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!

Nov
23
Sat
CANCELLED – Benjamin’s Bites @ Glenlyon Norfolk School Fair
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Benjamin's Bites Esquimalt Collage
APOLOGIES TO ALL! BENJAMIN”S BITES WILL NOT BE APPEARING. Special orders up to Christmas still welcome at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.

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Benjamin's Bites Cookies Esquimalt Farmer's Market copyAbout Benjamin’s Bites

Benjamin’s Bites Cookies and Brownies are made with documented to be 100% gluten-free, peanut/tree nut free, soy-free ingredients. These vegan treats are produced in a “home kitchen,” using a strict cross-contamination prevention protocol. For further information, please contact Benjamin’s Bites directly at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.

  • Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sesame-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfite-Free
  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, GMO free
  • Camino chocolate is organic and fair trade from LaSiembra Cooperative
  • Complete Ingredient List: GF flours (rice, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum), vegan margarine or palm shortening, vegan sugar, flax, chia, water, cocoa, chocolate, organic apples, GF oats, cinnamon, chai spice, raisins, coconut milk, non-gmo canola oil, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, sunflower butter, skittles candy, molasses, custard powder, coconut, vegan icing sugar.

S’mores Cupcakes

Benjamin’s Bites’ Back Story

Benjamin’s Bites Cookies were borne out of necessity. At fourteen months, Tony and Debbie discovered that their son, Benjamin, had multiple food allergies. It was heartbreaking and frightening to see his body react with real physical symptoms.

After eliminating everything that Benjamin’s body was reacting to, the next step was to eat as many whole foods as possible. Debbie had always been a “label reader” but became increasingly concerned when she picked up product after product and realized, “No, he can’t have this.” It was challenging, but after searching they found a variety of foods which were safe for Benjamin. The one thing we were unable to find was a cookie which tasted both homemade and was also appealing to those without food intolerances. The family had some tough critics when it came to sweets. They were the perfect test subjects!

Benjamins Bites WPLike Debbie’s Grandma and Mom, I loved to bake. She challenged herself to create a cookie that contained no gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, or sulphites. The flour blends found in the stores just didn’t seem to have the taste she was searching for. Why not mill her own, she thought? She  purchased a home grain mill and, after many combinations of grains, came up with ‘Benjamin’s Bites Flour Blend.’

Debbie began to bake cookies and bake cookies and bake cookies! After almost two years of test baking (and some real hockey pucks), she had a cookie that was free of gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sulphites. The best thing? It tasted really good.

Our mission has never changed: to create a gluten free/allergy friendly cookie that tasted homemade and used familiar and pronounceable ingredients.

They were developed for people who can’t eat a regular cookie due to allergies or gluten sensitivities, but the upshot is that people without food intolerances are enjoying them, too! We encourage everyone to taste Benjamin’s Bites Cookies, always checking the ingredients before sharing.  We do have some tricks up our sleeves, so be on the lookout for more Benjamin’s Bites products soon.

 

Jun
24
Fri
MAiiZ Tortillas @ Country Grocer Esquimalt - Island Good Days
Jun 24 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Country Grocer 2Meet MAiiZ Nixtamal and sample their fabulous gluten-free tortillas at Island Good Days!

  • Country Grocer –  Esquimalt on Friday,  June 24 from 11am to 3pm
  • Country Grocer –  Royal Oak on Sunday,  June 26 from 11am to 3pm

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene


Jun
26
Sun
MAiiZ Tortillas @ Country Grocer Royal Oak - Island Good Days
Jun 26 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

MAiiZ Country Grocer 2Meet MAiiZ Nixtamal and sample their fabulous gluten-free tortillas at Island Good Days!

  • Country Grocer –  Royal Oak on Sunday,  June 26 from 11am to 3pm
  • Country Grocer –  Esquimalt on Friday,  June 24 from 11am to 3pm

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene


Feb
2
Fri
MAiiZ Tortillas @ Thrifty Foods Sidney
Feb 2 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

MAiiZ Tortillas Thrifty FoodsFriday, February 2nd from 11am to 2pm

Sample MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillas with Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde & local cheeses at Thrifty Foods in Sidney!

Also available at Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Tuscany. More to follow!

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene


Feb
6
Tue
MAiiZ Tortillas @ Thrifty Foods Belmont
Feb 6 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

MAiiZ TastingEnjoy a taste of MAiiZ Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde! Say hi to MAija! 

  • Tuesday, February 6 from 2 – 5pm. Thrifty Foods Belmont. Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde! 
  • Friday, February 9 from 11am to 2pm Thrifty Foods Sidney. Tortillas & Salsa Verde!
  • Also on Friday, February 9! 3 – 5pm at Root Cellar Mackenzie. Chips & Tortillas!

Also available at Thrifty Foods Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Tuscany. More to follow!

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene


Feb
9
Fri
MAiiZ Tortillas @ Thrifty Foods Sidney
Feb 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

MAiiZ TastingEnjoy a taste of MAiiZ Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde! Say hi to MAija! 

  • Friday, February 9 from 11am to 2pm Thrifty Foods Sidney. Tortillas & Salsa Verde!
  • Also on Friday, February 9! 3 – 5pm at Root Cellar Mackenzie. Chips & Tortillas!

Also available at Thrifty Foods Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Tuscany. More to follow!

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene


MAiiZ Tortillas @ Root Cellar
Feb 9 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

MAiiZ TastingEnjoy a taste of MAiiZ Tortillas & Chef Israel’s Salsa Verde! Say hi to MAija! 

  • Friday, February 9! 3 – 5pm at Root Cellar Mackenzie. Chips & Tortillas!
  • ALSO ON Friday, February 9 from 11am to 2pm Thrifty Foods Sidney. Tortillas & Salsa Verde!

Also available at Thrifty Foods Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Tuscany. More to follow!

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

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

Testimonials

  • “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

Country Grocer is a family-owned and operated grocery chain with 7 stores in Victoria, Cobble Hill, Salt Spring Island, Lake Cowichan and Nanaimo. Look for gluten-free shelf labels throughout their stores to guide you to exceptional products, amazing pricing and in-store manager specials!

CFIG Award Country Grocer Royal Oak

Country Grocer Royal Oak wins the 2020 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocer Award for Medium Surface Category (size)

gluten free appreciation

Certificate of Appreciation from The Celiac Scene