08 Apr Nourished:385, Prahran

Nourished:385 is Melbourne’s first 100% gluten free and clean eating bar and eatery, and not having much experience with this sort of food, my interest was piqued. Apart from the healthy menu, created by executive chef Radhe Vaid, the wine menu is also full of either organic, biodynamic and/or preservative free tipples. Even the coffee is organic. Like many healthy cafes, Nourished:385 also offers freshly made juices and smoothies available eat-in or takeaway.

The café has a spacious and home-like feel with clean and simple décor and a few interesting pieces, such as a commanding clock at the staircase and a beautiful front door. Its interior suits its philosophy perfectly.

Mum went with the free range rump steak tartine; an open-faced steak sandwich on a half baguette with portobello mushroom, Dijon mustard, aged cheddar and garden salad ($18). The baguette had a slightly sweeter flavour than the loaf used for the smashed avocado – was almost honey or agave-like. The mushrooms were full of flavour and the small strips of steak were tender.

I chose the smashed avocado: the house-made loaf was adorned with avocado and strawberry jalapeno chutney, with herbed labneh and balsamic honey ($18). The strawberry japaleno chutney was an interesting twist on smashed avocado and I wished there was more of it! The house loaf (which was of course gluten free) was better than expected.

We both ordered coffees, which were good, even my decaf, and they were accompanied by gingerbread-like biscotti. Lunch at Nourished:385 was a refreshing experience and will definitely be added to my list of glutard-friendly restaurants!

Nourished:385
385 High St
Prahran VIC, 3181
(03) 9041 5115
http://nourished385.com.au/