Plump pancakes with berry compote, maple syrup and whipped cream … and deliciously gluten-free. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
I have experienced Coyote Catering’s lunches many times at professional events: tasty mixed wraps, generously filled focaccias, juicy meat skewers with a variety of dipping sauces, mini frittatas, mixed mini pizzas, sticky wings and vibrant salads.
I always enjoy everything (and have been known to stash a skewer or two in the work fridge for the next day), but what I truly adore is the sweet, smooth, and sticky dressing on their chicken salad. I think it’s a balsamic and olive oil blend, but whatever it is, it’s divine. Absolute quality that elevates a regular salad.
During a recent catering delivery, I got chatting with the owners and discovered that they also run a café, so I popped into their Fyshwick storefront after work.
So much gluten-free variety at Coyote Cafe! Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The Coyote Café menu reads like many great Canberra brunch/lunch spots – burgers, wraps, benedicts, bruschetta, pizza (including a “Dad Bod” pizza—how could you not want to try that?) But here’s the twist: everything is gluten-free, with many dairy-free options too.
Owners Phil Crowe and his partner Lucy are passionate about creating delicious food for gluten-free diners – meals that those of us who tolerate wheat often take for granted. Lucy is coeliac, and she’s on a mission to bring the foods she once craved but couldn’t eat – like pancakes, chicken schnitzel and donuts – to her customers.
Their enthusiasm is contagious. We are keen try a few things on the menu (especially the donuts!)
The gluten-free pancake stack features three plump, fluffy pancakes with real substance, topped with berry compote, cream and maple syrup. You would not know these are gluten-free.
The Coyote Brisket Eggs Benedict is a standout dish: tender, smoky brisket piled on a toasted gluten-free bun, with wilted baby spinach and a tangy, dairy-free chipotle hollandaise. It’s a hearty, Southern-style breakfast. A rich, meaty sauce surrounds the plate, and I drag each forkful of brisket-laden bun through it. It’s pure joy.
‘Burnt Ends’ features glazed pork brisket bits on the most deliciously crunchy yet tender gluten-free bun. I cannot get over the textures in the bun. How is it even gluten-free? The orange BBQ cola glaze is sticky, sweet, and perfect on the rich pork cubes. The creamy, understated coleslaw on the side is a great balance.
And the gluten-free donuts? Perfection. Golden and crisp on the outside, delicately dusted with cinnamon sugar, and pillowy soft inside. They couldn’t be improved even a little bit.
Glazed pork brisket bits on the most delicious, crunchy bun. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The chicken schnitzel – whether served on its own or in a roll – is made with house-crumbed chicken and served with gravy. Comfort food at its best.
Coeliacs often have to double-check sauces and syrups for hidden gluten, but at Coyote Catering, the hard work’s done for you. All their sauces, syrups, and even chocolate powders are gluten-free.
Lucy tells me that on weekends, their glass cabinet is filled with an array of delectable, gluten-free sweets.
Coyote caters for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations and even offers special Christmas menus, so on Christmas Eve you can pick up a fully prepared feast, ready to reheat at home. Think roasts, sides, pudding and glazed hams.
Their offerings include morning teas, lunch packages with sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as beautifully arranged platters. They offer wedding catering, providing both classic and elevated options.
Coyote Catering and Cafe are a testament to how varied and delicious gluten-free food can be.
Coyote Cafe is located at 1/8 Gladstone St, Fyshwick. It is open from 7 am to 2 pm on weekdays, and from 8 am on Saturday. Follow Coyote Catering and Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.
