Opening later this year, 4101 will welcome Dovetail Social, an exciting new café with a focus on gluten-free Filipino inspired cuisine. Founded by lovely couple Adam and Rejoice Thomson, their first café, Dovetail on Overend, has become one of the most renowned gluten free cafes in Brisbane. Behind the success of Dovetail on Overend lies an inspiring story of the Thomsons and their vision of inclusivity. As they celebrate the café’s sixth birthday this April, the Thomsons share with us their journey at Dovetail and what is in store for the new joint at 4101.
Rejoice was raised in The Philippines before moving to Australia in 2007 where she met Adam. Growing up, her family loved cooking and enjoyed eating out. “My Dad was a great cook; whenever I cook now I always think of him, our home, and the dishes I enjoyed in my childhood,” Rejoice reminisces. As Adam is a coeliac, she decided to pick up cooking and baking from scratch as she wanted him to experience the same joy she had when eating her favourite foods. “One (winter) night I decided to make him a gluten free apple pie. When I served it to him for the first time his eyes started to well up because he never thought he would be able to enjoy apple pie again. From that day on I vowed that I would learn how to make more gluten free food and desserts,” Rejoice says. Since then, Rejoice has evolved from a self taught cook to a qualified pastry chef at Dovetail.
Prior to Dovetail, the Thomsons noticed a gap in the market where cafes were too food or coffee focused with limited gluten free options. “There were times that the only gluten free food available in a café was a dryish GF friand, and that would have to be my breakfast or lunch so that Rejoice could enjoy her meal,” Adam laments. Faced with limited options when eating out and plenty of challenges, the Thomsons decided to open Dovetail on Overend at Norman Park, with a focus on gluten-free foods and other dietary preferences.
Dovetail on Overend features a relaxing atmosphere with its outdoor seating under a large awning, perfect for a time with family and friends. According to Adam, the highlight of the space is the long communal bench which encourages conversations and brings people together. Interestingly, the space perfectly suits the name Dovetail, which means “to connect”. The Thomsons love 4101 for its community feel and want to build on that vibe with Dovetail Social at Highgate Hill. With a larger kitchen and a garden in the backyard, the Thomsons are excited to use their own produce in their cooking and look forward to serving a bigger menu. Expect favourites such as the Reuben — the Classic sandwich, the Filipino inspired Adobo bowl, as well as new (secret) menu items. Dovetail Social is set to open later this year at 49 Laura Street, Highgate Hill and will continue the tradition of Dovetail alongside Dovetail on Overend, providing high quality, gluten free food options
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