Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies for Fabulous Dosas & Sauces at Dosa Paragon!

Thursday, March 19th at 6pm. 735 Yates Street – tucked inside St. Andrew’s Square Building – across from Cineplex Odeon.

RSVP to ellen@theceliacscene.com

DOSA – a cooked flat thin layered rice batter,  somewhat similar to a crepe.
PARAGON – a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.

• dosaparagon.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Contact • 778.440.2206
• Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 11-8:30 • Fri-Sat 11-9 • Sun11-8 • Closed Mondays.

• About Dosa Paragon
• Dosa Paragon Menu
• Order Online
• Take Out Menu
• Skip the Dishes

Thursday Special – Vegetable Biriyani

• A bold and flavorful Indian rice dish with bell peppers, peas, carrots and potatoes in a spiced rice dish made with turmeric, garam masala and other warm spices.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday Special – Chicken Biriyani

About South Indian Cuisine

• DOSA – a crispy savoury rice crepe cooked flat thin layered, made from fermented rice and lentil batter, then filled.
• UTHAPPAM – thick pancake made from rice and lentil batter, with different toppings.
• PAPADUM – a thin crisp disk shaped lentil wafers, made from seasoned black gram flour, either fried or grilled with dry heat.
• VADA – a savoury fried snack from India. It is made from lentils.
• IDLY – a savoury, steamed rice cake very popular in Southern India and Sri Lanka , from Indian subcontinent. IDLY are made by Steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice. Learn more about this super food here.
• SAMBAR – lentils and Vegetables cooked with tamarind and blend of spices.
• INDIAN PICKLE- known as Achar, made from a variety of vegetables & fruits, preserved in brine, vinegar, edible oils and a blend of various Indian spices.
• Click here to view the complete menu.

Victoria Buzz Review by Brishti Basu ¹

• On July 8th, Prashant “Bob” Unnikrishnan and his wife Lathika quietly opened the doors to Dosa Paragon, a south Indian restaurant that is one of its kind in Victoria, and perhaps all of Vancouver Island. Unlike other East Indian eateries in town, this restaurant specializes in cuisine local to the south Indian state of Kerala and everything on the menu is made from scratch by the husband-and-wife duo. Bob, who has lived in Victoria for the past 6 years, brings his dishes straight from India after having worked in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Before opening Dosa Paragon, he worked as a chef at several restaurants around town including Irish Times Pub, John’s Place, and Varsha Indian Kitchen.
• Some of their highlights include the Masala Dosa (a rice crepe stuffed with spiced potato), their Onion and Cilantro Uthappam (a savoury pancake topped with onion and cilantro), and for meat eaters, an aromatic and flavourful Chicken Biryani (a spiced rice and chicken dish). Of course, no Indian meal is complete without a drink to go with it.
• Those who prefer a cooler beverage may choose the thick, sweet concoction that is their mango smoothie. For those partial to hot drinks, the restaurant offers an authentic ‘masala chai’ or tea flavoured with a mix of spices and herbs.
• While Bob and his wife have done practically nothing to advertise their new restaurant, the small eatery always has a steady stream of customers to keep them busy – a testament to the nearly addictive flavours and aromas emanating from Dosa Paragon. They have been so busy, in fact, that the owners have had to extend their business hours up to 9 p.m. to keep up with the demand.
• “That’s our motivation,” said Bob when asked about how customers have been responding to his restaurant. “We just want to maintain that momentum as our main goal is customer satisfaction.”

• ¹ https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2019/08/victorias-first-south-indian-restaurant-is-now-open-on-yates-street

Almond Shortbread Bunny Cookies & Hot Cross Buns!

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads will be at the 🌸 Bloom Market 🌸 March 25th 10am-3pm at Langford Station. Hope to see you there 💗

It pays to pre-order! 

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Look for the B-glutenfreevictoria’s Booth or ‘Green Gluten-Free Trailer’ at Island Markets:

• Langford Station Market – Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until end of April
• Moss  Street Market – Saturdays 10am to 1pm (10am to 2pm in summer)
• Goldstream Market – Saturdays 10am to 2pm – beginning in May
• Esquimalt Farmers Market Gorge Park – Mondays 4:30pm to 7:30pm – June through September
• Westcoast Outdoor Market at Mary Winspear Centre – Thursdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Sundays 10am to 2pm – June through August

About Tanja!

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

Meet Up at MeeT Vegan / Vegetarian Restaurant at 797 Hillside Ave in the former Boston Pizza location

4 – 6pm on Sunday, April 16
RSVPs REQUIRED to ellen@theceliacsene.com

eatmeet.ca • Menu • Facebook • Instagram • info@eatmeet.ca • 250-704-2900

MeeT Reshapes the Restaurant Industry 

Never before in The Celiac Scene’s history have I interviewed a restaurant so aware of its ingredients and so committed to serving the unique needs of each and every diner.

Food sensitivities are not just accommodated, they are celebrated!

Because MeeT is committed to honouring the vegan and vegetarian choices of its diners, they visit with every supplier and build strong relationships with each one of them.

In the course of doing so, they become keenly aware which ingredients contain gluten along with a host of other food allergens. As a result, MeeT has effectively deconstructed the building blocks of food, and from there, created amazing meals in ways that meet almost any need – or want!

I spoke with Adam Twohey, former chef at MeeT’s Yaletown location in Vancouver, and now Victoria’s MeeT  Manager. He impressed me with his comprehensive knowledge of everything this 4-location offers. Be amazed!

• Dedicated gluten-free deep fryer
• Dedicated gluten-free grill
• All toppings used to dress meals are taken from fresh containers.
• If there is any doubt about the GF status of an ingredient container, a fresh container is taken from their walk-in cooler.
• Any loose flours used at MeeT are gluten free
• MeeT uses Little Northern (vegan) brand bread and buns for their gluten-free burgers and sandwiches. 
• MeeT’s menu is notated to indicate which meals contain gluten and nuts. Many of these meals can still be adapted to gluten free. Ask your server – they are eager to help!
• Please always assert your needs when ordering items that do not have a gluten notation to ensure that the kitchen can take necessary precautions.
• OATS! The oat-intolerant can rejoice in knowing that oats are not incorporated into any of MeeT’s offerings! 
• Oat milk however is used, and it should be noted that it is NOT gluten-free. 
• Specially ordered meals may take longer to prepare and cook. Please be patient. 

“I am thrilled that MeeT Restaurant has made its way to Victoria. I encourage our community to offer this breakthrough establishment its warmest welcome!” Ellen Bayens, The Celiac Scene

More About MeeT
“Ivo, Jason and Linda have spent the last 20 years in Vancouver, owning and operating a total of 8 restaurants and organic grocery stores throughout the city!”

“They launched the concept of MeeT with a purpose to re-engage in the restaurant industry – not just to succeed in this market, but to re-shape it!”

“From customers perceptions of comfort food, to staff perceptions of what a workplace should be, their goal is to surpass and re-imagine the restaurant establishment to be a better version of itself!” Learn more …

I have severe food allergies. Can I eat in your restaurant?
“We take food allergies very seriously. While we can never guarantee that our food is 100% free of allergens, there are several steps that we take to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. We are a peanut-free establishment, two of our deep fryers are used exclusively for gluten-free items, and our menu is egg and dairy free.”

“Our menu does make extensive use of ingredients such as nuts, wheat, and soy, but we take great care to process these items separately to avoid cross contamination. Please specify with your server the nature and severity of your allergy. Severe allergy bills do take us longer to prepare and cook.”

*Despite all of this, there is always a chance of human error in prepping or cooking of food, or cross-contaminated food from suppliers. For this reason, guests should be comfortable with these potential factors before eating with us. Learn more …

Do you have a kids menu, and are you kid friendly?
“OMG, we love ‘em! We were recently featured on a Kids Edition episode of You Gotta Eat Here! (season 5 episode 16, but who’s counting?) where we showed off a few of our favourite kid friendly dishes; the Chili Cheez Fries, Mac’N’Cheez Burger, and Chocolate Coconut Ganache Tart. We don’t have a dedicated kids menu, but there are lots of items on our menus that your kids will love!” Learn more …

Find MeeT  in Vancouver

• Main – 4288 Main St – 604-696-1010
• Gastown – Inner Courtyard, 12 Water St – 604-696-1111
• Yaletown – 1165 Mainland St – 604-696-1165

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

Saturday, July 22nd – Deadlift for Dogs 11am – 5pm
Truth Gym at 1035 Alston for the Raincoast Dog Rescue Charity Event

A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!

Mix strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, banana, mango or pineapple with ice cream or vegan soft serve. Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.

Often at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach but please confirm at Mizu’s Facebook Page or Instagram Account for daily locations and times!

For years, Jamie Lynn has been obsessed with owning her own ice cream trailer. Lucky for us, she made her dreams – and ours – come true! Catch her before she flies away to chase another dream – obtaining her pilots’s license!

Jamie and her husband Vinny, a heavy-duty mechanic by trade, built the ice cream trailer from scratch, then decorated it with images ofd beautiful berries. You can’t miss it at Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo or at a host of special events. Look for the line up!

Book Mizu for your next celebration! Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Facebook • Instagram • Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212

The Soft Serve – You Choose!

• Gluten-free, 100% Canadian, vanilla ice cream soft serve is made with premium ingredients by Island Farms.
• Gluten-free, vegan, vanilla soft serve is made with coconut oil and Nora’s Creamy Cashew Milk.
• If you would like vegan soft serve, ask for a fresh, ‘Gem Stir Stick.’
• Choose your favourite fruit. Mizu is happy to offer combos or mixes!
• Enjoy your soft serve in a gluten-friendly cone, a gluten cone, or in a bowl!

Coming soon! Special flavours like Hokey Pokey Toffee in a pint, special orders & pre-ordering.

The Cones!

• ‘Unique Cake (gluten) Waffle Cones’ and ‘Gluten-Friendly Waffle Cones’ are dairy-free, egg-free and ‘vegan-friendly.’
• Made in a facility in Metro Vancouver that has been making waffle cones since 1982.
• Gluten-friendly cones are made with documented to be gluten-free rice flour, arrowroot, soy lecithin, canola oil & cellulose.
• Shared equipment is blown off and thoroughly scrubbed between gluten and gluten-friendly production.
• Packaging is colour-coded to clearly identify gluten & gluten-friendly cones.

The Trailer!

• On the trailer, gluten-friendly cones are stored in a LOCKED dedicated cupboard, separate from gluten cones.
• When you make your dietary needs known upon ordering, staff will wash their hands and put on clean gloves before handling the cone.
• Choose your fruit flavour, mixed with ice cream or vegan soft serve.

Why Mizu!

• Named after Jamie & Vinny’s beloved Belgian Malinois!
• Got a pup? Ask for Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ made with a Sugar-Free Cake Cone, scoop of ice cream and a dog treat on top!
• 50% of Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ sales are donated to Sooke’s Raincoast Dog Rescue.

What is the New Zealand connection?

• Mizu’s Little Gem Mixer has made New Zealand famous for its soft serve! Components are easy to remove and completely washable. What’s not to love!

Join us for a casual, kid-friendly Meet Up at Totchos and get to know this family-friendly restaurant!

Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2pm – 4pm
RSVP to ellen@theceliaccscene.com

One-of-a-kind gourmet topped taters and low carb, house-made salads and handhelds. The vegan ice cream is amazing! Located within Westshore Town Centre, across from Winners. See map

Totchos is a family owned and operated restaurant.  Owners Ashley and husband Dwayne and family were born and raised on Vancouver Island. Their family wants to welcome our family!

Totchos.ca • Facebook • Instagram • 250-590-2322 • totchos22@gmail.com
Mon-Tues-Wed-Sat: 10-6. Thurs-Fri: 10-8. Sunday: 11-5 Holiday hours may vary.
Now online for delivery with Uber & Door Dash

Totchos are gourmet tater tots, cooked in a dedicated gluten-free deep fryer, then dressed like nachos with gooey cheese sauce, charred-tomato salsa, crisp chorizo, fresh vegetables and so much more!

“All tator tots, toppings and dips are gluten free (with the exception of the Vegan Pulled Pork and Vegan Taco Totchos.) Ingredients are confirmed to be gluten free upon arrival at the restaurant.”

• Totchos Tuesdays! ‘Two for the Price of One!’
• Friday Pop Up Contests!  Enter your suggestion for Totchos Friday Pop Up Tot for a chance to win a prize! 
• Gaming & Parties! 6 Totcho’s booths are equipped with retro table top gaming arcades! Video games with 2 remotes and tons of games to enjoy: 2 SEGAs, 1 NES (Nintendo Entertainment System),  3 SNES mini version (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). 20-40 games per console. Each table is bookable for one hour at a time. Walk-in or pre-book. 250-590-2322

• “Great service! Great food! So many choices!”
• “My daughter enjoyed playing Kirby and the food was fun and good.  100% will come back.”
• “The creamy jalapeño cilantro dip and sticky sauce (sweet chili not spicy) is so good!”

Look for Gluten-Free Notations on Menus! All toppings house-made, daily!
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan Soft Serve Dole Whip with Zero Sugar Toppings

Victoria Buzz, February 2023

• A year and a half in the making and the Westshore Town Centre is becoming more delicious by the minute! The first of its kind tater-tot shop, Totchos, has opened its doors with fanfare. Attributing the lengthy wait for the restaurant launch to implications involving labour shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Totchos co-owner, Ashley Reardon says the delayed launch has made all the difference to the early success of the business. It was insane. We were lined up outside the door on Friday (February 10th) when we opened. We had the tables flipping every half an hour to 45 minutes,” said Reardon. Having to close an hour early due to a shortage of food, Reardon tells Victoria Buzz the wave of support and welcome she and her husband have received at the Westshore Town Centre has helped them feel at home and further inspired them to run a business in Langford. “We moved out to Langford because it’s a quieter area but there’s less stuff going on for our kids. We are big kids so we kind of just brainstormed and we were like, let’s just do something fun,” says Reardon. Known as the only restaurant on Vancouver Island serving a delicious variety of tater-tot inspired meals, Totchos holds a deeper meaning to Reardon as a tribute to her late mother, Charlene, who passed away in October 2022. “She couldn’t see it open but she was really excited. Most of the recipes are hers and I learned all my cooking from her,” says Reardon. As a child, Reardon’s parents would infuse tater tots into meals with additional healthy ingredients to help inspire Reardon and her siblings to eat balanced meals. A concept that Reardon has passed onto her children, the new restaurateur tells Victoria Buzz that the realization of this business has come full circle as her eldest daughter encouraged her to pursue the business. “I was sitting with my oldest daughter one day and she’s like, mom if we ever can we should open a tater tot restaurant. I ended up getting a settlement, and we were just like, okay let’s try this,” says Reardon. For those curious about what’s offered on the menu, Reardon wants guests to know there’s a meal waiting for everyone. “We’re 90% gluten-free, there are only three things on our menu that isn’t gluten free. We also have plenty of vegan and keto options,” says Reardon.

Victoria Buzz, August 17, 2022

• Get your bellies ready, Langford. A new eatery is coming to town and there’s nothing like it in the region. Opening across from Winners / HomeSense in at Westshore Town Centre, Totchos will be serving up loaded tater tots, hand-helds (fancy tacos), snacks and soft serve ice cream, with lots of vegan, low-carb and no sugar options as well. “⁠We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a brand-new retailer opening at Westshore Town Centre this Fall,” Marketing Manager Kelly McClure⁠⁠ Marketing said in an email to Victoria Buzz. Totchos is locally owned and while no specific opening date was announced, it is slated to open this fall. “The owners are very excited to be opening this first-of-its-kind restaurant at Westshore Town Centre and to serve up delicious food and fun to the Westshore community,” said McClure. Even better, each table at the restaurant will be equipped with a built-in retro video gaming system for loads of family fun!⁠

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies for the finest in authentic, Italian dining!

Click here for 900 Degrees’ Gluten-Free Menu & Pricing. In person,  ask for the ‘Red Menu!’

Thursday, November 23 from 6 – 7:30 PM
RSVP to ellen@theceliacscene.com

NOTE from The Celiac Scene: Only gluten-free flour is used on the prep line and to dust the oven floor. Flour is denatured at a temperature of 900˚.  In the event that residual flour might remain, it would be gluten free.

Open 7 days per week 11:30am to 8pm.

Reserve online or call (250) 590-4493
Order Takeout – Pick up at 101B 2401 Millstream Avenue.
Gift Certificates
900degrees.ca • Facebook • Instagram • contact@900degrees.ca •  Regular Menu

Watch 900 Degrees on CHEK NEWS Order Up!

Deli Products – Enjoy 900° quality products and ingredients at home! 900° offers a variety of top-quality deli products, from our house-made organic and gluten-free pizza dough, organic tomato sauce, fresh pesto and house desserts. More info

See also 900˚ BiSTRO in Sidney!

Great gluten-free news from owner, Adrian Ortiz:

“We have now launched a dedicated FULL GLUTEN-FREE MENU! There are over 30 GF items on our menu, including appetizers, salads and pizzas.”

“We have also COMPLETELY eliminated gluten flour for our pizza prep line – which now significantly decreases the possibility fo gluten cross contamination.”

‘ “In other words, “The only thing that is NOT GF is our regular dough, which is now prepared completely separately. There is absolutely no gluten flour online, which is the main concern for potential cross-contamination.” ‘

“ALL flour used online (even the one we use to stretch our traditional recipe dough) is Gluten-Free. All previous protocols of using separate utensils, tools and equipment for our GF food items are still enforced.”

Click here to view menu

Click here to view menu

Click here to view menu

TESTIMONIAL: We bought 2 GF pizzas(+1reg) here for take out last evening. It was soooooo goooood! Mine was vegetarian with a pesto sauce – yum!!!! Highly recommend this spot! 10/10 maybe even 15/10 😍  … Gloria

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!

Read the Reviews!

• https://issuu.com/garyhynes/docs/eat_magazine_sept-oct_2017
• https://issuu.com/garyhynes/docs/eat_magazine_march_april_2017

• https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1308429
• http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=615313

• http://issuu.com/page-one/docs/yam_mayjun2015/1
• http://issuu.com/page-one/docs/yam_mayjun2015/21

Christmas on the Farm at Little Qualicum Cheese Works

Wagon rides, live music, hot chocolate, popcorn, story telling, kids crafts & games, farm animals, Christmas photo booth, bon fire, marshmallows and of course, Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream!

403 Lowry’s Rd, Parksville BC 10am to 3pm
$5 cash admission at the gate. 2 & under FREE
Details • Facebook • Instagram

In summertime, find Mizu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream trailer most days at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach but please confirm at Mizu’s Facebook Page or Instagram Account for daily locations and times!

A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!

Mix strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, mango or pineapple with ice cream or vegan soft serve. Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.

NEW! Pints of Mizu are now available for purchase! Enjoy strawberry, strawberry-banana, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry & mixed berry!

For years, Jamie Lynn has been obsessed with owning her own ice cream trailer. Lucky for us, she made her dreams – and ours – come true! Catch her before she flies away to chase another dream – obtaining her pilots’s license!

Jamie and her husband Vinny, a heavy-duty mechanic by trade, built the ice cream trailer from scratch, then decorated it with images ofd beautiful berries. You can’t miss it at Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo or at a host of special events. Look for the line up!

Book Mizu for your next celebration! Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Facebook • Instagram • Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212

The Soft Serve – You Choose!

• Gluten-free, 100% Canadian, vanilla ice cream soft serve is made with premium ingredients by Island Farms.
• Gluten-free, vegan, vanilla soft serve is made with coconut oil and Nora’s Creamy Cashew Milk.
• Mizu dedicates a scooper, an auger and freezer for vegan, dairy-free soft serve.
• Choose your favourite fruit. Mizu is happy to offer combos or mixes!
• Enjoy your soft serve in a gluten-friendly cone, a gluten cone, or in a bowl!
• NEW! Pints of Mizu are now available for purchase! Enjoy strawberry, strawberry-banana, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry & mixed berry!

Coming soon! Special flavours like Hokey Pokey Toffee in a pint, special orders & pre-ordering.

The Cones!

• ‘Unique Cake (gluten) Waffle Cones’ and ‘Gluten-Friendly Waffle Cones’ are dairy-free, egg-free and ‘vegan-friendly.’
• Made in a facility in Metro Vancouver that has been making waffle cones since 1982.
• Gluten-friendly cones are made with documented to be gluten-free rice flour, arrowroot, soy lecithin, canola oil & cellulose.
• Shared equipment is blown off and thoroughly scrubbed between gluten and gluten-friendly production.
• Packaging is colour-coded to clearly identify gluten & gluten-friendly cones.

The Trailer!

• On the trailer, gluten-friendly cones are stored in a LOCKED dedicated cupboard, separate from gluten cones.
• When you make your dietary needs known upon ordering, staff will wash their hands and put on clean gloves before handling the cone.
• Choose your fruit flavour, mixed with ice cream or vegan soft serve.

Why Mizu!

• Named after Jamie & Vinny’s beloved Belgian Malinois!
• Got a pup? Ask for Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ made with a Sugar-Free Cake Cone, scoop of ice cream and a dog treat on top!
• 50% of Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ sales are donated to Sooke’s Raincoast Dog Rescue.

What is the New Zealand connection?

• Mizu’s Little Gem Mixer has made New Zealand famous for its soft serve! Components are easy to remove and completely washable. What’s not to love!

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646

Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!

B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market and seasonal events!

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin,  Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember.  Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering,  always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage  restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her.  Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries?  Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.