Friday, December 17, 2010

Is It Truly Gluten Free?


Now you can be sure that the choices you make are the right ones for you.

ELISA Technologies has produced an easy to use home test that will quickly detect the presence of gluten in foods. It is sensitive enough to detect levels of gluten as low as 10 parts per million (ppm). This simple test is also small and portable for use at restaurants or when traveling. It can be used to test individual ingredients in foods, or to test finished and cooked products.

In the EZ Gluten® Test, a food sample is ground to a fine consistency, added to the gluten extraction solution, and then mixed. A few drops of the sample extract are placed into a test tube. The EZ Gluten® test strip is placed into the test tube and allowed to absorb the sample extract. After 10 minutes, the test strip can be read visually for the presence of gluten in the sample.

For more information visit www.GlutenPro.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Gluten-Free Food Whisperer

Laura Moore, the Good for you Gourmet, has a way with food. She knows how each ingredient smells before it is stirred into a mix; how sizzling peppers sound as they fry; how dough feels as it is kneaded; how sugar cracks appear on the surface of a perfectly baked cookie. These were the details that Laura had us savour long before we had even tasted the delicious hors d'oeuvres and scrumptious cookies that she prepared for us during her organic, whole foods demonstration.

Laura’s attention to detail goes beyond gluten free to what else may have been added in terms of pesticides and preservatives. Has irradiation removed bacteria as well as valuable enzymes, in order to prolong shelf life? What are the long- term health consequences of food irradiation as a preservation technique? What is the impact on nutritional profile after food is transported to the consumer from where it is grown?

A commitment to natural, local food as a way of eating that brings with it vivid taste, vibrant color and succulent textures has established Laura as Victoria’s first organic, whole foods personal chef and catering service. Good for you Gourmet can accommodate special diets and multiple allergies in a complete range of professional services.

To learn more about Good for you Gourmet, please visit www.gfyg.ca, or call chef Laura at 250.721.5961.

Asian Shiitake, Bell Pepper & Sesame Potato Boats w/ Sake Reduction

Chickpea & Herb Roasted Onion Pate w/Feta, Parsley & Lemon Sauce

Pumpkinseed Butter & Blueberry Cardamom Cookies

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Jubilee Pharmasave's GF Sale on Now!














Come experience a day of total well-being including makeup application from GF Sappho Cosmetics makeup artist, informational consultations with Celiac Association educators, samples of natural health & beauty products and much more!

Shelves will be stacked with a huge selection of gluten-free products at the best prices in town. Tour the aisles, visit with Chapter volunteers and browse Jubilee's huge selection of unique stocking stuffers.

Free samples while they last from Origin Bakery 1-2 pm and GF pizza from Little Italy 3-4 pm

WHERE: 1775 Fort St See #6
WHEN: Noon to 6pm on Wednesday, November 17th
CALL: 250.595.1471 to book your GF makeover


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Jubilee Pharmasave Celebrates!


Come experience a day of total well-being including makeup application from Sappho Cosmetics makeup artist, informational consultations with Celiac Association educators, samples of natural health & beauty products and much more!

Shelves will be stacked with a huge selection of gluten-free products at the best prices in Victoria, BC. Tour the aisles, visit with CCA Chapter volunteers and browse Jubilee Pharmasave's huge selection of unique stocking stuffers.

Free samples while they last!
GF pizza from Little Italy 3-4 pm

WHERE: 1775 Fort St See #6
WHEN: Noon to 6pm on Wednesday, November 17th
CALL: 250.595.1471 to book your GF makeover.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Whitehorse Makes The Celiac Scene™


Thanks to celiactivist Cheri in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, nine celiac-friendly restaurants have just been posted on www.theceliacscene.com! She's put Whitehorse on our GF maps!

If you should ever find yourself lucky enough to travel to the Land of the Midnight Sun or the Home of the Northern Lights, you can enjoy 100% gluten-free cakes at Urban Cake, a "gluten-aware" menu at Earl's, GF pizza at Boston Pizza, the finest in Italian dining at Gorigio's, the Cellar at the Edgewater Hotel and forget about gold, a Chocolate Claim on Strickland Street.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Joe Makes The Scene™


Your Celiac Scene™ is proud to announce that "Not Your Average Joe" is fast-food restaurant 56 on our ever expanding list of the celiac-friendliest fast food chains in North America.

Not Your Average Joe" believes that gluten intolerance shouldn’t stand between you and a great meal. Their GF menu delivers beer to buns to sorbet and everything in between, including a Kids' Menu!

Find Joe throughout Massachusetts and now Virginia!

For a complete list of North American fast food chains that offer GF options, allergy guides or entire GF menus download your GF Driver's License here and hit the road, Jack!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Deep Cove Market, Vancouver Island

The Fourth Annual North Saanich Flavour Trail takes place August 21, 2010.

Tour North Saanich farms, wineries, nurseries, markets and restaurants with a special stop for the gluten free!

Deep Cove Market is proud to present The Silly Yak Bakery from 10am to 4pm. Bea Trochu and her band of bakers will have tables piled high with their very best GF products. Come early for the best selection.

Deep Cove Market has an impressive inventory of GF products not found in other stores. Check out their shelves, enjoy an ice cream on their relaxing verandah or take a stroll through the North Saanich Fire Fighters Flea Market Fundraiser adjacent to the Market. Live entertainment will create a real country feel!


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


Sunday, April 25, 2010

A Gluten-Free License to Drive!


The Road Scene offers quick links to 49+ fast food restaurant chains; their allergen information; GF menus and locations across Canada and the US! Enjoy a care-free, gluten-free holiday this summer!

Download your GF Driver's License here!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

New Date for Course on Gluten-Free Cuisine!

This inspiring course on Gluten-Free Cuisine has been re-scheduled to June 21st, 2010. Discover savoury and sweet recipes without gluten:

Tofu & Vegetable Stew with Chickpea Gravy
Millet Patties
Almond Spice Muffins
Coconut Macaroons
Class ends with a sumptuous feast! Bring containers in case of leftovers!

Gluten Free Cuisine Monday, June 21st 6:30 – 9:30 Fairfield Community Place
1335 Thurlow St, Victoria, BC
Held in Corrine’s kitchen, beside the Gerry Oak Room To register call 250-382-4604
Course # 30877 $49.00
For more info go to www.fairfieldcommunity.ca
Visit Chef Sonja’s website www.five-elements-cooking.com
Catch Sonja on The Celiac Scene™ at http://bit.ly/9Vyzwg

Monday, April 19, 2010

Wild About GF Mushrooms?


Mushroom Lovers,

There are a couple of spaces available in next week's mushroom class offered by renowned chef, cookbook author and dedicated mushroom forager, Bill Jones.

Wild About Mushrooms - Tuesday, April 27/10 6:30 pm

This class will start with a description of mushroom foraging with the emphasis on the spring treat - Morel mushrooms. Chef Bill will dip into his fungi pantry to bring you some of his favourite global mushroom recipes using fresh and preserved mushrooms to create a very special menu.

Recipes include Japanese-style pickled mushroom and spinach gomae; Polish mushroom chowder with stinging nettle cream; Spanish braised Morels stuffed with chorizo and leeks; and spagettini pasta with Porcini mushrooms, rosemary, garlic and artisan Parmesan cheese.


Registration is available online at www.frenchmint.ca


I hope you can join us!
Denise
250 294-4500

Denise Marchessault

Proprietor / Culinary Instructor

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Gluten-Free Fast Food on The Road!

We received an inquiry regarding the absence of a popular fast food chain on The Road Scene™. We are sharing our reply so that those counting on our recommendations have a clear understanding of why some chains are listed and some are not.

"Why don't you have XXX XXXXX on your list? They have a very nice gluten free menu and their cooks go through a training about gluten free, at least here in central Pa. Thanks, Linda"

"Hi Linda, If XXX XXXXX is doing a good job, we want to hear about it!!

We are working our way down a long list of fast food restaurants with an interest to post those that have allergen charts that identify items that are safe for celiacs and / or gluten-free items marked on the menu and / or gluten-free menus. This gives us a sense of their commitment to meeting our needs and puts the onus on them to deliver what they promise.

We look for this information on their corporate websites so that we can be sure that celiacs can expect a standard at every location.

I just searched this restaurant's Canadian website and was unable to find any information on specific gluten-free items on line. I found the user information to be user unfriendly, with a person having to work their way through many pages for each component of a hamburger. That is as far as I got.

Things can often be different south of the border so I checked their US website as well. While I did find wheat and gluten allergen information, their suggestions were in the order of burgers without buns and salads without dressings - more of a celiac survival guide than the comprehensive offerings that so many of the other chains can and do provide.

I would really like to learn more about XXX XXXXX and would be only too happy to pass your endorsement along to fellow celiacs if the entire chain could be counted upon to provide them with the same great experience you received.

Look forward to hearing from you!"

And we look forward to hearing from you, too! If you have had great experiences at fast food chains or any restaurant for that matter contact Ellen with your suggestions!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Real Food Made Easy Bakes!

Are you on a gluten-free but feel like you are missing out on baked goods? Do you want to learn how to bake gluten-bread worth eating?

Real Food Made Easy will be holding a gluten-free baking class at Charelli’s tasting room (C-One) on May 15, 2010. The class will cover techniques and recipes for making a variety of gluten-free yeast-raised breads. The class will include:
• An overview of gluten-free flours and other ingredients used in making bread.
• An outline of some critical techniques that will help make your gluten-bread baking at home a success.
• A demonstration of all steps of the bread-making, from mixing.
• A recipe booklet with 6 different gluten-free bread recipes and a weight-volume chart for a variety of gluten-free flours. • A loaf of Real Food Made Easy’s gluten-free sandwich bread to take home
• Taster samples for all of the take-home recipes
• Gluten-free snacks provided during the class.

While this is an introductory course, we are assuming that participants will have some prior experience baking, gluten-free or wheat-based.

When: Saturday May 15, 2010 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: 2863 Foul Bay Road (The original Charelli’s space)
Victoria, BC
Limited to 10 people
$60 per person, in advance at Charelli’s
*Refunds will be provided for any cancellations made up to 1 week prior to the class.
Cancellations made less than 1 week before the class will be non-refundable.
250-508-4190

Allergy Alert: Please let us know by email if you have any specific allergies (ie nuts) so that we take proper precautions.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Celiac Awareness Month in Kamloops, BC

Celiac Awareness Month Comes Early in Kamloops, BC. The Chapter is gearing up for a host of GF events with an open invitation to celiacs, the gluten-free and the celiac-curious, friends and family! Check it out!

POWER TUESDAY at Nutters
Tuesday, April 6th
230-500 Notre-Dame Drive
Kamloops, BC
250-828-9960
Executive Members of the Kamloops Chapter will be available to talk about Celiac Disease and the Gluten-Free Diet.
Tickets for Lynx's Grill GF Fundraiser will be sold (see below)

Kamloops Celiac Chapter's Fundraising Dinner
Wednesday, May 12
Lynx's Grill & Bar
1200 Summit Drive
Kamloops, BC
250-377-3714
Choose from 5:30 or 7:30 pm seating
Gluten-Free Fish, Chicken, Steak or Vegetarian Entrées
RSVP by May 9th
Diane @ 250-372-9564 Eileen @ 250-374-6185
$15.00 per person

Logan Lake Celiac Information Session
Saturday, May 8th 12 - 3 pm
Logan Lake Seniors Centre
145-730 Cottonwood Ave
250-376-4777
Enjoy GF desserts, coffee & tea and conversation
Everyone welcome!
Call Diane @ 250-372-9564 or Anjay @ 250-573-4221

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Do You Have Celiac Symptoms?

If you have been suffering from fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, breathlessness or irritable bowel symptoms, these could be due to Celiac disease. If this is the case, the Biocard™ Celiac Test may be right for you. The Biocard™ Celiac Test is as accurate as tests performed in a hospital laboratory. It is safe, affordable and simple to use and can be carried out in the convenience of your own home in just 10 minutes. Whether your Biocard™ Celiac Test result is positive or negative, you will have a better sense of whether Celiac disease may be the cause of your symptoms.

If you test POSITIVE according to the Biocard™ Celiac Test kit, see your doctor; and continue with a normal diet under the continued supervision of your doctor until you have the diagnosis confirmed. The good news is, more than 70% of people with Celiac disease respond to a gluten free diet within days or weeks.

A NEGATIVE result indicates that there are no Celiac disease associated IgA antibodies in the tested blood. Existing Celiac disease can virtually be ruled out. If gastrointestinal complaints are present, further medical investigation is necessary.

To see a Video Presentation of the Celiac test being carried out, click here.
To order a Home Test, click here.