The CCA’s GF 101 Sessions are normally  ‘Members Only’ BUT because we know that so many people need this kind of support, we have opened up the webinar to the public. Everyone welcome! Who is Ellen Bayens?

Communication is the key ingredient to every successful gluten-free restaurant meal. When diners, chefs and servers are able to collaborate on what is required and what can be reasonably delivered, there is cause for celebration!

But where to begin?

The following is a list of suggested questions to help Start the Conversation on Celiac-Friendly Dining©. In very short order, the responses you receive will allow you to gage any given restaurant’s degree of  gluten awareness – and willingness.  For the very best outcome, call ahead or take your host or server aside before ordering.

NOTE: Restaurants that have carefully researched how to serve us love going into detail. If your questions are met with impatience and exasperation – go with your gut. When restaurants get gluten free right, reward them generously!

Question #1

• Please tell me about the meals  you recommend to diners who need to eat gluten free?

Ingredients

• What ingredients will be used to make my order?
• How do staff  know whether ingredients are really gluten free?
  • Says so on labels?
  • Checked product website?
  • Called the manufacturer?
  • Checked with The Celiac Scene? The CCA?
• Will pure spices, prepared seasonings or soy sauce made from wheat be used to make my meal?
• What other food items are cooked in the oil that ‘gluten-free’ items are cooked in?
• How are sauces and dressings thickened?

Procedures

• How will my server communicate with the kitchen that a gluten-free order has been placed?
• How are gluten-free orders prepared in relation to the regular flow of the kitchen?
• Will staff wash their hands / change gloves / change aprons clean surfaces before preparing my order?
• How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing my food are free from any trace of gluten?
  • Separate or scrubbed frying pan? Griddle scrubbed? Aluminum foil barrier? Dedicated pots? Dedicated colanders?
• What other precautions do staff take to minimize / prevent cross contamination?
• How will my server confirm with the kitchen that the order they are collecting has been prepared gluten free?
• How will my server confirm that the order they are delivering to me is gluten free?
  

How did the restaurant learn how to meet the needs of gluten-free diners?

• Through The Celiac Scene? Canadian Celiac Association?
• Registered dietitian? Local health authority?
• Staff members with celiac disease?
  

Questions Specific to Pizza Restaurants 

• The risk of cross contamination with airborne gluten flour is HIGH. Partake only if strict protocols are in place to protect your safety.
• Are ‘gluten-free’ crusts prepared on-site? 
  • During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days?
  • See questions in Ingredient section above.
• Are pre-made ‘gluten-free’ crusts purchased from a dedicated gluten-free manufacturer? Who is the manufacturer?
• How are gluten-free sauces and toppings prepared?
  • During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days
  • See questions in Ingredient section above.
• How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing gluten-free orders are free of any trace of gluten?
• How are utensils, crusts, sauces and toppings protected from cross-contamination with gluten while waiting to be used?
• How will my order be protected from cross-contamination with gluten once it has been prepared and/or while waiting to be served?

If the prospect of grilling restaurants about their gluten-free friendliness feels intimidating, you’ve got options!

Visit The Celiac Scene for restaurants that enjoy an excellent reputation within Victoria and Vancouver Island’s celiac community.

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies to dine with a gluten-free group at carefully vetted restaurants. With more than 100 Meet-Ups under our belts, choose from a huge inventory of tried and tested celiac-friendly restaurants.

Canada’s Premier Vegan and Sustainability Expo Sunday, May 5th 10:00am to 5:00 pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

Learn more about Vegexpo.ca

• Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Wise Bites is a baker and distributor of delicious, healthy food products based in Richmond, B.C. Their products are safe for those with any of the eleven most common allergies and sensitivities – and to help everyone satisfy their cravings for a healthy snack or dessert. Learn more …

• CERTIFICATIONS: Gluten‐Free, Vegan, NON‐GMO, Kosher, HACCP
• FREE from the Top 11 Allergens
• HIGH in protein, fibre & iron
• LOW in sugar, fat & sodium – sweetened mostly with dates
• NUTRITIONAL VALUE – use only healthy, clean ingredients
• CONVENIENTLY PACKAGED – grab n’ go snacks – School Safe (Nut‐Free)
• DEDICATED FACILTY – no risk of cross contamination
• THAW & SERVE products for bakery

Don’t miss the debut of Chef Pola’s Gluten-Free Granola at Booth #120

Catch Chef Pola’s Main Stage Presentation at 12:30pm
How Food Choices and Daily Habits can Create Better Health and Balance

Vegan Rob’s – Booth #117

• Entrepreneur Robert Ehrlich had already created several of the most iconic snack brands of the past generation but like Chef Pola Culinary, Rob wanted to launch a new snack food focused on nutrition and compassion.
• His goals were simple: love yourself, our planet and all living things. Then make a product that was delicious, gluten-free and a whole lot of fun. Learn more here!

Sorbatto – Booth #116

• Sorbatto™ Frosty Blue is created with the whole blueberry – all of the flavor, plus all the antioxidant-rich nutrients! Frosty Blue isn’t a sorbet, and it isn’t a gelato. It’s a bold, yet smooth fruit experience in a league all its own. Frosty Blue begins with the blueberry’s natural pectins and fiber, creating a rich, creamy, texture all by itself, without the use of syrup (like sorbet) or dairy (like gelato).
• Plant-based products, straight from the Yakima valley in Washington State to your freezer! Learn more here.

Hertel Meats is celebrating summer this Saturday at Thrifty Foods’ new Belmont location! They’re cooking up their very best bacon – always gluten-free, dairy-free with no added MSG! Catch them outside at 3011 Merchant Way in Langford.

Country Fresh, Naturally The Best!

Established in 1967, Port Alberni’s Hertel Meats pioneered the curing of meats without MSG and lead the way with dairy-free, gluten-free, preservative-free sausages. Their bacon? To die for! Who needs chocolate!

Hertel Meats – Member of  Thrifty Foods ‘Pick BC First Hall of Fame!

Hertel Meats Ltd. was created in 1967, a small family enterprise, providing slaughter, cutting & wrapping, and further processing, of beef, pork and game for local farmers and hunters.

• In the mid 80’s, Tom Hertel recognized and responded to a need he saw in his customers, developing Hertel’s now renowned line of fresh sausages processed without wheat gluten, lactose (milk) products, or artificial preservatives. 
• He also created a naturally smoked bacon cured without the use of sodium nitrite, nitrate or other chemical preservatives which quickly established itself as a top seller and remains in high demand today.
• Hertels was also a pioneer in the production of products seasoned without the use of Monosodium Glutamate. (MSG), a trend that was soon imitated by many other major meat processing plants.

Hertel Meats is renowned among Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland Grocery Retailers for the freshness and availability of their top quality wholesale fresh pork cuts.

Hertel Meats is a proud sponsor of The Celiac Scene and the Canadian Celiac Association’s Gluten-Free Living Classes.

• HertelMeats.ca
• Where to Buy
• About Hertel Meats
• Hertel’s Product Listing
• Cooking & Carving
• Facebook • Instagram
• Contact 1-866-723-9698
• Order Form

SAUSAGES*

Pork Sausage • Breakfast Sausage • Cocktail • Honey & Garlic • Apple & • Cinnamon • Maple & Brown Sugar • Bratwurst • BBQ Bratwurst • Hot Italian • Mild Italian • Chorizo • Turkey

• *British Bangers, Tomato Basil and Rosemary Garlic Sausages contain wheat crumbs. Careful practices are in place to prevent cross contamination.

BACON

• Thick Cut Bacon • Uncured Bacon • Ayreshire Bacon • Back Bacon • Piece Bacon • Piece Back Bacon •

HAM

• Bone-In Ham • Boneless Ham • E-Z Carve Ham • Smoked Picnics • Cottage Roll • Kassler Loin • Smoked Pork Chops • Smoked Ribs • Smoked Jowls • Smoked Hocks •

Where to Purchase Hertel Meats Products

Mother Nature’s Market & Deli Celebrates 7 Years in Cook Street 

9am to 10pm – Sunday & Monday, September 1st & 2nd – 15% Storewide Discount

Be Healthy, Go Natural! It makes a difference!

Natural Foods, Organic Produce and Local Products. 

Mother Nature’s Market and Deli is committed to making every shopping experience a positive one. Proud to offer local and natural foods, Mother Nature’s feature organic fruits and vegetables and a wide selection of meat, fish and poultry, all non-medicated and ethically raised.

Competitive pricing values both the work and dedication of the producer (go farmers!) and the consumer, with no artificial ingredients, additives, GMO’s, preservatives or pesticides.

Gluten-free meal solutions, baking and snacks can be found throughout the store and enjoyed outside on surrounding patios while watching the world go by.

Cook Street Location – Think Paris in Victoria! 250-590-7390

 mothernaturesbc.ca • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram• Mother Nature’s Flyer • Location & Hours

• Tuesdays are Senior and Student Day at Mother Nature’s! Receive a discount of 7%!
• Thursdays are Family Appreciation Days! Shop over $50 and receive a 10% discount!

Mother Nature’s is  committed to supporting both local farmers and suppliers and offering our customers excellent service and the healthiest products available. Staff does their best to make every shopping experience a happy one. Mother Nature’s is gentle on the environment and always provides a positive face to the community.

Our Vision – Healthy store, happy staff, exceptional customer service, sustainable products, satisfied customers.

Our Mission – Provide top-quality natural foods, organic produce and local products priced competitively, both to value the work and dedication of the producer, and meet the needs of the consumer.

Our Goals

• Support local producers and growers, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture and the local economy and reducing our environmental footprint.
• Provide our customers with access to healthy and local foods offered in a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Hire and retain well-trained, knowledgeable staff who excel in providing exceptional customer service.
• Foster a work environment that promotes health and wellness and evokes teamwork, loyalty and pride in the workplace.
• Provide all staff with the opportunity to grow within the structure of Mother Nature’s Market and Deli through continuous quality improvement and recognition of individual and team efforts.

Become a Natures Lover! Membership is free!

• Add the handy Nature Lovers’ member card to your key chain and earn valuable points each time you shop.  Points earned can be redeemed toward future purchases.
• Receive 10 points for every dollar you spend. Donate or redeem 1000 points for $1.00.
• SILVER LEVEL – Spend $500 within one month and receive a discount of 2% on all your purchase in the following month.
• GOLD LEVEL – Spend $750 within one month receive a discount of 5% on all your purchases in the following month.
• Students and Seniors need only $ 200 (Silver) or $ 350 (Gold) to achieve the respective levels
• Click here for more information

Mother Nature’s Market & Deli Celebrates 7 Years in Cook Street 

9am to 10pm – Sunday & Monday, September 1st & 2nd – 15% Storewide Discount

Be Healthy, Go Natural! It makes a difference!

Natural Foods, Organic Produce and Local Products. 

Mother Nature’s Market and Deli is committed to making every shopping experience a positive one. Proud to offer local and natural foods, Mother Nature’s feature organic fruits and vegetables and a wide selection of meat, fish and poultry, all non-medicated and ethically raised.

Competitive pricing values both the work and dedication of the producer (go farmers!) and the consumer, with no artificial ingredients, additives, GMO’s, preservatives or pesticides.

Gluten-free meal solutions, baking and snacks can be found throughout the store and enjoyed outside on surrounding patios while watching the world go by.

Cook Street Location – Think Paris in Victoria! 250-590-7390

 mothernaturesbc.ca • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram• Mother Nature’s Flyer • Location & Hours

• Tuesdays are Senior and Student Day at Mother Nature’s! Receive a discount of 7%!
• Thursdays are Family Appreciation Days! Shop over $50 and receive a 10% discount!

Mother Nature’s is  committed to supporting both local farmers and suppliers and offering our customers excellent service and the healthiest products available. Staff does their best to make every shopping experience a happy one. Mother Nature’s is gentle on the environment and always provides a positive face to the community.

Our Vision – Healthy store, happy staff, exceptional customer service, sustainable products, satisfied customers.

Our Mission – Provide top-quality natural foods, organic produce and local products priced competitively, both to value the work and dedication of the producer, and meet the needs of the consumer.

Our Goals

• Support local producers and growers, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture and the local economy and reducing our environmental footprint.
• Provide our customers with access to healthy and local foods offered in a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Hire and retain well-trained, knowledgeable staff who excel in providing exceptional customer service.
• Foster a work environment that promotes health and wellness and evokes teamwork, loyalty and pride in the workplace.
• Provide all staff with the opportunity to grow within the structure of Mother Nature’s Market and Deli through continuous quality improvement and recognition of individual and team efforts.

Become a Natures Lover! Membership is free!

• Add the handy Nature Lovers’ member card to your key chain and earn valuable points each time you shop.  Points earned can be redeemed toward future purchases.
• Receive 10 points for every dollar you spend. Donate or redeem 1000 points for $1.00.
• SILVER LEVEL – Spend $500 within one month and receive a discount of 2% on all your purchase in the following month.
• GOLD LEVEL – Spend $750 within one month receive a discount of 5% on all your purchases in the following month.
• Students and Seniors need only $ 200 (Silver) or $ 350 (Gold) to achieve the respective levels
• Click here for more information

The BC Chapter of the Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is pleased to announce a Christmas Crafts & Cookies Meet Up on Thursday December 12th 6-8pm at BC Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver. See Map.

This group is for children ages 5 – 12 and it is not a support group, but rather is a place for positive peer relations for kids and their parents.

The cookies and decorating supplies have been generously donated by Jenna – owner of Delish Gluten Free Bakery.

Please RSVP to Jasmine at celiackidsconnect@vancouverceliac.ca by no later than December 5th so that we know how many supplies we need. You’ll be provided with the exact room number on the bottom floor of the Ambulatory Building (Starbucks & GI building) at that time.

Free for CCA members. $5 for non-members.

info@vancouverceliac.ca • (604) 736-2229 • (877) 736-2240 toll-free within British Columbia 

The Vancouver Chapter is proposing to have a meet up group for teens ages 13 – 18 as well. We would like to assess interest in this. If you could also respond to this email to let us know if your teenager would like to meet up with other teens with celiac disease, we would appreciate hearing from you. Contact celiackidsconnect@vancouverceliac.ca