As a gluten intolerant it's great to be able to eat out at a pizza and pasta restaurant. I can eat garlic bread, cake, pizza, pasta, beer, things that are normally avoided like the plague are okay. But I've been back to Pizza Piazza several times now and have become increasinly disapointed with the food and the service. This place is often very busy and I'm not sure why. I've gone back three times with the same two people and we're all agree - this place is nothing to write home about. Adequate. The GF apple pie is not good. The GF pizzas could use more cheese. The service is harried and occasionally forgetful. This all might be due to an unexpected level of popularity leaving the owners with inadequate staff and I hope so, because that's something easily solved but until then...

Approximate cost: $16.00

I lived down the road from this place for over a year and never knew it. Almost directly opposite Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre the view you see from the road is a bluestone wall, perhaps some sort of office. But no! Walk around the corner and you see a tremendously great little cafe ideal for a long weekend lunch in a trendyish atmosphere. The servers smile the entire time and very helpful with menu queries. After stuffing our faces there on the weekend my friends and I recommend the potato rosti and the scrambled eggs with chorizo. They also have a pretty tasty sounding lunch menu so I'm already planning another trip to try it out.

Approximate cost: $20

I went to the natropathy clinic at the College of Natural Medicine about 6 times over the course of several months and would highly recommend the service. The student natropath was very well informed and I didn't feel like a guinea pig. They often had another younger student or their teacher sit in with them during the consultation. After consulting with me they would go off to formulate the treatment and this would be done in consultation with a teacher. While it quite a long time (around an hour) this treatment formulation is based on very strigent questioning of the patient and is double checked by qualified natropaths.

Approximate cost: $10.00

Pancakes are never as good as you imagine them being. The Pancake Parlour does do buckwheat pancakes on request, which is good for those not eating gluten, though be prepared to remind your server and to make sure you specify no wafer with your icecream (which, btw, is organic and great). Serving staff are young and bored and expect to have about four during the course of your meal. They're open late and are never awful, which is really all that can be said. If you're gluten free after hours at Chadstone Shopping Centre, this is your best bet for gluten free food.

This place is a gluten intolerants dream. There is an entire menu just for them, in fact, thanks to one of the owners being Coeliac. I wanted to eat the whole menu just because I haven't had good Italian food in so long. Gluten free pizzas, pastas, garlic bread..... *drool* Conveniently located near the carpark of the Prahran Market this place is not particularly ambient, none of that cosy Italian restaurant feel. It's a lovely cafe and neat and clean and lovely, but if you're looking for an intimate Italian place to have dinner, this is not the place to go. However, if you're looking for casual dining on Chapel, gluten eating or not, this place is great. The woodfired pizza was applauded by all, in both varieties. I am definately going back!

Approximate cost: $15

This place is great if you're a fan of Spanish food. Their tapas menu is extensive and interesting (the potatas bravas with paprika and aoili particarly tasty), their meal selection smaller and good without being exciting (the paella is not for those, like me, who are of limited spice/pepper tolerance though it is tasty enough for them to keep trying to eat it) and their dessert delectable. Try the churros. Really, do. If, like me, you can't eat gluten, try and order just the little shot glass of dipping chocolate. Awesome. You'll feel hit by a chocolate truck, but a tasty chocolate truck. The drinks list is also extensive, featuring many spanish wines and cocktails. A little pricey and hard to get a table sometimes, this place is worth at least a try for a light lunch or supper.

Approximate cost: $25

I love burgers. I particularly like Grill'd burgers because they have that homemade taste to them that reminds me of my grandmothers burgers. The staff are young and trendy, but not obnoxious with it and are knowledgable about their product. Allergen information is available and they don't give you odd looks if you ask for a bunless burger. I've only had the beef burgers which I loved. A work colleague goes on about the vege burger which she likes so much that she hasn't been tempted to sample a different burger yet. The chips are especially great, though perhaps get some to share as the burger is filling even without a bun.

Approximate cost: $10

ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is fantastic. I have only been to their cinema, not any of their exhibits, but the tiny taste of their features has wetted my appetite for more. I've been to two of their Freaky Friday cult movie screenings and have really enjoyed seeing these lesser known movies on a big screen. The seats are comfy, the staff helpful and friendly and the tickets are cheap.

Approximate cost: $13

Located in the historical Block Arcade, Haighs Chocolates can be smelt shops away. With a large selection of delectable treats available it's easy to be spoilt for choice. Allergen information is printed and ready for the asking which made choosing my treat much easier. The free sample of dark chocolate was melt in the mouth luscious and nice to be offered.

The Brunswick City Baths is a YMCA gym. Boasting and outside and an inside pool, cardio room, weights room, and many many classes, this place feels very local and worlds apart from the modern yuppy style gyms springing up everywhere. Parking is available across the road but expect delays in trying to get out of the carpark in peak times or school times. The aerobics classes book out fast so get in early.