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!
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.
10th Annual Island Showcase
3829 Cadboro Bay Road – 10am to 2pm
Pepper’s Foods is gathering the local products that we love, putting them under a giant tent outside the store!
Sample and save on your gluten-free faves!
Daksha’s Gourmet Spices • From the Earth Curry • Holy Homous • Laughing Daughters
Millstone Organics • Mocolate • Salt Spring Harvest Pate • Yeshi Dressing
Take advantage of this week’s sales while you are here!
Click on image to enlarge
Pepper’s Foods has been bringing the best in local gluten free to customers in Cadboro Bay since 1962.
A bustling market at 3829 Cadboro Bay Road, steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
• Sale on Gluten-Free Items
• Weekly Specials
• Gluten-Free Product List
• Deliveries to Your Door
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• 10% Student discount EVERY day!
• 10% Senior’s discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.”
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- Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
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Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
Click for more information
Sample Bake My Day’s fabulous gluten-free sausage rolls & turnovers at Fairway Market on Mckenzie in Victoria from 10am to 2pm, Friday, September 6th.
Enjoy these sumptuous delicacies on the spot and / or purchase ready-to-bake versions to take home and savor, warm from your own oven.
- Outlet Store at 3030 Dogwood Road, Duncan (Tuesday to Saturday 7am to 3pm)
- Vancouver Island – Order Online for Delivery or Pickup
- Online Store for BC & Alberta – Open 24 / 7
- Complete Market & Craft Fair Schedule …
- Carrying retailers, restaurants and cafés …
Follow Bake My Day on Facebook • Catch Bake My Day on Twitter • Instagram
VICTORIA & DUNCAN
Bake My Day is now listed with the Cowichan Co-op Marketplace (Cow-op). Order online and pick up your selection at central locations.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Order online from Friday 12pm to Tuesday midnight 12am (PST).
- Victoria Customers pick up orders on Thursdays between noon-5pm at Olive the Senses (1701 Douglas St.).
- Duncan customers pick up between 3-6pm at Cowichan Green Community (360 Duncan St).
BC and Alberta! Order Bake My Day Online – Delivered to your Door!
Puff Pastry Tips from Dale!
- “If you have time, it’s best to thaw puff pastry overnight in the fridge.
- If you don’t have time, thaw it on the counter until it’s pliable enough to unfold without cracking, but still cool to the touch. Keep a close eye on it — if the dough feels very limp, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help it firm up again.
- One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving it on the counter for too long. A room-temperature atmosphere will cause the puff pastry to wilt and become floppy. That, in turn, will make the layers stick, and render it almost impossible to work with. If your puff pastry gets too soft, return it to the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before moving forward.
- Lightly roll out the puff pastry: Dust the top of the puff with just a little GF flour, then use a rolling pin to lightly roll. Puff pastry should be rolled out to approx. 4-5 mm depth.
- Follow any puff pastry recipe, remembering that ALL pastry (gluten-free or not) bakes off flakiest when chilled for a short time before baking in a hot oven ie 10-15 min in freezer first after making your ‘creation.’
- If you’re making a filled pastry, like a pot pie, for example, cut a few vents in the dough so hot air can escape and circulate as it bakes. If you skip this step, and you’ll have a soggy interior.
- We generally egg wash pastry before baking to give it that yummy golden colour
- A very general rule for baking the puff pastry is the following – bear in mind that oven temperatures vary.
- Set the oven to 200° C (400° F – gas 6) and bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes to 25 minutes. Check after 20 minutes as it’s easy to burn the edges from cooking for too long.
- Scraps can be gathered up and be reused. Make sure that scraps are layered on top of each other – not scrunched up into a ball, before re-rolling.”
Ready to Eat!
Ready to Bake!
House of Yee’s Pop Up Potsticker Sale is Back!
- Saturday, November 14 from 1 – 3pm
- South Park Elementary School
- 508 Douglas Street
- ORDER FORM: https://houseofyeefinefoods.square.site
- Order deadline Thursday, November 12 at 6pm
A gluten-free first! Introducing House of Yee Premium Dumplings! Braised Shiitake Mushrooms with Pork or Chicken. Vegan Shiitake, Gold or Jade.
Gluten Free • No MSG • Handcrafted • Dumpling Sauce included for an Asian kick!
Coming Soon to Retailers in Victoria!
House of Yee • Where to Buy • Facebook • Instagram • christine@houseofyee.ca
Dumplings vs. Potstickers!
Dumplings are doughy on the outside and filled with vegetable or meat on the inside. Potstickers are an Asian twist on the concept; stir-fried so that they are crispy on the outside. No matter the name, if you are in the mood for a delicious pocket of gluten-free, doughy goodness, you’ll have your fill with House of Yee’s Dumplings.
Cooking Instructions
Frozen when purchased, they are ready to eat in minutes. Instructional video on Google or Facebook
- Place non-stick pan on medium heat
- Add 1 TBSP oil
- Arrange frozen dumplings in pan so that they are not touching
- Add 1/2 cup cold water
- Cover and boil 6 minutes
- Remove lid, turn heat to high and fry to desired crispness
- Arrange on a platter along with House of Yee’s Dumpling Sauce
- Enjoy!
Braised Shiitake with Chicken
Filled with chicken thigh, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Braised Shiitake with Pork
Filled with marbled pork, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Vegan Braised Shiitake with Vegetables
Filled with braised shiitake mushrooms, kale, cabbage, shanghai bok choy, wood ear mushrooms and carrots.
Golden Vegan Dumplings
Filled with coconut red curry, chickpea and spinach in a turmeric wrap.
Jade Vegan Dumplings
Miso braised tofu with brown rice, edamame beans and water chestnuts in a spinach wrap. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.
Dumpling Sauce
Tamari, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil and Sugar, water. Use for dipping or as a vinaigrette for salads!
Metro Vancouver Tasting Events & Markets
New West, Riley Park, West End, Coquitlam, Mt. Pleasant and more!
Follow House of Yee on Facebook for Upcoming Dates
Pre-Order for Markets via Direct Message on Instagram
The House of Yee Story
House of Yee is a 3rd generation Canadian business that strives to produce high quality health food without compromising the texture, flavour and taste of traditional Asian cuisine. All their dumplings are made in a dedicated gluten-free production facility, using the freshest local ingredients, meat and poultry. House of Yee pride themselves on innovation and a continued ability to adapt to the healthy lifestyles of customers.
About Christine Yee, Founder
“My parents owned a Chinese Canadian restaurant in Regina, Saskatchewan. My dad would cook in the back with my brothers while I served in the front with my mom and sister. My parents were always at the restaurant, just trying to make ends meet. I have a lot of respect for people who run restaurants. It was a lot of hard work but it just wasn’t for me.
I went into real estate but one morning at 5am, I woke up and thought “I’m going to start a healthy food line” and somehow gluten-free dumplings just came to me. I went from real estate deals to researching gluten-free recipes. A really steep learning curve. It was like trying to build a house by yourself that no one’s built before, and then trying to sell it. I never realized it was so much work!
When the time came to name my business, I naturally chose House of Yee as a way to honour my hard working parents and grandparents. I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour!”
