The CCA’s GF 101 Sessions are normally  ‘Members Only’ BUT because we know that so many people need this kind of support, we have opened up the webinar to the public. Everyone welcome! Who is Ellen Bayens?

Communication is the key ingredient to every successful gluten-free restaurant meal. When diners, chefs and servers are able to collaborate on what is required and what can be reasonably delivered, there is cause for celebration!

But where to begin?

The following is a list of suggested questions to help Start the Conversation on Celiac-Friendly Dining©. In very short order, the responses you receive will allow you to gage any given restaurant’s degree of  gluten awareness – and willingness.  For the very best outcome, call ahead or take your host or server aside before ordering.

NOTE: Restaurants that have carefully researched how to serve us love going into detail. If your questions are met with impatience and exasperation – go with your gut. When restaurants get gluten free right, reward them generously!

Question #1

• Please tell me about the meals  you recommend to diners who need to eat gluten free?

Ingredients

• What ingredients will be used to make my order?
• How do staff  know whether ingredients are really gluten free?
  • Says so on labels?
  • Checked product website?
  • Called the manufacturer?
  • Checked with The Celiac Scene? The CCA?
• Will pure spices, prepared seasonings or soy sauce made from wheat be used to make my meal?
• What other food items are cooked in the oil that ‘gluten-free’ items are cooked in?
• How are sauces and dressings thickened?

Procedures

• How will my server communicate with the kitchen that a gluten-free order has been placed?
• How are gluten-free orders prepared in relation to the regular flow of the kitchen?
• Will staff wash their hands / change gloves / change aprons clean surfaces before preparing my order?
• How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing my food are free from any trace of gluten?
  • Separate or scrubbed frying pan? Griddle scrubbed? Aluminum foil barrier? Dedicated pots? Dedicated colanders?
• What other precautions do staff take to minimize / prevent cross contamination?
• How will my server confirm with the kitchen that the order they are collecting has been prepared gluten free?
• How will my server confirm that the order they are delivering to me is gluten free?
  

How did the restaurant learn how to meet the needs of gluten-free diners?

• Through The Celiac Scene? Canadian Celiac Association?
• Registered dietitian? Local health authority?
• Staff members with celiac disease?
  

Questions Specific to Pizza Restaurants 

• The risk of cross contamination with airborne gluten flour is HIGH. Partake only if strict protocols are in place to protect your safety.
• Are ‘gluten-free’ crusts prepared on-site? 
  • During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days?
  • See questions in Ingredient section above.
• Are pre-made ‘gluten-free’ crusts purchased from a dedicated gluten-free manufacturer? Who is the manufacturer?
• How are gluten-free sauces and toppings prepared?
  • During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days
  • See questions in Ingredient section above.
• How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing gluten-free orders are free of any trace of gluten?
• How are utensils, crusts, sauces and toppings protected from cross-contamination with gluten while waiting to be used?
• How will my order be protected from cross-contamination with gluten once it has been prepared and/or while waiting to be served?

If the prospect of grilling restaurants about their gluten-free friendliness feels intimidating, you’ve got options!

Visit The Celiac Scene for restaurants that enjoy an excellent reputation within Victoria and Vancouver Island’s celiac community.

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies to dine with a gluten-free group at carefully vetted restaurants. With more than 100 Meet-Ups under our belts, choose from a huge inventory of tried and tested celiac-friendly restaurants.

House of Yee’s Pop Up Potsticker Sale is Back!

• Saturday, November 14 from 1 – 3pm
• South Park Elementary School
• 508 Douglas Street
• ORDER FORM: https://houseofyeefinefoods.square.site
• Order deadline Thursday, November 12 at 6pm

A gluten-free first! Introducing House of Yee Premium Dumplings! Braised Shiitake Mushrooms with Pork or Chicken. Vegan Shiitake, Gold or Jade.

Gluten Free • No MSG • Handcrafted • Dumpling Sauce included for an Asian kick!

Coming Soon to Retailers in Victoria!

House of Yee • Where to Buy • Facebook • Instagram • christine@houseofyee.ca

Dumplings vs. Potstickers!
Dumplings are doughy on the outside and filled with vegetable or meat on the inside. Potstickers are an Asian twist on the concept; stir-fried so that they are crispy on the outside. No matter the name, if you are in the mood for a delicious pocket of gluten-free, doughy goodness, you’ll have your fill with House of  Yee’s Dumplings.

Cooking Instructions
Frozen when purchased, they are ready to eat in minutes. Instructional video on Google or Facebook

• Place non-stick pan on medium heat
• Add 1 TBSP oil
• Arrange frozen dumplings in pan so that they are not touching
• Add 1/2 cup cold water
• Cover and boil 6 minutes
• Remove lid, turn heat to high and fry to desired crispness
• Arrange on a platter along with House of Yee’s Dumpling Sauce
• Enjoy!

Braised Shiitake with Chicken
Filled with chicken thigh, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.

Braised Shiitake with Pork
Filled with marbled pork, braised shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, celery, fresh aromatics (shallots, garlic, ginger, green onion), eggs, classic asian seasonings wrapped in gluten free wrapper. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.

Vegan Braised Shiitake with Vegetables
Filled with braised shiitake mushrooms, kale, cabbage, shanghai bok choy, wood ear mushrooms and carrots.

Golden Vegan Dumplings
Filled with coconut red curry, chickpea and spinach in a turmeric wrap.

Jade Vegan Dumplings
Miso braised tofu with brown rice, edamame beans and water chestnuts in a spinach wrap. Classic Dumpling Sauce is included in every package.

Dumpling Sauce
Tamari, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil and Sugar, water. Use for dipping or as a vinaigrette for salads!

Metro Vancouver Tasting Events & Markets
New West, Riley Park, West End, Coquitlam, Mt. Pleasant and more!
Follow House of Yee on Facebook for Upcoming Dates
Pre-Order for Markets via Direct Message on Instagram

The House of Yee Story
House of Yee is a 3rd generation Canadian business that strives to produce high quality health food without compromising the texture, flavour and taste of traditional Asian cuisine. All their dumplings are made in a dedicated gluten-free production facility, using the freshest local ingredients, meat and poultry. House of Yee pride themselves on innovation and a continued ability to adapt to the healthy lifestyles of customers.

About Christine Yee, Founder
“My parents owned a Chinese Canadian restaurant in Regina, Saskatchewan. My dad would cook in the back with my brothers while I served in the front with my mom and sister. My parents were always at the restaurant, just trying to make ends meet. I have a lot of respect for people who run restaurants. It was a lot of hard work but it just wasn’t for me.

I went into real estate but one morning at 5am, I woke up and thought “I’m going to start a healthy food line” and somehow gluten-free dumplings just came to me. I went from real estate deals to researching gluten-free recipes.  A really steep learning curve.  It was like trying to build a house by yourself that no one’s built before, and then trying to sell it. I never realized it was so much work!

When the time came to name my business, I naturally chose House of Yee as a way to honour my hard working parents and grandparents. I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour!”

Read more about Christine Yee in Sails and Spices