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!
Gluten Free Expo is Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundreds of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.
January 14 & 15. 10am to 4pm
Vancouver Conference Centre 1055 Canada Place
Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Tickets $20 per day. 12 & under FREE.
- Expo pricing – plan to spend!
- Leading experts educate & answer questions
- Children’s play area and so much more
OUR FAVES WILL BE THERE!
Silver Sponsor Alkeme Artisan Bakery – Specializing in Gluten-Free Sourdough – Booth 309
Alkeme is a family-owned, gluten-free, nut-free bakery dedicated to crafting wildly fermented sliced breads, buns, bagels & pizza crusts. Employing a centuries-old sourdough bread process, Alkeme’s products offer a hearty and wholesome texture, crunchy exterior and a soft, spongy interior.
Made with ancient grain blend (sorghum, millet and tapioca), arrowroot powder, water, sour-dough starter culture, psyllium husk, coconut sugar and sea salt. The most important ingredient is time. Learn more here …
• thisisalkeme.com • Facebook • Instagram
Bronze Sponsor – O’Doughs Too Good to Be Gluten Free – Booth 116
O’Doughs provides healthful, high quality, soft, gluten-free savoury bagels, bread & buns made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients – from their family to yours. Learn more here …
ODoughs.com • Where to buy O’Dough’s • Recipe Ideas • eatwell@odoughs.com • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest
CHOOSE FROM ALL OF THEIR DELICIOUS PRODUCTS • RESTAURANTS DO!
Taco Revolution – IXIM Foods – Tortillas, Seasonings, Salsas & More – Booth 409
If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh IXIM tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own home! All 100% gluten free!
Sample hand-made tortilla chips & hot sauce.
Expo Pricing on Taco Night and Chorizo Spice Mix, Revolucion Hot Sauce, Xocolatl (Mayan hot chocolate), Pico de Gallo Salsa, Tortillas and Taco Fillings – while quantities last!
ixim.ca • info@ixim.ca • Facebook • Twitter
IXIM Mexican Foods is Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Ixim tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, preservatives, or unnatural genetically modified ‘frankencorn’ like most tortillas you find in stores.
Corn Tortilla Chips • Fresh Corn Tortillas 100% gluten-free
Seasonings – Chorizo Spice Mix • Taco Seasoning Mix • Nun’s Mistake Mole
Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping. – Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling – Mild or Medium Heat
El Faro Gluten-Free, Vegan All-Purpose Flour. Hand-crafted in Small Batches in Parksville, Vancouver Island – Booth 613
From desserts to scones to fish & chips, El Faro’s Flour Blend forms the foundation of all of the baking at El Faro Fusion’s 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant. Now we can enjoy their artisan mix in our own kitchens! Learn more here!
- Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Arrowroot Starch and Xanthan Gum.
Expo Pricing – mention The Celiac Scene and enjoy a 10% discount!
elfaromarket.com • Facebook • Instagram • elfarofusion@yahoo.com • 250-951-6224 • Order via Amazon
Watch the El Faro Flour video!
Secret El Faro Flour Scone Recipe!
Wise Bites Plant-Based Quinoa Snacks Way of the Future!
You want something sweet, but you also want to make smarter choices about what you want to eat. Wise Bites lets you have it both ways. Sweetened mostly with pure fruit so you get all the taste and none of the guilt.
Wise Bites are a take-anywhere snack made with nutritious pure oats. Lightly sweetened with dried fruit. Re-sealable bag keeps them fresh.
- Certified Gluten-Free • Non-GMO Verified • Certified Vegan • Certified Kosher.
- Top 11 Allergen-Free – NO gluten, peanuts, nuts, sesame, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, mustard or sulfites • Casein-free • Yeast-free • High in Protein and Fibre • Low in Sugar and Fat.
Gluten Free Expo is Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundreds of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.
January 14 & 15. 10am to 4pm
Vancouver Conference Centre 1055 Canada Place
Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Tickets $20 per day. 12 & under FREE.
- Expo pricing – plan to spend!
- Leading experts educate & answer questions
- Children’s play area and so much more
OUR FAVES WILL BE THERE!
Silver Sponsor Alkeme Artisan Bakery – Specializing in Gluten-Free Sourdough – Booth 309
Alkeme is a family-owned, gluten-free, nut-free bakery dedicated to crafting wildly fermented sliced breads, buns, bagels & pizza crusts. Employing a centuries-old sourdough bread process, Alkeme’s products offer a hearty and wholesome texture, crunchy exterior and a soft, spongy interior.
Made with ancient grain blend (sorghum, millet and tapioca), arrowroot powder, water, sour-dough starter culture, psyllium husk, coconut sugar and sea salt. The most important ingredient is time. Learn more here …
• thisisalkeme.com • Facebook • Instagram
Bronze Sponsor – O’Doughs Too Good to Be Gluten Free – Booth 116
O’Doughs provides healthful, high quality, soft, gluten-free savoury bagels, bread & buns made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients – from their family to yours. Learn more here …
ODoughs.com • Where to buy O’Dough’s • Recipe Ideas • eatwell@odoughs.com • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest
CHOOSE FROM ALL OF THEIR DELICIOUS PRODUCTS • RESTAURANTS DO!
Taco Revolution – IXIM Foods – Tortillas, Seasonings, Salsas & More – Booth 409
If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh IXIM tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own home! All 100% gluten free!
Sample hand-made tortilla chips & hot sauce.
Expo Pricing on Taco Night and Chorizo Spice Mix, Revolucion Hot Sauce, Xocolatl (Mayan hot chocolate), Pico de Gallo Salsa, Tortillas and Taco Fillings – while quantities last!
ixim.ca • info@ixim.ca • Facebook • Twitter
IXIM Mexican Foods is Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Ixim tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, preservatives, or unnatural genetically modified ‘frankencorn’ like most tortillas you find in stores.
Corn Tortilla Chips • Fresh Corn Tortillas 100% gluten-free
Seasonings – Chorizo Spice Mix • Taco Seasoning Mix • Nun’s Mistake Mole
Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping. – Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling – Mild or Medium Heat
El Faro Gluten-Free, Vegan All-Purpose Flour. Hand-crafted in Small Batches in Parksville, Vancouver Island – Booth 613
From desserts to scones to fish & chips, El Faro’s Flour Blend forms the foundation of all of the baking at El Faro Fusion’s 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant. Now we can enjoy their artisan mix in our own kitchens! Learn more here!
- Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Arrowroot Starch and Xanthan Gum.
Expo Pricing – mention The Celiac Scene and enjoy a 10% discount!
elfaromarket.com • Facebook • Instagram • elfarofusion@yahoo.com • 250-951-6224 • Order via Amazon
Watch the El Faro Flour video!
Secret El Faro Flour Scone Recipe!
Wise Bites Plant-Based Quinoa Snacks Way of the Future!
You want something sweet, but you also want to make smarter choices about what you want to eat. Wise Bites lets you have it both ways. Sweetened mostly with pure fruit so you get all the taste and none of the guilt.
Wise Bites are a take-anywhere snack made with nutritious pure oats. Lightly sweetened with dried fruit. Re-sealable bag keeps them fresh.
- Certified Gluten-Free • Non-GMO Verified • Certified Vegan • Certified Kosher.
- Top 11 Allergen-Free – NO gluten, peanuts, nuts, sesame, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, mustard or sulfites • Casein-free • Yeast-free • High in Protein and Fibre • Low in Sugar and Fat.
Almond 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!’
Look 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
About 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 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!
Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram
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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
B-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!
Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram
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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
B-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!
Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram
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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
B-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!
Langford Station Market – 720 Station Ave
Saturdays 10am to 2pm – until April 29, 2023
General Information • Instagram
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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
2nd annual Lovers Lane Market at The Langford Station
Sunday, February 11th 10:00am – 4:00pm
720 Station Ave
A unique shopping experience filled with handmade arts and crafts, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Shop for unique gifts, participate in DIY activities and craft goodie making. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind craft market, it’s the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one or family. Learn more …
Order ahead to assure your purchase!
• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
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 and seasonal events!
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 and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
El Faro Flour Market Table at Qualicum Beach Farmer’s Market • Facebook • Instagram
Gluten-Free Cookies and El Faro Market’s famous flour for sale!
El Faro Gluten Free Flour – Artisan Blend – Hand-crafted in Small Batches in Parksville, Vancouver Island.
- “Your flour has given me my life back. I can bake again for the first time in years confidently.”
Watch the El Faro Flour video!
Secret El Faro Flour Scone Recipe!
El Faro Chocolate Cookies!
From desserts to scones to fish & chips, El Faro’s Flour Blend forms the foundation of all of the baking at El Faro Fusion’s 100% gluten-free restaurant. Now we can enjoy their artisan mix in our own kitchens!
HOURS: Thurs 4-8 • Fri + Sat 12-8 • Sun 12-5
“From hard times come small gifts. In the spring of 2019 we formulated our gluten-free flour and then sidelined the project. During Covid we couldn’t find our favourite gluten-free flour and everything we tried just didn’t measure up to our expectations in creating our favourite baked goods.”
“We pulled out the formula we created and made our favourite scones with it. We nailed it!! The quality, taste and texture were beyond our wildest dreams for anything gluten free. We then shared it with our valued customers and friends for feedback and their overwhelming positive feedback and encouragement led us to you!! We are so excited for you to try our flour for all of your baking adventures!”
“We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your baking adventures with us at elfarofusion@yahoo.com“
Testimonials
“Little by little I am working through my favourite cookie recipes now using your flour. Nothing but success! These ones are particularly good, ginger crinkles! They turned out better than ever. With your flour I am actually thoroughly enjoying baking (and eating) my gluten-free treats again!”
…….
“Today I made one of my favourite recipes that I haven’t been able to make for years … Toblerone Shortbread. Oh my goodness, they turned out so well! You’ve restored my faith in baking. Thank you so much!”
Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Arrowroot Starch and Xanthan Gum.
Carrying Retailers
- BCause
- Better U Market (Qualicum Beach)
- Chemainus Health Food Store
- Country Grocer (Salt Spring Island)
- El Faro 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant & Market (631 Island Highway in Parksville)
- Edible Island (Courtney)
- Fairway Market (Quadra)
- Farmgate Store (Mayne Island)
- Gaia Grocery (Tofino)
- Lifestyle Markets (Douglas Street)
- Market on Millstream (Langford)
- Market on Yates (Victoria)
- Old Farm Market (Oak Bay)
- Pepper’s Foods (Cadboro Bay)
- Pomme Natural Market (Nanaimo)
- Tru Value Foods (Pender Island)
El Faro Fusion 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant in Parksville
“We put love in our food and it comes back to us! If you’re one of life’s adventurers, you will always be welcome at El Faro.”
HOURS: Thurs 4-8 • Fri + Sat 12-8 • Sun 12-5
About El Faro
“At El Faro, we create 100% gluten-free, oat-free naturally hand-crafted fusion cuisine. We believe that good food heals the body as well as the soul. All our dishes are vibrant, delicious, fresh and fun and made with locally sourced, organic and sustainable ingredients.” Learn more …
- “We stopped in on Sunday and this place is great. At first we drove right past it, the outside doesn’t jump out at you as a restaurant. Don’t let that fool you, the food was outstanding. To me, the hallmark of a good/great celiac eatery is that as you eat your food, you would never know that everything is gluten free. Four of us weren’t celiac and the meal was delicious. Any time we venture as far north as Nanaimo, we’ll be taking a detour through Parksville to eat here, we barely scratched the surface of the menu.”
