The BC Chapter of the Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is pleased to announce a Christmas Crafts & Cookies Meet Up on Thursday December 12th 6-8pm at BC Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver. See Map.

This group is for children ages 5 – 12 and it is not a support group, but rather is a place for positive peer relations for kids and their parents.

The cookies and decorating supplies have been generously donated by Jenna – owner of Delish Gluten Free Bakery.

Please RSVP to Jasmine at celiackidsconnect@vancouverceliac.ca by no later than December 5th so that we know how many supplies we need. You’ll be provided with the exact room number on the bottom floor of the Ambulatory Building (Starbucks & GI building) at that time.

Free for CCA members. $5 for non-members.

info@vancouverceliac.ca • (604) 736-2229 • (877) 736-2240 toll-free within British Columbia 

The Vancouver Chapter is proposing to have a meet up group for teens ages 13 – 18 as well. We would like to assess interest in this. If you could also respond to this email to let us know if your teenager would like to meet up with other teens with celiac disease, we would appreciate hearing from you. Contact celiackidsconnect@vancouverceliac.ca

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies for Fabulous Dosas & Sauces at Dosa Paragon!

Thursday, March 19th at 6pm. 735 Yates Street – tucked inside St. Andrew’s Square Building – across from Cineplex Odeon.

RSVP to ellen@theceliacscene.com

DOSA – a cooked flat thin layered rice batter,  somewhat similar to a crepe.
PARAGON – a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.

• dosaparagon.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Contact • 778.440.2206
• Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 11-8:30 • Fri-Sat 11-9 • Sun11-8 • Closed Mondays.

• About Dosa Paragon
• Dosa Paragon Menu
• Order Online
• Take Out Menu
• Skip the Dishes

Thursday Special – Vegetable Biriyani

• A bold and flavorful Indian rice dish with bell peppers, peas, carrots and potatoes in a spiced rice dish made with turmeric, garam masala and other warm spices.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday Special – Chicken Biriyani

About South Indian Cuisine

• DOSA – a crispy savoury rice crepe cooked flat thin layered, made from fermented rice and lentil batter, then filled.
• UTHAPPAM – thick pancake made from rice and lentil batter, with different toppings.
• PAPADUM – a thin crisp disk shaped lentil wafers, made from seasoned black gram flour, either fried or grilled with dry heat.
• VADA – a savoury fried snack from India. It is made from lentils.
• IDLY – a savoury, steamed rice cake very popular in Southern India and Sri Lanka , from Indian subcontinent. IDLY are made by Steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice. Learn more about this super food here.
• SAMBAR – lentils and Vegetables cooked with tamarind and blend of spices.
• INDIAN PICKLE- known as Achar, made from a variety of vegetables & fruits, preserved in brine, vinegar, edible oils and a blend of various Indian spices.
• Click here to view the complete menu.

Victoria Buzz Review by Brishti Basu ¹

• On July 8th, Prashant “Bob” Unnikrishnan and his wife Lathika quietly opened the doors to Dosa Paragon, a south Indian restaurant that is one of its kind in Victoria, and perhaps all of Vancouver Island. Unlike other East Indian eateries in town, this restaurant specializes in cuisine local to the south Indian state of Kerala and everything on the menu is made from scratch by the husband-and-wife duo. Bob, who has lived in Victoria for the past 6 years, brings his dishes straight from India after having worked in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Before opening Dosa Paragon, he worked as a chef at several restaurants around town including Irish Times Pub, John’s Place, and Varsha Indian Kitchen.
• Some of their highlights include the Masala Dosa (a rice crepe stuffed with spiced potato), their Onion and Cilantro Uthappam (a savoury pancake topped with onion and cilantro), and for meat eaters, an aromatic and flavourful Chicken Biryani (a spiced rice and chicken dish). Of course, no Indian meal is complete without a drink to go with it.
• Those who prefer a cooler beverage may choose the thick, sweet concoction that is their mango smoothie. For those partial to hot drinks, the restaurant offers an authentic ‘masala chai’ or tea flavoured with a mix of spices and herbs.
• While Bob and his wife have done practically nothing to advertise their new restaurant, the small eatery always has a steady stream of customers to keep them busy – a testament to the nearly addictive flavours and aromas emanating from Dosa Paragon. They have been so busy, in fact, that the owners have had to extend their business hours up to 9 p.m. to keep up with the demand.
• “That’s our motivation,” said Bob when asked about how customers have been responding to his restaurant. “We just want to maintain that momentum as our main goal is customer satisfaction.”

• ¹ https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2019/08/victorias-first-south-indian-restaurant-is-now-open-on-yates-street

Victoria Cheese and Meat Artisan Food and Beverage Festival

• DATE: Saturday, September 10 11:00 am to 9:00 pm with tastings at 11am, 3pm & 7pm
• INFO & TICKETS: victoria.cheeseandmeatfestival.com
• VENUE: Car Shop at Bayview (253 Esquimalt Road – access via Catherine Street)
• Facebook • Instagram
• Explore the smell, tastes, and textures of the Cheese and Meat Festival. Taste your way through international and local artisan food and liquor samples.  All guests will be given a small charcuterie board upon entry that will allow for samples to be placed on the board while vendors describe their offerings. The Festival also showcases a 60/40 food to beverage mix.

Grimm’s Fine Foods Will Be There!  Gluten-Free Goodness We Can Trust!

All of Grimm’s Fine Foods’ meat products are gluten-free, soy-free and made without added MSG. A huge selection of their products are also lactose-free – check the ingredient label to be sure. Learn more about Grimm’s here …

Grimm’s Fine Foods • FAQ’s • Where to buy Grimm’s Fine Foods •
Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Instagram
Endless Recipe Ideas!

“Grimm’s Fine Foods has been a trusted family favourite for over 60 years. We’re passionate about eating smart, and only use the freshest ingredients and leanest cuts. We guarantee that our products contain absolutely no fillers. We also try to make our products as low in salt and fat as possible.”

Meet Up at MeeT Vegan / Vegetarian Restaurant at 797 Hillside Ave in the former Boston Pizza location

4 – 6pm on Sunday, April 16
RSVPs REQUIRED to ellen@theceliacsene.com

eatmeet.ca • Menu • Facebook • Instagram • info@eatmeet.ca • 250-704-2900

MeeT Reshapes the Restaurant Industry 

Never before in The Celiac Scene’s history have I interviewed a restaurant so aware of its ingredients and so committed to serving the unique needs of each and every diner.

Food sensitivities are not just accommodated, they are celebrated!

Because MeeT is committed to honouring the vegan and vegetarian choices of its diners, they visit with every supplier and build strong relationships with each one of them.

In the course of doing so, they become keenly aware which ingredients contain gluten along with a host of other food allergens. As a result, MeeT has effectively deconstructed the building blocks of food, and from there, created amazing meals in ways that meet almost any need – or want!

I spoke with Adam Twohey, former chef at MeeT’s Yaletown location in Vancouver, and now Victoria’s MeeT  Manager. He impressed me with his comprehensive knowledge of everything this 4-location offers. Be amazed!

• Dedicated gluten-free deep fryer
• Dedicated gluten-free grill
• All toppings used to dress meals are taken from fresh containers.
• If there is any doubt about the GF status of an ingredient container, a fresh container is taken from their walk-in cooler.
• Any loose flours used at MeeT are gluten free
• MeeT uses Little Northern (vegan) brand bread and buns for their gluten-free burgers and sandwiches. 
• MeeT’s menu is notated to indicate which meals contain gluten and nuts. Many of these meals can still be adapted to gluten free. Ask your server – they are eager to help!
• Please always assert your needs when ordering items that do not have a gluten notation to ensure that the kitchen can take necessary precautions.
• OATS! The oat-intolerant can rejoice in knowing that oats are not incorporated into any of MeeT’s offerings! 
• Oat milk however is used, and it should be noted that it is NOT gluten-free. 
• Specially ordered meals may take longer to prepare and cook. Please be patient. 

“I am thrilled that MeeT Restaurant has made its way to Victoria. I encourage our community to offer this breakthrough establishment its warmest welcome!” Ellen Bayens, The Celiac Scene

More About MeeT
“Ivo, Jason and Linda have spent the last 20 years in Vancouver, owning and operating a total of 8 restaurants and organic grocery stores throughout the city!”

“They launched the concept of MeeT with a purpose to re-engage in the restaurant industry – not just to succeed in this market, but to re-shape it!”

“From customers perceptions of comfort food, to staff perceptions of what a workplace should be, their goal is to surpass and re-imagine the restaurant establishment to be a better version of itself!” Learn more …

I have severe food allergies. Can I eat in your restaurant?
“We take food allergies very seriously. While we can never guarantee that our food is 100% free of allergens, there are several steps that we take to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. We are a peanut-free establishment, two of our deep fryers are used exclusively for gluten-free items, and our menu is egg and dairy free.”

“Our menu does make extensive use of ingredients such as nuts, wheat, and soy, but we take great care to process these items separately to avoid cross contamination. Please specify with your server the nature and severity of your allergy. Severe allergy bills do take us longer to prepare and cook.”

*Despite all of this, there is always a chance of human error in prepping or cooking of food, or cross-contaminated food from suppliers. For this reason, guests should be comfortable with these potential factors before eating with us. Learn more …

Do you have a kids menu, and are you kid friendly?
“OMG, we love ‘em! We were recently featured on a Kids Edition episode of You Gotta Eat Here! (season 5 episode 16, but who’s counting?) where we showed off a few of our favourite kid friendly dishes; the Chili Cheez Fries, Mac’N’Cheez Burger, and Chocolate Coconut Ganache Tart. We don’t have a dedicated kids menu, but there are lots of items on our menus that your kids will love!” Learn more …

Find MeeT  in Vancouver

• Main – 4288 Main St – 604-696-1010
• Gastown – Inner Courtyard, 12 Water St – 604-696-1111
• Yaletown – 1165 Mainland St – 604-696-1165

Join us for a casual, kid-friendly Meet Up at Totchos and get to know this family-friendly restaurant!

Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2pm – 4pm
RSVP to ellen@theceliaccscene.com

One-of-a-kind gourmet topped taters and low carb, house-made salads and handhelds. The vegan ice cream is amazing! Located within Westshore Town Centre, across from Winners. See map

Totchos is a family owned and operated restaurant.  Owners Ashley and husband Dwayne and family were born and raised on Vancouver Island. Their family wants to welcome our family!

Totchos.ca • Facebook • Instagram • 250-590-2322 • totchos22@gmail.com
Mon-Tues-Wed-Sat: 10-6. Thurs-Fri: 10-8. Sunday: 11-5 Holiday hours may vary.
Now online for delivery with Uber & Door Dash

Totchos are gourmet tater tots, cooked in a dedicated gluten-free deep fryer, then dressed like nachos with gooey cheese sauce, charred-tomato salsa, crisp chorizo, fresh vegetables and so much more!

“All tator tots, toppings and dips are gluten free (with the exception of the Vegan Pulled Pork and Vegan Taco Totchos.) Ingredients are confirmed to be gluten free upon arrival at the restaurant.”

• Totchos Tuesdays! ‘Two for the Price of One!’
• Friday Pop Up Contests!  Enter your suggestion for Totchos Friday Pop Up Tot for a chance to win a prize! 
• Gaming & Parties! 6 Totcho’s booths are equipped with retro table top gaming arcades! Video games with 2 remotes and tons of games to enjoy: 2 SEGAs, 1 NES (Nintendo Entertainment System),  3 SNES mini version (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). 20-40 games per console. Each table is bookable for one hour at a time. Walk-in or pre-book. 250-590-2322

• “Great service! Great food! So many choices!”
• “My daughter enjoyed playing Kirby and the food was fun and good.  100% will come back.”
• “The creamy jalapeño cilantro dip and sticky sauce (sweet chili not spicy) is so good!”

Look for Gluten-Free Notations on Menus! All toppings house-made, daily!
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan Soft Serve Dole Whip with Zero Sugar Toppings

Victoria Buzz, February 2023

• A year and a half in the making and the Westshore Town Centre is becoming more delicious by the minute! The first of its kind tater-tot shop, Totchos, has opened its doors with fanfare. Attributing the lengthy wait for the restaurant launch to implications involving labour shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Totchos co-owner, Ashley Reardon says the delayed launch has made all the difference to the early success of the business. It was insane. We were lined up outside the door on Friday (February 10th) when we opened. We had the tables flipping every half an hour to 45 minutes,” said Reardon. Having to close an hour early due to a shortage of food, Reardon tells Victoria Buzz the wave of support and welcome she and her husband have received at the Westshore Town Centre has helped them feel at home and further inspired them to run a business in Langford. “We moved out to Langford because it’s a quieter area but there’s less stuff going on for our kids. We are big kids so we kind of just brainstormed and we were like, let’s just do something fun,” says Reardon. Known as the only restaurant on Vancouver Island serving a delicious variety of tater-tot inspired meals, Totchos holds a deeper meaning to Reardon as a tribute to her late mother, Charlene, who passed away in October 2022. “She couldn’t see it open but she was really excited. Most of the recipes are hers and I learned all my cooking from her,” says Reardon. As a child, Reardon’s parents would infuse tater tots into meals with additional healthy ingredients to help inspire Reardon and her siblings to eat balanced meals. A concept that Reardon has passed onto her children, the new restaurateur tells Victoria Buzz that the realization of this business has come full circle as her eldest daughter encouraged her to pursue the business. “I was sitting with my oldest daughter one day and she’s like, mom if we ever can we should open a tater tot restaurant. I ended up getting a settlement, and we were just like, okay let’s try this,” says Reardon. For those curious about what’s offered on the menu, Reardon wants guests to know there’s a meal waiting for everyone. “We’re 90% gluten-free, there are only three things on our menu that isn’t gluten free. We also have plenty of vegan and keto options,” says Reardon.

Victoria Buzz, August 17, 2022

• Get your bellies ready, Langford. A new eatery is coming to town and there’s nothing like it in the region. Opening across from Winners / HomeSense in at Westshore Town Centre, Totchos will be serving up loaded tater tots, hand-helds (fancy tacos), snacks and soft serve ice cream, with lots of vegan, low-carb and no sugar options as well. “⁠We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a brand-new retailer opening at Westshore Town Centre this Fall,” Marketing Manager Kelly McClure⁠⁠ Marketing said in an email to Victoria Buzz. Totchos is locally owned and while no specific opening date was announced, it is slated to open this fall. “The owners are very excited to be opening this first-of-its-kind restaurant at Westshore Town Centre and to serve up delicious food and fun to the Westshore community,” said McClure. Even better, each table at the restaurant will be equipped with a built-in retro video gaming system for loads of family fun!⁠

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies for the finest in authentic, Italian dining!

Click here for 900 Degrees’ Gluten-Free Menu & Pricing. In person,  ask for the ‘Red Menu!’

Thursday, November 23 from 6 – 7:30 PM
RSVP to ellen@theceliacscene.com

NOTE from The Celiac Scene: Only gluten-free flour is used on the prep line and to dust the oven floor. Flour is denatured at a temperature of 900˚.  In the event that residual flour might remain, it would be gluten free.

Open 7 days per week 11:30am to 8pm.

Reserve online or call (250) 590-4493
Order Takeout – Pick up at 101B 2401 Millstream Avenue.
Gift Certificates
900degrees.ca • Facebook • Instagram • contact@900degrees.ca •  Regular Menu

Watch 900 Degrees on CHEK NEWS Order Up!

Deli Products – Enjoy 900° quality products and ingredients at home! 900° offers a variety of top-quality deli products, from our house-made organic and gluten-free pizza dough, organic tomato sauce, fresh pesto and house desserts. More info

See also 900˚ BiSTRO in Sidney!

Great gluten-free news from owner, Adrian Ortiz:

“We have now launched a dedicated FULL GLUTEN-FREE MENU! There are over 30 GF items on our menu, including appetizers, salads and pizzas.”

“We have also COMPLETELY eliminated gluten flour for our pizza prep line – which now significantly decreases the possibility fo gluten cross contamination.”

‘ “In other words, “The only thing that is NOT GF is our regular dough, which is now prepared completely separately. There is absolutely no gluten flour online, which is the main concern for potential cross-contamination.” ‘

“ALL flour used online (even the one we use to stretch our traditional recipe dough) is Gluten-Free. All previous protocols of using separate utensils, tools and equipment for our GF food items are still enforced.”

Click here to view menu

Click here to view menu

Click here to view menu

TESTIMONIAL: We bought 2 GF pizzas(+1reg) here for take out last evening. It was soooooo goooood! Mine was vegetarian with a pesto sauce – yum!!!! Highly recommend this spot! 10/10 maybe even 15/10 😍  … Gloria

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!

Read the Reviews!

• https://issuu.com/garyhynes/docs/eat_magazine_sept-oct_2017
• https://issuu.com/garyhynes/docs/eat_magazine_march_april_2017

• https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1308429
• http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=615313

• http://issuu.com/page-one/docs/yam_mayjun2015/1
• http://issuu.com/page-one/docs/yam_mayjun2015/21

Click on menu to enlarge

Let’s Dig in at Six Mile Pub’s Tuesday Night Pasta!

Your choice of Italy’s Rummo Pasta’s penne, spaghetti, macaroni or linguine. Includes gluten-free garlic bread!

Printer-friendly version of menu

• Tuesday, May 7  from 6pm to 8pm at Six Mile Pub at 494 Old Island Highway in View Royal
• Everyone welcome! Gluten-free diners as well as significant others who may or may not eat gluten free!
• Family friendly – minors welcome!
• RSVPs a MUST before Sunday, May 5!
• Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com
• Drop ins and ‘no shows’ are not cool. Notice of cancellation required or risk being excluded from future events.
• Additional food sensitivities / allergies? Please contact Six Mile Pub directly at 250-478-3121.

Find Six Mile Pub at 494 Old Island Highway in View Royal, British Columbia
250-478-3121 • Free Parking • Accessible •

Six Mile Pub • Menus with ‘GF’ Notations • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Six Mile Pub Believes in Great Food that just happens to be Gluten Free!
• All of Six Mile’s deep fryers, breadings & coatings are gluten free
• Proprietary gluten-free flours expertly blended in house
• Contraband flours are stored away from the prep hall
• Gluten-free kitchen guidelines in place
• Gluten-free education / staff training is ongoing
• Menu has GF icons marking house-made, gluten-free products. Enjoy!

Providing us with the gluten-free options we love for Patio Dining, Take Out or Delivery: Bangers • Bean Tacos • Calamari • Crab Cake • Crispy Cauliflower • Fish & Chips • Nasi Goreng • Pan-Seared Cod • Perogies • Poutine • Seafood Paella • Shepherd’s Pie • SixNature Wings • Thai Chicken Salad & so much more! Decadent desserts, too!

Gluten-Free Beer! Whistler Forager in Bottles • Ciders • Glutenberg

Open for Indoor Dining, Take-Out & Delivery

• MON – THURS 11:00am – 8:00pm
• FRI & SAT 11:00am – 10:00pm
• SUN 11:00am – 8:00pm
• BRUNCH Sat & Sun 11am – 2pm
• HAPPY HOUR Daily 3pm – 6pm
• RIVERSIDE PATIO: open for seating between mid-Spring and mid-Fall.

The 160 year-old View Royal pub that served the Gold Rush has set the gold standard for gluten free! It has seating for over 300 guests, including some on the Riverside Patio that overlooks Millstream.

Their pub fare is created with culinary flare. Six Mile is proud to serve ‘SIX-Nature’ chicken wings, deep-fried halibut and – wait for it –  safe french fries, yam fries and even onion rings cooked in a dedicated deep fryer!

Six Mile Pub’s Red Seal Chefs and their protégées pride themselves on meeting the needs of celiac diners and  anyone with sensitivities i.e. dairy, soy, nuts or shellfish.

Be sure to ask for their ‘Feature Sheet!’

• Six Mile Pub Celebrates 160 Years in View Royal

There’s a cozy corner,  a sun-drenched patio or a pool table just right for you. Families are welcome with a menu made with the celiac child in mind. The family room also makes a great space for group functions.

• TESTIMONIAL:  Just had dinner last night at the 6 Mile Pub on Old Island Highway. Wow! I have eaten here before but was amazed again at the GF menu selection, presentation, deliciousness, and the feeling of safety eating there. We went with another family and it was so awesome that I could share food with others who easily ordered GF even though they aren’t Celiac because there is just so many good things to choose from. The calamari is the best I have had anywhere. All the desserts were gluten free. How is this possible I wondered? I asked the waitress and she told me the chef is Celiac! We need more Celiac chefs that are this creative!! This has got to be best restaurant for dinner for Celiacs in the Victoria area.

Six Mile produces its own light and fluffy gluten-free buns with a Celiac Scene Approved Secret Ingredient!

Six Mile Pub pulls out all the gluten-free stops – every Sunday! Gluten-free hotcake stack, eggs benedict, omelettes, hash browns and amazing desserts! Gots Kids? Ask to be seated in the Family Room and order from the Kids Menu!

Unique at The Six Mile

• We do not own or use microwave ovens
• Only high-quality oil is used in our fryers. While more costly, the quality is in the taste and the value is in its healthful properties
• We serve handmade artisan products including pasta, sausages & bread
• Our apiary produces an abundance of honey that we use in many recipes
• All seafood options are recommended by the Vancouver Aquarium as ocean-friendly
• Patrons of all ages (including minors) are always welcome

The historic Six Mile Pub is the Oldest Pub in BC. It has seating for over 300 guests, including some on the Riverside Patio that overlooks Millstream. All menu items, are prepared from scratch using thoughtfully and responsibly sourced ingredients.

Our Gluten-Free Hero & Industry Pioneer, David Wing is a 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductee! !

Owner of the Oldest Pub in British Columbia, the Six Mile Pub + Eatery, David considers himself an accidental restauranteur.

He was introduced to the restaurant industry by his brother-in-law, Joseph Heng, only as a means to pay for his studies at the University of Victoria. David had always aspired to become a clinical psychologist.

Chandlers Restaurant, a member of the Keg family of restaurants at the time, and where David was working as a bistro cook, offered him a full-time kitchen management position. David took the job, anticipating that he would eventually return to fulfill his dream of becoming a psychologist.

Before long, this accidental choice of livelihood had become a career. Ultimately, both the work of a clinical psychologist care of people, which had always been David’s impetus anyways.

Over the decades since, David has schooled himself across a wide spectrum of the industry – from managing corporate restaurants such as the Keg and Milestones, to running the food and beverage operations for a cruise ship, operating a tiny mom-and-pop wrap and smoothie health bar, and for the past 20+ years, owning and actively operating the oldest pub in BC, the Six Mile Pub + Eatery in Victoria. His focus on warm, authentic hospitality and wholesome foods has earned this heritage pub a “Best Pub to Take a Kid” award, as well as consecutive “Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Pub in Victoria”.

When he is not serving guests at his Pub, David along with his wife, Fancy, serves the community, with their Fancy + David Foundation, which funds charities, programs and activities that help steer local youths towards positive, productive pathways.

While he does not profess to know everything about the industry; In fact, he claims to know very little, he has been conducting weekly classes at his pub, to share what little he knows with his many young, passionate staff who are building careers in our industry.

At this stage of his accidental career, is to give a little back to the industry that has given him so much!