Merry Christmas from The Celiac Scene™

Thank you to everyone who shared their wonderful gluten-free experiences with us in our first year of operation. Your contributions have helped to make The Celiac Scene™ the vibrant and dynamic community that it is today! We look forward to celebrating with you every day in 2010!

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WOW! I was so impressed with the info and reception this past weekend in Victoria! Took your Celiac Scene map with me and ate at The Tapas Bar , Le Bon Rouge Bistro, and Wild Saffron at The Swan's Hotel . In ALL cases, waitstaff couldn't have been more gracious, knowledgeable and helpful. The person who waited on us at the Tapas Bar was celiac herself. I also appreciated the Celiac Scene decals in the doorways. On top of that, we had Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens and my GF selection was marvelous. Turns out that the "Tea Chef" also has CD. Thank you for this great service to us GF eaters. To date, I've never had such a friendly and knowledgeable reception in the States where I am from. 

We went to Topo's Restaurante and my meal was so amazing; I even had a chocolate mousse desert made with Bernard Callebaut chocolate. Yum, Yum, Yum!!! Bernice

We were in Victoria for my oldest son’s wedding. We needed a restaurant to host 15 of my family members for our rehearsal dinner (6 of us are gluten/dairy free). We chose Nautical Nellie's as it was within walking distance from our hotel and could accommodate us all on a busy Friday night. The waiter who served us requested our table as his girlfriend is celiac and he felt he could give us the best service. He was right! We all enjoyed an amazing meal and even the most sensitive among us enjoyed a safe meal. Bravo Nautical Nellies and The Celiac Scene™! Cathy

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that we have found a
different way to heat the flour tortillas that will leave the grill
strictly gluten free with no traces whatsoever of gluten. The new equipment should be installed within a couple of weeks. Yea! Tamara of Hernande’z Restaurant

I recently traveled to Calgary for a dance competition. Before I left I checked The Celiac Scene™ to look for restaurants that were within walking distance of my hotel that could provide GF options. I ended up going to the Redwater Rustic Grille. The service was great and the wait staff were very knowledgeable. I ordered from the pasta menu, as they could substitute GF corn pasta for wheat pasta. The waiter wrote down my allergies and double checked with the head chef that everything that I ordered was GF and dairy free. When complimentary bread and antipasto were brought out to the table for the others, I was served GF corn chips and antipasto on a separate plate. The meal was fantastic!!! This was the first time I had had a pasta dish at a restaurant since going GF 4 years ago. As with every time I eat out, I am always skeptical of my meal, even after all the precautions. I can tell within 10 minutes of eating a meal whether or not it was contaminated with gluten. After the 10 minute mark, my stomach was getting full, but the signs I experience with gluten contamination were not there! My meal was delicious AND safe! I returned to the restaurant the next night for the exact same dish! I highly recommend trying this restaurant for a delicious GF meal! Stephanie

We ate recently at Bistro 161 in Duncan. Celiac friendly, a very nice place to eat. Barbro

Another great restaurant! Blues Bayou. Our waiter’s knowledge of celiac disease was very reassuring. He was able to give confident recommendations about what I could and couldn't eat without my having to educate him. The food was spicy and the evening was fun! I highly recommend Blues Bayou!. Judy

My department at work had their Christmas lunch at the Duke of Dublin Irish Pub in Abbotsford last Friday. I emailed the General Manager and he assured me that they could provide a gluten free meal so that I was able to join the rest of my department for lunch. He suggested I contact the chef the morning of the lunch to make the arrangements. I called the chef and was pleasantly surprised by his knowledge of Celiac Disease and gluten-free foods. He suggested the Bangkok Chicken Stir Fry served with Basmati rice (instead of chow mein noodles). He told me that they are more than willing to accommodate food allergies at the restaurant as he suffers from an allergy to seafood. The meal was fabulous - grilled chicken, lots of fresh vegetables with a wonderful curry peanut sauce served over basmati rice. The bonus: I had no symptoms of any gluten contamination. If you are looking for a restaurant in the Abbotsford area where you can have a wonderful gluten free meal I highly recommend the Duke of Dublin Irish pub, both the food and the atmosphere are fantastic. Rosemary

Café Ceylon was amazing! The waiter was wonderful, the meal was very very delicious, and Tamara's husband came out to talk to us at the end to make sure everything went well with our meal. He was extremely gracious! Two Thumbs up for Cafe Ceylon! Bernice

Gluten-Free Christmas Pumpkin Loaf

A Celiac is Coming

Tasty Hassle-Free Gluten-Free Cooking

presents

Christmas Pumpkin Loaf

Ingredients

♦ 1/2 cup pure Cream Hill Estates oats

♦ 1/2 cup brown sugar

♦ 1 - 1/2 cup Pamela’s Pancake & Baking mix

(or 3/4 cup rice flour + 3/4 c GF buckwheat flour)

♦ 1 tsp baking powder

♦ 1 tsp baking soda

♦ 2 tsp cinnamon

♦ 1 tsp ground cloves

♦ 1 tsp ground ginger

♦ 1/4 tsp salt

♦ 4 eggs

♦ 3/4 cup brown sugar

♦ 3/4 cup white sugar

♦ 1/4 cup molasses

♦ 1 can pumpkin puree (425g)

Directions

♦ Preheat oven to 375 F

♦ Lightly oil 2 loaf pans

♦ Mix 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup brown sugar in small bowl.

♦ Place half mixture into each loaf pan. Swirl around so some oats stick to side of pans.

♦ Mix Baking Mix, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in medium bowl until combined.

♦ Beat eggs, sugar, and molasses until fully combined. Add pumpkin and beat. Add flour mixture and beat until fully combined.

♦ Pour half batter into each loaf pan.

♦ Bake for 35 min or until center springs back when pressed.

♦ Turn out onto a plate (the oats will now be on the top)

♦ ENJOY!!

Print Recipe

www.aceliaciscoming.com

Over 150 great, GF recipes available in hard cover and e-book

***A Perfect Gift for Christmas***

To order

Now! Serving the Scene™!

Wanting a wheatless wedding cake? Need a caterer for your kids celiac camp? Dreaming of a delivery of GF pasta?

Look no further than Serving the Scene™, Canada's first and only listing of independent entrepreneurs who are keen to provide a special skill or a service to the gluten-free community.

Would you like to make your favourite recipes gluten-free? See EZ2B Gluten Free!

Want some pasta pronto? Call Antipastos Kitchen

Craving cupcakes on the coast? The Sweet Tooth Cakery!

Promised to bake a platter of pastries? Call Portions Canada!

If you can imagine it, someone is sure to be providing it on Serving the Scene™.

And if you are the one providing the service, The Celiac Scene™ will promote it! We connect your business with the celiac community around the corner or around the world! Find what you are looking for at Serving the Scene™ www.theceliacscene.com !

The Celiac Christmas Scene™

Hamilton / Burlington Chapter of the CCA

Join the Hamilton/Burlington Chapter in welcoming Rose Turchio of Whole Foods Oakville as she shares strategies for "Surviving the Holidays!"

When: Wednesday, December 9 from 7 to 9 pm

Where: Burlington Art Centre, Lakeshore Rd, Burlington (across from Spencer Smith Park)

Admission: Two dozen cookies (gluten free) for cookie exchange. "New Members -- Free Admission" Attendees will take home a container of cookies.

**Gluten-Free Pita Breads for sale at this meeting!**

For more information

Contact Christine

Call the Help Line – 905-572-6775

View Information Poster

Kamloops Chapter of the CCA

The Kamloops Chapter's Christmas Dinner is coming very soon!

Celebrate the joyful season with fellow celiacsand gluten-free friends you have not met yet!!

When: Sunday, December 13

Where: Kamloops Curling Club , 700 Victoria St

4:00 pm: Bake Sale Fundraiser begins at 4 pm - please bring some gluten-free baking for the Bake Sale and plan to make some purchases!

5:00 pm: Turkey dinner and all the trimmings! Please join us for Door Prizes; Little Elves; Much Fun!

Adults $25 6-12 yrs Half price 5 and under Free!

Must purchase tickets by December 9 by contacting:

Diane 250-372-9564

Eileen 250-374-6185

or Email Nutters 250-828-9960

Visit Kamloops' Chapter Website

GF Christmas at The Sweet Tooth Cakery!

PLACE YOUR CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW!

Stunning, delicious GF Christmas cookies, cakes, breads & biscotti. Hostess Packages also available to give and receive!

The deadline for placing orders is Friday, December 5th.

Items can be picked up at two convenient locations:

Vancouver December 11, 12 & 13.

Victoria December 20th.

Price List & Order Form

Contact Jenny

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Sweet Tooth Cakery is a boutique cakery that uses only the freshest ingredients, non-wheat based & gluten-free flours. We work in a dedicated facility for your safety and pleasure. Choose from a variety of cake flavours, fillings and finishes for a unique, hand-crafted product that you and your guests will never forget.

CAKE FLAVOURS

Chocolate ~ Yellow Butter ~ Ginger Spice ~ Carrot ~ Lemon ~ Coconut

FILLINGS

Buttercream (chocolate; vanilla; mocha; raspberry; coconut; ginger spice)

Cream Cheese (chocolate; vanilla; mocha; raspberry; coconut; ginger spice)

Ganache (rich dark chocolate)

Fruit Fillings (raspberry, strawberry or cherry)

FINISHES*

Buttercream (chocolate; vanilla; mocha; raspberry; coconut; ginger)

Fondant (rolled icing)*

Poured Ganache (rich dark chocolate)

*Fondant finishes also available.

DECORATIONS

All cakes and cupcakes are iced and come with a decorative border. Written messages are free of charge. Additional decorations are extra. Wedding cakes and custom order cakes require a one month minimum notice. We host design consultations and tastings for Wedding and Custom Cake orders at our North Vancouver office/design studio by appointment only on Saturdays, Sundays and weekday evenings.

See Everyday Cake Menu

See our Sweet Delights Menu

Memorable moments

Notes about Pricing

Contact the Cakery

FOLLOW us on FACEBOOK!

Blondies! Cathy Lauer's Favourite Recipe

The opposite of brownies - these are so yummy you will want to make a double batch and eat them all! The recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9 x 13 pan. Great to bring to a potluck. They will be a hit!

½ c butter or marg

1 c brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter. Add brown sugar and mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time until mixture is golden in colour.

¾ c GF Baking Mix

1 tsp baking powder

¾ c mini chocolate chips

½ c chopped walnuts

Combine flour, baking powder and xanthan. Add to mixer and beat well. Add chocolate chips and nuts. Mix until combined.

Pour batter into a parchment lined 8 x 8 baking dish. Sprinkle with a few chocolate chips and walnuts. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 – 35 minutes. Try not to eat them all at once!

Cathy has been cooking for her celiac family for over 15 years. Real recipes with reliable results. Look no further for the favourites that will become a part of your everyday baking!

Cathy Lauer Cathy's Gluten Free Creations Ltd.

Gourmet Gluten Free Baking

Cookbooks and Baking Mixes

250-758-5232

For more information on

Cathy's Gluten Free Creations

Contact Cathy

GF Grillers© Food for Thought at Acadia U!

Beth Armour of Cream Hill Estates wrote The Celiac Scene™ to say that she had used a combination of our GF Grillers© to do a presentation recently at Acadia University.

My guest lecture was about the precautions that people in the foodservice inudstry have to take into consideration to safely serve gluten-free meals to customers from hospitals to restaurants to schools.

Had an email from the professor today - this question was on their mid-term and they all did well - thanks for the well thoughtout GF Grillers©!

Very useful!

Beth Armour, P.Dt., M.Ed.,

Co-President Cream Hill Estates Ltd.

Your trusted source of pure oats!™

info@creamhillestates.com

Cream Hill Estates

Print out our GF Grillers© along with your maps - to go!

GF Grillers for Restaurants©

GF Grillers for Cross Contamination©

GF Grillers for Manufacturers©

Christmas Dinner, Kamloops Celiac Chapter

Celebrate the joyful season and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Kamloops Curling Club , 700 Victoria St

Starts at 4 pm with Bake Sale Fundraiser (please bring a baking donation and plan to make some purchases!)

Dinner at 5 pm

Adults $25

6-12 yrs $12

5 and under free

Call ahead for tickets:

Diane 250-372-9564

Eileen 250-374-6185

Kamloops Chapter Contact Eileen or Don

GF Pancake Breakfast, Kamloops Celiac Chapter

Lets see how the men folk cook up a delicious breakfast!!!!
Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. $7.00 a plate.
GF sausages kindly provided by Freybe Gourmet Foods!
Come early and talk to Barbara Koren (Registered Dietitian)
Meet old friends and greet new members! Everyone welcome!
Kamloops Chapter

Contact Eileen or Don Diane 250-372-9564 Eileen: 250-374-6185

Upcoming Canadian Celiac Association Events

CCA EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!

SUPPORT MEETING
P.E.I. Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association
Trinity Church - corner of Winter and Spring Streets.
7 pm Monday, November 2nd
Meeting open to all with celiac disease or those who live with people with celiac.
PEI Chapter
Contact

GLUTEN-FREE SHOPPING
Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Ukranian Catholic Church of the Resurrection
821 Upper Wentworth @ Mohawk Rd, Hamilton
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
CCA Members: Free Non-members: $5.00
Hamilton Chapter
Contact

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association
Members’ Support Night and Cookie Exchange
Burlington Art Centre, 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Admission: 2 dozen GF cookies or holiday treats
*Newly diagnosed? Free admission! :-)
Hamilton Chapter
Contact

The Celiac Scene™ is happy to get the word out about your gluten-free events, at no charge.
Contact ellen@theceliacscene.com with info.

Did Caveman Eat Wheat? The Evolution of the Human Diet.

St. Luke’s Health Education Center, Bellingham, WA • Friday, November 6th to Saturday, November 7th, 2009

8th Annual Bellingham GIG Community Awareness Event hosted by Bellingham Gluten Intolerance Group of Whatcom County, Washington.

St. Luke’s Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Pkwy

Admission: FREE

BGIG is ten years old this year! It is hard to believe we have been helping to support those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance and advocating for awareness and education for over a decade! It is with great pleasure that we are, once again, holding our annual Community Awareness Event (CAE).

Friday, Nov. 6th (from 9 am to 4:30 pm)We will offer a series of presentations throughout the day by well-known health care practitioners in our community. Some of our titles include: Gluten Free 101, Vitamin Supplementation on a GF Die;, Menu Planning with Alternative Grains; How do I know if I have a problem with Gluten and What is GSE? Bring a sack lunch and spend the day!

Saturday, Nov. 7th (10 am to 3:30 pm) THIS is the “big day”. Dr. Joan Stevenson from Western Washington University (WWU)will present “Did Caveman Eat Wheat ? The Evolution of the Human Diet” at 11 am. Dr. Stevenson has been a professor at WWU anthropology department for over thirty years. Her area of expertise is biological and medical anthropology with a particular focus on population genetics and diet relative to immune system development. Dr. Stevenson is a published author and highly respected for her work. She serves as an adviser for students going on in applied health careers, and on Western’s Human Subjects Review Board. In addition, she serves as the Associate Editor of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Book Review Editor of the American Journal of Human Biology and on the program committee of American Association of Physical Anthropology meetings in 2009 and upcoming 2010. This will be a fascinating presentation, highlighting how quickly our world, even our hygiene, has changed and how our physical bodies have struggled to keep up with those changes.

Contact Kelle A. Rankin-Sunter by phone at 360-223-7437 for more information. Visit the website: http://www.glutenfreeway.info

Evelyn Tribole's GF Tasting Tour

Join Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD, an award-winning registered dietitian, with a nutrition counseling practice in Newport Beach, California, specializing in eating disorders, intuitive eating and celiac disease for an evening of sampling gluten-free foods. Evelyn has written seven books including the bestsellers Healthy Homestyle Cooking and Intuitive Eating(co-author). Discover new gluten-free foods and get your questions answered on gluten-free living! Where: Whole Foods at the District in Tustin, 2847 Park Ave, Tustin, California (on the corner of Barranca & Jamboree) Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Map & Directions More about Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD

Nuts & Bolts of the GF Diet Available at Home Hardware!

We found out about this event too late to be able to promote it but wanted to acknowledge Home Hardware in Osoyoos, BC for hosting a "Cooking for Celiacs" event at their Main Street location. Chef Eric Pateman from Edible BC , who is himself a celiac, captivated 35 celiacs on a Saturday evening , September 26th with 3 delectable recipes featuring the finest seasonal ingredients from the Okanagan and beyond. Wine pairing by Stoneboat Vineyards. Check out Home Hardware's Fall Cooking Schedule for more opportunities to dine, wine and learn with some of the best chefs in the area! Bravo to Laurel for contacting The Scene™ and to Home Hardware for considering their celiac customers! More information about Osoyoos Home Hardware Contact Home Hardware

Nature's Fare Joins The Celiac Scene™!

What began with one small store in Victoria, B.C. almost 20 years ago has grown and expanded to become B.C.’s biggest seller of vitamins and supplements, guaranteed at the best prices. Over the years Nature’s Fare has evolved into the organic and natural foods grocer of preference throughout the North Thompson and Okanagan Valley region. Adhering to the highest standards of quality for fresh, local foods, many have grown to know, love and become loyal guests of our stores. True to the core values upon which Nature’s Fare Markets was founded, we have remained true to our mission: to ethically assist our customers on their journey to better health.

We believe in looking to the future in every decision we make and our core family values, as well as our independence, gives us the ability to make the decisions we feel will best serve generations to come.

Nature's Fare Turns Sweet Sixteen! SEPTEMBER 11th & 12th, 2009 DOOR CRASHER SALES | GREAT SAVINGS | BISTRO SPECIALS BISTRO & ORGANIC FOOD SAMPLES | PRIZE GIVEAWAYS

AIRFARE You could win airfare for two to anywhere in Continental North America

IPOD You could win an IPOD. One to be won at each participating location.

SCRATCH. MATCH. WIN. Ticket with every purchase. Every ticket a winner. MEET SAM GRACI (Creator of Greens +) Nature’s Fare Kelowna | September 11th from 10am-2pm Nature’s Fare West Kelowna | September 11th from 3pm-4pm Cleland Theatre (325 Power St., Penticton) | September 11th from 630pm-8pm Nature’s Fare Vernon | September 12th from 10am-12pm Nature’s Fare Kamloops | September 12th from 2pm to 4pm

DOOR CRASHER PRICING!!! HUGE discounts on vitamins, supplemens, organic grocery and more...

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Nature’s Fare Markets & The Apple Organic Bistro are proud to be supporting the Big Brothers Big Sisters Renew Crew. We will be accepting donations at participating locations and donating a portion of the Apple Organic Bistro’s proceeds to this community cause. Show your support by donating unwanted clothes, shoes, books...etc.

ABOUT NATURE'S FARE We search out food that offers you the freshest, purest and healthiest options available in today’s marketplace. We believe in buying local whenever possible; therefore, we have established many tight bonds with local B.C. farmers, ranchers and food artisans. Our goal is to fill our stores with the most natural and organic foods, as well as, the purest and most vital vitamins and supplements available – we scrutinize everything that we carry and sell, so you don’t have to!

Check out a location near you: Kamloops Orchard Plaza in Kelowna Lakeshore in Kelowna Penticton Lakeshore in Kelowna Lakeshore in Kelowna

WELCOME & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

You are invited to a gluten-free tasting & tour!

Discover new gluten-free foods and get your questions answered on gluten-free living! WHO: Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD WHEN: October 7, 2009 6:30 pm-8:30 pm WHERE: Whole Foods at the District in Tustin, 2847 Park Ave, Tustin, California (on the corner of Barranca & Jamboree) Map There is no charge for this event, but RSVP is recommended. ABOUT EVELYN TRIBOLE, MS, RD Evelyn is an award-winning registered dietitian, with a nutrition counseling practice in Newport Beach, California. She has written seven books including the bestsellers Healthy Homestyle Cooking and Intuitive Eating(co-author). Her newest book is the Ultimate Omega-3 Diet. Evelyn was the nutrition expert for Good Morning America, appearing from 1994-’95 and was a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association for 6 years. She was contributing editor for Shape magazine where her monthly column, Recipe Makeovers, appeared for 11 years. She is often sought by the media for her nutritional expertise and has appeared on hundreds of interviews, including: CNN, Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News, USA Today, Wall St. Journal and People magazine.

You are invited to a Gluten-Free Diet Teleseminar

You are invited to attend a FREE teleseminar called Gluten-Free Diet: What Everyone Needs to Know by Shelley Case, RD

A registered dietitian, Shelley Case is a leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. She is a member of the Medical Advisory Boards of the Celiac Disease Foundation and Gluten Intolerance Group in the United States and the Professional Advisory Board of the Canadian Celiac Association.

She is the author of many articles on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet in leading publications such as Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Sciences, Pediatrics, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Topics in Clinical Nutrition, and Today’s Dietitian. In addition, she co-authored the celiac section in the Manual of Clinical Dietetics (6th edition) by the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada, and has contributed to many other publications including textbooks, magazines, and other patient education resources.

Sign Up Now!

Gluten-Free North Saanich Flavour Trail

Deep Cove Market in North Saanich, BC • Saturday, August 22nd , 2009
Deep Cove Market will be participating in The North Saanich Flavour Trail, the third annual "Fresh from the Farm Days", on August 22nd from 11am to 4pm.

With an ever increasing number of customers coming into our Market looking for Gluten-Free products we have invited Gluten-free suppliers to offer product demos in the backyard. We will provide information brochures on the gluten-free products we carry in the store.

Due to popular demand, we have invited Leslie Orser , author of "A Celiac is Coming!" back to do a "Book Signing" at the Flavour trail event! Meet this celebrated author! Last year, Leslie also provided a variety of gluten-free yummy treats!

For the Kids! Face painting and local musician "Brad Prevedoros" will be entertaining one and all with his wonderful talents.

A Community celebration, the North Saanich Flavour Trail is a self guided tour on Saturday, August 22-23 from 10 am - 4 pm, where local farms and businesses open up their doors to the public (some are open all year long, some are not). This community celebration offers tourists and residents the opportunity to savour the flavours of our great community. The event helps to make a connection with local vintners, farmers, food artisans, markets and local talents. These connections provide an increased awareness of and appreciation for local food and agriculture.

See you at Deep Cove!
Joanne Waddington
Deep Cove Market
10940 West Saanich Road
North Saanich BC V8L 5R9
Ph: 250-656-2547

Contact Joanne Waddington by phone at 250-656-2547 or email deepcovemarket@shaw.ca for more information..

Shelley Case, RD, Speaks at Prestigious AGA Conference

American Gastroenterology Association Celiac Disease Conference
The Fairmont Hotel, Chicago • Friday, September 11th to Saturday, September 12th, 2009
Celiac Disease: Broadening Horizons Conference

Shelley Case, RD , will speak at this international conference featuring celiac experts from around the world. She will be presenting on the topic, "The Gluten Free Diet: What Every Physician Needs to Know."

This two-day conference will examine the basic science behind the latest clinical advances in the diagnosis, management and treatment of celiac disease.

Program details including registration information can be found here.

Please visit www.glutenfreediet.ca for more information about this esteemed expert on the gluten-free diet.

Check out Shelley's Gluten-Free Diet Bites!

Celiacs Talk with their Feet!

Your eyes are not deceiving you. Celiacs have all kinds of special talents! Like their ability to talk with their feet.

Nina and family had poured over The Celiac Scene™ maps for Kingston and had decided on one of our recommended restaurants for a special celebration. When they were seated and about to order, she dutifully inquired about the gluten-free options that she had been told they were renowned for.

Then the stunning proclamation: they no longer accommodated gluten-free diners! One can only imagine what prompts a highly regarded restaurant to take such a stand, in a day and age when the competitive restaurant industry is clamouring for the patronage of customers with a proven loyalty rate of 96%! A market that has grown by 28% since 2004! A preference that estimates suggest fully 10 % of the population now embraces.

Shocked and dismayed, the family did the only thing they could do under the circumstances - they stood up and left! Fortunately, there were other restaurants on Kingston's Celiac Scene™ who were interested in meeting their needs.

So if you are a celiac and faced with this kind of reception, I encourage you to do what Nina's family did and talk with your feet! Use our maps to head over to where your business is appreciated and enjoy the efforts of entrepreneurs who make you feel welcome and cared for.

As I always say, support those who support us!

Milestones @ The Celiac Scene™!

A brief update on the milestones passed this week at The Celiac Scene™:

2 celiac-friendly restaurants now listed for Alaska !

65+ GIG recommended restaurants have just been posted for Chicago and area, a welcome to the attendees of the Gluten-Free Cooking Expo being held there August 15 & 16.

150+ celiac-friendly restaurants have been mapped out for La Belle Province , Quebec!

250+ restaurants certified in GIG's GFRAP Program are posted across Canada and the US.

561+ FREE maps are now available to guide the gluten free to celiac-trusted restaurants across North America.

18,000+ people visited The Celiac Scene™ in July, in search of gluten-free dining options.

COUNT YOURSELF among the people who have made this resource possible:

for contacting us with suggestions
for sending us your encouragement and thanks
for recommending the site to others
for enlightening the hospitality industry, one restaurant at a time
for your work advocating for celiacs everywhere

The Celiac Scene™ is very much Your Scene! Our thanks to you!

Congratulate Ellen!
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Cycling for Celiacs Rally of Support

17 cyclists! 140,000 kilometers! 10 years! $100,000 to date!

17 celiacs will prepare for their 1400 kilometer fundraising bike ride from the Provincial Legislative buildings in Victoria to same in Edmonton, Alberta. They are supported by celiacs with much fanfare in towns and cities along the way and have raised over $100,000 to date for celiac research!

GLUTEN-FREE CARB UP

Wednesday, August 5th, 6:30 pm
The Olive Grove Restaurant
Premiere of Victoria's First Gluten-Free menu!
Would you like to attend?


GLUTEN-FREE SEND OFF
Thursday, August 6th, 8 am sharp!
Do the wave off as they break in their bums at the Legislative Buildings. Commissionaires on hand for crowd control!

To make a donation!

So you want a Gluten-Free Guarantee?

Are there really any?

Proactive restaurant certification programs offered by advocate organizations such as the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America® and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness are helping to create awareness in the hospitality industry and inspire restaurants everywhere to cater to our needs.

Ultimately, celiacs and the gluten free still need to take responsibility for their own diets. Unless you are partaking at a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, you cannot abdicate all responsibility and completely download it onto the shoulders of the restaurant who, with the best training and every good intention, are still preparing your meal in a gluten setting.

Sadie Amanda of the Seattle Gluten-Free Food Examiner said it beautifully in her recent post. I liked it so much I wanted to share it with you:

"ALWAYS REMEMBER: The only way to guarantee a gluten free meal is to cook at home with fresh ingredients on a gluten free surface. All restaurants that offer gluten free meals will do their best to prepare your meal without gluten, although they cannot guarantee that your meal will not be exposed to incidental cross contamination. For those who have absolutely zero tolerance for gluten, please be aware of this possibility when dining out."

Dining out is something we all love to do and it is only natural that celiacs want to be a part of it. But if you are looking for a guaranteed GF meal, the only way that you can be absolutely certain of what you are eating is to follow Sadie's advice. Otherwise, while organizations like GIG & NFCA and enlightened restaurants are doing the best they can, this is our reality. Time to step up and stop complaining.

What our users are telling us!

Message: We are in Vernon, BC now. Your site recommended KTs restaurant in downtown Vernon. Wow! My son had his first apple pie in two years and the pizza was great! There was a lot of choice and the staff was very helpful!

Message: Just got back from a trip to Victoria and The Celiac Scene was a Godsend!! When I went to Victoria I went on the Chapter's website and used the link to get to www.theceliacscene.com. Ate at several of the places listed on your website which were easy to find with the maps – very handy!

Message: I ate at The Joint Pizza place (twice!!) and The Noodle Box once - although should have eaten there more it was fantastic! Also bought GF baking from Origin GF Bakery set up in Bastion Square on Saturday. Fabulous! Keep up the good work!

Message: It was great to hear you talking about The Celiac Scene on the radio this morning. I think your idea is fabulous. Eating out was a great pleasure in life before being diagnosed. Road trips were fun for checking out restaurants along the way. Alas, my first road trip after diagnosis found me eventually going to a clinic for help in stopping the vomiting and diarrhea. In retrospect, I perhaps had caught a bug, but at the time it just scared me about eating "away". Since then I have experienced being told there wasn't anything for me which pushed my rejected and survival buttons both and basically I had dreaded having to travel to care for or visit family. Thanks for your doggedness in getting celiac disease in the news and giving hope to those of us who love to eat out and survive it!

And best of all

Message: LOVE your site! My 15 year old son was diagnosed 1 year ago and we are traveling for the first time on a family holiday since his diagnosis. To say I am nervous is an understatement. Then I found your site. THANK YOU!!! We are coming to Victoria and he can't wait to try out all the great tasty places! We are from a small town near Edmonton and our choices are slim pickins! I'll shout loud and long to our celiac friends about your fabulous web site! Great job. BC here we come!

Celiactivist© of the Week!

Tiffany keeps celiacs up to date on topics that affect us, sharing her joy and her outrage. She promotes the products and services that are helpful to us all on her webpage at Examiner.com .

But it was this email she sent me that made me realize that Tiffany is an advocate not only for celiacs but for restaurants who sometimes have to be dragged kicking and screaming into gluten-free awareness:"I finally found a new place for gf pasta down the street. It's my pizza place but I've bugged them for six months to make us pasta. My dish was do good I almost cried right at the table - with the owner standing there for my reaction to his food."

To Tiffany, I present the The Celiac Scene's Celiactivist© Award for her efforts in the big picture through her work at the Examiner and in the personal picture, working to make change, one pizza place at a time!

Bravo, TIffany!

The Scene™ Featured in The Examiner!

Great news! The Celiac Scene™ has been featured in an article written by the inimitable Tiffany Janes , a writer for www.Examiner.com . She is doing a series of articles on how to enjoy real freedom on your holidays, even if they have to be the gluten-free kind. The two are not mutually exclusive!

Please take a hike on over to Tiffany's site and check out the wonderful things she has to say about us!

And while you are there, have a look at the broad range of topics she covers about living the good gluten-free life. Together, we'll help you navigate your world.