Sydney’s 100% gluten-free fine diner celebrates a decade with a program of exclusive artisan collaborations, taking diners on a tour of Italy without leaving Vaucluse
The Botanica Vaucluse just turned 10, and one night isn’t enough to celebrate it. This August, Sydney’s gluten-free fine diner is spending the entire month teaming up with some of Australia’s most talented gluten-free artisans, tracing a path across Italy from Naples to Calabria and the Amalfi Coast.
Guests can enjoy the legendary lemon tart by Sebastien Sans Gluten throughout the month. Created by one of Australia’s most respected gluten-free pastry chefs, the tart is a celebration of Amalfi-inspired citrus, delicate pastry and exceptional technique.
On Saturday 8 August, a towering cannoli display arrives courtesy of Daniele Barresi, the Calabrian pastry chef behind Eden Pasticceria, and every table of two or more walks away with a complimentary gluten-free cannolo. Ten years of thank-yous, in one bite.
The anniversary festivities follow hot on the heels of The Botanica’s Gluten-Free Pizza Night on Saturday 1 August, which sold out before the festival even began, proof of just how far Sydney’s appetite for premium gluten-free dining has come in a decade.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past decade,” says Venue and Events Manager Sara Paganelli. “We wanted our anniversary to feel like a holiday in Italy. Every collaboration tells a story and celebrates the incredible artisans helping redefine what’s possible in gluten-free dining.”
The festival lands in the same year The Botanica became one of Sydney’s few Coeliac Australia-certified restaurants, accredited for a menu that is entirely, not just partially, gluten free. Behind the pass, chef Abby James, trained at Quay and Jonah’s, has spent the past decade proving that coeliac-safe cooking can be every bit as indulgent as a traditional Italian feast.
“I’m tired of gluten-free being treated as the consolation menu,” says Evette Moran, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mark Moran Group. “A decade ago we opened The Botanica to change that. This month is proof it worked, we’re bringing in some of Italy’s best pastry traditions and showing Sydney that gluten-free was never the limitation, it just needed someone to take it seriously.”
The Botanica Vaucluse’s 10th Anniversary Gluten-Free Italian Festival runs throughout August. To book a table, visit www.thebotanicavaucluse.com.au