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!
Mid-Island Celiac Support Group Christmas Celebration!
• Sunday, November 24, 5-9pm
• Longwood Brew Pub at 5775 Turner Rd, Nanaimo
Join this happy gang for a 100% gluten-free buffet!
• 2 Salads
• 3 Hot Entrees
• Roast Potatoes
• Rice Pilaf
• Seasonal Vegetables
• Dessert Squares & Cakes, Tea & Coffee.
• $31.95/person – children charged by age i.e. $12 for 12 year-olds.
• Spirits extra.
Re-Gift Exchange!
Men’s to be wrapped in red. Women’s in white. If you bring a gift, you take one home with you. Always fun!
RSVP Annie 250-240-0708 or at annezahara@shaw.ca by November 18th.
Only 30 seats available in Longwood’s exclusive private dining room.
Known as the Jewel in the Crown of Longwood Station, the brewpub starts with stunning views of the Vancouver Island mountain range and spectacular sunsets nestled beside a cozy rock fireplace. It’s all set up to offer an environment to enjoy the brewing and culinary excellence they’ve become famous for, one of Nanaimo’s premier destinations.
🌮. Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at FernFest. Meet the Maker, Chef Israel!
🌮. Saturday, June 25 from noon to ‘sold out’ at Fernwood Rd & Gladstone Ave
🌮. What are tamales? A traditional Mexican dish made with a (gluten-free) corn-based dough mixture, filled with a chicken, beef, refried beans, then wrapped in a banana leaf. Enjoy with your fave sauce, rice, guacamole or all of the above!
Details • Facebook • Instagram
- Fernwood’s annual neighbourhood celebration is celebrating 25 years of arts, music, and community! We will be grooving with musicians, performers, food, beer, theatre, artists, magic, kid’s zone, face painting,an artisan market, games, bubbles, walking tours, a silent auction, and more! There is no better place to be on the summer solstice weekend – June 24 & 25, 2022. Join us as Fernwood is transformed into a 2-day extravaganza of fun with all your best neighbours and friends! All of Victoria is invited to join us for this free event with activities for all ages during the summer solstice.
“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
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
SHOP ONLINE for everything you need to ‘A-MAiiZ!’
CARRYING RETAILERS & RESTAURANTS!
PATIO DINING! Enjoy your take-out and watch the world go by. First come first served. Reservations accepted.
• Education | History | Culture
• MAiiZ’ Recipe Collection
• Subscribe to MAiiZ’ Mail
• MAiiZ Gift Card
• Watch MAiiZ’ Amazing video collection!
• Learn more about MAiiZ …
• Read the Review in the Times Colonist
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
Carrying Retailers (call ahead to confirm)
- MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map
- Beauregard Cafe & Provisions
- Charelli’s Cheese Shop & Delicatessen
- Coco’s Provisions
- Cold Comfort Canteen
- Community Farm Store (Duncan)
- Country Grocer (Royal Oak & Esquimalt)
- Fairway Markets (all locations)
- Farm and Field Butcher
- For Good Measure James Bay
- Great Greens Farm Market
- Lifestyle Markets
- Michell’s Farm Market
- Mother Nature’s Market & Deli
- Mt Doug Market
- Neighbourly Store
- Niche Grocerant
- NomadEx
- Old Farm Market (Oak Bay)
- Peppers Foods
- Pomme Natural Markets Nanaimo
- Rock Bay Market
- The Local General Store
- The Market Garden
- The Root Cellar
- Urban Grocer
- more …
What exactly is Nixtamalization?
- Corn holds the memory of culture, tradition, indigenous practices and history for many in Mexico. Nixtamalization, masa, fresh cooked tortillas; these textures and smells are ingrained within the best culinary experiences and come from a place of memory and authenticity.
- Nixtamalization is the process of chemically transforming dried corn kernels into a dough which is then used in a wide variety of Mexican dishes.
- Dried corn kernels is boiled in an alkaline solution using pickling lime (also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide) and then left to soak overnight. When the corn is drained and rinsed some of the outer membrane layer is loosened and rubbed off. Corn that has gone through this process is now called nixtamal, or in some cultures, hominy.
- The wet nixtamal is then ground to a dough using a specialized mill. The result is a silky, slightly elastic fresh “masa” dough that squiggles out the grinder. The masa is shaped into small balls called testalitos and pressed to create fragrant, soft, flavourful tortillas with a unique smell of Mexico!
How does this change the corn?
- The nixtamalization process not only transforms corn structurally, but also nutritionally. Corn on its own is seen as a low source of nutrition, often associated with pellagra, a disease caused by vitamin B3 deficiency common to impoverished communities where the process of nixtamalization was not introduced with corn.
- This issue can be traced back to the colonization of the Americas when corn was taken by Europeans to grow as a crop around the globe, but the nixtamalization process was not. This resulted in widespread disease and malnutrition. Through the process of nixtamalization the calcium in corn is increased as is the quality of protein absorbed by the body. Additionally, phytic acid is reduced making it easier for the body to absorb important minerals unlocked by the alkaline solution used during the nixtamalization process.
What is the cultural importance?
- “When you are an immigrant you go through a lot of stages to find an identity in your new home. The part of my life that I could not find was my diet. I could adapt to a different climate, harsh weather, assimilate into the culture and learn a new language, but deep inside of me nixtamal was missing. There is so much history and culture behind this process which is the foundation of Mexican Cuisine. The aroma, texture, flavour and feeling of a fresh Nixtamal Tortilla doesn’t compare to anything else, it’s like freshly brewed coffee when you’ve had instant coffee all your life. This transformative experience is something that everyone deserves.
Find Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck parked outside Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre during Crafted Farmhouse Market!
Friday, March 10, 2023 from 5-9pm
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). Pick up in person.
Taco Revolution tacos are so good you will want them every day, and that’s possible: Keep tabs on Taco Revolution no matter where they go!
Taco Revolution Website • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter
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! Learn
Classic Beef
Chicken Tinga
Cochinita Pibil
Refried Bean
Chorizo Vegetariano
Carne Asada
Grilled Fish
Pork Belly
Al Pastor, Jerk Chicken, Braised Lamb …
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 tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own kitchen! All 100% gluten free! LEARN MORE HERE!
Taco Revolution Caters!
We cater weddings, birthday parties, staff parties, corporate events and all other kinds of public and private occasions. Taco Revolution takes care of your guests with their “All-you-can-eat taco parties.” Like having an open bar, but with tacos!
We are flexible! Wedding by the beach? No problem! Over 300 guests? We’ve done it! Exclusively vegan menu? You got it! Guests with allergies? We can certainly accommodate!
Easy is their middle name! Taco Revolution provides all necessary biodegradable service ware (plates, napkins, forks, etc.) and for an extra cost we can provide non-alcoholic drinks as well. Let them give you the peace of mind you deserve during your event!
Tell Us About Your Event
We’d love to hear about your upcoming event. Let us know your event date, tentative number of guest, preferred service time and venue location.
Email us at: uprise@tacorevolution.ca or if you prefer, phone us at: 1(833)822-6738 (toll free) We would be happy to share our details!
Taco Rev provides service in Sidney, Victoria, Sooke, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Comox/Courtenay, and anywhere in between.
