Learn How to Be Gluten Free! Two-hour information sessions are open to anyone adversely affected by gluten: celiacs, gluten sensitive, and the wheat allergic. No diagnosis needed.

Next classes: June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19 & November 16.

Taught by the experts – volunteers with the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Receive information, optimism and plenty of gluten-free goodies to go from The Celiac Scene. Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com for more information.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas • Bake My Day • Bard’s Beer • Big Wheel Burger • Canadian Celiac Association • Care Bakery • Chef Pola Culinary • Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery • Corn Thins by Real Foods • Country Grocer • Deep Cove Market • Duinkerken Foods • Floating Fish Store • Gluten Free Resource Directory Canada • Glutenull • Grimm’s Fine Foods • Hertel Meats • Hornby Organic • Joint Pizzeria • Judy G Gluten-Free • Lifestyle Market & Select Stores • MCLEAN MEATS • Mother Nature’s Market & Deli • Noodle Box • O’Doughs • Pepper’s Foods • Pirate Chips Nanaimo • Pomme Natural Foods Nanaimo • Portofino Tested-to-Be-Gluten-Free • Rawthentic Eatery • Rock Cod Cafe • Royal Nuts • Royal Spice Indian Restaurant • Selena De Vries, RD • Six Mile Pub • Stella’s Perogies • Taco Revolution Food Truck • Taste – A Place For Coffee • The Market Stores • TOTAL PREPARE • Two Stickers • Union Street Grill • Wendel’s True Foods • Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro • Wise Bites • WOLF Meal Prep

Thank you to Thrifty Foods for providing classroom space.

• Living Gluten-Free
• Gluten-Free Resources
• Gluten-Free Menu Planning
• Gluten-Free Recipes
• Gluten-Free Options on Pinterest
• Browse for Gluten-Free Items

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‘Dining-in’ is back at 900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizzeria Langford 4:30 to 8pm

Introducing 900° 2 Go! Contactless Take-Out & Curb-Side Pick Up.

900 Degrees offers delivery up to 7km distance. Enter your address at https://900degrees.moduurn.com for eligibility and to calculate your delivery charge (between $3.50 and $5.50.)

Build Your Own

Organic tomato sauce, house-made lemon olive, aged balsamic reduction, brie cream sauce, chilli oil, house-made pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, & pizza dough, to go!

Phone orders 250-590-4493. Special COVID-19 hours, open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Order online here

• 900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizza 101B 2401 Millstream Avenue, Victoria (250) 590-4493
• Menu • Facebook • Instagram
• Contact Executive Chef & Owner Adrian Ortiz-Mena

My curiosity about 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria was piqued when I read in the September Edition of Eat Magazine (page 27)  that the owner’s son was a celiac. Executive Chef and Owner, Adrian Ortiz-Mena was quoted as saying,

• “I think the most innovative thing we have done is bringing really good gluten-free pizza to our customers. My son was diagnosed celiac when he was 5 years old … and he loved pizza. It broke my heart thinking that he could no longer have pizza, so I developed a gluten-free pizza dough just for him. It was a real challenge, a labour of love.”

The Celiac Scene needed to learn more!

I popped into this warm and inviting restaurant on a cold and rainy September night, hoping for the opportunity to speak to a chef or server about their gluten-free options.

I was pleasantly surprised when Adrian himself bounded from the back of the restaurant only too eager to share his son’s health journey and how he had worked at home to create a gluten-free crust that met his discerning chef standards. Using one of the best all-purpose gluten-free flour mixes on the market and few extra-special ingredients, he was able to create a crust that pleased his son – and one that Adrian believed would please his customers.

The details.

As our community well knows, it takes more that a crust to create a gluten-free pizza. Adrian set about to contact the manufacturers of every ingredient used in his entire operation to ensure that the components used in all of his pizzas were celiac-safe. Apart from the wheat flour used for his regular crusts and the garlic bread, every ingredient that 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria in house is gluten-free.

What about the process?

Adrian brimmed with enthusiasm as he explained that gluten-free pizzas are entirely prepared in a dedicated gluten-free area, in a room away from the regular production area. Sauces and toppings are stored in dedicated containers and applied with dedicated utensils that are never used to dress regular pizzas.

When a gluten-free order is processed, the chef washes his hands – up to his elbows – before starting work on an the order. When complete, the  pizza is placed on a dedicated gluten-free pizza peel (handle) and transported to the 900˚ pizza oven where it is cooked to perfection.

Here’s where it gets complicated.

At 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria,  pizzas are cooked directly on the hearth of their single pizza oven, where other gluten pizzas have also been cooked.  The concern on my face prompted Adrian to escort me directly to the oven itself where he proceeded to sweep to the side the burnt, charcoal dust of the pizza crusts that had been cooked.

While Adrian whole heartedly agreed with me that deep frying food at a standard 325-375˚F does not destroy gluten, he maintains that incinerating to 900˚residual gluten crumbs and flour from previously cooked pizzas and then sweeping them aside, most assuredly does.

That said,  900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria  is pleased to cook gluten-free pizzas on sanitized pizza pans for any gluten-free diner’s peace of mind. As a wood-fired pizza purist however,  Adrian cautions that cooking pizza on a pan may generate different results.

Final consideration.

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria  is most assuredly a pizza lover’s pizzeria. Gluten pizza dough is thrown into the air with gusto, wheat flour coats the kitchen floor like dance dust and a fine coat of flour is evident on surfaces throughout the main preparation area.

That said after two  years’ serving gluten-free pizza, Adrian shared that there have been no reports from gluten-free diners that they have experienced gluten contamination.

As Adrian is quoted as saying in the EAT Magazine article, “I don’t think we really did anything new – we just did it better!”

I would have to agree: for celiac diners who are comfortable with these practices or those who avoid gluten as a lifestyle choice, 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria sets the gluten-free bar as high as I have seen it on Vancouver Island.

Love Pasta?

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria stages occasional pasta specials and always offer the option of Italy’s Schar Gluten-Free Pasta to gluten-free diners!

Gluten-Free Beer?

900˚ Wood Fired Pizza is pleased to serve 100% gluten-free Forager Beer, made in Whistler from sorghum and rice. 

“Where to Eat in Canada” adds @900.degrees to it’s list of worthy restaurants, calling their pizza “as close to perfection as it’s possible to get,” and one of only a handful of restaurants here in Victoria named “Good Buys”. Check out the full review on page 306 of the 2017-18 guide published by Oberon Press. Pick up your copy today!

Celiac Canada is organizing “Shine A Light on Celiac Disease” for International Celiac Disease Awareness Day by illuminating locations across the country in green. That includes the Parliament Buildings of BC’s Legislative Assembly – for the first time! 

The BC Legislature  has accepted Celiac Canada’s request to be lit up GREEN on the evening of May 16th.

Please join us to get a photo together! We can’t meet too early, as we want the light to show up, so we’re hoping all convene at 8 PM at the cenotaph.

Please take & post pics on social media using #ShineALightOnCeliac!

LOOK FOR ELLEN IN HER REFLECTIVE YELLOW JACKET!

While quantities last, attendees will receive

• Country Grocer Bag with Discount Card
• GF Goodie Bags from Epicure Kelsea & son, Callum
• Treats from Art of Slow Food Bakery
• Treats from Origin Bakery

COMPLETE DETAILS HERE!

Participating Locatios Across Canada*

May 14

• Bloedel Conservatory, Vancouver, BC

May 15

• Civic Plaza, Surrey, BC

May 16

BRITISH COLUMBIA

• Science World, Vancouver, BC
• City Hall, Victoria, BC
• BC Legislature, Victoria, BC (in-person event planned)
• City Hall, Port Moody, BC
• Pier, White Rock, BC

ALBERTA

• Calgary Tower, Calgary
• Peace Bridge, Calgary
• Reconciliation Bridge, Calgary
• Telus Spark, Calgary
• Lethbridge City Hall, Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat TeePee, Medicine Hat*
• Airdrie City Hall, Airdrie*
• High Level Bridge, Edmonton
• Epcor Tower, Edmonton
• Fairmont Hotel, Edmonton
• Clock/Bell Tower, Walterdale Theatre, Edmonton
• Community Centre, Sherwood Park
• Festival Place, Sherwood Park
• Legislature Building, Edmonton

NEW BRUNSWICK

• Dieppe City Hall, Dieppe
• Avenir Centre, Moncton

ONTARIO

• Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market
• Shaw Centre, Ottawa
• Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square
• Niagara Falls
• CN Tower

QUEBEC

• Olympic Stadium, Montreal*
• Complexe Jules-Dallaire, Quebec City*

PEI

• Charlottetown City Hall
• Summerside City Hall, Summerside

MANITOBA

• Winnipeg Sign at the Forks*
• Manitoba Legislative Building, Winnipeg*

*Locations requested, awaiting confirmation.

Due to technical problems, The BC Legislature will once again try to light up in GREEN on the evening of Wednesday, May 29th in honor of Celiac Canada’s “Shine A Light on Celiac Disease” for International Celiac Disease Awareness Day! A First! 

Please join us this time at 9:30pm for this precedent setting phot op! Then post on social media using #ShineALightOnCeliac!

LOOK FOR ELLEN IN HER REFLECTIVE YELLOW JACKET!

While quantities last, attendees will receive

• Country Grocer Bag with Discount Card
• Yummy Cupcakes from Origin Bakery

COMPLETE DETAILS HERE!

Participating Locations Across Canada*

May 14

• Bloedel Conservatory, Vancouver, BC

May 15

• Civic Plaza, Surrey, BC

May 16

BRITISH COLUMBIA

• Science World, Vancouver, BC
• City Hall, Victoria, BC
• BC Legislature, Victoria, BC (in-person event planned)
• City Hall, Port Moody, BC
• Pier, White Rock, BC

ALBERTA

• Calgary Tower, Calgary
• Peace Bridge, Calgary
• Reconciliation Bridge, Calgary
• Telus Spark, Calgary
• Lethbridge City Hall, Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat TeePee, Medicine Hat*
• Airdrie City Hall, Airdrie*
• High Level Bridge, Edmonton
• Epcor Tower, Edmonton
• Fairmont Hotel, Edmonton
• Clock/Bell Tower, Walterdale Theatre, Edmonton
• Community Centre, Sherwood Park
• Festival Place, Sherwood Park
• Legislature Building, Edmonton

NEW BRUNSWICK

• Dieppe City Hall, Dieppe
• Avenir Centre, Moncton

ONTARIO

• Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market
• Shaw Centre, Ottawa
• Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square
• Niagara Falls
• CN Tower

QUEBEC

• Olympic Stadium, Montreal*
• Complexe Jules-Dallaire, Quebec City*

PEI

• Charlottetown City Hall
• Summerside City Hall, Summerside

MANITOBA

• Winnipeg Sign at the Forks*
• Manitoba Legislative Building, Winnipeg*

*Locations requested, awaiting confirmation.

‘Q&A Tuesdays on Instagram’

Your chance to submit any questions you may have on nutrition, education or receive downright free advice! Fellow celiac and expert Gluten-Free Dietitian, Selena De Vries, RD, is eager to help!  Ask by 4pm Pacific Time and get your answer the same day!

How it works!
1.  Visit Selena’s profile at https://www.instagram.com/celiac_dietitian/
2.  Click on her profile picture (screenshot 1)
3.  Wait until you see the “ask me a question” sticker and then click it and type your question (screenshot 2)
4. Receive your answer by clicking through Selena’s stories i.e. the same spot where you entered your question

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

I’m Selena – THE CELIAC DIETITIAN
I operate an online private practice specializing in the dietary management of celiac disease and the gluten free diet. And, I’m celiac too.

As the go-to expert on everything gluten free, I help people master the gluten-free diet so they can live gluten free with more ease. I take the ‘complicated’ out of the gluten free diet, and give you the practical and realistic advice you need so you can still live your life!

SelenaRD.com • About Selena •  Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Selena’s Blog
Book a call with Selena
Receive Selena’s Free 3-Step Guide to Label Reading Guide
Media – Work with Selena

Click here to receive Selena’s Label Reading Guide

• Does it feel like celiac disease is taking over your life?
• Do you want a solution that makes celiac feel less overwhelming and less stressful so you can get back to living and loving your life?
• Are you thinking about celiac from the time you wake up, to the time you go to bed?
• Are you worried about cross contact? ,
• Does eating out feel frustrating?
• Are you experiencing persistent symptoms?
• Does celiac  disease often creep into your thoughts?

Well, no more. You’re in the right place now. And, it’s time for this to change!

Selena’s Services

Live Gluten Free with More Ease – Hybrid Group Program – Master the Gluten Free Diet
This online program combines 1:1 support and group coaching support. Sky rocket your knowledge beyond what most healthcare providers know and kick anxiety and stress to the curb. This hybrid program is the ultimate, A-Z, course that will help you live gluten free with more ease.
Learn more
Apply now

Eat Out with Confidence – Group Coaching – Become a Celiac Savvy Restaurant Diner
If you find yourself avoiding eating out because of anxiety around cross contact, not knowing the right questions to ask, or not trusting that the staff are taking you seriously, then this online, group coaching course is for you.
Learn more
Apply now

1:1 Individual Coaching – Receive an Individualized Action Plan
This online service is best suited to help people find relief of persistent symptoms such bloat, constipation, reflux, or fatigue. It is also helpful for newly diagnosed and people who prefer to work, solely, in a 1:1 capacity.
Learn more
Apply here

‘Q&A Tuesdays on Instagram’

Your chance to submit any questions you may have on nutrition, education or receive downright free advice! Fellow celiac and expert Gluten-Free Dietitian, Selena De Vries, RD, is eager to help!  Ask by 4pm Pacific Time and get your answer the same day!

How it works!
1.  Visit Selena’s profile at https://www.instagram.com/celiac_dietitian/
2.  Click on her profile picture (screenshot 1)
3.  Wait until you see the “ask me a question” sticker and then click it and type your question (screenshot 2)
4. Receive your answer by clicking through Selena’s stories i.e. the same spot where you entered your question

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

I’m Selena – THE CELIAC DIETITIAN
I operate an online private practice specializing in the dietary management of celiac disease and the gluten free diet. And, I’m celiac too.

As the go-to expert on everything gluten free, I help people master the gluten-free diet so they can live gluten free with more ease. I take the ‘complicated’ out of the gluten free diet, and give you the practical and realistic advice you need so you can still live your life!

SelenaRD.com • About Selena •  Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Selena’s Blog
Book a call with Selena
Receive Selena’s Free 3-Step Guide to Label Reading Guide
Media – Work with Selena

Click here to receive Selena’s Label Reading Guide

• Does it feel like celiac disease is taking over your life?
• Do you want a solution that makes celiac feel less overwhelming and less stressful so you can get back to living and loving your life?
• Are you thinking about celiac from the time you wake up, to the time you go to bed?
• Are you worried about cross contact? ,
• Does eating out feel frustrating?
• Are you experiencing persistent symptoms?
• Does celiac  disease often creep into your thoughts?

Well, no more. You’re in the right place now. And, it’s time for this to change!

Selena’s Services

Live Gluten Free with More Ease – Hybrid Group Program – Master the Gluten Free Diet
This online program combines 1:1 support and group coaching support. Sky rocket your knowledge beyond what most healthcare providers know and kick anxiety and stress to the curb. This hybrid program is the ultimate, A-Z, course that will help you live gluten free with more ease.
Learn more
Apply now

Eat Out with Confidence – Group Coaching – Become a Celiac Savvy Restaurant Diner
If you find yourself avoiding eating out because of anxiety around cross contact, not knowing the right questions to ask, or not trusting that the staff are taking you seriously, then this online, group coaching course is for you.
Learn more
Apply now

1:1 Individual Coaching – Receive an Individualized Action Plan
This online service is best suited to help people find relief of persistent symptoms such bloat, constipation, reflux, or fatigue. It is also helpful for newly diagnosed and people who prefer to work, solely, in a 1:1 capacity.
Learn more
Apply here