptoms can be similar, Celiac disease is, in fact, an autoimmune disorder that damages the digestive tract. Needless to say, both gluten-related conditions require you to steer clear of gluten for health and well-being, and if you are Celiac, you’ll have to avoid gluten for life.
Discovering gluten-free food
Can’t tolerate gluten? Don’t despair! There’s so much gluten-free food out there that you wouldn’t even know where to start. For instance, you can incorporate GF substitute foods and other processed foods that don’t contain gluten; just make sure to read the labels carefully. Your gluten-free diet can consist of foods like rice, potatoes, legumes, fruits, veggies, meat, and many more.
Fact: there are more gluten-free options than ones that actually contain gluten.
You shouldn’t miss out on exceptional dining experiences just because you can’t eat everything. Restaurants, bakeries, and fast-food chains have all included GF substitutes for their regular meals and have added new GF dishes to their menu. Whether you are gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease, you won’t stay hungry in Melbourne, especially not in our restaurant in Moonee Ponds.
GF at Saros Bar & Dining: Chef’s Recommendation
At Saros Bar & Dining, we endeavour to cater to the needs of all our guests with gluten-free options a speciality. Here are some of the best gluten-free specialties on our new spring menu. Check out our chef’s recommendation the next time you visit us.
Rangers Valley 600g Rib eye steak served with shoestring fries, black truffle butter and red wine sauce
“My inspiration for this dish comes from a classic “steak frites”, a French dish of well-grilled steak, crispy shoestring fries, a flavourful butter, and a fantastic sauce. This larger main course is suitable for sharing, making it perfect for family gatherings, business lunches, and dinners.
The delicious meal features incredible quality beef from Rangers Valley in NSW. Garnished with rich red wine and veal stock just as well as the last of seasonal Victorian black truffles. “Fresh Australian black truffles remain as close to my heart as a well-prepared and served “steak frites” at any Parisienne bistro. I look forward to providing that same experience to our guests at Saros.”
Don’t forget to pair this hearty meal with some of our high-quality wines. Our wine recommendation for this GF meal is the Victorian Topsail Cabernet Sauvignon or Bruno Shiraz from The Barossa Valley.
Freshly Shucked Seasonal Oysters with Lemon and mignonette Dressing (GF) and Saros Marinated Olives (GF, VGN)
Seafood lovers rejoice! This gluten-free specialty is a great way to kick off your dining experience with us or with a drink at the bar. Pair your oysters with our Jack & Jill Pinot Gris from the Bellarine Victoria for a burst of flavours.
Gin Cured Salmon served with Smoked Horseradish Cream, Pickled Vegetables, Squid Ink Cracker (GF)
More than a starter, this perfectly cured salmon is rather filling, deliciously complemented by the crispness of the cracker, and is deliciously refreshing. Looking for a glass of wine to pair your salmon with? Try the Hesketh Sauvignon Blanc from Limestone Coast, SA, you won’t be disappointed.
Pan-fried saganaki served with Plum Jam, toasted macadamia nuts and a slice of Lemon (GF, VEG)
If you love cheese, this is the dish for you! The sweetness of the plum jam offsets the saltiness of the saganaki. The Snake & Herring Tough Love Chardonnay from Margaret River, WA is the wine that best pairs with this delicious cheesy gluten-free meal.
Pan Fried King Dory (GF)
The John Dory is pan-fried to perfection and served with Scallops, Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté, and Grapes. Enjoy this delicate, sweet meal with a glass of Bandini Prosecco DOC Italy.
Sides
Complement your main dish with a side of sautéed broccolini and black cabbage served with pistachio cream and chive oil (GF).
Desserts
Dark chocolate mousse (GF available)
When dining with us, you must leave space for our rich and unique sweet treats. Our gluten-free dessert recommendation is the dark chocolate mousse, served with passionfruit curd (Ginger shortbread is optional). This is a chocolate lover’s dream you can’t miss! Bring out the flavours of your choco mousse by pairing it with our Henschke ‘Five Shilling’ Shiraz Mataro from Eden Valley, SA.
Gluten-free options for everyone
Dedicated GF restaurants in Melbourne are hard to find, which is why we created a menu that will cater to the needs and requirements of guests with gluten-related conditions.
Looking for delicious and gluten-free meals to satisfy your cravings? Or are you eager to see what’s on our latest à la carte menu? Join us at Saros Bar & Dining this spring to sample our hearty meals and decadent desserts. Bring your friends and family, as it’s true what they say: “The more, the merrier”.