Gluten-Free Events Calendar
If it’s gluten free and happening in Victoria, Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, you’ll find it listed here! From tastings to contests, farmer’s markets to food trucks – this is your calendar to Gluten-Free Paradise! Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies and add a new restaurant – and possibly a new gluten-free friend – to your repertoire!
APOLOGIES TO ALL! BENJAMIN”S BITES WILL NOT BE APPEARING. Special orders up to Christmas still welcome at info@benjaminsbites.com or 250-884-3093.
benjaminsbites.com • Facebook • Twitter
About 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.
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Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sesame-Free, Soy-Free, Sulfite-Free
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Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, GMO free
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Camino chocolate is organic and fair trade from LaSiembra Cooperative
- Complete Ingredient List: GF flours (rice, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum), vegan margarine or palm shortening, vegan sugar, flax, chia, water, cocoa, chocolate, organic apples, GF oats, cinnamon, chai spice, raisins, coconut milk, non-gmo canola oil, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, sunflower butter, skittles candy, molasses, custard powder, coconut, vegan icing sugar.
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!
Like Debbie’s Grandma and Mom, I loved to bake. She challenged herself to create a cookie that contained no gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, or sulphites. The flour blends found in the stores just didn’t seem to have the taste she was searching for. Why not mill her own, she thought? She purchased a home grain mill and, after many combinations of grains, came up with ‘Benjamin’s Bites Flour Blend.’
Debbie began to bake cookies and bake cookies and bake cookies! After almost two years of test baking (and some real hockey pucks), she had a cookie that was free of gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sulphites. The best thing? It tasted really good.
Our mission has never changed: to create a gluten free/allergy friendly cookie that tasted homemade and used familiar and pronounceable ingredients.
They were developed for people who can’t eat a regular cookie due to allergies or gluten sensitivities, but the upshot is that people without food intolerances are enjoying them, too! We encourage everyone to taste Benjamin’s Bites Cookies, always checking the ingredients before sharing. We do have some tricks up our sleeves, so be on the lookout for more Benjamin’s Bites products soon.
Let’s meet up and try one of the most elusive of gluten-free cuisines – celiac-safe Japanese food!
Room for only 7 attendees.
Tuesday, May 16 at 6pm
Ebizo Japanese Restaurant
604 Broughton St
(250) 383-3234
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Email ellen@theceliacscene.com to RSVP
Thank you to Pure Lovin’ for their donation of delicious organic, gluten-free, vegan chocolates as a very special ‘Treat to Go!’
Based on the great experience of one of our most intrepid Gluten-Free Foodies, I popped in to speak with Ebizo about their ability to serve celiac diners.
Server Nigh-Yee readily identified which rolls, nigiri and sashimi are already gluten free, or could be adapted to be so. They can furnish us with gluten-free soy sauce.
I asked that on this occasion, that the chefs be made aware that our group requires 100% gluten-free food and to take any extra precautions to necessary to assure our safety.
Ebizo is a small restaurant so they only take reservations for groups of seven or less. This means this meet up is quite exclusive and that if you are interested, best to sign up soon!
Arigato!
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Pictures from the Meet Up!
Enjoy baguettes, bars, biscuits, breads, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies, sourdough, and best of all – MINI DONUTS!
How to order!
• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Ordering information & locations
Market & Event Appearances!
- B-glutenfreevictoria’s ongoing appearances throughout greater Victoria! CLICK HERE!
- TODAY’S APPEARANCES!
SWEET STREET 11am – 3pm
Saturday, June 22
Sweet Street returns to Westshore Town Centre sweeter than ever! The Cineplex parking lot will become a sweet escape for anyone seeking a sugar rush. From cotton candy and ice cream to cookies, cupcakes, International delicacies and more, there will be something for everyone on Sweet Street. Details …
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For a savoury treat, it might be a time to try Totchos Restaurant, inside Westshore Town Centre across from Winners!
About Tanja!
Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’
Tanja Blondin, Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember. Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.
With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering, always with the best in presentation.
When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.
Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her. Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!
What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries? Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:
- almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour
Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!
View the possibilities below, order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her table during her busy market schedule this summer.
CHURROS & MOR 100% Gluten-Free, Vegan Food Truck at Westshore’s SWEET STREET on Saturday, June 22 from 11am to 3pm
Sweet Street returns to Westshore Town Centre sweeter than ever! The Cineplex parking lot will become a sweet escape for anyone seeking a sugar rush. From cotton candy and ice cream to cookies, cupcakes, International delicacies and more, there will be something for everyone on Sweet Street. Details …
Facebook • Instagram
For a savoury treat, it might be a time to try Totchos Restaurant, inside Westshore Town Centre across from Winners!
What are churros? Think Mexican donuts, only better! A crispy exterior with soft, chewy insides, Jorge uses gluten-free flour to make them. Deep-fried, then rolled in cinnamon and sugar, topped with your choice of strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce. Ask for ‘Roses’ if you love (vegan) ice cream’
churrosandmor.com • Instagram • Facebook
contact@churrosandmor.com (250) 986 9455
325 Cook St in the Food Court
Mon & Thurs Noon – 7.00. Fri – Sat – Sun 10.00 – 20.00
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Hours may vary by season.
Now available via Uber Eats, DoorDash & SkiptheDishes!
When the CHURROS & MOR Food Truck is not parked at the Food Court. find them at community gatherings, festivals, public events & exclusive celebrations. Vegan & gluten free, there’s always something for everyone!
CHURROS & MOR MENU (click on images for more information)
Traditional Churros
House Churros
Churro Bites
Churro Roses
ADD-ONS: Chocolate Dip | Strawberry Dip | Caramel Dip | Marshmallows | Graham Cookies | Chocolate Chips | Sprinkles
BEVERAGES: Chocolate Drink | Drip Coffee | Pop | Bottled Water | Tea
NEW! CATERING & MOR – Book the Truck
- Perfect for events of all sizes! Weddings. Birthday Bash. Corporate Event. Simple celebration. Surprise Party.
- Customizable Delights! Tailor your churros to suit your event’s theme and preferences: classic cinnamon sugar, gourmet dipping sauces & toppings.
- Guilt-Free! Dedicated to always be vegan and gluten-free! A delicious experience for everyone.
- Stress-Free! Professional team ensures a seamless catering experience from setup to cleanup.
- Interactive Sweet Station! Skilled ‘churreros’ craft delectable delights right before your eyes.
- contact@churrosandmor.com
When the CHURROS & MOR Food Truck is not parked at 325 Cook St in Food Court find them at community gatherings, festivals, public events & exclusive celebrations. Vegan & gluten free, there’s always something for everyone!
TESTIMONIALS
- “We just visited the Food Truck this morning. Amazing food & amazing service!! My husband is not celiac so he’s tried churros multiple times in Mexico and locally. I ‘allowed’ him a couple of bites and he said they are the best he has ever had!” Kathy P.
- “To die for! What’s not to love … cinnamon … sugar… crunchy … strawberry sauce … marshmallows … chocolate chips … he even has a little baby flame thrower to roast the mallows! Family run business, so sweet. Very kind folks!” Tanja Blondin, B-glutenfreevictoria
About Jorge
While pursuing a poli-sci degree, Jorge (pronounced ‘Hor-he’) was inspired to start his own business. What better motivation than to share the recipes that his grandmother developed for his celiac father. CHURROS & MOR was born!
Yes! Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet literally run through Jorge’s veins. His niece in England also shares the diagnosis. Her family has chosen a vegan lifestyle, so Jorge knows first hand how challenging it is to find delicious gluten-free AND vegan delicacies!
