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!
APOLOGIES TO ALL! BENJAMIN”S BITES WILL NOT BE APPEARING. Special orders up to Christmas still welcome at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.
benjaminsbites.com • Facebook • Twitter
Benjamin’s Bites Cookies and Brownies are made with documented to be 100% gluten-free, peanut/tree nut free, soy-free ingredients. These vegan treats are produced in a “home kitchen,” using a strict cross-contamination prevention protocol. For further information, please contact Benjamin’s Bites directly at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.
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Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sesame-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfite-Free
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Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, GMO free
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Camino chocolate is organic and fair trade from LaSiembra Cooperative
- Complete Ingredient List: GF flours (rice, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum), vegan margarine or palm shortening, vegan sugar, flax, chia, water, cocoa, chocolate, organic apples, GF oats, cinnamon, chai spice, raisins, coconut milk, non-gmo canola oil, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, sunflower butter, skittles candy, molasses, custard powder, coconut, vegan icing sugar.
Benjamin’s Bites’ Back Story
Benjamin’s Bites Cookies were borne out of necessity. At fourteen months, Tony and Debbie discovered that their son, Benjamin, had multiple food allergies. It was heartbreaking and frightening to see his body react with real physical symptoms.
After eliminating everything that Benjamin’s body was reacting to, the next step was to eat as many whole foods as possible. Debbie had always been a “label reader” but became increasingly concerned when she picked up product after product and realized, “No, he can’t have this.” It was challenging, but after searching they found a variety of foods which were safe for Benjamin. The one thing we were unable to find was a cookie which tasted both homemade and was also appealing to those without food intolerances. The family had some tough critics when it came to sweets. They were the perfect test subjects!
Like Debbie’s Grandma and Mom, I loved to bake. She challenged herself to create a cookie that contained no gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, or sulphites. The flour blends found in the stores just didn’t seem to have the taste she was searching for. Why not mill her own, she thought? She purchased a home grain mill and, after many combinations of grains, came up with ‘Benjamin’s Bites Flour Blend.’
Debbie began to bake cookies and bake cookies and bake cookies! After almost two years of test baking (and some real hockey pucks), she had a cookie that was free of gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sulphites. The best thing? It tasted really good.
Our mission has never changed: to create a gluten free/allergy friendly cookie that tasted homemade and used familiar and pronounceable ingredients.
They were developed for people who can’t eat a regular cookie due to allergies or gluten sensitivities, but the upshot is that people without food intolerances are enjoying them, too! We encourage everyone to taste Benjamin’s Bites Cookies, always checking the ingredients before sharing. We do have some tricks up our sleeves, so be on the lookout for more Benjamin’s Bites products soon.
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
- a delicious savory rice dish that is loaded with spicy marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and flavorful saffron rice.
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.”
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.
- 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!
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
- 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.
- 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!
Confirm daily locations at Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Facebook • Instagram • All appearances are weather dependent.
• Wednesday, June 5 – Departure Bay – One year anniversary! One dollar from every cone sold will go to Rain Coast Dog Rescue
Upcoming Standard Events
- Mondays & Tuesdays – Transfer Park in Ladysmith – 11am – 7pm
- Tuesdays – Parksville Summer by the Sea 6-9pm June 4 – August 27
- Thursdays – Commercial Street Night Market, Nanaimo Thursdays 5 – 9pm June 13, 20, June 27 | July 4, 11, 18, 25 | August 22
- Saturdays – Duncan Farmer’s Market from 9am – 2pm unless otherwise
- Sundays – Cedar Farmer’s Market 10am to 2pm May 12 to October 27
A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!
Jamie has switched to ORGANIC fruit, taking her soft serve flavours to a whole new level!
Mix your favourites – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, banana, mango or pineapple – with ice cream or vegan soft serve made with coconut and cashew ‘milk.’ Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.
NEW! Pre-order ‘Pints-to-Go’ via https://mizu-real-fruit-ice-cream.square.site!
Book the Mizu Trailer for your special event! Contact Jamie at Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212 • Instagram
Mizu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream trailer is often at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach, but please confirm today’s location via 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!
- 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 sealed, labelled bin, entirely 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.
- 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!
Confirm daily locations at Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Facebook • Instagram • All appearances are weather dependent.
• Wednesday, June 5 – Departure Bay – One year anniversary! One dollar from every cone sold will go to Rain Coast Dog Rescue
Upcoming Standard Events
- Mondays & Tuesdays – Transfer Park in Ladysmith – 11am – 7pm
- Tuesdays – Parksville Summer by the Sea 6-9pm June 4 – August 27
- Thursdays – Commercial Street Night Market, Nanaimo Thursdays 5 – 9pm June 13, 20, June 27 | July 4, 11, 18, 25 | August 22
- Saturdays – Duncan Farmer’s Market from 9am – 2pm unless otherwise
- Sundays – Cedar Farmer’s Market 10am to 2pm May 12 to October 27
A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!
Jamie has switched to ORGANIC fruit, taking her soft serve flavours to a whole new level!
Mix your favourites – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, banana, mango or pineapple – with ice cream or vegan soft serve made with coconut and cashew ‘milk.’ Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.
NEW! Pre-order ‘Pints-to-Go’ via https://mizu-real-fruit-ice-cream.square.site!
Book the Mizu Trailer for your special event! Contact Jamie at Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212 • Instagram
Mizu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream trailer is often at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach, but please confirm today’s location via 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!
- 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 sealed, labelled bin, entirely 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.
- 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!