Gluten-Free Events Calendar
If it’s gluten free and happening in Victoria, Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, you’ll find it listed here! From tastings to contests, farmer’s markets to food trucks – this is your calendar to Gluten-Free Paradise! Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies and add a new restaurant – and possibly a new gluten-free friend – to your repertoire!
A Very Special Gluten-Free Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner
at Union Street Bar & Grill in Courtenay
(scroll down for menus)
BRUNCH NOTES: Enjoy the Shrimp Omelette gluten free or adapt the Back Bacon English Muffin with a gluten-free English muffin. Brunch is 11-4
DINNER NOTES: all items are gluten-free or can be adapted to gluten free. Dinner 5-9
Reserve: 250-897-0081 • 477 5th Street in Courtenay
unionstreetgrill.ca • Facebook • Twitter
Menu • Music and Events • About Union Street Grill • Testimonials • Blog
Print Brunch Menu • Print Dinner Menu
Anyone tuned into Vancouver Island’s gluten-free dining scene has heard the call of Union Street Grill & Grotto’s amazing celiac-friendly menu – with its extensive selection of gluten-free appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Union Street Grill’s recipe is simple and effective – provide the Comox Valley with three essential ingredients! Good Food, Good Drinks and Good Times!
Check out their daily gluten-free specials here!
SUNDAYS AFTER 5PM: Kids’ meals are $2 off. Seniors receive a 10% discount. Frequent Diners earn double points!
APOLOGIES TO ALL! BENJAMIN”S BITES WILL NOT BE APPEARING. Special orders up to Christmas still welcome at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.
benjaminsbites.com • Facebook • Twitter
Benjamin’s Bites Cookies and Brownies are made with documented to be 100% gluten-free, peanut/tree nut free, soy-free ingredients. These vegan treats are produced in a “home kitchen,” using a strict cross-contamination prevention protocol. For further information, please contact Benjamin’s Bites directly at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.
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Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sesame-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfite-Free
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Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, GMO free
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Camino chocolate is organic and fair trade from LaSiembra Cooperative
- Complete Ingredient List: GF flours (rice, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum), vegan margarine or palm shortening, vegan sugar, flax, chia, water, cocoa, chocolate, organic apples, GF oats, cinnamon, chai spice, raisins, coconut milk, non-gmo canola oil, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, sunflower butter, skittles candy, molasses, custard powder, coconut, vegan icing sugar.
Benjamin’s Bites’ Back Story
Benjamin’s Bites Cookies were borne out of necessity. At fourteen months, Tony and Debbie discovered that their son, Benjamin, had multiple food allergies. It was heartbreaking and frightening to see his body react with real physical symptoms.
After eliminating everything that Benjamin’s body was reacting to, the next step was to eat as many whole foods as possible. Debbie had always been a “label reader” but became increasingly concerned when she picked up product after product and realized, “No, he can’t have this.” It was challenging, but after searching they found a variety of foods which were safe for Benjamin. The one thing we were unable to find was a cookie which tasted both homemade and was also appealing to those without food intolerances. The family had some tough critics when it came to sweets. They were the perfect test subjects!
Like Debbie’s Grandma and Mom, I loved to bake. She challenged herself to create a cookie that contained no gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, or sulphites. The flour blends found in the stores just didn’t seem to have the taste she was searching for. Why not mill her own, she thought? She purchased a home grain mill and, after many combinations of grains, came up with ‘Benjamin’s Bites Flour Blend.’
Debbie began to bake cookies and bake cookies and bake cookies! After almost two years of test baking (and some real hockey pucks), she had a cookie that was free of gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sulphites. The best thing? It tasted really good.
Our mission has never changed: to create a gluten free/allergy friendly cookie that tasted homemade and used familiar and pronounceable ingredients.
They were developed for people who can’t eat a regular cookie due to allergies or gluten sensitivities, but the upshot is that people without food intolerances are enjoying them, too! We encourage everyone to taste Benjamin’s Bites Cookies, always checking the ingredients before sharing. We do have some tricks up our sleeves, so be on the lookout for more Benjamin’s Bites products soon.
Come do your Christmas baking under the guidance Kate Cram & Team while sipping local wines and eating appetizers!
You will take home 4 dozen pieces of Christmas baking to enjoy over the holidays.
• Sunday, December 14 7-9:30 pm
• $85
• Ages 19+
• Learn more here.
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Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro
A must-visit destination for anyone who loves fabulous baking – full stop!
(Closed Sundays, Mondays & Stat Holidays)
Wild Poppy serves savoury breakfasts and light lunches with soup, baguettes and everything you could ask for in a deli – all from documented to be gluten-free, peanut-free ingredients. Nut-free and vegan options available.
Daily Specials – with delicious photos – are posted on their Facebook page!
Find Wild Poppy just one quick block off the Trans Canada Highway 1 in Ladysmith – turn left at the Buller Street lights. 541 1st Ave. Click here for map.
Hours: Tues-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-4 Closed Sundays, Mondays & Stat Holidays • 250-924-8696
- wildpoppybistro.ca
- About Wild Poppy
- Wild Poppy Menus
- Facebook • Instagram
- info@wildpoppybistro.ca
- Sign up for Wild Poppy’s Email Newsletter at wildpoppybistro.ca & receive a treat on your birthday!
Testimonial: “We had Madeline’s cousin visiting from Halifax for a couple weeks. When we toured them up to Chemainus/Ladysmith all eight of us (one celiac) enjoyed a delicious meal at Wild Poppy. We had to have take out as the restaurant was full. Wonderful to see.”
As co-owners of the Old Town (Wheat) Bakery at 510 1st Avenue in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, Kate Cram and husband Geoff could easily be considered local celebrities! As an ‘Associate with the Culinary Institute of America‘ who also undertook to certify as a Red Seal Baker in Canada, Kate is truly baker’s baker!
Two children later, Kate and Geoff’s young sons began to experience persistent health issues that had them resorting to a gluten-free diet in search of relief. The improvement was nothing short of remarkable and a heads up to Kate that gluten may be taking a toll on her own health. The couple found themselves at a professional and personal cross roads with Kate contemplating the end of a career she loved, and their children unable to set foot within the family business.
That’s how Wild Poppy Bakery and Bistro was born!
Treat Your Gluten-Free Sweetheart to Dinner at Union Street Grill & Grotto
Friday, February 14 from 5pm
All dishes are gluten-free or can be prepared gluten-free.
Be sure to specify your dietary needs when you reserve.
250-897-0081 • 477 – 5th Street in Courtenay
Click here for printer-friendly version
Anyone tuned into Vancouver Island’s gluten-free dining scene has heard the call of Union Street Grill & Grotto’s amazing celiac-friendly menu – with its extensive selection of gluten-free appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Union Street Grill’s recipe is simple and effective – provide the Comox Valley with three essential ingredients! Good Food, Good Drinks and Good Times!
Check out their daily gluten-free specials here!
SUNDAYS AFTER 5PM: Kids’ meals are $2 off. Seniors receive a 10% discount. Frequent Diners earn double points!
House of Yee’s Pop Up Potsticker Sale is Back!
- Saturday, November 14 from 1 – 3pm
- South Park Elementary School
- 508 Douglas Street
- ORDER FORM: https://houseofyeefinefoods.square.site
- Order deadline Thursday, November 12 at 6pm
A gluten-free first! Introducing House of Yee Premium Dumplings! Braised Shiitake Mushrooms with Pork or Chicken. Vegan Shiitake, Gold or Jade.
Gluten Free • No MSG • Handcrafted • Dumpling Sauce included for an Asian kick!
Coming Soon to Retailers in Victoria!
House of Yee • Where to Buy • Facebook • Instagram • christine@houseofyee.ca
Dumplings vs. Potstickers!
Dumplings are doughy on the outside and filled with vegetable or meat on the inside. Potstickers are an Asian twist on the concept; stir-fried so that they are crispy on the outside. No matter the name, if you are in the mood for a delicious pocket of gluten-free, doughy goodness, you’ll have your fill with House of Yee’s Dumplings.
Cooking Instructions
Frozen when purchased, they are ready to eat in minutes. Instructional video on Google or Facebook
- Place non-stick pan on medium heat
- Add 1 TBSP oil
- Arrange frozen dumplings in pan so that they are not touching
- Add 1/2 cup cold water
- Cover and boil 6 minutes
- Remove lid, turn heat to high and fry to desired crispness
- Arrange on a platter along with House of Yee’s Dumpling Sauce
- Enjoy!
Braised Shiitake with Chicken
Filled with chicken thigh, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Braised Shiitake with Pork
Filled with marbled pork, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Vegan Braised Shiitake with Vegetables
Filled with braised shiitake mushrooms, kale, cabbage, shanghai bok choy, wood ear mushrooms and carrots.
Golden Vegan Dumplings
Filled with coconut red curry, chickpea and spinach in a turmeric wrap.
Jade Vegan Dumplings
Miso braised tofu with brown rice, edamame beans and water chestnuts in a spinach wrap. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Dumpling Sauce
Tamari, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil and Sugar, water. Use for dipping or as a vinaigrette for salads!
Metro Vancouver Tasting Events & Markets
New West, Riley Park, West End, Coquitlam, Mt. Pleasant and more!
Follow House of Yee on Facebook for Upcoming Dates
Pre-Order for Markets via Direct Message on Instagram
The House of Yee Story
House of Yee is a 3rd generation Canadian business that strives to produce high quality health food without compromising the texture, flavour and taste of traditional Asian cuisine. All their dumplings are made in a dedicated gluten-free production facility, using the freshest local ingredients, meat and poultry. House of Yee pride themselves on innovation and a continued ability to adapt to the healthy lifestyles of customers.
About Christine Yee, Founder
“My parents owned a Chinese Canadian restaurant in Regina, Saskatchewan. My dad would cook in the back with my brothers while I served in the front with my mom and sister. My parents were always at the restaurant, just trying to make ends meet. I have a lot of respect for people who run restaurants. It was a lot of hard work but it just wasn’t for me.
I went into real estate but one morning at 5am, I woke up and thought “I’m going to start a healthy food line” and somehow gluten-free dumplings just came to me. I went from real estate deals to researching gluten-free recipes. A really steep learning curve. It was like trying to build a house by yourself that no one’s built before, and then trying to sell it. I never realized it was so much work!
When the time came to name my business, I naturally chose House of Yee as a way to honour my hard working parents and grandparents. I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour!”
Gluten Free Expo is Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundreds of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.
January 14 & 15. 10am to 4pm
Vancouver Conference Centre 1055 Canada Place
Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Tickets $20 per day. 12 & under FREE.
- Expo pricing – plan to spend!
- Leading experts educate & answer questions
- Children’s play area and so much more
OUR FAVES WILL BE THERE!
Silver Sponsor Alkeme Artisan Bakery – Specializing in Gluten-Free Sourdough – Booth 309
Alkeme is a family-owned, gluten-free, nut-free bakery dedicated to crafting wildly fermented sliced breads, buns, bagels & pizza crusts. Employing a centuries-old sourdough bread process, Alkeme’s products offer a hearty and wholesome texture, crunchy exterior and a soft, spongy interior.
Made with ancient grain blend (sorghum, millet and tapioca), arrowroot powder, water, sour-dough starter culture, psyllium husk, coconut sugar and sea salt. The most important ingredient is time. Learn more here …
• thisisalkeme.com • Facebook • Instagram
Bronze Sponsor – O’Doughs Too Good to Be Gluten Free – Booth 116
O’Doughs provides healthful, high quality, soft, gluten-free savoury bagels, bread & buns made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients – from their family to yours. Learn more here …
ODoughs.com • Where to buy O’Dough’s • Recipe Ideas • eatwell@odoughs.com • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest
CHOOSE FROM ALL OF THEIR DELICIOUS PRODUCTS • RESTAURANTS DO!
Taco Revolution – IXIM Foods – Tortillas, Seasonings, Salsas & More – Booth 409
If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh IXIM tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own home! All 100% gluten free!
Sample hand-made tortilla chips & hot sauce.
Expo Pricing on Taco Night and Chorizo Spice Mix, Revolucion Hot Sauce, Xocolatl (Mayan hot chocolate), Pico de Gallo Salsa, Tortillas and Taco Fillings – while quantities last!
ixim.ca • info@ixim.ca • Facebook • Twitter
IXIM Mexican Foods is Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Ixim tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, preservatives, or unnatural genetically modified ‘frankencorn’ like most tortillas you find in stores.
Corn Tortilla Chips • Fresh Corn Tortillas 100% gluten-free
Seasonings – Chorizo Spice Mix • Taco Seasoning Mix • Nun’s Mistake Mole
Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping. – Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling – Mild or Medium Heat
El Faro Gluten-Free, Vegan All-Purpose Flour. Hand-crafted in Small Batches in Parksville, Vancouver Island – Booth 613
From desserts to scones to fish & chips, El Faro’s Flour Blend forms the foundation of all of the baking at El Faro Fusion’s 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant. Now we can enjoy their artisan mix in our own kitchens! Learn more here!
- Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Arrowroot Starch and Xanthan Gum.
Expo Pricing – mention The Celiac Scene and enjoy a 10% discount!
elfaromarket.com • Facebook • Instagram • elfarofusion@yahoo.com • 250-951-6224 • Order via Amazon
Watch the El Faro Flour video!
Secret El Faro Flour Scone Recipe!
Wise Bites Plant-Based Quinoa Snacks Way of the Future!
You want something sweet, but you also want to make smarter choices about what you want to eat. Wise Bites lets you have it both ways. Sweetened mostly with pure fruit so you get all the taste and none of the guilt.
Wise Bites are a take-anywhere snack made with nutritious pure oats. Lightly sweetened with dried fruit. Re-sealable bag keeps them fresh.
- Certified Gluten-Free • Non-GMO Verified • Certified Vegan • Certified Kosher.
- Top 11 Allergen-Free – NO gluten, peanuts, nuts, sesame, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, mustard or sulfites • Casein-free • Yeast-free • High in Protein and Fibre • Low in Sugar and Fat.
Gluten Free Expo is Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundreds of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.
January 14 & 15. 10am to 4pm
Vancouver Conference Centre 1055 Canada Place
Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Tickets $20 per day. 12 & under FREE.
- Expo pricing – plan to spend!
- Leading experts educate & answer questions
- Children’s play area and so much more
OUR FAVES WILL BE THERE!
Silver Sponsor Alkeme Artisan Bakery – Specializing in Gluten-Free Sourdough – Booth 309
Alkeme is a family-owned, gluten-free, nut-free bakery dedicated to crafting wildly fermented sliced breads, buns, bagels & pizza crusts. Employing a centuries-old sourdough bread process, Alkeme’s products offer a hearty and wholesome texture, crunchy exterior and a soft, spongy interior.
Made with ancient grain blend (sorghum, millet and tapioca), arrowroot powder, water, sour-dough starter culture, psyllium husk, coconut sugar and sea salt. The most important ingredient is time. Learn more here …
• thisisalkeme.com • Facebook • Instagram
Bronze Sponsor – O’Doughs Too Good to Be Gluten Free – Booth 116
O’Doughs provides healthful, high quality, soft, gluten-free savoury bagels, bread & buns made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients – from their family to yours. Learn more here …
ODoughs.com • Where to buy O’Dough’s • Recipe Ideas • eatwell@odoughs.com • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest
CHOOSE FROM ALL OF THEIR DELICIOUS PRODUCTS • RESTAURANTS DO!
Taco Revolution – IXIM Foods – Tortillas, Seasonings, Salsas & More – Booth 409
If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh IXIM tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own home! All 100% gluten free!
Sample hand-made tortilla chips & hot sauce.
Expo Pricing on Taco Night and Chorizo Spice Mix, Revolucion Hot Sauce, Xocolatl (Mayan hot chocolate), Pico de Gallo Salsa, Tortillas and Taco Fillings – while quantities last!
ixim.ca • info@ixim.ca • Facebook • Twitter
IXIM Mexican Foods is Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Ixim tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, preservatives, or unnatural genetically modified ‘frankencorn’ like most tortillas you find in stores.
Corn Tortilla Chips • Fresh Corn Tortillas 100% gluten-free
Seasonings – Chorizo Spice Mix • Taco Seasoning Mix • Nun’s Mistake Mole
Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping. – Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling – Mild or Medium Heat
El Faro Gluten-Free, Vegan All-Purpose Flour. Hand-crafted in Small Batches in Parksville, Vancouver Island – Booth 613
From desserts to scones to fish & chips, El Faro’s Flour Blend forms the foundation of all of the baking at El Faro Fusion’s 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant. Now we can enjoy their artisan mix in our own kitchens! Learn more here!
- Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Arrowroot Starch and Xanthan Gum.
Expo Pricing – mention The Celiac Scene and enjoy a 10% discount!
elfaromarket.com • Facebook • Instagram • elfarofusion@yahoo.com • 250-951-6224 • Order via Amazon
Watch the El Faro Flour video!
Secret El Faro Flour Scone Recipe!
Wise Bites Plant-Based Quinoa Snacks Way of the Future!
You want something sweet, but you also want to make smarter choices about what you want to eat. Wise Bites lets you have it both ways. Sweetened mostly with pure fruit so you get all the taste and none of the guilt.
Wise Bites are a take-anywhere snack made with nutritious pure oats. Lightly sweetened with dried fruit. Re-sealable bag keeps them fresh.
- Certified Gluten-Free • Non-GMO Verified • Certified Vegan • Certified Kosher.
- Top 11 Allergen-Free – NO gluten, peanuts, nuts, sesame, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, mustard or sulfites • Casein-free • Yeast-free • High in Protein and Fibre • Low in Sugar and Fat.