Livefast Cafe — Restaurant in Victoria

I'm only leaving this review as a warning for other coeliacs as this is a cafe that has previously been recommended among the coeliac community. We came in a few weeks ago after seeing a recommendation and viewing their menu online, which had a million gf options and disclaimers about them taking care to avoid cross contamination but cant guarantee it, which is absoloutely understandable. However, upon entering the cafe, I immediately noticed the menu was completely different in person. Things that were marked as gf online, were not in person. Nothing wrong with a new menu, but because things like hot chips were not marked gf in person I asked questions about what was actually gf. Upon my first question, the young male staff member was immediately rude and dismissive, which didn't fill me with hope. I was told they use a separate dedicated gf fryer for their hot chips, but in the same breath I was told that the chips are made in a facility that also processes gluten so they cant guarantee anything. This contradictory statement left me a little confused, how can it be a dedicated gf fryer if you're cooking chips that potentially contain gluten? So I followed up with what I thought was a clarifying question, "Do you mean that the chips have a may contain statement on the packaging?, or are you saying the chips are cooked in your kitchen which also procceses gluten so you can't 100% guarantee no cross contamination?" Making this destinction is paramount for a coeliac, as a may contain statement on the packaging means that your "gf fryer" is in fact, not gf at all, and not safe for a coeliac. But if its the fact you also cook gluten in your kitchen so you say this to give coeliacs full disclosure that it's not a 100% guarantee of no cross contamination, then thats a different story. The latter shows you put precautions in place, and take CC seriously, coeliacs would happily eat here. Sadly, I didnt get any type of meaningful response, the lad cut in and very rudely and robotically repeated "the chips are processed in a facility that also processes gluten" he was speaking to me as if Id just stabbed his loved one. It was evident he either wasn't interested in informing us or that he didn't understand the questions. Not only do I understand, but I actually expect that places can not with 100% certainty guarantee no CC, however, it is your duty of care to inform patrons of correct information in order for us to make informed descisions. And if you're wrongfully advising coeliacs that your fryer is used for gf products only, then you as the establishment need to be well informed as to what constitutes gf, or at the very least, be willing to answer...

We came here knowing that the cafe had many gluten and dairy free options, so we were fairly excited... Being one of the busiest weekends in the year though, there were understandably no tables available upon our arrival. The girl at the front door, who was dealing with customers apologised but assured us that we could order whatever we want from the menu and take it away. After a few minutes of deciding what we'd order, it seemed that there was some space available on one of the outdoor tables. The girl at the front door very kindly and quickly prepared it for us and before we knew it, we were sitting in a shady spot, waiting for our meal. Besides the fact that the gluten free version of the sweet n sour grilled chicken burger came with sliced bread and not a bun, we were very happy with our order. Delicious pot of "wet" chai (caffeine free) brewed with creamy almond milk - enough for two! Side of chips with burgers were probably the lightest, crispiest chips we've ever had. Delicious sweet corn and zucchini fritters for a little extra yummy veggie intake 😉 We got a "lamington" raw gluten free vegan slice to go and wow, it was amazing - sooo creamy. Besides the incredible food, what made the experience for us was the incredible service of the girl at the front door who was handling customers. We never got her name and we never got to say goodbye. All we know is she was from north island New Zealand 😄 She was so professional, yet so so kind and warm to everyone - even towards the occasional non diner who unknowingly sat on the reserved cafe seating. Even if we hadn't been completely satisfied with the food, we would definitely go back just because of her. All the staff who served us were lovely but this girl was amazing. She is an absolute asset to the cafe and her demeanor and approach definately complements the healthful theme of the cafe. A huge...

Came here for breakfast Sunday 22nd September. Very disappointed. Waitress was sour, no smile and inpatient. We asked to get one slice of fruit toast and one slice of sour dough on one plate? Apparently that is too hard. "We don't do that", we were told rudely "you can only order 2 slices of fruit toast OR two slices of plain toast. We don't do one of each on one plate" we were stunned..go figure!! Two slabs of fruit toast arrived with scant butter spread on and cold. Asked for tomato sauce for chips. Didn't come. So walked up to counter to collect it myself. Rude man behind coffee machine said very curtly "it's organised! If you are PATIENT it will come!!" Made me feel like a school kid being told off. Yes, it was busy. That comes with the territory. Please advise your staff. ------+++++++---+++++++++

Response to your response below to: 'Mr Rude You have Issues'

Well I should have realised !! Funny.. I thought a calm polite question by myself in a public cafe deserves a polite answer. No matter how stressed you are. No need to be rude. I wasn't. Not surprised that your staff are rude too and can't smile. You shouldn't be in the business of so-called customer service if you really can't take stress. You need a holiday. Hope you get kinder service when you visit a...