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!

Jan
19
Sat
Gluten-Free Living Class @ Thrifty Foods
Jan 19 @ 9:45 am – 12:00 pm

2019 Class Schedule: Saturdays on February 23, March 16, May 11, June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19 & November 16.

Gluten Free Living Classes

Learn How to Be Gluten Free! Two-hour information sessions are open to anyone adversely affected by gluten: celiacs, gluten sensitive, and the wheat allergic. No diagnosis needed. Taught by the experts – volunteers with the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Receive information, optimism and plenty of gluten-free goodies to go from The Celiac Scene. Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com for more information.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas • Bake My Day • Bard’s BeerBig Wheel Burger • Canadian Celiac AssociationCare BakeryCascadia Gluten-Free Foods • Chef Pola Culinary • Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery • Corn Thins by Real Foods • Country Grocer • Deep Cove Market • Duinkerken Foods • Floating Fish Store • Gluten Free Resource Directory Canada • Glutenull • Grimm’s Fine Foods • Hertel Meats • Hornby Organic • Joint Pizzeria • Judy G Gluten-Free • Lifestyle Market & Select Stores • MCLEAN MEATS • Mother Nature’s Market & Deli • Noodle Box • O’Doughs • Okanagan Rawsome • Pepper’s Foods • Pirate Chips Nanaimo • Pomme Natural Foods Nanaimo • Portofino Tested-to-Be-Gluten-Free • Rawthentic Eatery • Rock Cod Cafe • Route 14 Sooke • Royal Nuts • Royal Spice Indian Restaurant • Schar Canada • Selena De Vries, RD • Six Mile Pub • Stella’s Perogies • Taco Revolution Food Truck • Taste – A Place For Coffee • The Market Stores • Thrifty Foods • TOTAL PREPARETwo Stickers • Union Street Grill • Wendel’s True Foods • Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro • Wise Bites • WOLF Meal Prep

Bake-My-Day-300x249Big-Wheel-Burger-Logo-300-x-250care bakeryCloud 9 Specialty BakeryCorn Thins 250 x 300Deep Cove MarketDuinkerken 250 x 300Glutenull Gluten-Free BakingGrimm's Fine Foodshertel-meatsHornby Organic LogoJudy G Gluten FreeLifestyle-Markets-Gluten-Free-Shelf-Tags-300-x-250McLean MeatsMother-Natures-300-x-250O'DoughsPeppers-300-x-250-2Pirate-Chips-Nanaimo 300 x 250Portofino-300-x-250Route 14 SookeRoyal NutsRoyal SpiceSchar 250 x 300Healthbean NutritionSix Mile Pub 300 x 250Stella's New Logo 2 250 x 300Taco Revolution 300 x 250Taste Logo 250 x 300Thrifty-Foods-New-LogoUnion Street Grill 300 x 250Wild-Poppy-300-x-250 copyWise-Bites-Logo-300-x-250WOLF Gluten-Free Meal Prep 250 x 300


Thrifty Foods Logo

Click on image for printer-friendly version

Gluten-free? Thrifty Foods has got you covered. Gluten-free living starts with gluten-free grocery shopping. To help make your next trip down the grocery aisle a little easier, print out or pick up an in-store copy of their Gluten-Free Grocery Guide.

That’s not all! To make the hunt for great gluten-free options even easier, Thrifty Foods has put GF (gluten-free) signs on the shelves to mark all of their gluten-free items.


Thrifty Foods Gluten-Free Services


About Thrifty Foods

Feb
23
Sat
Gluten-Free Living Class @ Thrifty Foods
Feb 23 @ 9:45 am – 12:00 pm

2019 Class Schedule: Saturdays on March 16, May 11, June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19 & November 16.

Gluten Free Living Classes

Learn How to Be Gluten Free! Two-hour information sessions are open to anyone adversely affected by gluten: celiacs, gluten sensitive, and the wheat allergic. No diagnosis needed. Taught by the experts – volunteers with the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Receive information, optimism and plenty of gluten-free goodies to go from The Celiac Scene. Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com for more information.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas • Bake My Day • Bard’s BeerBig Wheel Burger • Canadian Celiac AssociationCare BakeryCascadia Gluten-Free Foods • Chef Pola Culinary • Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery • Corn Thins by Real Foods • Country Grocer • Deep Cove Market • Duinkerken Foods • Floating Fish Store • Gluten Free Resource Directory Canada • Glutenull • Grimm’s Fine Foods • Hertel Meats • Hornby Organic • Joint Pizzeria • Judy G Gluten-Free • Lifestyle Market & Select Stores • MCLEAN MEATS • Mother Nature’s Market & Deli • Noodle Box • O’Doughs • Okanagan Rawsome • Pepper’s Foods • Pirate Chips Nanaimo • Pomme Natural Foods Nanaimo • Portofino Tested-to-Be-Gluten-Free • Rawthentic Eatery • Rock Cod Cafe • Route 14 Sooke • Royal Nuts • Royal Spice Indian Restaurant • Schar Canada • Selena De Vries, RD • Six Mile Pub • Stella’s Perogies • Taco Revolution Food Truck • Taste – A Place For Coffee • The Market Stores • Thrifty Foods • TOTAL PREPARETwo Stickers • Union Street Grill • Wendel’s True Foods • Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro • Wise Bites • WOLF Meal Prep

Bake-My-Day-300x249Big-Wheel-Burger-Logo-300-x-250care bakeryCloud 9 Specialty BakeryCorn Thins 250 x 300Deep Cove MarketDuinkerken 250 x 300Glutenull Gluten-Free BakingGrimm's Fine Foodshertel-meatsHornby Organic LogoJudy G Gluten FreeLifestyle-Markets-Gluten-Free-Shelf-Tags-300-x-250McLean MeatsMother-Natures-300-x-250O'DoughsPeppers-300-x-250-2Pirate-Chips-Nanaimo 300 x 250Portofino-300-x-250Route 14 SookeRoyal NutsRoyal SpiceSchar 250 x 300Healthbean NutritionSix Mile Pub 300 x 250Stella's New Logo 2 250 x 300Taco Revolution 300 x 250Taste Logo 250 x 300Thrifty-Foods-New-LogoUnion Street Grill 300 x 250Wild-Poppy-300-x-250 copyWise-Bites-Logo-300-x-250WOLF Gluten-Free Meal Prep 250 x 300


Thrifty Foods Logo

Click on image for printer-friendly version

Gluten-free? Thrifty Foods has got you covered. Gluten-free living starts with gluten-free grocery shopping. To help make your next trip down the grocery aisle a little easier, print out or pick up an in-store copy of their Gluten-Free Grocery Guide.

That’s not all! To make the hunt for great gluten-free options even easier, Thrifty Foods has put GF (gluten-free) signs on the shelves to mark all of their gluten-free items.


Thrifty Foods Gluten-Free Services


About Thrifty Foods

Mar
16
Sat
Gluten-Free Living Class @ Thrifty Foods
Mar 16 @ 9:45 am – 12:00 pm

Learn How to Be Gluten Free! Two-hour information sessions are open to anyone adversely affected by gluten: celiacs, gluten sensitive, and the wheat allergic. No diagnosis needed.

Next classes: May 11, June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19 & November 16.

Gluten Free Living Classes

Taught by the experts – volunteers with the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Receive information, optimism and plenty of gluten-free goodies to go from The Celiac Scene. Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com for more information.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas • Bake My Day • Bard’s BeerBig Wheel Burger • Canadian Celiac AssociationCare BakeryCascadia Gluten-Free Foods • Chef Pola Culinary • Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery • Corn Thins by Real Foods • Country Grocer • Deep Cove Market • Duinkerken Foods • Floating Fish Store • Gluten Free Resource Directory Canada • Glutenull • Grimm’s Fine Foods • Hertel Meats • Hornby Organic • Joint Pizzeria • Judy G Gluten-Free • Lifestyle Market & Select Stores • MCLEAN MEATS • Mother Nature’s Market & Deli • Noodle Box • O’Doughs • Pepper’s Foods • Pirate Chips Nanaimo • Pomme Natural Foods Nanaimo • Portofino Tested-to-Be-Gluten-Free • Rawthentic Eatery • Rock Cod Cafe • Royal Nuts • Royal Spice Indian Restaurant • Schar Canada • Selena De Vries, RD • Six Mile Pub • Stella’s Perogies • Taco Revolution Food Truck • Taste – A Place For Coffee • The Market Stores • Thrifty Foods • TOTAL PREPARETwo Stickers • Union Street Grill • Wendel’s True Foods • Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro • Wise Bites • WOLF Meal Prep

Bake-My-Day-300x249Big-Wheel-Burger-Logo-300-x-250care bakeryCloud 9 Specialty BakeryCorn Thins 250 x 300Deep Cove MarketDuinkerken 250 x 300Glutenull Gluten-Free BakingGrimm's Fine Foodshertel-meatsHornby Organic LogoJudy G Gluten FreeLifestyle-Markets-Gluten-Free-Shelf-Tags-300-x-250McLean MeatsMother-Natures-300-x-250O'DoughsPeppers-300-x-250-2Pirate-Chips-Nanaimo 300 x 250Portofino-300-x-250Royal NutsRoyal SpiceSchar 250 x 300Healthbean NutritionSix Mile Pub 300 x 250Stella's New Logo 2 250 x 300Taco Revolution 300 x 250Taste Logo 250 x 300Thrifty-Foods-New-LogoUnion Street Grill 300 x 250Wild-Poppy-300-x-250 copyWise-Bites-Logo-300-x-250WOLF Gluten-Free Meal Prep 250 x 300


Thrifty Foods Logo

Click on image for printer-friendly version

Gluten-free? Thrifty Foods has got you covered. Gluten-free living starts with gluten-free grocery shopping. To help make your next trip down the grocery aisle a little easier, print out or pick up an in-store copy of their Gluten-Free Grocery Guide.

That’s not all! To make the hunt for great gluten-free options even easier, Thrifty Foods has put GF (gluten-free) signs on the shelves to mark all of their gluten-free items.


Thrifty Foods Gluten-Free Services


About Thrifty Foods

May
11
Sat
Gluten-Free Living Class @ Canadian Celiac Association
May 11 @ 9:45 am – 12:00 pm

Learn How to Be Gluten Free! Two-hour information sessions are open to anyone adversely affected by gluten: celiacs, gluten sensitive, and the wheat allergic. No diagnosis needed.

Next classes: June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19 & November 16.

Gluten Free Living Classes

Taught by the experts – volunteers with the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Receive information, optimism and plenty of gluten-free goodies to go from The Celiac Scene. Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com for more information.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Abuelo’s Corn Tortillas • Bake My Day • Bard’s BeerBig Wheel Burger • Canadian Celiac AssociationCare Bakery • Chef Pola Culinary • Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery • Corn Thins by Real Foods • Country Grocer • Deep Cove Market • Duinkerken Foods • Floating Fish Store • Gluten Free Resource Directory Canada • Glutenull • Grimm’s Fine Foods • Hertel Meats • Hornby Organic • Joint Pizzeria • Judy G Gluten-Free • Lifestyle Market & Select Stores • MCLEAN MEATS • Mother Nature’s Market & Deli • Noodle Box • O’Doughs • Pepper’s Foods • Pirate Chips Nanaimo • Pomme Natural Foods Nanaimo • Portofino Tested-to-Be-Gluten-Free • Rawthentic Eatery • Rock Cod Cafe • Royal Nuts • Royal Spice Indian RestaurantSelena De Vries, RD • Six Mile Pub • Stella’s Perogies • Taco Revolution Food Truck • Taste – A Place For Coffee • The Market Stores • TOTAL PREPARETwo Stickers • Union Street Grill • Wendel’s True Foods • Wild Poppy Bakery & Bistro • Wise Bites • WOLF Meal Prep

Bake-My-Day-300x249Bard's Beer 250 x 300Big-Wheel-Burger-Logo-300-x-250care bakeryCloud 9 Specialty BakeryCorn Thins 250 x 300Deep Cove MarketDuinkerken 250 x 300Glutenull Gluten-Free BakingGrimm's Fine Foodshertel-meatsHornby Organic LogoJudy G Gluten FreeLifestyle-Markets-Gluten-Free-Shelf-Tags-300-x-250McLean MeatsMother-Natures-300-x-250O'DoughsPepper's Foods 250 x 300Pirate-Chips-Nanaimo 300 x 250Portofino-300-x-250Royal NutsRoyal SpiceHealthbean NutritionSix Mile Pub 300 x 250Stella's New Logo 2 250 x 300Taco Revolution 300 x 250Taste Logo 250 x 300Union Street Grill 300 x 250Wild-Poppy-300-x-250 copyWise-Bites-Logo-300-x-250WOLF Gluten-Free Meal Prep 250 x 300



Thank you to Thrifty Foods for providing classroom space.


About Thrifty Foods

Mar
13
Fri
CANCELLED! Bake My Day @ Crafted Farm Market
Mar 13 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Crafted Farmhouse Bake My DayCANCELLED! Bake My Day has just informed us that the Crafted Farmhouse Market scheduled this weekend has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution for public safety.

Find Bake My Day’s fabulous gluten-free tarts, turnovers, pies, sausage rolls and spanakopita at the Crafted Farmhouse Market at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre.

• Friday, March 13 from 5pm – 9pm
• Saturday, March 14th from 10am – 5pm

Learn more about Crafted Farmhouse Market here.

Watch Bake My Day’s Deep Dish Blueberry Pie Video Here!

Enjoy these sumptuous delicacies on the spot and / or purchase ready-to-bake versions to take home and savor, warm from your own oven.  Dale’s pie shells and groundbreaking, ready-to-roll puff pastry dough let you become the gluten-free chef you’ve always wanted to be. Ask about their dairy-free options.

NEW! Chicken Pot Pies and Curry Hand Pies. Only available at market appearances. Special orders 250-748-8450

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).

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!

Bake My Day tarts1Bake My Day tarts 2gluten free fruit piespumpkin-pie-bake-my-day-300-x-225Bake My Day turnoversSausage Rolls 1gluten free spanokopita


Ready to Bake!

gluten free turnoversGluten free Pastry Mixgluten free spanakopita Bake My Day Ready to Bake Frozen Fruit Piesbake-my-day-ready-to-bake-frozen-sausage-rolls-copygluten free pastry dough 2gluten free pie shellsBakeMyDay Review

Mar
14
Sat
CANCELLED! Bake My Day @ Crafted Farm Market
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Crafted Farmhouse Bake My Day

CANCELLED! Bake My Day has just informed us that the Crafted Farmhouse Market scheduled this weekend has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution for public safety.

Find Bake My Day’s fabulous gluten-free tarts, turnovers, pies, sausage rolls and spanakopita at the Crafted Farmhouse Market at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre.

• Friday, March 13 from 5pm – 9pm
• Saturday, March 14th from 10am – 5pm

Learn more about Crafted Farmhouse Market here.

Watch Bake My Day’s Deep Dish Blueberry Pie Video Here!

Enjoy these sumptuous delicacies on the spot and / or purchase ready-to-bake versions to take home and savor, warm from your own oven.  Dale’s pie shells and groundbreaking, ready-to-roll puff pastry dough let you become the gluten-free chef you’ve always wanted to be. Ask about their dairy-free options.

NEW! Chicken Pot Pies and Curry Hand Pies. Only available at market appearances. Special orders 250-748-8450

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).

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!

Bake My Day tarts1Bake My Day tarts 2gluten free fruit piespumpkin-pie-bake-my-day-300-x-225Bake My Day turnoversSausage Rolls 1gluten free spanokopita


Ready to Bake!

gluten free turnoversGluten free Pastry Mixgluten free spanakopita Bake My Day Ready to Bake Frozen Fruit Piesbake-my-day-ready-to-bake-frozen-sausage-rolls-copygluten free pastry dough 2gluten free pie shellsBakeMyDay Review

Dec
28
Mon
Dine-In & To-Go Service @ 900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizza
Dec 28 @ 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

900˚-Pizza-The-Celiac-Scene-IG

‘Dining-in’ is back at 900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizzeria Langford 4:30 to 8pm

Introducing 900° 2 Go! Contactless Take-Out & Curb-Side Pick Up.

900 Degrees offers delivery up to 7km distance. Enter your address at https://900degrees.moduurn.com for eligibility and to calculate your delivery charge (between $3.50 and $5.50.)

Build Your Own

Organic tomato sauce, house-made lemon olive, aged balsamic reduction, brie cream sauce, chilli oil, house-made pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, & pizza dough, to go!

Phone orders 250-590-4493. Special COVID-19 hours, open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Order online here

900˚ Pizzeria EAT Magazine

My curiosity about 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria was piqued when I read in the September Edition of Eat Magazine (page 27)  that the owner’s son was a celiac. Executive Chef and Owner, Adrian Ortiz-Mena was quoted as saying,

  • “I think the most innovative thing we have done is bringing really good gluten-free pizza to our customers. My son was diagnosed celiac when he was 5 years old … and he loved pizza. It broke my heart thinking that he could no longer have pizza, so I developed a gluten-free pizza dough just for him. It was a real challenge, a labour of love.”

The Celiac Scene needed to learn more!

I popped into this warm and inviting restaurant on a cold and rainy September night, hoping for the opportunity to speak to a chef or server about their gluten-free options.

I was pleasantly surprised when Adrian himself bounded from the back of the restaurant only too eager to share his son’s health journey and how he had worked at home to create a gluten-free crust that met his discerning chef standards. Using one of the best all-purpose gluten-free flour mixes on the market and few extra-special ingredients, he was able to create a crust that pleased his son – and one that Adrian believed would please his customers.

The details.

900˚ Pizzeria Adrian Ortiz-MenaAs our community well knows, it takes more that a crust to create a gluten-free pizza. Adrian set about to contact the manufacturers of every ingredient used in his entire operation to ensure that the components used in all of his pizzas were celiac-safe. Apart from the wheat flour used for his regular crusts and the garlic bread, every ingredient that 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria in house is gluten-free.

What about the process?

Adrian brimmed with enthusiasm as he explained that gluten-free pizzas are entirely prepared in a dedicated gluten-free area, in a room away from the regular production area. Sauces and toppings are stored in dedicated containers and applied with dedicated utensils that are never used to dress regular pizzas.

When a gluten-free order is processed, the chef washes his hands – up to his elbows – before starting work on an the order. When complete, the  pizza is placed on a dedicated gluten-free pizza peel (handle) and transported to the 900˚ pizza oven where it is cooked to perfection.

Here’s where it gets complicated.

900˚ Pizzeria The Celiac SceneAt 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria,  pizzas are cooked directly on the hearth of their single pizza oven, where other gluten pizzas have also been cooked.  The concern on my face prompted Adrian to escort me directly to the oven itself where he proceeded to sweep to the side the burnt, charcoal dust of the pizza crusts that had been cooked.

While Adrian whole heartedly agreed with me that deep frying food at a standard 325-375˚F does not destroy gluten, he maintains that incinerating to 900˚residual gluten crumbs and flour from previously cooked pizzas and then sweeping them aside, most assuredly does.

That said,  900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria  is pleased to cook gluten-free pizzas on sanitized pizza pans for any gluten-free diner’s peace of mind. As a wood-fired pizza purist however,  Adrian cautions that cooking pizza on a pan may generate different results.

Final consideration.

900˚ Pizza The Celiac Scene900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria  is most assuredly a pizza lover’s pizzeria. Gluten pizza dough is thrown into the air with gusto, wheat flour coats the kitchen floor like dance dust and a fine coat of flour is evident on surfaces throughout the main preparation area.

That said after two  years’ serving gluten-free pizza, Adrian shared that there have been no reports from gluten-free diners that they have experienced gluten contamination.

As Adrian is quoted as saying in the EAT Magazine article, “I don’t think we really did anything new – we just did it better!”

I would have to agree: for celiac diners who are comfortable with these practices or those who avoid gluten as a lifestyle choice, 900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria sets the gluten-free bar as high as I have seen it on Vancouver Island.

Love Pasta?

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria stages occasional pasta specials and always offer the option of Italy’s Schar Gluten-Free Pasta to gluten-free diners!

Gluten-Free Beer?

900˚ Wood Fired Pizza is pleased to serve 100% gluten-free Forager Beer, made in Whistler from sorghum and rice. 

“Where to Eat in Canada” adds @900.degrees to it’s list of worthy restaurants, calling their pizza “as close to perfection as it’s possible to get,” and one of only a handful of restaurants here in Victoria named “Good Buys”. Check out the full review on page 306 of the 2017-18 guide published by Oberon Press. Pick up your copy today!

Sep
10
Sat
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Fernwood Makers Party
Sep 10 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Fernwood Makers Party MAiiZ Nixtamal🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at their Pop-Up Booth at Fernwood Makers Party Summer Nights Market. Meet the Maker, Chef Israel!

🌮.  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!

Saturday, September 10 from 4-8pm.

Fernwood Makers Party Facebook
Fernwood Makers Party Instagram


Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

  • “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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Nov
26
Sat
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Nov 26 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Nov
27
Sun
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Nov 27 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
3
Sat
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 3 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
4
Sun
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 4 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
9
Fri
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 9 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

MAiiZ-Bastion-Square-Christmas-300x300-1🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment for the Last Night. Friday, December 9. 4:30 – 7:30

 


Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
10
Sat
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 10 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
11
Sun
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
17
Sat
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 17 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Dec
18
Sun
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tamales @ Bastion Square Holiday Market
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Bastion Square Christmas🌮.  Hot Tamales! You’ve heard of them! Now you can experience them, the MAiiZ Nixtamal way at Bastion Square! The Square will be lit up and festive! Live music 12 to 1pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

🌮.  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!

Join in the Merriment!

  • Saturday, November 26 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, Nov 27 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 2 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 3pm
  • Friday, December 9 – 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday, December 10 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 11 – 11 to 3pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 11 to 3pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 11 to 3pm

Israel Alvarez Molina MAiiZ

“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 • FacebookInstagramTwitterContact • 778-433-1544

MAiiZ at 540 Fisgard St (Open Tuesday to Sunday) – see map

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

Maiiz reheating instructionsTestimonials

“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)

  • 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 …

MAiiZ Corn Tortillas nixtamalizationWhat 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.

Mar
25
Sat
B-glutenfreevictoria @ Bloom Market at Langford Station
Mar 25 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

B-glutenfreevictoria Bloom Market Langford Station wpAlmond Shortbread Bunny Cookies & Hot Cross Buns!

B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads will be at the 🌸 Bloom Market 🌸 March 25th 10am-3pm at Langford Station. Hope to see you there 💗

It pays to pre-order! 

bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
Instagram via DM
bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

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

Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’


B-glutenfreevictoria trailer wpLook for the B-glutenfreevictoria’s Booth or ‘Green Gluten-Free Trailer’ at Island Markets:

  • Langford Station Market – Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until end of April
  • Moss  Street Market – Saturdays 10am to 1pm (10am to 2pm in summer)
  • Goldstream Market – Saturdays 10am to 2pm – beginning in May
  • Esquimalt Farmers Market Gorge Park – Mondays 4:30pm to 7:30pm – June through September
  • Westcoast Outdoor Market at Mary Winspear Centre – Thursdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Sundays 10am to 2pm – June through August

Tanja Blondin wpAbout Tanja!

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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

b-glutenfreevictoria 19B-glutenfreevictoria choc donuts 2b-glutenfreevictoria 10b-glutenfreevictoria 3b-glutenfreevictoria 16b-glutenfreevictoria 15b-glutenfreevictoria 20b-glutenfreevictoria 17b-glutenfreevictoria 18b-glutenfreevictoria 7b-glutenfreevictoria 6b-glutenfreevictoria 8b-glutenfreevictoria 13b-glutenfreevictoria 12b-glutenfreevictoria 21b-glutenfreevictoria 22b-glutenfreevictoria 23b-glutenfreevictoria 24b-glutenfreevictoria 27b-glutenfreevictoria 25b-glutenfreevictoria 11b-glutenfreevictoria 5b-glutenfreevictoria 28b-glutenfreevictoria 29b-glutenfreevictoria 30B-glutenfreevictoria macaronsB-glutenfreevictoria sourdough 3

Apr
8
Sat
B-glutenfreevictoria European-Style Desserts & Artisan Bread @ Langford Station Market
Apr 8 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

b-glutenfreevictoria booth wpB-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
Instagram via DM
bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

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


B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!
B-glutenfreevictoria-trailer-ig

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings


Tanja Blondin wpAbout 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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

b-glutenfreevictoria 19B-glutenfreevictoria choc donuts 2b-glutenfreevictoria 10b-glutenfreevictoria 3b-glutenfreevictoria 16b-glutenfreevictoria 15b-glutenfreevictoria 20b-glutenfreevictoria 17b-glutenfreevictoria 18b-glutenfreevictoria 7b-glutenfreevictoria 6b-glutenfreevictoria 8b-glutenfreevictoria 13b-glutenfreevictoria 12b-glutenfreevictoria 21b-glutenfreevictoria 22b-glutenfreevictoria 23b-glutenfreevictoria 24b-glutenfreevictoria 27b-glutenfreevictoria 25b-glutenfreevictoria 11b-glutenfreevictoria 5b-glutenfreevictoria 28b-glutenfreevictoria 29b-glutenfreevictoria 30B-glutenfreevictoria macaronsB-glutenfreevictoria sourdough 3b-glutenfreevictoria platter

Apr
15
Sat
B-glutenfreevictoria European-Style Desserts & Artisan Bread @ Langford Station Market
Apr 15 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

b-glutenfreevictoria booth wpB-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.

How to order! 

bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
Instagram via DM
bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.

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


B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!
B-glutenfreevictoria-trailer-ig

Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram

COMPLETE Market Schedule
TODAY’S Listings


Tanja Blondin wpAbout 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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy  market schedule this summer.

b-glutenfreevictoria 19B-glutenfreevictoria choc donuts 2b-glutenfreevictoria 10b-glutenfreevictoria 3b-glutenfreevictoria 16b-glutenfreevictoria 15b-glutenfreevictoria 20b-glutenfreevictoria 17b-glutenfreevictoria 18b-glutenfreevictoria 7b-glutenfreevictoria 6b-glutenfreevictoria 8b-glutenfreevictoria 13b-glutenfreevictoria 12b-glutenfreevictoria 21b-glutenfreevictoria 22b-glutenfreevictoria 23b-glutenfreevictoria 24b-glutenfreevictoria 27b-glutenfreevictoria 25b-glutenfreevictoria 11b-glutenfreevictoria 5b-glutenfreevictoria 28b-glutenfreevictoria 29b-glutenfreevictoria 30B-glutenfreevictoria macaronsB-glutenfreevictoria sourdough 3b-glutenfreevictoria platter