For some years, Sas Jacobs and Dave Glossop lived in suburbia and dreamed of having a sustainable farm. Then they bought seven acres in the Swan Valley at Baskerville and slowly crafted their dream into reality.
Once the self-sufficient farm was taking shape in Good Lifestyle - bees buzzing, dam filling, pickles pickling - they turned their minds towards a long-cherished goal, opening a cafe offering the foods Sas is so good at preparing.
And now, their dream child is taking its first baby steps into the sunlight -
Swan Valley Gourmet Cafe. A rustic shed-style building overlooking the shady dam.
The vista from Swan Valley Gourmet (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce)
We visited this infant phenomena one warm and sunny day for lunch, my celiac sister and I. Normally Roxy has some difficulty with restaurants and cafes ensuring that the food is properly gluten-free.
Absolutely no difficulty at the Swan Valley Gourmet, where Sas has been cooking for her celiac mother for years and knows exactly what is entailed and how to make the best possible dishes for those unfortunate enough to be unable to digest gluten.
The cafe itself is still in the process of finishing touches but is both rustic and charming, with repurposed and recycled material being used wherever possible. The panelling on the walls, for example, is made of old doors, something one doesn't immediately notice.
Swan Valley Gourmet front counter (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce)
Lofty ceilings give an air of space and distance and the polished wood tables are widely enough spread to give the illusion of privacy.
The service, provided by Dave is friendly, even matey, and once you've ordered at the counter, one takes a seat and the food is delivered to the table.
Sirloin Steak Sandwich (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce)
I ordered a 200g scotch filet steak sandwich, which was tasty and tender, lashings of salad and an intriguing sauce. This came with the house speciality of hand-cut, triple cooked, skin-on, chips. Very crisp and tangy.
Roxy's Caesar salad was a hearty portion, entirely gluten-free, and delicious.
Swan Valley Gourmet Caesar Salad (D Sutherland-Bruce)
We ended with
the most delicious gluten-free chocolate cake with a glossy chocolate ganache. Although full, I did order two spoons for the cake - just for reporting purposes - which I did test ... thoroughly.
That chocolate cake at Swan Valley Gourmet (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce)
Tea and coffee was above reproach and the whole experience was most enjoyable.
In addition to the cafe portion, there is a providore section of homemade jams, chillies, honey, relishes and pickles.
Sas's expertise with gluten-free cooking and baking means that the bread (gluten-free, spelt and sourdough) and cakes on sale is outstanding and available for purchase over the counter.
Sas Jacobs and Dave Glossop (Photograph courtesy of Swan Valley Gourmet)
A welcome addition to the food charms of the Swan Valley.
Very Highly Recommended.
