A few years ago Joel Carey had all but given up on eating out.
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As a person with coeliac disease, he grew to dread the reaction that came on quite quickly and severely when ever he encountered gluten.
A baker by trade, Joel decided to do something about the problem and went into business with long-time friend Heather Chowanetz.
They started a wholesale gluten-free bakery in Lavington several years ago, supplying cakes, biscuits and slices to restaurants and cafes across the Border.
But Heather had long hankered to run a little cafe and so over quiet Christmas drinks in 2016, the pair hatched a plan for their next gourmet venture.
The Red Brik Caffe opened its doors on March 13, 2017 with a clear mission to serve up culinary creations catering to a wide range of dietary requirements.
And, judging by the customers who keep coming back for more, the gluten-free fare is big on flavour.
Take the delightfully decadent (and gluten-free of course) waffles – November’s offering is ‘chocolate s’mores’, which sees two chocolate waffles sandwiched together with melted marshmallows, topped with ice-cream, caramel and chocolate sauce and adorned with toasted marshmallows.
Heather, who previously worked in retail, said it took lots of practice to perfect the texture and taste of gluten-free food.
But the effort is well worth it when you see the fruits of their labour tantalising the tastebuds of satisfied customers.
Joel said he loved that the cafe had developed a real community feel about it.
“On weekends it almost hums,” he said.
“It’s great we can truly service people’s range of dietary needs and we get a lot of repeat customers because of that I think.
“We also love that we can offer a menu catering to Lavington locals.”
As for the pair’s partnership, well it seems they have all the ingredients for success.
“I’m the calm one,” Heather laughed.
Meanwhile Joel’s the “all-rounder” with a proven passion for serving up food he himself would be more than happy to dine out on.