When Border baker Joel Carey found out in his early 20s he had coeliac disease he had to radically change his diet.

“There was not a lot of information about coeliac disease and very few products on the market,” he said.

“I had to cook everything at home; I never went out to eat.”

Having done his apprenticeship in his hometown Culcairn Bakery and Monty’s at Wangaratta, Carey took a break from the industry before he joined friend Heather Chowanetz to supply gluten-free products to restaurants and cafes.

They opened Red Brik Caffe at Lavington in March 2017 before adding a Wodonga store 12 months later.

Carey said people diagnosed with coeliac disease could trust in their kitchens.

He said separate kitchen appliances and utensils were used for gluten-free orders.

“A whole section of our kitchen is dedicated to gluten-free food,” Carey said.

“All of our cakes are gluten-free but you’d never know it.”

Having grown up with bakers in the family, Carey is carrying on the tradition.

“My Nan did wedding cakes and made her own Easter eggs but we had bakers on both sides,” he said.

Red Brik at Lavington opens seven days while the Wodonga store opens daily excluding Sundays.

What's your favourite dessert?

Carrot cake. It’s a family recipe that’s been adapted to gluten-free. It’s our No. 1 best seller.

What's your favourite season?

Summer

What are the staples in your pantry now?

Gluten-free flour, good quality butter and sugar.

What is your earliest cooking memory?

I used to wake up early and experiment with making things with flour and water before anyone got up.

Which ingredients do you grow yourself?

We serve as much local produce as possible.

Which six people would you invite to dinner?

My partner, my parents, my partner’s parents and Heather Chowanetz.

What is your favourite foodie ritual?

I make a big pot of veggie and bean soup on my day off. I like to make slices from scratch including the biscuits for the bases.

Bingeing on TV?

Wentworth

What did you have for dinner last night?

Gluten-free pizza

What are you drinking at the moment?

Pinot grigio

Details:

Red Brik Caffe,

3/525 Sanders Road, Lavington

Phone: (02) 6025 1829