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!
Join the Mid-Island Gluten-Free Foodies as they dine at Boston Pizza in Nanaimo.
“We are a fun bunch who like to socialize and support one another as we live gluten free. Friends and significant others welcome. You do not need to be gluten-free to join us!”
Wednesday, January 23rd 12:30. RSVP to Anne at annezahara@shaw.ca
Boston Pizza offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with dishes specially developed for the gluten free:
- https://bostonpizza.com/en/menu/glutenwise-.nanaimo.html
- https://bostonpizza.com/en/menu/pizza/glutenwise-1.nanaimo.html
With every gluten-free order, a new, dedicated prep line is set up in the kitchen. This means that the area is sanitized, a complete set utensils are used and new ingredients / toppings are taken out of refrigeration. All ingredients have been vetted to be gluten-free and all gluten-free meals have been developed and constructed to be safe for celiacs. Chefs wash their hands before beginning preparations and they stay on the single task of preparing a meal from start to finish.
Boston Pizza uses All But Gluten Gluten-Free Buns for their Chicken Club Sandwich and Burgers.
Join the Mid-Island Gluten-Free Foodies as they dine at Boston Pizza at 5779 Turner Rd in Nanaimo.
Monday, February 3rd at 11:30am. RSVP to Anne at annezahara@shaw.ca or 250-240-0708.
“We are a fun bunch who like to socialize and support one another as we live gluten free. Friends and significant others welcome. You do not need to be gluten-free to join us!”
Boston Pizza offers a dedicated Gluten-Wise® menu with dishes specially developed for the gluten free.
• Learn more about their Gluten-Wise® philosophy.
• View their complete Gluten-Wise® Menu
• Create your own Gluten-Wise® pasta!
• Create your own Gluten-Wise® pizza! (now made with a cauliflower crust!)
With every gluten-free order, a new, dedicated prep line is set up in the kitchen. This means that the area is sanitized, a complete set utensils are used and new ingredients / toppings are taken out of refrigeration. All ingredients have been vetted to be gluten-free and all gluten-free meals have been developed and constructed to be safe for celiacs. Chefs wash their hands before beginning preparations and they stay on the single task of preparing a meal from start to finish.
Boston Pizza uses All But Gluten Buns for their Chicken Club Sandwich and Burgers.
‘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!
🏄♂️. thecookstvillage.com/thevillageblockparty • Village Block Party Facebook • Instagram
Poke Fresh • 240 Cook Street • 250-380-0669 See map
- Poke originates from Hawaii, fusing fresh diced fish with rice, veggies and an array of delicious toppings. Prepared with high-quality, rich-tasting and fresh ingredients. Poke Fresh chefs are knowledgeable about gluten free and ready to create a handcrafted bowl that will send your taste buds on a vacation to paradise … or at least Hawaii. Come on down to Cook Street and customize a bowl unique to you! Learn more here …
- pokefresh.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Contact
- MENU – Always make your needs known to servers. The gluten status of ingredients may change, but staff is well informed.
- SAUCES – 100% Gluten-Free – Purchase Bottles to Go.
- NEW! Shaved Ice – Blood Orange • Lemon • Lime
- Now serving gluten-free Lonetree Cider & Calliope Sauvignon Blanc
- Delivery: Skip the Dishes • Doordash
- Poke Fresh Menu
- Poke Fresh Caters!
- Find Poke Fresh in Broadmead Village!
- Right next door to the iconic Lifestyle Markets, Big Wheel enjoys a solid reputation with gluten-free diners for their dedicated deep-fryer, yummy gluten-free buns and their careful protocol!
- Get the Big Wheel App! iPhone • Android
- Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
- Big Wheel Burger Menu
- View Big Wheel Burger’s Secret Menu – Tell No One!
- Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken! Believe it! Cooked in Big Wheel’s dedicated GF fryer. Order it on the Big Crunch Burger on a GF bun or add it to Big Wheel’s Shaker Salad to make it a meal!
- Oat-Sensitive Celiacs: Big Wheel Burger uses Bob’s Red Mill Pure Oats in their gluten-free Nashville and Black Bean & Yam plant-based burgers.
- Find Big Wheel Burger at Westside Mall • Gateway Village • Langford • Nanaimo
Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck
Everything Taco Rev serves is gluten-free, handmade from scratch in house and served with a passion and dedication to deliciousness and authenticity. It is our mission to deliver the exact same taco you would find on a street in Mexico. Every taco we serve, from the Chorizo Vegetariano to the Fish Taco, to the Chicken Tinga are all pulled directly from Mexico’s taco culture. We have dared to bring those flavours north and share them with you. It is time to taste a taco as it was meant to be; it is time for a true north Taco Revolution!
Taco Revolution Website • Schedule • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter
NEW! Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck Now Delivers – through Door Dash & Feastify!
See bit.ly/DoorDashTaco See Feastify NEW! Toll-Free Number! Place an order at 1-833-TACO-REV (1-833-822-6738).
Lifestyle Markets • 343 Cook St • 250-381-5450 • See map
- Since 1995, Lifestyle Markets on offers the most comprehensive selection of gluten-free flours and baking ingredients in British Columbia. Their location in the heart of Cook Street Village may be smaller but there are still hundreds of amazing organic foods, supplements and natural body care. Order anything you like to be brought in! Learn more …
- LifestyleMarkets.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
- View Lifestyle Markets Gluten-Free Product List
- View Lifestyle Markets Gluten-Free Sales
- View the Complete Lifestyle Markets Flyer
- View Lifestyle Markets Complete Product List
- Read Lifestyle Markets’ Blog
- Visit the store on Video!
- Lifestyle Markets on Douglas • Lifestyle Select in Sidney
Enjoy a taste of MAiiZ Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde! Say hi to MAija!
- Tuesday, February 6 from 2 – 5pm. Thrifty Foods Belmont. Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde!
- Friday, February 9 from 11am to 2pm Thrifty Foods Sidney. Tortillas & Salsa Verde!
- Also on Friday, February 9! 3 – 5pm at Root Cellar Mackenzie. Chips & Tortillas!
Also available at Thrifty Foods Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Tuscany. More to follow!
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillas are made from certified organic corn grown in Armstrong, BC and lab-tested to be gluten free.
Chef Israel Alvarez Molina’s technique, inspired in the traditional Mesoamerican Nixtamalization process is more than just authentic, providing taste and structure. MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillas have flavour, aroma, texture and elasticity.
When eating a Nixtamal Taco you don’t just taste the corn, you taste the process.
• Maiiz.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Contact • 778-433-1544
“I want to feel proud about the food I produce, and I want people to feel good about what they are eating!” Chef Israel Alvarez Molina
Testimonials
- “Se siente el sabor de Mexico! I can taste the flavour of Mexico” @gtcanni
- “I love how the tortillas held together perfectly without breaking or getting soggy.” @propitiouspig
Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!
♂️. thevillageblockparty.com • Village Block Party Facebook • Instagram
Poke Fresh • 240 Cook Street • 250-380-0669 See map
- Poke originates from Hawaii, fusing fresh diced fish with rice, veggies and an array of delicious toppings. Prepared with high-quality, rich-tasting and fresh ingredients. Poke Fresh chefs are knowledgeable about gluten free and ready to create a handcrafted bowl that will send your taste buds on a vacation to paradise … or at least Hawaii. Come on down to Cook Street and customize a bowl unique to you! Learn more here …
- pokefresh.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Contact
- MENU – Always make your needs known to servers. The gluten status of ingredients may change, but staff is well informed.
- SAUCES – 100% Gluten-Free – Purchase Bottles to Go.
- NEW! Shaved Ice – Blood Orange • Lemon • Lime
- Now serving gluten-free Lonetree Cider & Calliope Sauvignon Blanc
- Delivery: Skip the Dishes • Doordash
- Poke Fresh Menu
- Poke Fresh Caters!
- Find Poke Fresh in Broadmead Village!
- Right next door to the iconic Lifestyle Markets, Big Wheel enjoys a solid reputation with gluten-free diners for their dedicated deep-fryer, yummy gluten-free buns and their careful protocol!
- Get the Big Wheel App! iPhone • Android
- Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
- Big Wheel Burger Menu
- View Big Wheel Burger’s Secret Menu – Tell No One!
- Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken! Believe it! Cooked in Big Wheel’s dedicated GF fryer. Order it on the Big Crunch Burger on a GF bun or add it to Big Wheel’s Shaker Salad to make it a meal!
- Oat-Sensitive Celiacs: Big Wheel Burger uses Bob’s Red Mill Pure Oats in their gluten-free Nashville and Black Bean & Yam plant-based burgers.
- Find Big Wheel Burger at Westside Mall • Gateway Village • Langford • Nanaimo
CHURROS & MOR • 325 Cook St in the Food Court • 250-986-9455 • See map
- What are churros? Think Mexican donuts, only better! A crispy exterior with soft, chewy insides, Jorge uses gluten-free flour to make them. Deep-fried, then rolled in cinnamon and sugar, topped with your choice of strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce. Ask for ‘Roses’ if you love (vegan) ice cream’
- churrosandmor.com • Instagram • Facebook • contact@churrosandmor.com 250-986-9455
- Mon & Thurs Noon – 7.00. Fri – Sat – Sun 10.00 – 20.00 Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Hours may vary by season.
- Now available via Uber Eats, DoorDash & SkiptheDishes!
- Created in a 100% gluten-free, vegan setting.
Lifestyle Markets • 343 Cook St • 250-381-5450 • See map
- Since 1995, Lifestyle Markets on offers the most comprehensive selection of gluten-free flours and baking ingredients in British Columbia. Their location in the heart of Cook Street Village may be smaller but there are still hundreds of amazing organic foods, supplements and natural body care. Order anything you like to be brought in! Learn more …
- LifestyleMarkets.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
- View Lifestyle Markets Gluten-Free Product List
- View Lifestyle Markets Gluten-Free Sales
- View the Complete Lifestyle Markets Flyer
- View Lifestyle Markets Complete Product List
- Read Lifestyle Markets’ Blog
- Visit the store on Video!
- Lifestyle Markets on Douglas • Lifestyle Select in Sidney