Sunday, May 16, 2010

Great News for the Traveling Gluten Free!

In March 2010, The Victoria Chapter and The Celiac Scene™ embarked upon a collaboration to purchase a membership to Tourism Victoria as a way to let the gluten free from out of town know where they could count on finding a safe and delicious meal.

I am ecstatic to announce that TVIC listened to our plea. Rather than post a link to www.theceliacscene.com as an eccentric dietary niche at the bottom of their restaurant listings, TVIC rose to the occasion by posting the link where it belongs: at the top of their Dining Page through which 800,000 online restaurant enquiries are made every year!

Celiacs, their families and friends are sure to know that Victoria is truly the celiac-friendliest city in Canada!


Travelers who visit the Tourism Information Centre in person can log onto TVIC computers to print out free maps with credible, up-to-date information on celiac-endorsed restaurants in Victoria, Vancouver Island and cities across Canada!

Let's hear it for Tourism Victoria!
Appreciate TVIC's efforts on behalf of the celiac community? Tell Heidi!

Monday, May 10, 2010

2010 Canadian Celiac Association National Conference

The 2010 National Conference, "Celiacs at the Centre of it All", brings celiacs together at the centre of the nation, to the centre of the latest research initiatives, and to the centre of our concerns over Celiac Disease and the gluten-free lifestyle on June 4-5 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading research and clinical experts on Celiac Disease. Dr. Joseph A. Murray, M.D. will inform and enlighten on the latest research involving complications and outcomes of Celiac Disease.

The Conference also features Information Sessions that will address confusion and concerns over medications, combat the challenges of cooking gluten-free and keeping meals creative and exciting, present the results of the CCA National Survey, and so much more.

One of the best parts of a National Conference is the food. Join us for delectable gluten-free dishes in our breakfast and lunch buffets, and the Nutrition Breaks. The Gala Banquet is your chance to enjoy an elegant gluten-free meal, great company and conversation, and a worry-free dining experience. Chefs are busy completing an additional gluten-free Room Service Menu to bring that extra treat for Celiacs.

Come and explore everything that Winnipeg has to offer with The Celiac Scene's™ Guides for the Gluten Free! . As one of the best kept secrets of the prairies, our city combines a variety of great gluten-free eateries, gluten-free shopping, and sightseeing opportunities galore. When you come to visit, you'll want to stay!

The Trade Show is your opportunity to visit with leading manufacturers of gluten-free products and learn more about Celiac Disease all under one roof. Sample while you shop and connect with other Celiacs in our Exhibit Hall.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

GF CF Fundraiser for Autism*

Nathan and Allison Forget Autism Fundraiser

Trevor and Kathleen Forget's two children, Nathan and Allison, are both autistic, which means the expected full plate that comes with parenthood is overflowing for the couple. What added such urgency to their situation last year was the news that the provincial government was cutting funding for autism treatment, in a big way.

Now, a special culinary event is being staged on Tuesday, May 11 at the Stonepipe Grill near Victoria, BC. This is a multi-course gourmet extravaganza. This spirit of helping out a neighbour will have seldom tasted so good. Last year's news from the Ministry of Children and Family Development was a revelation that hit the Forget's (and all other such families) hard. The Queen Alexandra Centre has since closed, but not before showing the Forget's that hope was not lost as far as the youngsters was concerned. "We spent enough time at the QAC to learn what we needed to do to bring Nathan and Allison out of autism," said Trevor recently. The brother and sister, aged five and three at the time, had been receiving top quality treatment from the QAC, making dramatic progress in terms of communicating and understanding the world around them. Trevor and Kathleen continue to do everything in their power for their kids. Alternative options have been discovered but some financial help is needed – at the rate its going, funds for Nathan's treatment will be exhausted by August – hence the benefit.

Trevor, who has discontinued his studies at UVIC to better manage family commitments, is also an experienced chef who has been working part time at the Stone Pipe Grill.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Stone Pipe Grill 2038 Otter Point Road
www.stonepipegrill.com
(250) 642-0566
5:30 p.m. – dinner at 6:30 p.m.
$50 / person

Live music by a quartet from the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra Cocktails
Silent auction between 5:30 and 6:30
Dinner from 6:30 to 9:00
Mead education with Bob Liptrot, of www.tugwellcreekfarm.com

GFCF WINE DINNER FOR AUTISM

Turkey salad: organic turkey rillette and pistachio pate with cold-pressed exotic greens juice, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and greens-fibre masa tuille.

Crab burger: Dungeness crab cake on grilled ghee-brushed gfcf bread, dill hollandaise, lettuce chiffonade, and chardonnay-pickled cucumber with reductions of sweet corn and red pepper juices.

Woven tapestry of salmon and halibut with fried prawn pakoras on crispy quinoa risotto and roasted squash with green curry coconut cream and spiced mango coulis

Charbroiled double lamb-loin chop with Cognac coconut-cream demi on braised leg and diced potato latke with rutabaga, carrot, and turnip coulis

Belgian-chocolate almond torte with fireweed-honey sponge toffee and vanilla-bean Better cream

Silent auction closes after dessert.

Contact: Patrick Irwin and Debi Anderson from the Stone Pipe Grill 250-642-0566
Kathleen and Trevor Forget 250-642-2808

*Jim Sinclair - Sooke News Mirror

Saturday, May 1, 2010

"Portions" Relocates & Refocuses on Gluten Free!

Portions - Distinctive Meals and More have relocated to a larger premises and has put the foucus on the GLUTEN-FREE BAKING that they have gained such a great reputation for!

From fresh gluten-free bread and buns to special occasion dessert platters, we are more committed than ever to meet the needs of the celiac community. We bake on the premises using a dedicated oven and equipment and are making an ever increasing variety of dairy and egg-free product. We are expanding our selection of the very best in gluten-free frozen and dry goods. The premises continue to be peanut free & nut free.

INDIVIDUAL MEALS We now offer a more focused individual meal menu, with a broader choice of dinner pies and quiches. As ever, our ingredients are always farm fresh!

Wholesaler inquiries are most welcome. Contact Brenda by email or at 519-837-3337