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The Harbour Surf and Turf

27 Feb

Well it’s been a while (again!) so apologies for the lack of posts recently.  We’re still regularly updating the Facebook page so do give us a like over there for more frequent updates.  Recently I noticed that The Glassblowing House was no longer open, which was a bit of a sh15936394_1369479253085275_8369384388341975884_oame as they were pretty good for gluten free in there.  However my spirits were soon lifted as I noticed a sign on the door proclaiming the imminent arrival of The Harbour Surf and Turf restaurant, and the promise that everything could be prepared gluten free!

When I got home I had a search for their website, and was extremely impressed to find that there was a very prominent gluten free section and that they seemed very aware of cross contamination issues.  Below is a quote from the website:

Our whole menu is available not only for gluten allergies but also fully suitable for coeliacs. The newly refurbished kitchen alongside the procedures which we introduced allow absolutely no contamination to ensure your safety. Please notify your server that you would like your food being prepared in gluten free environment and we will do the rest for you!

16990655_10158262431715293_985870119_oI was due a catch up with Emma, so a trip to The Harbour seemed like the ideal place to go.  We booked in and headed there on a Saturday night, which was only their second day open.  I’d mentioned both Emma and I were coeliac when I booked online, and again mentioned this as we were seated.  Restaurant manager, Greg, immediately put us at ease by saying he remembered and pointed out that there was already gluten free vinegar on the table waiting for us.  This was only a small touch, but I am sure other coeliacs will appreciate how something like this can really give you reassurance and make you feel like you’re being looked after and taken seriously.

Essentially The Harbour is an upmarket chippy, which has clearly been taken to the next level.  Meals are available to eat in or takeaway, and I can definitely see me getting the reasonably priced takeaway options in the summer.  Emma and I are not really fish eaters, and after a couple of drinks we immediately drooled over a burger and the deal was sealed when Greg confirmed they had gluten free buns.  There are also a good range of steaks available.

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Despite the restaurant being newly opened and busy, our burgers came out in good time and we were not disappointed!  The burger patty itself was quite thin, but Emma and I both loved them.  They had great flavour, were well garnished and the bun was decent too.  The chips were really nice and are also bottomless, not that either of us could have managed any more.  A definite thumbs up from both of us.

16990334_10158262432605293_1792175775_oDespite being full, we had to at least ask if there were any gluten free dessert options.  All in the name of research of course!  Being coeliac can make you a little sceptical, and a with a dessert menu containing two cakes, a cheesecake and a sorbet our bets were well and truly on sorbet being the only option.  However, much to our surprise and delight we were told that ALL of the desserts are gluten free because “that’s how we roll”.  Greg recommended the cheesecake and we weren’t about to say no!  Despite being stuffed we split a cheesecake.  The following is pretty much the conversation that followed:

Kev: “Oh my god! Mmmmmmmmm”

Emma: “Oh my god! Mmmmmmmm”

Kev: “Mmmmmmm”

Emma: “Mmmmmmm”

Kev: “Mmmmmm”

Emma: “Mmmmmmm”

Kev: ” I think the whole restaurant has just seen my sex face…”

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It’s fair to say, the New York Cheesecake was absolutely fantastic!  So smooth and silky, I’d go back again just for some more of it no question at all.  Despite both being stuffed we absolutely demolished it in no time.  It really did send us home happy with big smiles on our faces to have such a great end to the meal.  A great recommendation from Greg who told us his partner was gluten intolerant when we chatted to him.

We stayed for a final glass of wine before heading on our way and drinking way too much of just about anything for the remainder of the evening.  I’m pleased to report no ill effects, well at least from the food!  Excellent food, great service, reasonable prices and we were made to feel extremely welcome.  We are both definitely looking forward to going back again.

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Greg, Emma and Kev

Kevin, Gluten Free by the Sea

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Bit of an update!

19 Apr

Well first of all apologies for the recent radio silence.  As you may have read in a previous update I’ve been going through redundancy and trying to find a new job which has been a particularly trying time for me personally.  The good news is I’ve found myself a new job which I started last week and am really enjoying it.  At the moment I am throwing all my energy into the new job as you would expect, so it really isn’t leaving much time for social media or blogging.

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Also keeping me busy lately has been the Coeliac UK Plymouth Group.  I hope those of you that were able to make the AGM in Estover last month enjoyed it.  Thanks to Tamara Simmonds from Glutafin who gave a great talk on the day and those businesses who contributed to the event by selling on the day or donating raffle prizes.  Unfortunately due to a lack of volunteers the group has now been suspended for six months.  We are in desperate need of a new treasurer and some new committee members in order to keep the group going.  If you are interested in helping then please let me know.

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Congratulations to the Ladybird Gluten Free Bakery who have just moved to a new home in the market.  As you can see from the photo below their new venue is looking fabulous and now has a small seating area so you can sit down and enjoy a gluten free cake with a cuppa and even a chat with fellow gluten free folk.  Ladybird are now also selling some great products from Jackson’s Gluten Free in Torquay, and also some delicious crisps from Darling Spuds which I believe will soon form part of a meal deal.  The new stall is still at the bottom of the market, turn left if entering from the Market Avenue entrance by Frankfurt Gate.

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In other news Ed’s Easy Diner based in the mall have now added a Coeliac UK certified gluten free menu.  We are of course lucky to have a couple of great independent restaurants in Plymouth for our burger fix in JD’s Grill and Holland’s Diner but more options are always welcome, and it’s always good to have some safe chain restaurants in your back pocked when travelling.  I see Ed’s are offering gluten free hot dogs which may well be a first for Plymouth.  I’ve not had chance to give them a go yet, but would be interested to hear from anyone who has been in to try it out.

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In other news The Barbican Galley continues to go from strength to strength and have recently been able to employ a second chef.  I have had many fabulous gluten free meals there recently, including a visit to their Mexican theme night.  I can highly recommend the Southern fried chicken burger and the all day breakfast, not to mention the Sunday roast.  A reminder that everything they serve is gluten free so if you haven’t been yet then you really must give it a try!  They are also serving takeaway fish and chips (the chips are SO good by the way), which I am sure will be very handy if the current sunny weather continues.

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Anyway, I hope everyone is well and enjoying the sunshine.  If you’ve made any new gluten free discoveries in Plymouth recently then please let me know, it would be great to share them.

Kevin, Gluten Free by the Sea.

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Coeliac UK Plymouth Group AGM, 14th March

1 Mar

The Coeliac UK Plymouth Group are holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday March 14th.  Everyone is welcome to attend so I hope that I will see lots of Gluten Free by the Sea readers in attendance!  There will be a talk from Glutafin and of course the opportunity to buy some amazing gluten free goodies from some local suppliers, plenty of free samples and some great raffle prizes.  Please see full details below.

Kevin, Gluten Free by the Sea.

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The committee invite you to join us at the ELM Centre, ASDA Plymouth, for our AGM. A short meeting to go through the formalities of the AGM will be followed by a talk from Glutafin. There will also be the chance to buy some gluten free treats from some fantastic local companies. For new members we will be available to give help with such things as prescriptions and best places to purchase gluten free products.

We are delighted that Tamara from Glutafin will be joining us this year to give a gluten free talk and update from her company. This will be followed by a great opportunity to stock up on gluten free products from some of the finest local suppliers. Let Them Eat will be present with their delicious cakes, Jackson’s Bakery will be bringing their fantastic products down from Torquay, Ladybird Bakery will be selling a taste of what is available at their new Pannier Market home and St Maurice Bakery will be selling delicious hot steak pasties amongst other things. Pomeroy Rare Breeds will again be selling their fantastic pies and Scotch eggs.  We have now added Westcountry Produce to the line up and they will be bringing some fantastic looking pies, including a vegetarian range.  Everything will be gluten free! Glutafin, Juvela, Newburn Bakehouse, Keep Me Gluten Free and The Black Farmer have all donated free samples for members or raffle prizes amongst others.

In the Elm Centre we will have use of the excellent kitchen facilities, where Tea’s, coffees, biscuits and cakes will be available after 2:30pm. For all you bakers out there, we welcome you to bake and share with other members. There will be a £1 voluntary entrance fee to the meeting and members are also encouraged to bring unwanted prescription items for new members.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the 14th March 2015. Doors will open at 12:30pm with the food fair running until 4:30pm. We sincerely hope you can attend, and trust you will have a great time.

Programme:

  • 12:30pm Doors open
  • 1:00pm AGM and Glutafin talk in the church hall
  • 2:00pm Food fair opens in the main hall
  • 2:30pm Kitchen open for teas and coffees
  • 3:00pm Raffle Draw
  • 4:30pm: Food fair closes

Directions/Parking:

For any of you who do not know were the ELM Centre is, it is located in Estover Plymouth adjacent to the ASDA Store. If at the ASDA main entrance, turn right down the steps and the centre is at the far end of the courtyard. Full address is Leypark Court, Leypark Walk, Plymouth PL6 8UE.

There is some community centre parking, otherwise you can park in the overflow ASDA car park for 3 hours.

There are regular bus routes to the ASDA store, the number 50 City Bus. You can catch the 27 or 27a if travelling from the City Centre.

Plymouth

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