I'm finally trying to catch up on so many posts that I've wanted to write and haven't had the time. The Sweet Tooth Cakery is a gluten free dedicated bakery in North Vancouver. From their website: "We are a 100% gluten-free boutique bakeshop that specializes in hand-crafted, artisan cakes. All of our products are made from scratch and we use freshest, local ingredients whenever available.We also create dairy-free, egg-free and vegan options."
The following are also dairy free because I am unable to eat dairy. We buy the basic brown rice bread, it is really good toasted or warmed in the microwave. I also like their brown rice and the cinnamon-raisin bagels. Their wild-berry scones are good but I don't think they have the same texture as the scones I remember.
In terms of treats, I like their lemon squares, carrot cake (with cinnamon icing), dark chocolate mint cookies and their cupcakes. They were very accommodating when I ordered mini cupcakes last summer.
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Monday, 26 January 2015
Red Robin
If you're looking for a good gluten aware, moderately priced, kid friendly restaurant, then I highly recommend Red Robin. I frequent Red Robin because they have excellent chicken burgers and fries and I feel confident in terms of the staff's gluten free knowledge and menu items. Not every burger is gluten free (I've been told the turkey patty contains gluten), so make sure that you ask but they do have a gluten free bun upon request for an additional charge. I always order the simply chicken burger that comes with tomato, lettuce and onion. Fries also have their own dedicated gluten free deep fryer and I think that they're these steak fries are some of the best! I ask for mine without their seasoning salt because it contains soy (which I also can't have). Staff are all very accommodating and I have never felt sick after eating there.
Monday, 19 January 2015
Gluten Free Beer! Hooray! ...more added!....see update
Before I knew that I couldn't eat gluten, I really liked beer and I've missed it over the years!. It has only been in the past couple of years that really good gluten free beer is popping up because of the Craft Beer Revolution in B.C. and the American west coast. I really like O'Mission Pale Ale, I've also tried their lager, which is good if you like a regular lighter beer. This beer comes in 6 packs and retails for around $17-$18. The gluten is supposed to be removed, I do find that it doesn't bother my sensitive Celiac stomach but...I do worry whether this process is really legit? I wanted to update an experience that I had with this beer last weekend. It might just be me and my system but I was really sick from this beer and as a result, sadly (because it tastes so good!)won't drink it again. I am not a big drinker, I might have a beer on the weekend or a glass of wine with dinner. It was unusual that I had 3 of the O'Mission ales last Friday night. I had severe diarrhea for the next 2 days and felt horrible, everything in my system came out. It is now Wednesday and I am not back to normal yet, better but not all better. I'm not sure if it was the amount of alcohol or the small amount of gluten, either way, I'm not going to risk it again, I will stick with beers like Forager below that are not originally made out of gluten but other safer ingredients. I wanted to write this update because of my experience. I have no idea if this beer is really safe or not, as I said earlier, it is unfortunate because it really is the best "gluten free" beer that I've tried. As my fellow celiacs know, once you get sick, it is never worth the risk to try it again, no food or drink is worth it...I never eat gluten, ever.
I've recently tried FORAGER gluten free lager, it won the Bronze medal at the "World Beer Championships", it comes in a 6 pack also, usually around $18. I like the fact that it is Canadian. I think that my favorite is Harvester beer from Oregon *they have changed their name to" Ground Breaker Brewing", it comes in larger single bottles, which retail in Canada for about $8.
More....
One of the first gluten free beers that I tried was New Grist, I bought it from Whole Foods in California in the fall of 2008. It is made with sorghum, rice, hops, water and yeast. It is crisp and refreshing and tastes like a nice light lager. It is now available in 6 packs in Canada in many liquor stores.
Bard's is a gluten free beer made with malted sorghum, yeast, hops and water. The creators of this beer say that their taste difference is due to the special care that they take malting the sorghum.I do like it a little bit more than the New Grist but it is likely a matter of personal taste preference. It comes in 6 packs and is sold widely in Canada. It is also a lager but it has more of a deep richer flavour.
Greens gluten free beers come in single serve bottles, I've only seen the blond, amber and dark varieties on the shelf in the odd liquor store in Canada but I do notice that there are many types on their website. They are difficult to find and often a store will carry only one type. I have tried all three and I like the amber the best. Some of the types are naturally gluten free while others have de- glutenised barley. Again, I wonder about the gluten removal process but I know that these beers do not bother my stomach.
Daura Damm: I have tried this Spanish gluten free beer but it was a long time ago, so I think I need to give it another try sometime soon... It really has won a lot of awards! It is a lager and boasts a less than 3 ppm (parts per million) gluten content. Visit their website for more information.
Glutenberg: My friend and her husband own an award winning popular craft brewery on Powell Street in Vancouver, BC. I went to visit her one day and she brought in a gluten free beer for us to share, it was a can of Glutenberg's American Pale Ale in the red can. I was really impressed by the flavour and she told me that it has won awards. This Montreal based company started brewing in 2011 and is really popular in Quebec.
*Note, if you live in B.C. Canada, you can often get liquor stores to order in beer for you.
What the heck is sorghum? Click on the word to go to the Wikipedia link if you're curious.
I've recently tried FORAGER gluten free lager, it won the Bronze medal at the "World Beer Championships", it comes in a 6 pack also, usually around $18. I like the fact that it is Canadian. I think that my favorite is Harvester beer from Oregon *they have changed their name to" Ground Breaker Brewing", it comes in larger single bottles, which retail in Canada for about $8.
More....
One of the first gluten free beers that I tried was New Grist, I bought it from Whole Foods in California in the fall of 2008. It is made with sorghum, rice, hops, water and yeast. It is crisp and refreshing and tastes like a nice light lager. It is now available in 6 packs in Canada in many liquor stores.
Bard's is a gluten free beer made with malted sorghum, yeast, hops and water. The creators of this beer say that their taste difference is due to the special care that they take malting the sorghum.I do like it a little bit more than the New Grist but it is likely a matter of personal taste preference. It comes in 6 packs and is sold widely in Canada. It is also a lager but it has more of a deep richer flavour.
Greens gluten free beers come in single serve bottles, I've only seen the blond, amber and dark varieties on the shelf in the odd liquor store in Canada but I do notice that there are many types on their website. They are difficult to find and often a store will carry only one type. I have tried all three and I like the amber the best. Some of the types are naturally gluten free while others have de- glutenised barley. Again, I wonder about the gluten removal process but I know that these beers do not bother my stomach.
Daura Damm: I have tried this Spanish gluten free beer but it was a long time ago, so I think I need to give it another try sometime soon... It really has won a lot of awards! It is a lager and boasts a less than 3 ppm (parts per million) gluten content. Visit their website for more information.
Glutenberg: My friend and her husband own an award winning popular craft brewery on Powell Street in Vancouver, BC. I went to visit her one day and she brought in a gluten free beer for us to share, it was a can of Glutenberg's American Pale Ale in the red can. I was really impressed by the flavour and she told me that it has won awards. This Montreal based company started brewing in 2011 and is really popular in Quebec.
*Note, if you live in B.C. Canada, you can often get liquor stores to order in beer for you.
What the heck is sorghum? Click on the word to go to the Wikipedia link if you're curious.
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Sante Gluten Free Cafe
Sante Gluten Free Cafe: Toted as Victoria's first all gluten free cafe. We only tried a small made to order gluten free/dairy free pizza. It was good but a little on the plain side, crust could have been a little crispier. Service was friendly and the atmosphere was quite cozy with little French touches. Breakfast, lunch and sweets menu looked really tempting. Many gluten free/vegan/soy free soups to take home along with some grocery items and a variety of mostly local baked goods which includes loaves of bread.
Will definitely go back and will add more soon!
Will definitely go back and will add more soon!
Thursday, 3 April 2014
HELL Pizza - North Vancouver
HELL Pizza 1-888-HELL-911
Originating from New Zealand this interesting concept features creative names for their pizzas.
They also offer 2 gluten free desserts (not dairy free, so it doesn't help me).
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Gluten Free - Victoria, B.C.
Recently, I have been travelling to Vancouver Island (Victoria) from Vancouver. I have spent quite a few weekends there and as a result I have been checking out the gluten free scene in Victoria. Turns out, it is quite a gluten free friendly place. Here are a few of the places that I have tried and recommend.
Origins Bakery: There are two locations as you will find on their website. I am also dairy free so there are only a few options in terms of treats. There is a chocolate chip cookie bar, these are quite good and remind me of eating raw cookie dough. They are rectangular and are individually wrapped. Not the best gf cookie that I've ever tried but still yummy. They also sell meringues with dark chocolate chips, these are on top of the counter in a glass jar, they are big, sweet and delicious! We also tried their "staple loaf", this bread has a very good texture, similar to regular wheat bread. In addition, we purchased a baguette, it had a great texture and taste. My only complaint was that it left a bit of a weird after taste. The customer service here is great and the bakery staff is always friendly and helpful. Hours are Tuesday-Saturdays 7:30AM-5:30PM at the Pandora location. The hours are the same at the Island Hwy location except that they open a half hour later each day at 8:00AM.
Update: they have an amazing lemon tart and a delicious mocha tart, both are really rich and creamy.
Tonolli's Deli: in Central Saanich has some great gluten free options. (this is not a gluten free establishment) I was told that any gluten free baking is done on a separate day, away from their regular baking but is in the same location. I have tried their almond cookies dipped in dark chocolate. In addition, I've had their made to order gluten free/dairy free pizzas, these are quite good. Breakfast can be done gluten free as they offer gluten free english muffins. I recommend this homey, busy little establishment, though be extra careful when asking about ingredients, I found that different staff gave me different answers and I did not feel confident as to what was in certain cookies, so I chose not to buy them for fear getting sick from milk ingredients. A staff member told me that you can special order gf desserts if you require dairy free, vegan etc.
Sassy's Family Restaurant:
Is a great gluten free family/diner style restaurant. I have been here several times,for breakfast and lunch. They offer gluten free english muffins or toast and a gluten free bun for the chicken burger. I recommend this restaurant to my fellow gluten free/dairy free diners looking for a weekend brunch spot.
Origins Bakery: There are two locations as you will find on their website. I am also dairy free so there are only a few options in terms of treats. There is a chocolate chip cookie bar, these are quite good and remind me of eating raw cookie dough. They are rectangular and are individually wrapped. Not the best gf cookie that I've ever tried but still yummy. They also sell meringues with dark chocolate chips, these are on top of the counter in a glass jar, they are big, sweet and delicious! We also tried their "staple loaf", this bread has a very good texture, similar to regular wheat bread. In addition, we purchased a baguette, it had a great texture and taste. My only complaint was that it left a bit of a weird after taste. The customer service here is great and the bakery staff is always friendly and helpful. Hours are Tuesday-Saturdays 7:30AM-5:30PM at the Pandora location. The hours are the same at the Island Hwy location except that they open a half hour later each day at 8:00AM.
Update: they have an amazing lemon tart and a delicious mocha tart, both are really rich and creamy.
Tonolli's Deli: in Central Saanich has some great gluten free options. (this is not a gluten free establishment) I was told that any gluten free baking is done on a separate day, away from their regular baking but is in the same location. I have tried their almond cookies dipped in dark chocolate. In addition, I've had their made to order gluten free/dairy free pizzas, these are quite good. Breakfast can be done gluten free as they offer gluten free english muffins. I recommend this homey, busy little establishment, though be extra careful when asking about ingredients, I found that different staff gave me different answers and I did not feel confident as to what was in certain cookies, so I chose not to buy them for fear getting sick from milk ingredients. A staff member told me that you can special order gf desserts if you require dairy free, vegan etc.
Sassy's Family Restaurant:
Is a great gluten free family/diner style restaurant. I have been here several times,for breakfast and lunch. They offer gluten free english muffins or toast and a gluten free bun for the chicken burger. I recommend this restaurant to my fellow gluten free/dairy free diners looking for a weekend brunch spot.
Monday, 15 April 2013
The Gluten Free Epicurean - Vancouver
I've been going to this establishment since it opened over a year ago. I've been to most, if not all of the gluten free bakeries in Vancouver and they definitely have the best gluten free goodies around. They also have a lot of dairy free and vegan options. The space is small with the bakery visible to patrons. They have 5 tables and a corner with a toybox/bench full of toys, books, puzzles and so on for kids. They also have 2 highchairs. They offer tea, juice and pop but not coffee. If you need a caffeine fix they are more than happy to recommend you buy one from Matchstick Coffee next door and bring it in.
I am gluten and dairy free so I have only been able to try those particular items. My favorite goodies, in no particular order are: the cranberry-pecan-choco-chip cookie, double chocolate chip cookie, chocolate mint brownie, apple fritter (that's right actual donuts! dairy free too and delicious) and pizza bun. They also make cinnamon buns,banana bread and really good sized moist muffins, serving a new flavour every day. They also serve pizza everyday, normally 3 varieties, with one vegan cheese option which is always veggie. I like their pizza but find that the slice is quite small for $4.75 and is not quite enough for lunch for me. Recently, they have added baguettes to the menu and they are quite good.
In addition, they sell frozen take-and-bake goods which includes packs of 4 pizza buns, pre-formed pie crusts, pizza dough, frozen sliced cookies and more. They also have a dry food section which includes mixes so you can make your own cookies, cakes, brownies etc. Along with these items, there are packages of crackers and quinoa granola.
They do not make regular sandwich bread and from what I understand they have no plans to do so right now.
I have only mentioned part of their gluten free offerings.
Go to their website for more information on products, location and hours. Gluten Free Epicurean
I am gluten and dairy free so I have only been able to try those particular items. My favorite goodies, in no particular order are: the cranberry-pecan-choco-chip cookie, double chocolate chip cookie, chocolate mint brownie, apple fritter (that's right actual donuts! dairy free too and delicious) and pizza bun. They also make cinnamon buns,banana bread and really good sized moist muffins, serving a new flavour every day. They also serve pizza everyday, normally 3 varieties, with one vegan cheese option which is always veggie. I like their pizza but find that the slice is quite small for $4.75 and is not quite enough for lunch for me. Recently, they have added baguettes to the menu and they are quite good.
In addition, they sell frozen take-and-bake goods which includes packs of 4 pizza buns, pre-formed pie crusts, pizza dough, frozen sliced cookies and more. They also have a dry food section which includes mixes so you can make your own cookies, cakes, brownies etc. Along with these items, there are packages of crackers and quinoa granola.
They do not make regular sandwich bread and from what I understand they have no plans to do so right now.
I have only mentioned part of their gluten free offerings.
Go to their website for more information on products, location and hours. Gluten Free Epicurean
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