Gluten-Free at UVIC--A Very Special Edition

Oh gosh. I feel terrible for not writing very often, but instead of offering a million apologies and excuses, I've decided to give a very special post for anyone who goes to UVIC, spends time there, or will be going there in the future.
I've been at UVIC for a little over a year now--it's mostly just big and scary and some days I hate it. I spent the first few months at UVIC scrounging for food that I could eat, which unfortunately ended in me getting terribly sick once. 
However, UVIC has come a long way in recent months and I'm sure they're just warming up. Hopefully in another year, I'll be able to write another edition of this with brand new food!


Let's start.....

Finnerty Express: The coffee shop by the bookstore--they also carry a variety of other snacks like chips and chocolate bars. However, I discovered they also have gluten-free goodies as well! Check out their Almond Raspberry Shortbread and their Peanut Butter Crunch Bar. To die for!

Biblio Cafe:  Beside the library... renowned for their shitty cell-phone reception. Always ASK FOR GLUTEN-FREE...and maybe even repeat it for them a few times! They have some loaded bagels, including the West Coast Classic (Cream cheese, lox, capers and onions) and a Veggie Bagel (Cream Cheese and Veggies). HOWEVER, despite their efforts to accommodate Celiacs, the effort is rather lackluster. The bagels taste like compressed sawdust...a common conception of gluten-free breads, but not exactly our only options. They could really elevate the product if they switched to Udi's Bagels (Chewy, moist, delicious). Also, they carry Melinda's Gluten-Free Biscotti to enjoy with your coffee...quite delish!


Munchie Bar: In the SUB building, at Cinecenta. It is my humble opinion that Munchie Bar serves THE BEST coffee on campus...in fact, I can't go to class without stopping by for a cup'a'jo every morning. Is it sad that a coffee bar can complete you? That sounds too romantic...they just complete my day. End of story. Anyways, Munchie Bar also carries an assortment of baked goods from Origin's bakery including cookies and granola bars. The cookies come in convenient little packs of 3...perfect for munching on during class. During the school year (non-summer) they also carry gluten-free products from Bubby Rose's bakery, like the Quinoa Chocolate Cupcake and the infamous Bubbymore Bars. However, I will caution you that the cupcakes are stored in the same containers as glutinous muffins and I advise Celiacs to not risk it. If you're dying for one of these cupcakes, just go to Bubby Rose's Bakery and pick yourself up some goodies. (I'll write a review on them later)


Grad Lounge/ Grad House:  Close to Cinecenta, just around the corner. I've only had one thing off their menu...and I've had it about five times now. This is a great little place to grab lunch with friends on campus. They offer a number of gluten-free items, but most notably, the Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa. They give you three tacos for about $8...when ordering, I simply ask for a 4th taco (big appetite) and they add it on for $2. They're perfect for a gluten-free hot lunch at school. I would really like to see Grad House carrying gluten-free burger buns and whatnot in order to offer more options to us. We'll see what happens.


That's my complete list so far, and I'd love to add to it! I've barely touched the surface of all the places to eat on campus, so if you have more suggestions, please let me know and I'll check them out!!


Hope everyone is doing great and eating well!