Exciting Gluten-Free Products!

Hello all! I am writing this in protest of finishing a pressing paper due tomorrow. I guess I've been so wrapped up in school, I've kinda lost the balance in my life I usually take great pride in having. So, in an effort to bring balance to my evening (and to procrastinate just for 15 more minutes), I bring you a special blog post...

 I wandered around Lifestyle's Market (Douglas location) a couple weeks ago as an opportunity for me to spend money on 'specialty' foods that I probably can't afford. I only do this once every few months, so I somehow can justify it. Anyways, to my delight I found some really amazing gluten-free goodies just waiting to be sampled:

1) Goldbaum's Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cones: a far cry from those styrofoamy goblets we enjoyed as youngsters. it's an ice cream cone...that tastes like a COOKIE! It's likely just another simple privilege that gluten-eaters enjoy regularly, but seriously, when was the last time you had a sugar cone? A must-buy as a wonderful little treat for yourself (goodness knows, you deserve it) [12 cones for about $6]

2) Mountain Top Bakery Sausage Rolls: the little fat kid inside of me loved sausage rolls--flaky dough wrapped around a log of meat?! Sounds promising, right? These little gems made for a couple perfect lunches, yet were a tad expensive. Found in the freezer section. [ 4 rolls for $10]

3) Annie's Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: I feel like I should have known about this sooner--I feel like I was a deprived student because I didn't eat KD twice a day, and I really hoped for an authentic university experience. This lovely box of super-salty cheese dust and dehydrated elbows (pasta shape, not body part) made a perfect midnight snack while I was studying. I feel slightly more complete. [ 1 box for about $4]

4) Glutino's Chocolate Covered Pretzels: I feel like this doesn't even need justification, but in case you haven't convinced yourself that you deserve this, I'll give you some motivation. It's pretzels....covered in chocolate. Sweet and salty crunchy morsels of indulgence; super addictive, super deadly. I suggest asking your significant other to hide them once you've taken a good handful, otherwise, you'll find yourself walking back and forth from your laptop to the kitchen cupboard in an attempt to satisfy your basic human need to eat chocolate covered pretzels. Good luck with this one. [ 1 bag, for $6]

Pink Sugar Cupcakery (773 Fort St, Victoria BC)

Is there anything better than a fist-sized mound of cake and icing? Probably not. The sheer novelty of a cupcake has held up throughout the decades, and now cupcakes aren't just for birthday parties and bakesales anymore. Indeed, cupcake-culture has culminated into a North America phenomenon where the more creative you are equals more happy customers nomming on your sugar-muffins.

Enter...Pink Sugar Cupcakery.

An unassuming, yet vibrantly decorated sweet shop eagerly awaits your patronage in lovely downtown Victoria. For a gluten-free gobbler such as myself, I had come to terms that gluten-free cupcakes were for special occasions, made by myself in my modest kitchen. When I discovered Origin's Bakery had cupcakes, I jumped in on the action and gave myself a killer sugar-hangover. After I recovered, I breathed a sigh of relief "Thank goodness I don't live close enough to Origin's where I'd be tempted to indulge much too frequently"--I thought to myself. Little did I know that only a few blocks from my home was Pink Sugar, baking up gluten-free desserts on a daily basis....just waiting to get me hooked.



The wonderful thing about Pink Sugar is the vast variety you can sample from; every day is different however so if you want to enjoy the same variety I have, frequent visits are encouraged, or simply call ahead. These cupcakes are so wonderful...I wish I had known about them sooner, but I'm happy I could share my discovery with my readers! FYI, they do special orders ;)

Restaurant Review: Baan Thai (1117 Blandshard St, Victoria BC)

I've made a wonderful new friend this semester, and she's obsessed with Baan Thai. She has been known to eat it on her way to class in the morning, or sometimes twice a day. I liked the idea of trying a new Thai restaurant but I was of course nervous given that gluten allergies are not always easy to accommodate. I did my usual research; an in depth look at Baan Thai's website and online menus and to my surprise, they are able to make about 75% of their menu items gluten-free! Everything was looking quite delicious at this point as I saw a world of options open up in front of me, but I wondered to myself, when would I take the leap of faith and try something new? Well, last night was THE NIGHT! And wow...it was something special!

My friend and I ordered two dishes to share, ordered off the "Take Out Menu":
#17: Pad Thai Gai: Rice noodles, flash fried with tender chicken, extra firm tofu, salted radish, tamarind, egg, green onion with fresh bean sprouts topped with roasted ground peanuts.
#44: Pra Ram Long Song: Tender sliced beef, sauteed with fresh vegetables with Baan Thai's own peanut sauce and chili paste oil. Ordered with a side of Steamed Rice.

To our dismay, we came home with our aromatic paper bag package and opened it up--the portions were much smaller than Little Thai Place and the dishes were slightly more expensive. Usually when we order from Little Thai Place, we have enough food for two dinners under $30. "Nevermind" I told myself  "Let's see how it tastes!" My friend and I sussed out the details, ensuring each of us had the exact same amount of food each...both of us are big eaters and sometimes sharing can be complicated. We emptied out the aluminum pans of every last morsel of goodness and we sat down.

Okay, I'll be honest. Regardless of the cost or the portion size, the food was EXCELLENT. Mouth-watering, savory, and perfectly balanced. This food had serious flavor and I felt bad for judging a book by its cover (or meal by its size). I could finally understand how my new friend could eat this every day...it was everything I wish my homemade Thai food could be. And I didn't get that gross, heavy feeling I usually get after eating oily take-out--this food actually tasted like REAL food. The saddest thing was we finished our plates, and we were both hungry after. Baan Thai was satisfying in every way except it could not tame my big appetite while being friendly to my student-sized wallet. Bottom line, I would DEFINITELY have Baan Thai again, and I would DEFINITELY recommend it to anyone with a gluten-allergy. Just inform your server (or call-taker) that you have a gluten-allergy and they take care of you from there.

An Update: Where I've been, What I'm eating, and What's Next...

                               
My goodness has it been a long time! This has been the busiest time of my life so far, and I wish I was exaggerating. I'm in 3 week long courses that are condensed from the standard 14 week long course, so literally, everyday I'm at school, and every night I'm doing homework. It's super intense! On top of that, we're moving this month and the process has been anything but simple and straight forward. This month has been EXCELLENT for food though. Here's a little briefing of where we've been, and what we've eaten...
1) Noodle Box--Had the Spicy Peanut gluten-free finally and my tummy was delighted!
2) The Pink Bicycle--I had the Lamb Burger with Blue Cheese and Apricot Pesto...to die for!
3) Canoe Club-- A gluten-free success! I had the Cowichan Pulled Chicken Sandwich with a side salad, and my brother had the burger on gluten-free bread. I had heard some mixed reviews regarding their gluten-free foods, but I informed my server that my allergy was very severe and to ask the chefs to be extremely careful. It was great in the end!
4) Little Thai Place and West Coast Waffles--I would tell you more, but I haven't tried anything new from them yet! Still, love them!

I have two new favorite gluten-free products: Hunny Bunny Amazing Dad's BBQ sauce...it seems expensive for $8, but it's 100% organic, and the first ingredient is organic honey. It's SO good! San-J Tamari Peanut Salad Dressing...would be yummy on an asian-inspired salad, or on anything really! Both bought at Thrifty's.

My brother is in town and he's an excellent cook. We've been eating very well you might guess. He bought a deep-fryer just for his visit so we could have huevos rancheros with keffir lime hollandaise, and spicy fish tacos with coleslaw. Since he's been here, we've also had BBQ'd halibut, BBQ'd ribs, and burgers. Every day there has been a meal together, and it's been so delicious. It's been a marathon of food!

The future of this blog is looking very bright. I am discovering countless more places in Victoria that do gluten-free menus or food items and I'm just so excited to try them! The downside of being a student is that I can't dine-out very often, especially not 'fine dining'. Currently, I am at the end of my student loans and awards and all my funds are being set aside for bare basics for the next 25 days (yes, I really am counting down the days).  It seems that gluten-free is expanding all over Victoria and I've compiled a little list of the places I'll be eating at in the coming months.
1) Brickyard Pizza--I'm curious to see how careful they are about cross contamination, but also excited!
2) Jackalope Bistro--A peculiar little place I've walked past a million times, but they have cheap burgers on gluten-free 'corn rounds'...we'll have to wait and see about this one!
3) The Reef--Not a particularly exciting gluten-free menu, but I'm hoping it's delicious still!
4) Bon Sushi--I had this sushi once before, but now I want to pay special attention to what they do to accommodate gluten allergies and what exactly is gluten-free from the menu.
5) SkinnyTato--Polish cuisine for me? The menu looks small, but I'd go just for the cabbage rolls and potato pancakes!
6) John's Place-- They carry Origin's bread for their breakfast menu...eggs benny? Fingers crossed.
7) Pagliacci's-- An exciting pasta menu, available with rice noodles. I'll double check about cross contamination.
8) Smoken Bones--when they open in December, I'm gunna be ALL over this place.

That's it for now guys! I promise to update more come September!

Seattle Extravaganza! Part 2 of 2

The best part of Seattle was of course, all the seafood!

                                    

Crab Pot Insanity

The Crab Pot, 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle WA

Once we docked in Seattle, and checked into our hotels, the group decided they wanted to be real tourists and go to "The Crab Pot". For those who don't know much about this place, "The Crab Pot" is located in the super touristy district on Alaskan Way, and the restaurant itself is GIGANTIC. Like, literally, it takes up about a block, A CITY BLOCK! At The Crab Pot, you sit down at big long tables covered in paper. You order a selection of seafood including crab, mussels, clams, prawns and oysters and they steam it all up together with some red potatoes and corn on the cob. Once it's cooked, they dump it all on your table, give you a wooden mallet and block, and of course, a bib. Yes, a bib. Like a baby. The Crab Pot is nothing spectacular honestly; the seafood is delicious ), but the service is pretty bad, and the atmosphere is super tacky. You basically go to The Crab Pot just for the experience of getting messy with a bucket of seafood. It felt so American.
Gluten-Free Tip for The Crab Pot: Ask to get your meal without the andouille sausage. It is NOT gluten-free.

Sazerac, 1101 Fourth Ave, Seattle WA

Lamb Sausage with Polenta

The best part of our foodie adventures in Seattle took place at this fantastic restaurant: Sazerac. They were located in the Hotel Monaco, right across the street from our own hotel. We practically haunted Hotel Monaco the entire trip: 5 oclock wine tasting and appys in the lobby, awesome restaurant, convenience/gift  shop, friendly helpful staff that will practically bend over backwards just to accommodate you...Yah, Hotel Monaco was simply amazing. And it was the same price as our hotel which kinda sucked in comparison. We'll definitely stay here next summer. 

So, down to Sazerac. I'm going to be honest, I wish this place was in Victoria. We ate 3 out of 4 meals here...and for good reason. They will make pretty much anything gluten-free for you. Not only do they have a special gluten-free menu, but they literally will make any modification so you can enjoy whatever your heart desires. Eat your heart out indeed!

For breakfast both mornings, I had the "Eggs in Hell" which consisted of polenta, eggs, red beans, and andouille sausage which was just amazing! 

Later that night, we indulged in a four-course tasting menu; and believe it or not, I HAD DESSERT! My four courses were: Fresh Oysters on the Half-Shell with Mignonette, Roasted Beet Salad with Chevre and Pistachios, Pan Seared Scallops with Chickpea Puree, and a Maple Pecan Creme Caramel with Candied Banana. This meal was just $40. Plus, it was one of the best meals I've ever had. Literally, to die for.

Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates with Chevre and Balsamic Reduction

We ate a lot of food from Sazerac, and how could we not! Practically everything they make was ready for a gluten-free modification. I could not have asked for a better place to eat while in Seattle...it took all the stress and guess work out of searching for a delicious meal. I'm so excited to go back soon!

Odds and Ends:

Something that I cannot get out of my mind is the Gelato I had in Seattle. Bottega Italiano Gelato (1425 First Ave) had mindblowing gelato. It's made with 100% natural, in-season ingredients (no corn syrup or preservatives) I wish I had gone back at least 3 more times, it was such a delicious treat to combat the hot climate. Me and my friend shared a four-scoop cup for roughly $5. It was a very generous portion for the price. We had Chocolate, Cinnamon, Coffee, and lastly, Pistachio flavors. The Pistachio was epic, and unlike anything I've ever had before. I'm determined to find some in Victoria that is even half as delectable. They also had many dairy-free options for those of us who don't do moo-juice.

Seattle Extravaganza! Part 1 of 2

Last weekend, me and and a group of friends all made the trek over the Seattle for a Steely Dan concert. Naturally, I get quite anxious at the very thought of leaving the comfort of my city and kitchen to explore the unfamiliar and scour a new environment for delicious eats.

I did some planning for my Seattle trip. I had gone onto urbanspoon.com to get the scoop on what restaurants were being touted as gluten-free. I made a fabulous list, complete with addresses and types of cuisine. (I'm a Capricorn...making lists is just something we're obsessed with). But despite my list, I felt like it had the potential to hold me back, or worse yet, isolate me from the rest of the group. I knew I had to be flexible for improvisation.

After taking this three day trip, I kept some notes on how to improve my experience the next time I'm over there. I suppose these tips could apply to travelling just about everywhere, so hopefully this will be useful to everyone:
1) Make sure your hotel room has a mini fridge: Yes, we had a coffee maker in the room, but no accessible soy milk.
2) The Clipper has pretty much no gluten-free options: Aside from sodium-laden peanuts and potato chips, you're pretty much on your own for this 3 hour ordeal. The Clipper can at times be a pretty rocky ride; I recommend bringing these: a couple bananas, candied ginger, rice cakes, and an apple, water bottle, and coconut water. If customs gives you a hard time for bringing fruit on board, just simply explain to them these are your only food options available for the trip over. They'll be nice about it.
3) Bring ginger capsules: these handy little pills are my best friends when eating at unfamiliar places. I took about 3 with every meal, and 2 every couple of hours. I was still recovering from the gluten-poisoning I experienced nearly 3 weeks ago now, and my tum was just not ready for super rich foods. So...I forced myself to eat whatever was available, and I counteracted any unpleasantry with these ginger pills. If you wanna read more about ginger pills, go here http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/benefits-of-ginger-root.html.
4) Inform every place you eat that you have a gluten allergy: Ask what might be suitable options, and also don't be afraid to ask for them to make modifications. Most places I found were happy to accommodate me.

Another recommendation, find a drug store close to where you're staying. Once there, look for coconut water  in the refrigerated section. Coconut water does amazing things for my stomach, especially if I've eaten too much salt, or too rich foods. I drank about half a litre of this stuff every day I was there.

Special: Gluten-free Summer Favorites

I love how summertime brings out a completely different side of me--my appetite and food cravings shift from the rib-sticking comfort food of the colder months, to an endless search for new recipes and products to make summer just a little bit yummier each year. I don't like cooking much in the summer, indeed, I eat a huge variety of different salads like Belgium Endive with Roasted Pears and Roquefort, or Baby Beet Salad with Fennel and Walnuts. I'm pretty much obsessed with delicious and creative salads in the summer. Also, I adore anything that's been grilled on the BBQ, be it Ponzu Chicken Wings paired with cold Vermicelli and Grilled Baby Bokchoy, or Korean Red Pork Tenderloin with a chilled Brown Rice Cilantro Pilaf with Snow Peas.  These are just a few of my favorite summer dinners. In celebration of summer, I've compiled a list to share of my favorite products and ingredients to make every hour of summer delicious!

1) "So Delicious Coconut Milk Minis" in either Vanilla, Chocolate Almond, or Fudge. These little treats are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. They're a perfect light dessert to help cool you down on hot summer days, while adding a different nutritional profile to your diet. I'm addicted.

2) "Annie's Naturals Organic BBQ Sauce" This is a perfect gluten-free condiment to keep in your fridge. Unlike many other BBQ sauces out there that are super thick and processed, this brand really does deliver a great product. Simply baste on your meat in the last 5 minutes of grilling for an uber satisfying treat.

3) Fresh Herbs. If you have a little patio or window sill, I highly suggest investing in a boxed herb garden. Or create your own using materials from your local gardening store. My favorite herbs to grow are chives, basil, thyme, and my FAVORITE, flat leaf Italian parsley. Fresh herbs offer a welcomed hit of flavor to quick salads or marinades--I also like to add them to rice or quinoa during cooking to add another dimension of flavor.

4) Coconut Water. Another addiction of mine...a rather expensive addiction to say the least. But, in my opinion, nothing refreshes quite like it! If you haven't tried coconut water before, it may or may not take some getting used to. It's light (like water), but oddly really smooth (like gin, right out of the freezer). It's only slightly sweet and has a unique flavor I can't really describe without using the words "kinda coconutty, but not exactly" Regardless, pick some up. I love the brand "Taste Nirvana Natural Coconut Water with Aloe". It's packed with nutrients and low in calories. Drink up.

5) Watermelon. This is the cure-all. It's ultra cooling on a hot day, and it's packed in vitamins and nutrients--plus, it's mostly just water, therefore super hydrating. In fact, I ate half a watermelon yesterday and felt terrific afterwards. Good stuff.

6) Iced Coffee. Another daily staple for me, and simple to make. The night before, I brew a big pot of coffee, add a touch of Agave syrup or Honey, stir, and let cool on the counter for about an hour before transferring it to a pitcher and chilling it in the fridge overnight. The next day, add a couple ice cubes and a splash of soy milk and you've got yourself a perfect afternoon pickmeup.

7) "Origin's Bakery Baguettes" These carby sensations are essential to keep on hand. They freeze really well so don't be afraid to pick up a couple extra to store for an impromptu dinner party. They also defrost quickly! I adore these baguettes for creating delicious tasting platters when friends come over--try them with a Sage and White bean Hummus, Garlic Tapenade, Brie and Apple Canapes, or as a base for sampling different cured meats like  Spicy Soppressata and Porcuitto, or even get creative by making homemade vegetarian pates made from walnuts or pumpkin seeds! And remember, everything goes well with Sangria!

Restaurant Review: The Pink Bicycle Burger Joint (1008 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC)

A few days ago, I was notified that two restaurants in Victoria would begin carrying gluten-free bread products from Origin's Bakery. The Pink Bicycle is one of these two.
I have never had the pleasure of eating a burger, WITH A BUN, at a Victoria restaurant. If I ordered a burger, I would have to get it without the bun...which is hardly a burger at all. It's just a puck of meat with some lettuce. Not very exciting if you ask me. For the longest time, I just accepted this as my only option when dining out.

But something amazing happened this week...something so exciting I could hardly wait to try it: The Pink Bicycle began using gluten-free buns!

The Pink Bicycle has been revered as the "Best Burger in Victoria" for the last three years. I had begrudgingly read their menu and felt as though I would be forever left out of this special burger experience. I was tired of asking for burgers with no bun at other restaurants, it wasn't worth the money, or the shame I felt by destroying "what could have been". I'm happy to announce now though that I have eaten at the Pink Bicycle, I ate a real burger, with a damn good bun.

A little background of the Pink Bicycle is duly needed for this review: All the meats they use are organic, naturally-raised, and as local as possible. I applaud sustainable, and ethically produced meat--not only does it taste SO much better, it's good for our community and supporting small local economy, it's better for our land, and much better for our bodies. The Pink Bicycle also sources many of their other ingredients from local farms and small businesses--I am proud to support a restaurant that is so socially and environmentally conscious. Bravo, Pink Bike, Bravo.

Now, let's talk food!! Some things that gf people need to know about dining at The Pink Bicycle. The first thing, the beef burgers and the "swine burger" are seasoned with a sauce that contains minimal amounts of gluten. I steered away, but if your tummy is not as sensitive as mine, it would be fine. Next, there are three vegetarian burger options and two fish burger options if you don't feel like eating mammals and birds. I didn't get a chance to ask if these were gluten-free, but if YOU know, I'd love to know as I still enjoy a good veggie burger. Lastly, the fries and onion rings are fried in the same deep-fryer...therefore, cross-contamination does occur and those with Celiac should avoid the fries. On the bright side however, you DO get a salad with your burger, and the salad is delicious with candied pecans and local leaf lettuce.

I had the Island Bison Burger with Bacon on Origin's gluten free hamburger bun. The special sauce they put on it is gluten-free so no worries there. The servers are really knowledgeable and understanding about gluten allergies...I felt pretty safe :) Also, the desserts weren't gluten-free, but that's alright...I was stuffed after my burger and salad, plus I was just so happy to have had a real burger with a real bun :) It was so delicious, and I can't wait to go back and try every other burger they have. I'm especially excited about the Blue Cheese Lamb Burger and the Herbed Chicken Burger. This place is an absolute MUST TRY for all you living gluten-freely!

Message: Sorry for the lack of posts....

Today is Day 5 of gluten-rehab and I'm STILL super sick. I'm not really eating anything, or going anywhere...so ya....no posts really. I'll hopefully start eating real food again by the end of the week.

All this downtime is just fueling my passion of ensuring that gluten-free food can be accessible in Victoria. Furthermore, I'm considering taking action at UVIC to provide more gluten-free options, and hopefully educate food staff properly regarding allergies. We will see when I'm finally able to leave the house :p

I'm looking forward to potentially going out for a delicious lunch this upcoming weekend. I'm so hungry...it's been days without a good meal. Fingers are crossed.

Personal Story: The Worst Gluten-Poisoning We Fear the Most

Thursday will go down in history as literally, and quite possibly, the worst day I've ever had. Aside from struggling that morning to take a very difficult exam, and being notified my August Sociology class got cancelled (potentially disrupting my funding), I was super starving, and the University Centre cafeteria was closed because of convocation events (this is usually where I grab some fruit and yogurt). I went to the Biblio Cafe once I finished my exam, and decided to try their gluten-free bagel with lox and cream cheese, called the West Coast Classic.

I asked the cashier for the gluten-free bagel, I paid him, and I sat down to enjoy my first food of the day.

I knew I only wanted half of the bagel, so I separated the top from the bottom, and started eating.

I was so amazed at how good this bagel tasted, and it felt so good to eat something so delicious. I kept eating, marveling at the fluffy and chewy texture. I thought "Holy crap, they're getting really good at making gluten-free stuff now!!"

I was almost done my first half; only two bites left really, and I got a horrible feeling that something was not right. I wrapped up the bagel and brought it back to the cashier. I asked him if he gave me a gluten-free bagel...he replied "Oh...no...I didn't, sorry."

My eyes started to well-up with tears in the crowded cafe, I promptly left and started full-on crying once I got out the door. I knew I was in for total gut-hell...but for how long?? I mean, I've gotten sick from cross-contamination (think...a single bread crumb can make me sick)--what was going to happen to me after eating HALF A BAGEL?!?! I called my friend and she tried to console me while I waited for the nausea to set in. After about 10 minutes, I was super nauseous, and I called my dad to take me to the doctor to see if there was anything that could be done....once at the doctor's office, Mr. M.d. told me essentially there is nothing I can do, and that I can expect to feel really sick for about 3-4 days.

Today is Sunday--so far the easiest day post-gluten. Yesterday, however, was horrible. Every day was horrible actually. I'm making Borscht today to last me for the next few days while I give my tummy a rest and just eat really simple soups. I'm hoping to eat a really good, big meal on Thursday, but we'll see.

Lesson of the day kids: If it tastes too good to be gluten-free...it could be that it isn't actually gluten-free after all.

Personal Recipe: Meatball Subs with Tangy Slaw

I hadn't eaten a meatball sub since my glory-gluten days, and then two weeks ago, I decided that I would likely only get to eat a meatball sub if I made it myself. I didn't look for any recipes, I figured it was a pretty intuitive dish to make. I've seen people make meatballs and it always seems like a big event, with lots of complicated steps like soaking pieces of bread in milk, and grating parmesan (which I never keep in the fridge anyways). Here's my take on super quick, easy, delicious, and nutritious meatball subs!

1 lb ground beef (I prefer organic, and grass fed)
1 egg (free-range, organic, and local)
1/2 cup parsley (finely chopped)
1/2 large sweet onion, finely chopped
1 glove garlic, finely diced into teeny tiny pieces
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1/2 tbs garlic salt
1 tbs nutritional yeast flakes (in lieu of the parm...but its still optional)
1 jar marinara sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil...it was on sale)
1 tbs chilli paste (optional, I just like a little bite in my marinara)
Sliced provolone cheese (optional)
Gluten free breads of somesort--I used Origin's baguette. Next time I'll use Kinnikinnick hot dog buns as they're slightly more cost efficient.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Sweat the onions in a skillet with butter, or olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add the parsley and garlic and stir well. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.  In a mixing bowl, combine the meat, egg, quinoa flakes, and garlic salt. Next, add in the onion mix and mix well. With your hands, roll the meat into balls the size of your choice, and place them in a greased, oven safe dish. Cook for roughly 45 minutes.
Once the meatballs are cooked through, add them back into the same skillet you've already used for cooking onions, and add the marinara sauce and chilli paste and simmer on medium-low heat. Serve on gluten-free bread with provolone.

Tangy Slaw
1/2 bag of shredded cabbage mix
2 green onions. chopped
Dressing: 2tbs olive oil, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tbs honey, 1/2 tbs dijon mustard, salt, pepper. Mix well, toss with the cabbage. Serve on the side.

Product Review: 'Pamela's Chocolate Cake Mix' (available at Lifestyles and Planet Organic)

I will admit...I can be incredibly lazy when it comes to baking gluten-free goodies. Let's face it, it's not always easy to produce delicious and successful gluten-free desserts, and this is exactly why I choose to buy baking mixes. Is this considered cheating? Am I any less creative and ambitious? Frankly, no. I'm just not a baker.

I of course, enjoy jazzing up my gluten-free baking by making my own icings and frostings, even adding my own ingredients to the mixes sometimes too, like pecans or cranberries. My suggestion: just have fun with it and thank heaven there are gluten-free baking mixes that have already been perfected by the professionals.

Down to business! I love 'Pamela's' products! I've tried all the baking mixes, and they were all amazing with the exception of the "Vanilla Cake Mix"...it tasted strange, but I wanted to love it so badly. For all the other bagged mixes by Pamela's, you can't go wrong. My absolute favorite is the Chocolate Cake Mix.

For your information, Pamela's also makes bags of tiny gluten-free cookies. They come in Ginger Snap, Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate--they also don't use corn products (last time I checked anyways). I have been known to eat an entire bag of these tasty cookies in one sitting...it usually happens while watching back-to-back episodes of Friends.

[Image courtesy of http://www.pamelasproducts.com/]

Restaurant Review: Hernandez Cocina (735 Yates Street, Victoria BC)

Precious little tacos from Hernandez

Have you ever noticed how authentic Mexican food is generally really balanced and fresh? Forget that cheesy mess you get at other places (although, when craved, the cheesy mess can be welcomed). Hernandez isn't some Tex-Mex, artery-clogging disaster. No, Hernandez is simply put, AMAZING! Fresh, nutritious, satisfying, generous, and honest. An eatery like this one stands alone in Victoria.

I have to confess honestly though, I have had a "gluten-tummy" just once from eating at Hernandez, but that was a couple years ago now, and I have since learned to inform the staff that I have a gluten allergy so they can be extra careful. No problems since then...only blissful chowing on Victoria BEST Mexican food.
Everything Hernandez makes is done with care and integrity, and it really shows in the final product: perfect masa tortillas and delicate and flavorful meat (all hormone-free, organic, or local). They have many vegan/ vegetarian options as well like "Tacos de Frijoles" (black bean)...just $5 for 5 delicious tacos. Ask for no sour cream to make it vegan!

My favorite dishes are these:

• Huarache de Puerco (or de Pollo): its a thick handmade corn tortilla, topped with black beans, rice, shredded pork (or chicken) full of mexican flavor, and some greens.
• Tacos de Carne: three handmade corn tortillas with local organic beef, salsa, cilantro and lime.

Most of their menu is gluten-free, except the burritos, which are made with flour tortillas. Everything else is made just for you!

Check out their website at http://www.hernandezcocina.com/ and familiarize yourself with all their traditions and their love for their cultural, family-inspired cuisine.

Product Review: "Gluten Freeda's" Instant Oatmeal (available at The Market On Yates, and Lifestyles)

Last Spring, as I remember fondly, I was wandering the isles at the Market on Yates, conducting business as usual, just picking up groceries for the week. And then....I saw it....And bought four boxes.

Gluten-free Instant Oatmeal by Gluten Freeda. I used to LOVE oatmeal before I found out I couldn't eat it anymore, four years ago. I would eat it for a quick breakfast before a workout and I marvelled at how satisfied my tummy would feel for hours after. I went three years without any oats at all, and then everything was about to change.

Gluten Freeda's is my perfect companion--I would bring a couple packets to school and just pour on some hot water from the cafeteria, add a spoon, good to go!

I do find this brand to be a little bit sweet for my tastes, so I like to combine it with regular gluten-free rolled oats, add water, and microwave it if I'm in a hurry.

I won't forget the first morning I was reintroduced to instant oatmeal...I sat on the couch, grinning, staring into my bowl. It's amazing how such simple things can give you so much joy.

I give this product a big THUMBS UP!

Restaurant Review: The Joint Pizzeria (1219 Warf Street, Victoria BC)

Where would I be today without "The Joint"? This is Victoria's most popular alternative pizza places--they have a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and of course, gluten-free options!
Pretty much any kind of pizza your heart may desire can be made for you at The Joint--and yes, you can 'build your own' pizza if you're like me and you enjoy being creative and daring.
The Joint is awesome for these reasons:

1. They are open super late. Thursday through Saturday they are open until 3am, so if you're in the mood for 'fourth meal', swing by the joint for slice or a whole pie! They also sell gluten-free desserts!!
2. They offer delivery: it's not uncommon for our species to lay around in our pajamas all day Sunday, why leave the house if it can be avoided??
3. They have SUPER VARIETY! A ton of different meat and veggie toppings are offered for your choosing! Also, they have gluten-free, vegan cheese called "Daiya" and its delish!
4. They use separate equipment, and adhere to strict protocol when making sure there is no cross-contamination. I haven't had a stomach ache from eating there :)

Here's my favorite combinations:
-The House Special: ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, black olives, green peppers. Sooo savory!
-Pesto Chicken: pesto sauce, spinach, chicken, sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, feta.
-My Own Special #1: pesto sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta.
-My Own Special #2: chicken, bacon, pineapple, caramelized onions, spinach.

Gluten-free pizza is popping up all over Victoria actually--I've even heard that Boston Pizza is slinging out gluten-freeness lately. I'm curious to say the least...but I don't think anyone can beat The Joint.
[Image courtesy of http://www.eatatthejoint.com/] Visit their website to check out their menu!

Restaurant Review: Le Petit Saigon (1010 Langley Street, Victoria BC)

There are two reasons I love "Le Petit Saigon".

1. The have spring rolls: they're actually called Imperial Spring Rolls, and they're available vegetarian as well. They are made gluten-free--wrapped in rice paper, coated with corn starch, and deep fried crispy.
2. You have choices!! At least half of their menu is made gluten-free, just ask and your server will tell you everything you want to know. They have a lot of vegetarian options for those of you who don't do the moo.

Their menu is kinda crazy, and all over the place, but for me...this really works. Their portions are huge for both lunch and dinner, and the staff are always eager to please. This is one of Victoria's little gems.

I usually order a dinner combo; it consists of a spring roll, a summer roll, a brochette on a bed of rice vermicelli, served up with delicious and fresh nuoc cham for dipping. Eat Your Heart Out indeed!

Special: Have a sushi dinner party! Part One.

If you love potluck-y dinner parties as much as I do, and you love sushi and Japanese food...then this post is just for you!
Having the right ingredients and equipment on hand can feel like a little investment; but hopefully within a year of making your own sushi instead of dining out, your little investment will pay for itself.
There's a couple of Japanese grocers in Victoria: Fujiya at 3624 Shelbourne Street, and Sakura at 1213 Quadra Street. Also, Chinatown tends to have some Japanese groceries as well.
What you'll need:

• pickled ginger
• wasabi powder or wasabi paste
• bamboo rolling mat
• little dishes for dipping
• wheat-free tamari (San-J is my favorite brand, I prefer the reduced-sodium)
• Nori [seaweed! You get what you pay for...the varieties are usually graded A, B, C, or Gold and Silver. My suggestion, pay the extra! Your final product WILL taste better.
• sushi rice ( you can get white, or brown sushi rice. If you can't find specifically "brown sushi rice", go with a short grain brown rice and I'll give you special cooking instructions)
• rice vinegar (plain, unseasoned--check for additives...you don't need those.
• toasted sesame seeds, I like to use a mix of black and white sesame.
• a wood or bamboo rice paddle.

Once you have all these ingredients on hand, having a sushi party will be a lot easier! The next entry will include rice cooking techniques, ingredients for the actual sushi party, and my favorite homemade sushi rolls!

Restaurant Review: Little Thai Place (1839 Cook Street, Victoria BC, and three other locations)

At least once a week,  I don't feel like picking up groceries, or even leaving the house after a long day. The kitchen is a mess, there's no clean dishes, and energy and hope is running out.

Enter Little Thai Place...DELIVERY!

Little Thai Place has been well received in Victoria, and they now have four locations to serve your neighbourhoods at your convenience. They are very knowledgeable at the Cook Street location regarding gluten-allergies, and I have yet to get sick from their tasty noodles.

The portions are huge from Little Thai Place, one order of Pad Thai usually stretches into two dinners, even for me as a big dinner eater. When I place my order for delivery, I always tell them I have a gluten allergy and automatically, they know what to do when giving the kitchen my order. Delivery takes about 45 minutes on average, so plan ahead.

I'm not familiar with every item on their menu, and I don't know what all can be made gluten-free. However, Thailand's 'signature dish', Pad Thai, is what I always order (add extra vegetables, please)! It's always fresh, hot, and super flavorful. If you don't like Pad Thai, ask the restaurant what other options you could try. They are very friendly, and happy to help!

Special: Eating Sushi, The Saddest Reality of Lurking Gluten

I write this post with a heavy heart. I have yet to have sushi in Victoria and not become sick by it. It's usually just a very mild sickness, like some bloating and stomach cramps mostly. It's still always unfortunate though. Sushi is a very deceiving food--outwardly, its just rice, seaweed and fish. But once you deconstruct it, something terrifying happens; you realize it's something you just risk anymore.

If you're just adhering to a gluten-free diet because it's a healthier option for you, but if you don't get 'gluten-poisoning', then you can skip this part if you like.

If you have celiac disease, you cannot ingest more than 20 parts per million of gluten. That is a very narrow margin to work with--lets say its the equivalent of a single breadcrumb that attached itself to your gluten-free bread while using someone else's toaster. It's dangerous stuff, and while you might not feel physical symptoms of gluten-poisoning right away, the gluten WILL cause harm to your body, and this prolonged harm can lead to intestinal cancers.

Depressed yet? Sorry. I promise there will be light at the end of this tunnel (this post).

Going out for sushi is a gluten cross-contamination nightmare. Many sushi rolls, the 'special' ones included, like the tempura roll, unagi roll, spider roll, California roll and so on contain LOTS of gluten. Those rolls are made with all the same equipment that YOUR rolls are made on. The same work surface is used, the same bamboo rolling mats, the same knives for cutting the roll...its a gluten-dirty place!

Even more depressing...there can be wheat in pretty much anything at the sushi bar: the wasabi paste (I'm not lying), the pickled ginger (I wish I was lying), and even the rice itself can be seasoned with ingredients that contain wheat, like "seasoned rice vinegar" (I'm still not lying).

As many celiacs will do when dining out, one usually asks the servers and the chefs regarding gluten in the food. One might even call in advance. Unfortunately, there can be a language barrier, or even a misunderstanding on the restaurants behalf on what to check for when looking for gluteny ingredients.

With all this being said, it's always been a real risk when enjoying some Japanese cuisine. If any of my readers know of a place in Victoria that is really diligent when it comes to accommodating gluten allergies, please let me know!

The light at the end of this tunnel: make your own sushi! It's not hard to do, although it won't be perfect sushi as sushi chefs have years of intense training. You can make your own sushi for a fraction of the price, and no stomach ache. I really like the idea of having sushi parties: invite some friends over and ask them all to bring a sushi protein, like shrimp, smoked salmon, even raw tuna from a Japanese grocer. I'll post my recipe soon for making sushi rice, a list of products you'll need to have, and I'll provide instruction on how to make your own rolls.
[Image courtesy of Google Images]

Special: Out Smart Sneaky Gluten

When someone is trying out a gluten-free diet for the first time, it is difficult to ensure success without a clear idea of what contains gluten, and what doesn't. Something that many people underestimate is how many store bought sauces contain gluten: barbecue sauce, soy sauce, worcestershire, and many salad dressings all can be potentially loaded with gluten without you thinking twice about it. Thankfully, over the years, I've come up with my own formula when buying anything, ANYTHING, from the store--read the ingredients. Read them very carefully. Mysterious ingredients such as "malt" or "modified food starch" or "hydrolyzed protein" could end up irritating your stomach (or intestines I guess?)  and make you feel really sick.

I still make mistakes to this day, despite four years of practice. Just a few months ago, I picked up a box of Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs cereal. All looked fine on the ingredients list, mostly just corn and sugar and crap like that. I then passed the box to my friend so she could take the second read. All looked fine. We bought them. At home, I was crouched on the floor, my hand deep inside the cereal box which hadn't even left the grocery bag yet. I was gabbing away, munching away, and so pleased to have found a new treat I could eat. I picked up the box again, and I began casually reading it again. I was distracted by the cartoon drawings on the back on the box, but then I saw it: WHEAT STARCH!! The very last ingredient was wheat starch, it even started on a new line after the 40 or so other ingredients. I was horrified. That night, and for 3 days after I felt really sick...ya know, the 'gluten poisoning' as I call it. Lesson learned for now I guess.

And about a year before this, I bought "Three Peppercorn Hummus" from Save-On Foods. I didn't even read the label, because, well it's fricken hummus! What could possibly go wrong. I ate some... I learned my lesson again. There was wheat flour right in there. Yes, wheat flour. This was the "Western Family" brand mind you, I wasn't expected the best hummus I've ever tasted, but adding wheat flour seemed so unnecessary.

Restaurant Review: Mo:Le (554 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC)

Celiac Hipsters rejoice! Mo:Le is an awesome brunch place, conveniently located in the heart of Victoria's 'hipster district' where you can lock up your bike right outside Mo:Le's entrance, right before being promptly escorted by Mo:Le's friendly servers over to Habit Coffee to sip a delicious americano in the dimly lit corner (or maybe you just left your Raybans on, silly hipster) while you wait for a table to clear up at Mo:Le. This will be your Sunday morning, hipsters and hipster-hopefuls.

But in all seriousness, this is a true story. Mo:Le gets so busy on the weekend that it is not uncommon to wait in a line to get your name on the reservation list, and then be delicately sent over to Habit Coffee next door while you wait for a table. The system, however fragmented it may appear, actually works pretty well. As long as you don't mind being the least cool person in both establishments, you'll be well taken care of. You will be caffeinated, and then nourished...what more could you ask for on a Sunday morning?

Mo:Le is super celiac friendly. All their food is fresh, made to order, and they use many organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. It's always advisable to inform your server you have a gluten-allergy, and that way the kitchen can prepare for any modifications that your breakfast may require. Mo:Le now offers gluten-free toast, which is just fabulous for those of us who are reluctant to pass up our morning carb-overload, but it also provides a good alternative when ordering a dish like eggs benny.

My Favorites:
The Simon Whitfield Yam Omelette: a giant portion, served with pesto hash browns. Bacon goes well with it, if you're not a vegetarian hipster.
Huevos Rancheros: also a giant portion, I like it with a side of bacon.
Bliss Raw Organic Granola: a perfectly sweet option, I get mine with almond milk. And a side of bacon. I wish I was kidding...

Huevos Rancheros at Mo:Le

Restaurant Review: West Coast Waffles (1235 Broad Street, Victoria BC)

Have you ever walked down Johnson Street and passed Market Square only to have your nostrils assaulted by a sweet unnamed aroma? Sure you have. That delightful smell comes from a waffle joint called Wanna Waffle, and they want you to come in and enjoy their Belgian goodies. But wait...you go inside...and to your horror you see that there are NO GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS! Nadda. Zip. Zilch. You, disheartened and hungry leave Wanna Waffle and have a moment of self-pity and wheaty-resentment. Why you?? Why must you be so denied?!

Maybe this exact story hasn't happened to you...but it's happened to me. I lived it. I was just dying on the inside for a fluffy waffle topped with sweetness, but my gluten allergy has oppressed me once again.

Enter WESTCOAST WAFFLES!
This unassuming storefront across from Serious Coffee on Broad Street caught my eye one day...I mostly just liked their little logo of a bright yellow sun surrounded by shades of green and blue. Is this where I could seek my Wanna Waffle consumer revenge? Is sure was.
Now, I have enjoyed WCWs a number of times now...but I haven't tried everything on the menu just yet. It is worth noting that WCW has a special system for accommodating gluten allergies: they have a separate waffle iron, separate spatulas, and a tank of buckwheat batter that is always covered to avoid cross contamination. This sort of special care deserves recognition.
The waffles are amazing: fluffy and moist, flavourful and filling. I felt really lucky to have such wonderful food in my belly.
My two favorite Waffles:
The Blueberry Walnut served with whipped cream and maple syrup.
The Johnny Mac: apple, bacon, fresh basil and broiled brie topped with maple syrup and served with a little salad.


[Images courtesy of West Coast Waffles Facebook page]

Personal Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Woah! Hold up! Black bean brownies?? How does that even make sense?? Am I supposed to actually eat them?? Whatever happened to regular brownies??

I can picture the doubt on every one's face as they read the title of this post. It's understandable...but it's also totally misdirected. A key element of gluten-free cooking and baking includes being adventurous and innovative...and these brownies will turn all you skeptics into believers. I promise. Give this recipe a try.

Firstly, I need to give a shout-out to my sister, Savanna. A couple years ago, she brought over a pan of decadent brownies and then LEFT IT in my fridge. They were black bean brownies....and they disappeared, square by square from that pan in my fridge. They were delicious, and unexpected. And by the way...they're so healthy, you can eat them for breakfast! Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of brownie recipes I have tried over the years, and many of them are super tasty, if not nutritionally void. I made my own recipe for black bean brownies after being so inspired by Savanna's creativity, and I'm offering it to you all now so your minds can be blown and you can proudly say "I ate brownies for breakfast!!"

The recipe has been doubled and tweaked as I found a single batch was just not enough for sharing.

Black Bean Brownies:

Butter, for greasing pan

1 can black beans (rinsed really well)

3/4 cup vegetable oil, or olive oil

3 eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar (I prefer organic, unrefined. ‘Panela’ is a good brand)

1 tbs instant coffee or espresso (optional, but its a good pantry staple)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

2/3 cup gluten-free flour (rice flour or buckwheat flour works well)

1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9 by 9-inch square baking pans

In a blender, puree the beans with the oil. Add the eggs, cocoa, sugar, coffee, and vanilla. Melt half the chocolate chips and add to the blender. Blend on medium-high until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, and baking powder. Add to the blender and pulse until just incorporated. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until the surface looks somewhat matte around the edges and still a bit shiny in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and removing from the pan. Lightly dust with icing sugar if you wanna impress someone.

Restaurant Review: The Noodle Box (many locations in Victoria, and Vancouver)

Oh Noodle Box! It seems almost unnecessary to do a review as this particular chain has been so well received in Victoria. However, there's a gluten-free side to Noodle Box I need to share.
I'll be honest...I eat noodle box once or twice a week. As a student...its an affordable option, and if you haven't noticed, stirfrys are a very balanced meal (protein, carbs, veggies). I appreciate how The Noodle Box provides the option for making substitutions according to your taste or nutritional needs. Options like brown rice, low-carb, extra vegetables, no fish sauce (for vegans) and easy oil are available if you so choose. What the Noodle Box also has is a special system for accommodating gluten allergies--the work station gets cleaned, separate uncontaminated equipment is used, and all sorts of modifications take place to mime the box you've chosen into making it totally safe and delicious to eat! The staff is very knowledgeable, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

My favorite boxes:
Thai Style Chow Mein: gluten-free, made with rice noodles, and wheat-free tamari, add extra vegetables, with chicken or prawns, medium spicy.
Malay Fried Rice: gluten free, made with brown rice, and wheat-free tamari, medium spicy.

Be sure to take advantage of their frequent diner cards...get a stamp for each box you buy. It all adds up...especially if you're hooked on their dishes like me.
Note: Noodle Box takes pride in offering seasonal and local ingredients, and also free-range organic chicken.
[Image courtesy of http://thenoodlebox.net/]

Restaurant Review: Origin Gluten Free Bakery (1525 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC)

Last year, when this wonderful gem opened in Victoria, I was beyond excited to finally eat FRESH (not frozen) bakery treats like baguettes, cupcakes, focaccia bread, eclairs, and biscotti. The first time I went to Origin's, I bought a baguette and a focaccia loaf to bring home and devour with turkey chili my mom made for me during finals week for school. I ate half of the baguette and half of the focaccia loaf before I even made it home, and then ate the rest later that night with the chili. I was in carb heaven!
Since that enlightening day, I have sampled many other items from Origin's menu. While everything they serve up is delish, I of course have my favorites:
-Baguette (perfect with brie and apple)
-Hamburger buns (delightful clouds of sesame speckled love, they double as sandwich buns for breakfast, or pulled pork, or road trip turkey and lettuce bundles of joy)
-Cupcakes (it's hard to choose a favorite...but if a gun was held to my head, I would vote for the Carrot Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing--divine)
-Biscotti (chocolate cranberry)
-White Sourdough Loaf ( I'm a sucker for sourdough...nuff said)

Origin's is very accommodating for special orders I have found--if you place an order in advance, they can modify some products to suit your dietary needs.
Their lunch items are sinfully satisfying--their quiches must be the best in Victoria.

Image courtesy of Origin's Facebook page.

Favorite Products: San-J Gluten Free Cooking Sauces

I finally found Asian condiments in Victoria that are certified GF. I found these little puppies at Pharmasave on Foul Bay Road and Richmond Road. This pharmasave is one of Victoria's best places to buy gluten-free products at a fair price.
Here are three that I recommend for keeping in your fridge for making simple stirfrys, or an elaborate Asian tasting menu for your next dinner party. They're all delicious and San-J has consistently good products.  Highly recommended.

Personal Recipe: Curry Chicken Patties with Avocado Mango Salsa

This recipe sprung out of inspiration from simply wandering the isles at the Market on Yates in Victoria. I wanted a filling dinner, yet not a heavy dinner as we had plans to go out later that evening. I served it Lundberg's Mediterranean Curry Couscous (made with brown rice), and I recommend a light salad to be served with it too. The flavours in this recipe really stand for themselves and can be enjoyed with clarity. Here's the recipe.

Patties:
1 lb ground chicken (we used organic, local, hormone-free)
1/2 cup minced sweet onion
2/3 cup quinoa flakes (my favorite ingredient for binding, as well as adding nutritional merit)
3 tbs curry powder (any kind, if using curry paste however...I would use 2 tbs of either red or yellow)
1/2 tbs garlic salt
1 egg.
Combine the mixture by hand (wash hands well before and after folks!), form into patties and place on wax paper. Refrigerate while you prepare the salsa next. Makes about 6 patties.

Salsa:
3 cups of finely diced fresh ripe mango (roughly 2-3 mangoes)
1 avocados, diced
1/2  cup sweet onion, minced.
2 tbs lemon or lime juice
1 Thai chili, or 1/2 jalapeno finely minced
salt to taste (I use Himalayan pink salt for all my dishes as there are trace minerals and elements)
Mix all ingredients well in a bowl and let stand while you cook the burgers.

To cook the patties, I used a heavy frying pan. Barbecue would work perfectly as well. Heat olive oil in the pan. Cook three at a time, about 7 minutes on each side. Place in a preheated 200 degree oven to keep warm. Serve with generous amounts of salsa.

'Out-of-town-dining-around' Restaurant Review: RauDZ Restaurant (1560 Water St Kelowna, BC)

What I ate: 'Baked' fish and chips, 'Ultimate Greens' salad with hazelnuts, apple and chevre, vanilla pear creme brulee
When in Kelowna last month, my aunt and uncle came for a surprise visit to my gramma's house where I was staying and enjoying Ukrainian food, three meals a day. My aunt and uncle wanted to take everyone out for dinner, and had made a reservation for my whole family to go. First off, I was nervous. I seldom go to restaurants in unfamiliar cities without first doing my own research. RauDZ restaurant restored my faith in eating out.
Their menu frequently changes to ensure the use of seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients (thumbs up!)
They offered the table the drink specials-- loganberry martini, or pear martini. Members of my family ordered these and I sampled a tiny sip from their glasses...mindblowing delicious.
I started with the salad...it was perfect. My dad ordered a Cesar salad and he devoured it. (that's usually a good sign)
Next, I had some 'baked' fish and chips. The batter for the fish is actually made of chickpea flour, and was totally gluten free. It was served with baked 'chips' as well. RauDZ has a special oven, or so they said, where it makes things extra crispy without deep-frying. Whatever they do, it works well!!
This particular main was served with tartar sauce, and their special blackberry ketchup for the chips. It was awesome!!
The creme brulee was a special treat--I have a mild dairy sensitivity and I don't indulge too often in creamy confections...however, this one was worth the tiny stomach gurgles. Likely the best creme brulee I've ever had--and the poached pear pieces at the bottom were a nice touch of texture and added flavor to the dessert
I highly recommend this place if you're in Kelowna, and you happen to be craving fish and chips, which is typically something difficult to find gluten-free.

Restaurant Review: Irish Times Pub (1200 Government St. Victoria BC)

This is one of my favorite places to eat a casual lunch or dinner in Victoria. The first thing worth noting: their french fries AND their yam fries are 100% safe to eat. They are fried in a separate fryer, so you can rest assured there is no gluten contamination. The yam fries however, are served with a curry mayo. The curry mayo is NOT gluten-free, but they make a garlic mayo which is in fact safe to eat. The yam fries are delicious...like seriously SOOO good. Perhaps the best in Victoria.
What I ate: Halibut Burger (sans-bun) with a tasty slaw, yam fries, and La Messagere gluten-free beer.
The meal was awesome, I left feeling totally satisfied and very happy.
Irish Times Pub is very accommodating to gluten-allergies, their staff are very knowledgeable regarding food allergies as well, and I'd say about 1/2 the menu can be modified to suit your dietary needs.
Here's the full menu: http://www.irishtimespub.ca/food.php
Bon Appetit!

Here we go!!

Welcome to my brand new blog! The design and layout is surely to change in the coming weeks as I familiarize myself with web designing, but until then, this is THE place where fellow celiac-sufferers can get a leg-up on the world of food, and where to go to enjoy the best and safest meals. Going out for meals when you have a gluten-allergy (or any food allergy really) can be challenging, even downright bummer sometimes. Thankfully, in our ever progressing world, gluten allergies are becoming more recognized and accommodated. My hopes for this blog will include providing you all postings on the following: which restaurants are gluten-free friendly and delicious, which are NOT, personal recipes, grocery lists, tasty new gluten-free products available in Victoria BC, and any out-of-town ventures I take and where I end up eating.
I found out I had celiac disease 4 years ago, and while it can be difficult to always enjoy the food I'm stuck eating, I have found that with a little effort, I can enjoy meals around town without the unfortunate and painful bloat afterwards. While I enjoy cooking most of my meals, I do love any chance I get to taste new food around town. As a celiac, and food LOVER, I refuse to take a backseat while I explore all culinary adventures. Let's get started, shall we??