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.

100% Gluten-Free Option at Rifflandia! Taco Revolution! 

Friday, September 16 – 2pm to 9:30pm
Saturday, September 17 – noon to 9:30pm
Sunday, September 18 – 2pm to 9:00pm

rifflandia.com • Instagram • Facebook.com • Twitter

Most Mondays & Tuesdays – Find Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck parked outside Red Arrow Brewing (5255 Chaster Road) for their famous tacos at Red Arrow Brewery.  Hours can vary. Call Red Beer Brewing to confirm at (250) 597-0037. Learn more!

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.

TUESDAYS! Tacos are just $3 each – instead of the regular $4 – at Red Arrow Brewery.

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

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!

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.

100% Gluten-Free Option at Rifflandia! Taco Revolution! 

Friday, September 16 – 2pm to 9:30pm
Saturday, September 17 – noon to 9:30pm
Sunday, September 18 – 2pm to 9:00pm

rifflandia.com • Instagram • Facebook.com • Twitter

Most Mondays & Tuesdays – Find Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck parked outside Red Arrow Brewing (5255 Chaster Road) for their famous tacos at Red Arrow Brewery.  Hours can vary. Call Red Beer Brewing to confirm at (250) 597-0037. Learn more!

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.

TUESDAYS! Tacos are just $3 each – instead of the regular $4 – at Red Arrow Brewery.

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

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!

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.

100% Gluten-Free Option at Rifflandia! Taco Revolution! 

Friday, September 16 – 2pm to 9:30pm
Saturday, September 17 – noon to 9:30pm
Sunday, September 18 – 2pm to 9:00pm

rifflandia.com • Instagram • Facebook.com • Twitter

Most Mondays & Tuesdays – Find Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck parked outside Red Arrow Brewing (5255 Chaster Road) for their famous tacos at Red Arrow Brewery.  Hours can vary. Call Red Beer Brewing to confirm at (250) 597-0037. Learn more!

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.

TUESDAYS! Tacos are just $3 each – instead of the regular $4 – at Red Arrow Brewery.

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

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!

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.

Enjoy baguettes, bars, biscuits, breads, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies, sourdough, and best of all – MINI DONUTS!

How to order!

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Ordering information & locations

Market & Event Appearances!

• B-glutenfreevictoria ongoing appearances throughout greater Victoria! CLICK HERE!
• TODAY’S APPEARANCES!

RIFFLANDIA RE-LOVE MARKET

Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14 from 11am – 5pm
Rifflandia Showroom at 2514 Rock Bay Ave, Victoria (Matullia Lands)
FREE! Open to the public!

Facebook • Instagram

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin, Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember. Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering, always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her. Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries? Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities below, order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her table during her busy market schedule this summer.

Enjoy baguettes, bars, biscuits, breads, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies, sourdough, and best of all – MINI DONUTS!

How to order!

• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Ordering information & locations

Market & Event Appearances!

• B-glutenfreevictoria ongoing appearances throughout greater Victoria! CLICK HERE!
• TODAY’S APPEARANCES!

RIFFLANDIA RE-LOVE MARKET

Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14 from 11am – 5pm
Rifflandia Showroom at 2514 Rock Bay Ave, Victoria (Matullia Lands)
FREE! Open to the public!

Facebook • Instagram

About Tanja!

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’

Tanja Blondin, Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember. Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.

With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering, always with the best in presentation.

When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.

Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her. Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!

What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries? Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:

• almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour

Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!

View the possibilities below, order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her table during her busy market schedule this summer.