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A heart warming post of appreciation | Organic Happy Kitchen

I know there’s a lot of posts that I have put up on here which are filled with colourful language, they promote partying and all things unhealthy; This post however, comes from a place that is deep within my heart and I know that there are so many other people who will be able to relate to this. Only a few months ago, I was told that I need to change my diet entirely as I had affected my heath in the worst way possible from guzzling everything that came into view. Since, I have stayed pretty low key (which is why you you have all seen Lewis and Chris attend most of our bookings), and have avoided most food places as I can’t eat any of the things I used to love eating.

When Happy Organic Kitchen sent us an invite, I naturally assigned it to Lewis, “I am not going to be able to eat anything anyway”, I told myself. Lewis took his lovely girlfriend Krystle along with him; She has very similar intolerance’s to myself and reading her thoughts on the venue created a stir within my heart. I have embedded the thread from her Instagram post below:

I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a pie. I eat very clean and most pies are basically full of nasties ?(to put it nicely), even vegan and gluten free ones ? Today was SUCH a treat for me! @lewislovestoeat ? + I went and saw the lovely Sammy and Laurent from @organichappykitchen for breakfast at @northeystorganicmarket ? Vibrant and gracious chef Laurent (having worked no less than 25 years in restaurants and hotels ?), decided to dial in people’s smiles by delighting them with organic food ? The stall has been at Northey Street about a year now and each time I’ve had the chance to visit the markets since, they’ve had a considerable lineup (600+ pies sold just this WEEK). It really never crossed my mind that they would have something for me, but Laurent certainly took care of us! I was spoiled with a lovingly made vegetable pie that was completely organic, vegan, and gluten-free! ? The crust, made simply from chickpea flour, olive oil, salt and water (by means of a quite involved process, as I was to understand) was perfectly crumbly, but moist, and the veggie-medley filling was fresh, wholesome and tender. Nothing greasy, no cheap or questionable ingredients ✔ Laurent related to me that he gets real joy from delighting people with his food, especially those who are gluten-free, and was determined to make gluten-free options that were special and of a high quality ? @organichappykitchen have over 50 different pies on offer, many gluten-free options (plus sausage rolls and coming soon – pizza ?), also offer seriously delicious organic homemade tomato sauces, and do online orders you can get delivered or pick up direct from the stall. It sounds dramatic, but I truly didn’t think I’d really eat a pie again, knowing how terribly overprocessed so many can be, so this was both a heart and tummy-warming treat. Simple things can really make one happy ? Thank you so much, guys ?

A post shared by Krystle Marie (@krystlemarie_6) on

The last paragraph of her post is enough to make you break down in tears (I’m sure a lot of vegans can relate). “I truly didn’t think I’d really eat a pie again”, I know exactly what she means because I felt that way, hence my disappearance from the social scene. It is so good to see Laurent and Sammy from Organic Happy Kitchen, change people’s lives through food. You have given me faith again, that food businesses can create a nourishing menu and still remain profitable. The love that you both have put into your venture is evident in the final product and it is absolutely beautiful. If anything, it is a huge honour having you guys right here in Brisbane.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with their story, Laurent spent over 30 years working in Michelin starred French Restaurants and Hotels. Now you will find him serving up organic pies and omelettes in a true labour of love. They create delicious, organic foods, using seasonal products for clients with various dietary requirements. With over 50 different pies to choose from, they have something for everyone and you have my guarantee that they will be worth every dollar.

View their menu here 

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Imagery by Brisbane Food Lovers Photographer, Lewis Lotherington

Written by: Aliyah Ravat

 

 

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Miss Bliss Pantry Opens in New Farm

Miss Bliss Pantry

Location: 76 James Street, New Farm

Opening Hours6.30am – 3pm on weekdays and 7am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

A new addition to the Miss Bliss Family, The Pantry is set out in a revamped shipping container offering on-the-go meals and quality coffee. It’s your little, humble escape away from the suited jungle only a few streets away. Alike, the food is wholesome and nutritious; Here you will find:

  • Homemade banana bread
  • Seeded spinach savoury loaf
  • Smashed avo on toast
  • Fresh soups and salads and more.

<3 Vegan Friendly

<3 Gluten Free

<3 Refined Sugar Free

<3 Dairy Free

Information supplied by Miss Bliss Treats

Narrated by: Aliyah Ravat

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Pana Chocolate takes on Queensland

The wait is over fam, the best raw desserts I have ever had (like legit ever had) are coming to Queensland. I may have given up the healthy life a while ago and swapped my paleo treats for cheeseburgers, but when it comes to Pana, they make me want to revert back! Their famous raw Chocolate Mint Cake and raw Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cake can now be found at select outlets across the Queensland East Coast.

Chocolate Mint Cake: The cake with no limits on how many times you can say chocolate. Mint marshmallow, a thin coat of Pana Chocolate and a chocolate cheesecake layered on a chocolate cashew base. RRP $9.50 | 70g

Caramel Choc Chunk Cake. Caramel. Chocolate. Chunks. Need we say more? RRP $9.50 | 70g

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Locations:

Brisbane
  • Fundies  Wholefood  Market  &  Café,  219  Given  Tce,  Paddington  4064
  • Fundies  Wholefood  Market  &  Café,  Shop  5/661  Oxley  Rd,  Corinda  4075
  • Wray  Organic,  Cnr Ross  Court  &  Bloomfield  St,  Cleveland  4163
  • KIAH  Organic  and  Wholefood  Warehouse,  Mount  Gravatt  4122
  • Synergy  Pharmacy  &  Health  Store,  Shop  17,  280  Queen  St,  Post  Office  Square,  Brisbane  City  4000
 Sunshine  Coast
  • Vanilla  Food,  Belomondo’s  Organic  Market,  59  Rene  St,  Noosaville  4566
Toowoomba
  • Wray  Organic,  98  Russell  St,  Toowoomba  4350

 

Vegan <3

Raw <3

Dairy Free <3

Sugar Free <3

Gluten Free <3

 

 Curated by Aliyah Ravat
Information supplied by: Hidden Characters

 

 

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RECIPE | PROSCIUTTO PIZZA | TOSCANO GLUTEN FREE BASES

If you have been following the blog from the very beginning, you would know that Charlotte and myself started out as Paleo bloggers; with the Brisbane food scene having evolved over the past year and a half, our eating patterns too had quite a transformation and we now eat everything. However, moving from a Paleo lifestyle to a regular one was not a smooth transition and we both ended up with an intolerance for gluten and dairy. Even though we both live with the discomfort and eat everything, it is quite a challenge resorting back to a gluten free lifestyle as the taste and quality of healthy alternatives does not quite measure up to the real thing.

When I heard about Toscano’s launching Australia’s first authentic gluten free pizza base, I was a bit apprehensive at first but nonetheless excited to try out their offerings. I have tried gluten free bases in the past, but have found them to be rather gluggy in the centre. What makes these any different you may ask yourself? Well the Vastola family have been making pizza for over 30 years, so they know exactly what is expected in an authentic pizza. They have gone back to basics with the dough of this base, made from a combination of buckwheat, corn, rice and teff flour; simplicity is key when it comes to healthy living. Their passion for great food and pizza alike is showcased in their product. Speaking of simplicity, I used their bases to create a Prosciutto Pizza that was absolutely divine.

Ingredients:

1 Gluten Free Toscano Pizza Base

2-3 tablespoons passata sauce

Handfull of rocket leaves

6 slices of fresh prosciutto

25 g shaved parmesan

Extra virgin olive oil

 

  1. Preheat oven to 230 degrees celcius
  2. Evenly spread passata sauce to base
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown
  4. Top with prosciutto, rocket & shaved parmesan
  5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil

Gluten Free Pizza Bases are available at Coles & Woolworths nationwide

Written by: Aliyah Ravat

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Breakfast at Little Loco Cafe | New Farm

Location: 121 Merthyr Rd, New Farm QLD 4005

Meal: Breakfast

Price: $4 – $20

Overall Experience: 9/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 9/10

 

Little Loco Cafe, a cute, humble food destination that has made its’ mark in the Brisbane food scene by providing fresh, healthy and affordable food to the New Farm community. The space is a personal favourite, to a grab a coffee and escape the bustle of the city with my novel. The Brisbane Food Lovers crew took on their breakfast menu and left with happy bellies.

Here are some of the options we tried out:

– Avocado $16 (Avacado Smash, Tomato, Feta, Radish, Lemon & Basil on Sourdough with 2 Free Range Poached Eggs + $4)
If you have previously read some our posts, you would know that we have an absolute obsession with the humble avo on toast. The dish itself is so simple, that is very hard to hide behind. The presentation of the meal was flawless, and the flavours together worked well. For a more filling option I would recommend adding some poached eggs. The only negative I would say, is that the dish is fairy pricey but it tasted amazing so justifiable.
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– Coconut Mango Panna Cotta $14.50 (Coconut Panna Cotta, Mango, Loco Granola & Orange Blossom Yoghurt)
The picture perfect Panna Cotta was light and silky paired with crunchy granola; the contrast in textures worked wonders. The yoghurt was a little sour for my liking and could have done with some additional natural sweetener. The mango, even though delicious, lacked practicality and would have better suited the dish if cut more appropriately.
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– Breakfast Board $20 (Sourdough, 2 Free Range Poached Eggs, Avocado, Spinach, Tomato Relish, Haloumi and Bacon)
One word for this spread, amazing! Simply amazing. As if 2 beautiful poached eggs weren’t enough, they added haloumi and bacon too with avocado, oh my! The tomato relish however, did not work so well as it was more of a sauce. I would recommend an onion jam instead or perhaps eliminate this component all together.
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– Nutella Loco Shake $10 (Nutella Milkshake topped with a Gluten Free Donut and Nut Crumb)
Okay so Nutella is probably one of the most overused menu items for 2016; I have to take my hat off to these guys for creating a Nutella inspired menu creation that actually tastes like Nutella. The milkshake itself was delicious, however I wish they had a regular doughnut option in addition to the existing gluten free inclusion.
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– Greenie Smoothie $9.50 (Spinach, Kale, Apple, Mango, Lime & Coconut Water)
Mmmm $9.50 for a smoothie that’s a bit excessive if you ask me, I would round it off to around $7. But in saying that, it tasted delicious and was packed with natural sweetness. A light, refreshing option in this warmer weather. Perfect for on-the-go chills at New Farm Park.
Thank you to @mykefrombrisbane for attending on our behalf
View his blog work here.
Follow Little Loco here.
Curated by Aliyah Ravat

Nutri Hitt opens new store Geebung

Location: 8/328 Newman Road, Geebung

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 5pm / Friday – Saturday 9am – 12pm

Website: http://nutrihitt.com.au/

Instagram: @nutri.hitt

Facebook: /nutrihitt

Who said sweet treats can’t be healthy? Nutri Hitt cake shop offers a delectable range of raw desserts, including gluten free, vegan and refined sugar free options. They are best described as the healthy alternative to the Cheesecake Shop. The wholesaler has quite an established name across Brisbane, with some of their treats stocked in cafes, including Lorna Jane Nourish Cafe. They have since chosen to open their flagship store in Geebung.

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The best brownies you will ever have | I Heart Brownies

Location: My Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley; Jan Powers Farmers Markets; Merlo Coffee

Price : $4.50

Taste: 10/10

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If you live in Brisbane and love food, you have probably tried out these little gems at least once. If you haven’t, well then you need to. I was first introduced to I Heart Brownies a few years ago at The Jan Powers Farmers Markets. With only 2 flavours on offer at the time, the gluten free option was one I could not pass up.

Since then, the humble brownie has made its’ name around Brisbane and can now be found at the I Heart Brownies new store at Bakery Lane as well as Merlo Coffee. They are now also available in a range of flavours including: Raspberry, Jaffa, Salted Caramel & Turkish Delight to name a few.

So why do we believe that these are the best brownies? Well it is simple really. These delicious treats are crispy on the outside, but soft in the inside; they remain fresh for a long period of time (I know this cos I have taken them inter-state, yes, they are that good); they are simple but full in flavour; and they are probably the only brownie that I can eat a whole box of without feeling sick to my stomach.

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Dairy Free <3

Gluten Free <3