Whether it’s catching up for coffee and something sweet, a foggy-eyed weekend brunch, or a degustation dinner with friends, Melburnians are experts at dining out.
But for those with fructose intolerances or coeliac disease , people forever on the look out for a sneaky chunk of onion, or a tiny speck of breadcrumbs in their meal, eating at a restaurant can be of a traumatic experience.
Tim Byrne, the Intolerant Chef runs a safe haven for people who want to eat out, but have given up on the hope of being able to order anything other than risotto or garden salad.
“You sit in someone’s restaurant and you’re trusting what they give you – there has to be a level of safety and trust,” says Byrne.
Located in Melbourne’s East, Byrne’s restaurant Fox in the Box carries the slogan “we never cook with wheat, gluten or onion – EVER!” which speaks volumes for the minorities who’ve given up on the idea of an enjoyable dining experience.
Fox in the Box runs on the idea of “inclusive dining,” catering for vegans, people with nut allergies and lactose intolerances.
While it might sound too good to be true, Fox in the Box is no stranger to flavour or variety, with guests able to enjoy the classic parma for lunch, an indulgent slow-cooked scotch fillet for dinner, even pancakes for breakfast.
Byrne knew there was a market for intolerance-friendly dining after being diagnosed with gluten, fructose and lactose intolerances himself.
A passionate foodie, Byrne got creative with alternative options and started taking orders from parents at his children’s primary school.
“It was a privilege to cook for other people’s children,” says Byrne.
“I don’t think there is any greater level of trust than being responsible for what people feed their kids,” he says.
Adri McColl was diagnosed with fructose malabsorption two years ago – an intolerance that stops her from eating food staples like onion, garlic, honey and some gluten products.
Now a regular customer at Fox in the Box, McColl can dine without worrying about what’s being put in her food.
“It really is a godsend,” says McColl. “It’s nice to go to a restaurant and have the same experience everyone else enjoys without having to ask a million questions about the food I’m about to eat,” she says.
Melbourne is known for its vibrant food culture, with almost every street corner boasting a new cafe or restaurant to experience.
Yet for those who find dining out to be a culinary minefield, it’s reassuring to know people like Byrne are catering for everyone.
