Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Mango and macadamia nut cake at Collector

You don't expect to find gluten-free food at a place called The Daily Pie. Surprisingly I did.


On the way  back from Canberra last Saturday I dropped into The Daily Pie at Collector, just off the Federal Highway, an hour north of Canberra and not far from Goulburn. Apart from needing to 'stop, revive, survive', my main reason for diverting was to see if a new eatery had replaced the Lynwood Cafe, which closed 18 months ago.  The Lynwood Cafe was a bit of an institution in the tiny town for more than 10 years. Its reputation for excellent food lured many drivers to detour for lunch.

There's no new cafe in its place but the people at The Daily Pie tell me that the building was purchased by a Sydney artist who has made the former restaurant her home and studio. It is expected that it will open as a gallery on weekends soon.


But back to The Daily Pie. Serving me that morning were Sarah and Emma De Bruin, who with mother Helen run the cafe. Helen makes all the pies but being coeliac, she has to get other members of the family to taste them.


While I couldn't eat the pies I was pleasantly surprised by the sweet gluten-free options. There was the standard orange and almond cake and a chocolate one too. But I couldn't go past the mango and macadamia cake. It was delicious with a strong mango flavour and crunchy macadamias throughout. 

The cafe also stocks a range of honey and jams and Lynwood Preserves, made by the former owners of the Lynwood Cafe. Lynwood Preserves is a regular exhibitor at Collector's annual pumpkin festival held on Sunday, 1 May.


The Daily Pie will be closed for the month of February for renovations. When it re-opens in March Sarah and Emma said there will be more gluten-free options on the menu. You can find The Daily Pie at  8 Church Street Collector. It's hard to miss as it's housed in a former Golden Fleece and Caltex service station. Open from 10am to 5pm Thursday to Sunday, it certainly beats McDonalds.

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