Gluten-Free Ghetto

Pretty Fours

2011-11-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

They never stood a chance...

A couple of weekends ago, I had the pleasure of wandering through the lovely Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park with one of my favourite people, Inconceivable-Kat. It was a briskly cold day, but the kindness of the vendors (and their samples) kept us warm and happy.

My favourite vendor of the day, hands down, was Pretty Fours, who had a display filled with gluten-free macaroons and mini cheesecakes (and some non-GF things too). I couldn’t resist the pumpkin cheesecake. My friend had the chocolate-caramel-pecan one. I was asked if I wanted a bag for my cheesecake, and uh, no. It was never going to last long enough to ever hit the bottom of that bag. I took a bite, and was blown away by how creamy it was and how perfectly balanced the flavours were. Not too spicy, not too sweet; just right. I was lucky enough to snag a bite of the chocolate-caramel-pecan one, and it was pretty good too. But, I might need a second bite, just to be sure. ; )

If you happen to be at the Farmers’ Market sometime soon, I highly recommend visiting Pretty Fours. And, in case you haven't heard, the Lansdowne Market is open extra late this year! It moves indoors starting November 20th and will continue to run every Sunday until December 18th.

Bon appétit!

Pretty Fours
Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Lansdowne Park
613-253-6262

mdemoree@pretty-fours.com

Auntie Loo's Treats

2011-11-08T23:35:00.003-05:00

Presentation: - 5 Points : (

For all of the good buzz I hear about this place, my tastebuds keep telling me differently. Every time I try one of their offerings, I am underwhelmed. The pastry is generally dry and crumbly with frosting that is overly sweet. Not to mention the fact that everything looks slapped together with frosting often oozing down the sides of things. I’m sure others will disagree with me, but I find it unappealing. The look of food matters a lot to me. Is it just me, or does the presentation of food leave an impression about what goes on behind the doors to the kitchen?

Or, am I just being too picky??

Presentation: + 5 Points : )

I really love that this place is local, vegan, and strives to be mostly organic. I love the concept of the bakery and the fact that they are catering to people who have a difficult time eating typical sweet treats. I really do! I just wish the quality was better. Maybe their non-GF food is better-tasting. I don’t know. I’ve visited small vegan bakeries in New York, Montreal and Toronto that have amazing pastries and who do gluten-free incredibly well. The cakes are light and moist, and the presentation is impeccable. So, it is possible.

This past weekend, I was offered an Auntie Loo's ‘Cranzipan’ cupcake at Market Organics’ customer appreciation event. It was a cranberry-marzipan concoction, as the name suggests. I was enticed by the free-ness. The cake was dense and not very flavourful, while the frosting was ultra sweet and overpowering. I actually had to physically fight with my cupcake to get the paper off of it - A sure sign of a tough cake. This resulted in a lot of torn paper and a few rough hunks of salvageable cupcake (Not my most graceful moment). In the name of science, I carefully proceeded with the tasting. The cupcake definitely needed a cup of tea to balance out the dryness and sweetness. That made a big difference, and I actually enjoyed it, though I left behind half of the frosting. I wouldn’t have eaten it without tea or coffee. I’m not sure of the ingredients, but I presume the heavy texture is due to rice flour which is not finely ground.

I can see why people who haven’t had cake in a while would think these cupcakes are great. But, if you bake at all, you’ll be able to make something better at home. Or, just use a baking mix. (I recommend Pamela’s baking mixes!)

I’ve also tried Auntie Loos' gluten-free/soy-free brownies, and they are inconsistent. For a while, they were really hard and bland, so I stayed away whenever I saw them at the grocery store. Then, there was a period where they were amazing and moist and I started to get hooked! But, for the past few months, they’ve been hard and dry again. I am wondering if they might have misplaced the good recipe or lost an awesome baker? If the brownies go back to being tasty, they will gain me back as a customer. I commit to that!

The one thing that is excellent about this place is the specialty cake decorator. I have seen some of her work at various craft shows, and the wedding cakes are truly beautiful and finely crafted. I can’t speak for the flavour, but they certainly are lovely to look at.

That is my take! Am I crazy?

I’d love to hear other opinions on this!

Auntie Loo's Treats
507 Bronson Ave.
613-238-ALOO

Ceylonta for a Celebration

2011-11-06T00:48:00.002-04:00

This guy was actually there!

I was recently treated to a lovely birthday dinner with good friends. We tried Ceylonta for the first time, on the advice of a number of blog readers (thanks guys!). It was a very good experience and a great way to celebrate my 26th birthday!

There were plenty of gluten-free options on the menu and the food was fantastic. The service was also very friendly and attentive. My favourite dish was the Vegetable Thali, which includes a variety of different curries and a good serving of rice. This was perfect for sharing! Though, stay away from the naan bread, obviously. I will definitely go back to try a few more things on the menu.

I went to the location on Somerset, but there is a second location on Carling.

Ceylonta
403 Somerset Street West
613-237-7812

Or
2920 Carling Ave.
613-828-7812

High Tea at the Chateau Laurier

2011-08-10T12:30:00.006-04:00

A tower of cute treats!

This is the best discovery I’ve made in a long while!

To celebrate my best friend’s upcoming marriage, we reserved a table at Zoe’s Lounge in the Chateau Laurier for high tea. This was the fancy component of the bachelorette.

As usual, I inquired about GF options, and was pleasantly surprised to hear they could accommodate a full high tea service! So, I decided to go all-out and ordered a Royal Tea. For research purposes, of course. I didn’t know what to expect, but with the Chateau Laurier’s reputation for grandeur, I had my sights set high.

When my order arrived, it was absolutely stunning. A beautiful tower of treats was placed in front of me, complete with perfect cranberry scones, mini sandwiches, cute desserts and chocolate covered strawberries. Oh - and some tea. I couldn’t believe I could eat EVERYTHING! What a treat! And, boy was it delicious! My favourite part was the scones. They were amazingly moist and flavourful, and were even better once covered in Devonshire cream and jam. Heaven!

Yum!

There was no extra charge for getting the gluten-free option and I didn’t need to give them any advance notice. How nice! You do, however, need to make a reservation.

If you’re looking for a special treat, I would definitely recommend a visit to the Chateau!

Zoe’s Lounge
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
1 Rideau Street
(613) 241-1414

May is Celiac Awareness Month!

2011-05-13T11:03:00.003-04:00

There are a couple of exciting events happening in Ottawa in honour of Celiac Awareness Month.

Firstly, I am very excited to announce a gluten-free food fair is taking place at the brand-new Convention Centre. So Fun! I’ll be there with my taste buds at the ready! This event is actually part of a larger conference put on by the Celiac Association, also taking place over the same weekend, from May 13th – 15th. The food fair alone is $5, and the full conference is $250 for the full 3 days.

GF Food Fair
When: May 14, 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Where: Ottawa Convention Centre
Cost: $5

Celiac Association National Conference

When: May 13 – 15
When: Ottawa Convention Centre
Cost: $75 - $250, depending on which portions of the conference you’d like to attend

****

Also, I am happy to announce that Market Organics is holding their first-ever annual Gluten-Free Days May 13th and 14th. They will have demos, samples, bag-stuffers and draws from 12-5pm both days. Count me in!

Gluten-Free Days

When: May 13 – 14, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Market Organics, 126 York Street
Cost: Free!

****

Last but not least, the wonderful Zen Kitchen will have a 100% gluten-free menu both Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14th in recognition of the national conference and celiac awareness Month!

Zen Kitchen GF Menu

When: May 13-14

Where: 634 Somerset Street West

****

So, it looks like I’ll be very busy tasting treats and learning new things next weekend!

If you know of any other fun GF events happening in May, please let me know and I will be sure to post them! You can reach me at glutenfreeghetto [@] gmail.com.

Happy feasting!

Wild Oat Breakfast and Sandwiches

2011-04-21T13:57:00.002-04:00

I got out of bed this morning to the sight of little flakes of snow floating around the city. It is April - this isn't right. But, something about it was kinda dreamy and put me in good spirits.

I decided to treat myself to a warm breakfast, so I trotted down to the Wild Oat to see what I could rustle up. Once there, I discovered you can get gluten-free toast with your breakfast. That made me a happy girl. I'm not sure when they started doing this, but it means I'll be making a lot more breakfast visits to this place. I ordered a luxurious breakfast which came with roasted veggies, home fries (made with regular AND sweet potatoes!), two eggs, slices of fresh fruit and hot buttered gluten-free toast and jam on the side. It was all delicious and I gobbled up every last bite. The GF toast was really tasty and had a nice texture. I almost forgot I wasn't eating "real" bread.

While there, I also discovered they can make any of their sandwiches on gluten-free bread! I keep hearing the sandwiches are to die for, so I am looking forward to trying them out.

Wild Oat also has a solid repertoire of GF sweets, which I wrote a bit about HERE.

Happy feasting!

Wild Oat

817 Bank Street

(613) 232-6232

Map

Arturo's Market

2011-04-17T21:50:00.005-04:00

Arturo’s Market is well known in New Edinburgh for its awesome Italian fare. I’ve read plenty of positive reviews and have been craving a meal there for ages. The only problem: Gluten, as always.

Well, no longer!

A few weeks ago, Arturo’s introduced gluten-free pizza and pasta to their menu! Hooray! I’ve since visited them twice for dinner – once for pizza and once for pasta. On my first visit, I had a Nonna Teresa pizza, which was roasted red peppers, artichokes and goat cheese on a tasty thin crust. It was REALLY good!! I actually found Arturo’s pizza crust to be better than the one at La Dolce Vita on Preston Street.

Upon my second visit, I tried pasta in a tomato sauce with veggies. It, too, was quite good! The sauce was well-crafted and flavourful, and especially delicious with a dusting of parmesan on top. The pasta appeared to be corn-based. It was al dente (a good thing), but somewhat cracked apart under tooth instead of being more yielding like traditional gluten-filled pasta. But, that is typical with corn pasta, and it didn’t bother me too much. All in all, I really enjoyed my meal!

I also tried both a caprese and greek salad over my visits. Both were made with crisp lettuce and fresh veggies. Yum!

Arturo’s is small and cozy with friendly, relaxed service. I felt comfortable there right away! It would make a nice lunch spot, but also a great place for a date with someone cute. I give it a thumbs up!

Arturo’s Market
49 Beechwood Ave
613-321-4613

Map

Babycakes Bakery NYC

2011-04-13T19:38:00.003-04:00

I while back, I made my first ever visit to New York City. Me oh my – I do love that place! The city has so much old world charm, yet is so vibrant and cutting edge. I plan on returning as soon as possible - that is for certain!

Of course, my first stop was Babycakes Bakery. This little gem of a shop is located in a cute and quaint neighbourhood, and offers all vegan and mostly gluten-free baked goods. I had read a number of reviews about this spot over the years, and was very excited to finally visit! I may have gone a little overboard with the treats, but I wanted to sample a good variety of their products while I had the chance. So, I loaded up! I walked out with a vanilla cupcake, chocolate chip cookie, mini brownie, cinnamon doughnut, and something called mini cinnamon wonder buns. I dug into the cupcake first, and was not disappointed! The cake was tasty and moist, and the frosting was fab! The frosting is made of coconut oil instead of butter, so it is a bit healthier (in my humble opinion) and has a really nice smooth texture. I liked it! All the other baked goods were great too! Nothing was dry, and everything had a really good flavour. I must say, it was nice to finally have a chocolate chip cookie that tasted like the real deal. Mmm!

If you are heading to NYC, this bakery is worth a stop!

Babycakes Bakery
248 Broome Street (Btwn Orchard & Ludlow)
New York City
212-677-5047
info@babycakesnyc.com

Map

Thimble Cakes

2011-04-05T23:24:00.002-04:00

A new little cupcakery has recently opened up on Bank Street: Thimble Cakes. This place is cute as a button and the cupcakes in the window are absolutely beautiful.

A couple of months ago, I was pleasantly surprised when a friend brought me a gluten-free cupcake from this place. It was a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, and looked scrumptious! However, when I sank my teeth into it, I was disappointed to find it was quite dry and bland tasting. I thought it could be due to the cupcake having been out all day, and being carried around by my friend. I decided to reserve my judgement of Thimble Cakes until I got to try a fresh cupcake straight from the shop…

Lo and behold, today was that day! Over my lunch break, I sauntered in, all excited from the cute cupcakes in the window. I found the interior of the shop to be just as charming as the outside, with it’s assortment of cozy vintage furniture and mismatched tea cups. There was one gluten-free option called “Citrus”. The lovely lady at the counter explained that it was a light lemon cake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting and orange zest. It sounded tasty! I picked one up and headed back to work to immediately devour my treat.

Well. It was pretty bad. The frosting was delicious, but the cake was the texture of a dense muffin and tasted like corn bread. A lot. You can imagine that a hunk of tough corn bread with vanilla orange frosting is not a very good combination. Plus, the cake took on the texture and taste of raw muffin batter as I was chewing it, which was pretty unappealing. I am curious what blend of flours they use. : (

I’m sad. This place seemed so promising.

Nevertheless, I have to say that the service was beyond excellent and the place was very cute, so I will certainly be going back for lattes and wifi. But, I will pass on the gluten-free cupcakes from now on. For a total of $4.23 (with tax included), I had expected something great, and it did not deliver.

But, do go for the drinks and atmosphere. And, bring your gluten-loving friends, as I hear the gluten-filled cupcakes are worth a taste!

Thimble Cakes
395 Bank Street

613-695-0109
Map

Toronto Roundup

2010-09-29T14:23:00.003-04:00

I spent this past weekend visiting a dear friend in Toronto, and made some lovely gluten-free discoveries along the way. This city is chalk-full of options for us gluten-haters. Almost every establishment I visited had at least one good option for me. Maybe it was just the luck of the draw, but even the coffee shops I visited had gluten-free treats. It seemed so easy!

Here are the best discoveries I made over the weekend:

Fresh
Various locations
A high quality vegetarian restaurant with awesome gluten-free options! I had quinoa-crusted onion rings (yummy yum), and a mini Warrior Bowl for dinner. The Warrior Bowl was a savoury coconut curry over a bed of brown rice, topped with lovely grilled spinach. Ooo, I will be dreaming of this meal for a while…

LPK’s Culinary Groove
718 Queen St E
Toronto, On
This is a seriously cute bakery! The entire shop is prim and polished, plus all the baked goods are immaculate and beautifully decorated. Many of the treats are gluten-free and all of them are labeled, which is always appreciated. I tried a vegan/GF coconut lime cupcake, and it was truly delicious! I take my cake seriously, and I was impressed! They also had ridiculously cute GF brownies, their own version of the Oreo cookie called Myloreo, peanut butter cups, cookies and GF bread, to boot! This place is a perfect example that a bakery can actually make beautiful AND delicious gluten-free treats. Well worth the visit!

Urban Herbivore
64 Oxford St.
Toronto, On
After a morning of shopping in Kensington Market, I had worked up an appetite. I turned the corner, and voila: Urban Herbivore! What good fortune! They have a great selection of salad bowls (choose your own greens, protein and toppings), plus gluten-free cupcakes and coffee cake too! This spot also has great big windows and a little patio, perfect for people-watching in this funky neighbourhood. The food was great, but the service, however, left something to be desired.

***

Also, here are a few spots I didn’t get to visit, but I believe are still worth mentioning:

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Magic Oven
Various locations
This spot is renowned for its gluten-free pizza, and also offers a range of GF pasta. Looking at the menu makes me salivate.

Big Mama’s Boy
554 Parliament Street
Toronto, On
Famous for gluten-free pizza, and a brunch menu that includes GF English muffins, almond toast and rice flour pancakes. I can’t wait to visit!

The Big Carrot
348 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, On
This is a health food store and everyone keeps telling me I need to see this place. So, I have a feeling it must be good! The next time I am in the T-dot, I will not miss my chance!

Fraser Cafe

2010-07-11T21:50:00.009-04:00

One of the best experiences I’ve had eating out happened quite a few months ago. I’ve been meaning to write about it ever since, but kept putting it off, because I wanted to be sure I did this restaurant justice. Well, time has passed, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that some things are better to experience than to read about. And, that is precisely what I suggest you do when it comes to the Fraser Café.

This cozy restaurant keeps an ever-changing menu based on seasonal and locally available foods. Their menu is small and expertly-crafted. Plus, there is always the option of choosing the “Kitchen’s Choice”, which is a surprise dish created just for you by the talented chefs. Cool! This is just what I did upon my last visit. I gave them my dietary restrictions, and they were happy to take on the challenge, on the spot. I was impressed even before I got my meal!

When my dinner arrived, I discovered just what the clever chefs had created for me: A mouth-watering serving of sesame buckwheat noodles topped with toasted veggies coated in a subtle crispy batter. Yes, gluten-free crispy batter. My dish also came with a little stack of zippy kimchi and sesame-soya dipping sauce for the toasted veggies. Delicious! The presentation was lovely, and I couldn’t help but eat at a snail’s pace in an attempt to fully savour every bite. (So sorry I didn't take a photo!) Our meal was beautifully complimented by a ½ litre of Pinot Noir. I’ve been dreaming of it ever since.

The service was also very friendly, professional and attentive. We never felt rushed or pushed in any way, which made the experience very relaxing. I was truly impressed by the staff’s knowledge and the kitchen’s flexibility. I walked out of there feeling incredibly spoiled and swoony. : )

But, don’t take my word for it –go experience it for yourself!

Hope to see ya there,

Dino

Fraser Cafe
7 Springfield Road
Ottawa, ON

613-749-1444
Map

Kiko Sushi Bar

2010-06-26T09:48:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I made my first visit to Kiko Sushi Bar. This is a great little spot, uncannily nestled in Little Italy.

The sushi and salads were fresh and tasty, and the pickles (some blue and purple!) were an unusual yet pleasant accompaniment to our meal. I tried cucumber, avocado, daikon and mushroom rolls, plus a seaweed salad and the house pickles. Not only was the quality apparent, but each dish was artfully presented. Plus, I should mention we had a very attentive server who happily answered my slew of food questions!

I was especially impressed when I found out they keep gluten-free soy sauce on stock, just for folks like us! Yey! Now, you don’t have to feel like a nerd when you pull a bottle of your own soy sauce out of your bag! :) But, be sure to stay away from the tempura, as it does contain some wheat flour.

Enjoy with some cold sake on a hot day!

Kiko Sushi Bar
349B Preston Street
613-695-3143
Map

Montreal Eats

2010-05-26T20:51:00.009-04:00

Why, hello dear readers!

I’ve been away for a while, so I'd say I am due for a good long post, no?

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the lovely city of Montreal a couple of times. I had some worthwhile eating experiences there, so I’d like to share some of my finds with you:

***

Savoury Crepe for Breakfast

Crudessence
105, Rachel W Street
Montreal, Quebec
H2W 1G4

If you are up for a special eating experience, visit Crudessence. This is the first raw vegan restaurant in Quebec, and everything on the menu is also gluten-free. I’ve been there for breakfast on two occasions and have had the pleasure of trying two delicious savoury crepes that were stuffed with fresh sprouts and greens, plus slathered with macadamia or almond ricotta. Scrumptious! I’ve also had their homemade Key lime pie, made with cocoa butter and fresh limes in a macadamia-coconut crust. Very satisfying on a hot day. Highly recommended!

***

Thai Bowl and
Bombay Banana Smoothie

Aux Vivres
4631 boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec

H2T 1R2

Following the veggie theme, I present you: Aux Vivres. This is another vegan restaurant that has a very good selection of gluten-free offerings, all conveniently marked on the menu. On my first visit, I had a Dragon Bowl, which was a big bushel of fresh steamed veggies over brown rice, covered in tangy ginger dragon sauce. On my next visit, I tried the Thai Bowl, which included more of them fresh steamed veggies plus marinated carrots and raddish, peanuts and grilled tofu covered with a yummy peanut sauce. Mmm! Oh, and I had a Bombay Banana smoothie too. It tasted like a chai latte mixed with bananas! Awesome!

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Me: Longing for crepes...

La crêperie du marché

7070, Henri-Julien Street

Montréal, Quebec

(Marché Jean-Talon)

This was a surprise find that made my day. As it so happens, this little crêperie makes gluten-free buckwheat crepes, fresh to order. I had a savoury vegetarian one followed by a sweet one filled with bananas and maple butter. The maple butter one was truly to die for!

***

Zero 8
1735 St-Denis Street
Montreal, Quebec

H2X 3K4

This restaurant has a pretty interesting concept –all of its offerings are 100% free of the top 8 allergens, which includes gluten! So, everything on the menu is gluten-free. Yey! For dinner, my friend had the Olive Oil + Parsley Tagliatelle, and I had a veggie sandwich with fries and a side of curry mayo. My sandwich and fries were flavourful, and the bread tasty, though it seemed underbaked to me. My dinner date seemed to enjoy his pasta, but complained about the fact that only plain button mushrooms were used, rather than a more flavourful variety. Overall, the food was good, though perhaps a bit overpriced for the quality. We didn’t get the chance to try the desserts, but they looked very appetizing, and I do believe they would be worth a second visit!

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Late-night candy production

Dragon Beard Candy

This was another little surprise, which I found in Chinatown: Dragon's Beard! A delicacy made with LOTS of sugar, cornstarch, peanuts and more sugar. I don't recall the exact address, but wander down rue de la Gauchetiere at night, and you can't miss it!

Wishing you the happiest of travels!

Dino

Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine

2010-03-28T20:14:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, I made my first visit to Green Earth, a vegetarian restaurant which offers mostly vegan dishes. The menu is pretty extensive, offering mostly pan-asian food with a few random burritos and burgers tossed in for kicks.

I actually had a pretty difficult time ordering here. The menu is not very descriptive and they use the word “protein” to describe meat substitutes in their dishes. This is a bit deceptive for people avoiding gluten. Does protein mean tofu, beans, nuts or fake meats? The concern here is that fake meats all contain gluten. At least, I certainly haven’t found one that doesn’t. They are a mixture of soy protein, wheat gluten, flavours, fats and chemicals that come together to look and taste like meat. A lot of people confuse fake meats with tofu, which is just plain soy bean curd and does not contain gluten (unless it is flavoured with soya sauce or processed in some glutenous way).

I asked our server what exactly “protein” meant on their menu. She explained that it was fake meat, which meant I couldn’t have any. I explained the issue to her, and she offered to talk with the chef to double check whether there was gluten in their fake meats. When she returned from the kitchen, she assured me that their fake chicken didn’t have any gluten. WOW! Oh my! I actually got pretty excited about trying it out! But, then I got suspicious, and asked to see the packaging label so I could check the ingredients for myself. Sure enough, wheat was at the top of the ingredients list. BOOH! I explained this to our server, but she tried to tell me the label didn’t say “gluten”, so it was ok. Um, no. That's not how it works. Where there is wheat, there is gluten. I did my best to explain this, but she didn’t seem to believe me.

Don’t get me wrong here – the staff was actually very kind, caring and attentive. Just totally clueless about gluten. Too bad.

In the end, I ordered a sweet and sour stir-fry with plain tofu instead of their “protein”. They graciously agreed to do this without a problem. The meal was ok. I found it to be on par with the low price. The flavour was good and the presentation wasn't exceptional, but it was cheap, so you can overlook a few things for the price. For dessert, my buddy and I shared a banana split made with tofutti ice cream. It was really delicious! I should mention that there is some debate whether this ice cream is indeed gluten-free. The ingredients don’t contain gluten, but the company has stated there is a risk of cross contamination. But, I threw caution to the wind and ate it anyway! It was easily the best part of the meal!

Green Earth is certainly a decent clean and friendly place for an inexpensive meal. But, I’d advise caution if you plan on eating GF here. The staff was just a little too untrained in the hidden sources of gluten for my comfort. With sadness, I must give this place one thumb down.

Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine
354A Preston Street
Ottawa, ON
(613) 563-2784
Map

Spring Thaw Craft Sale

2010-03-27T11:18:00.006-04:00

Three Cheers Cupcakes will be featuring gluten-free key lime cupcakes at the Spring Thaw Craft Sale this weekend. Swing by and admire some great local arts and crafts while munching on a little something sweet.

Get there early - GF cupcakes will sell out FAST!

The details are as follows:

Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Routhier Community Centre
Street: 172 Guiges ave.
City: Ottawa, ON

Over 30 vendors offering paintings, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery, beauty products, and yummy treats!! $2 entrance fee for a chance to win door prizes from all vendors. Tickets will be drawn every hour!!

Hope to see ya there!

Bakery Goodness

2010-03-21T18:07:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday, I had the best day. The sun was a-shining, and I guess the infusion of vitamin D just put a bounce in my step and a smile on my face.

I usually avoid bakeries because I know my luck is pretty bad there, but I felt so good that day, I decided to look around a bit. Just to see if I might, possibly, maybe find something sweet for myself. I wandered onto Elgin street with high hopes, in search of the prized sweet treat. My first stop was Brown Loaf Bakery. It was also my last stop.

As soon as I stepped foot inside, I was welcomed by the aroma of freshly baked goodies. Mmmm! I started to look around. Croissants – nope. Turnovers – nope. Pies – nope.

But wait!

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a little hand-made addition to the label for macaroons that read “gluten-free”. Success! Then, I started spotting gluten-free goodies everywhere! Date squares, mini cheesecakes, plus regular and chocolate-dipped macaroons. Whoa! After some deliberation, I settled on a chocolate-dipped macaroon. I was eyeing those date squares mighty bad, but they were too big for me to handle after my filling lunch.

I brought the macaroon back to work, with the intention of having it with a cup of tea. It didn’t last long enough for me to have any tea. It was delicious! Very fresh and moist. I think I’d probably like the plain macaroon better than the chocolate-dipped version, but that’s just me.

A couple days later, I went back for one of those date squares. It looked normal enough at first, but when I later opened up my pack to take a bite, I noticed something different. The crust was made of sesame seeds and crushed almonds. Intriguing. How is exactly is this supposed to taste good, I wondered. I skeptically took a bite and was pleasantly surprised! The date filling was thick and satisfying. The crust was sweet, crunchy and nutty. The date square was all too big for me to eat in one sitting, but otherwise, I was quite happy with it!

Brown Loaf bakes all of its goods in the same facility, so beware if you are hyper sensitive to gluten. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend this place for a treat.

Happy snacking!

Brown Loaf Bakery
268 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: +1 613 236 3255
Map

Drinks and Dessert

2010-03-15T18:24:00.005-04:00

By golly, Preston Street has turned into a little heaven of gluten-free surprises!

A friend and I wandered into Stoneface Dolly’s last week to sip on a drink and chat. This was not intended to be a gluten-free “prospecting” adventure, as so many of my outings are nowadays. But, it turned into a discovery nonetheless! As it turns out, they serve gluten-free beer! (La Messagère) The only other place I’ve discovered that does this is Pub Italia. Stoneface seemed pretty interested in carrying different varieties, so I gave some recommendations. We’ll see what happens!

They also always carry a gluten-free chocolate-kahlua cake, which I hear is awesome.

I didn’t ask much about the menu itself, but I assume it must be pretty GF-friendly if they have the beer and dessert to go with it! I will need to make another visit to investigate…

Stoneface Dolly’s
416 Preston Street
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 564-2222
Map

Another Gem in Little Italy

2010-03-09T18:41:00.005-05:00

Last night was an evening of celebration. My good friend had been job hunting for a while, and finally landed a really interesting one! So, some merriment was in order!

We made our way to Little Italy and wandered into this cute-as-a-button restaurant called Il Piccolino.

My first thought: “Please let me be able to eat here!”

I asked our server whether they happened to have gluten-free pasta, and she said they usually always did, but that they were out that night. Too bad for me! But, still, I was really happy to discover another place where I could get it! Great!

I ended up having a roasted red pepper soup (delicious) and the Insalata Rustica, as the main course. The salad was topped with pan-seared zucchini, roasted red peppers, portobellos (instead of the goat cheese pour moi) and fragrant lavender dressing. Not to mention the fabulous Six Rows Shiraz we had. The entire meal was scrumptious! And, it really made me want to return for some of that promised pasta at a later date!

This place was really cute and accommodating. There was another gluten-free table next to us, and a table of vegans/vegetarians behind us, and the restaurant was happy to customize all of our meals with no problem whatsoever. Plus, the service was impeccable! I was truly impressed!

That makes another one for the list!

Il Piccolino
449 Preston Street
Ottawa, Ontario
613-236-8158
Map

New Developments in Fighting Celiac Disease

2010-03-08T00:34:00.002-05:00

Canadian researchers are testing a new drug for patients who suffer from a chronic digestive disorder called celiac disease, which appears to be afflicting a growing number of people.

The disease is caused by an abnormal response to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other common foods. Many medicines and vitamins also contain the protein, meaning those with celiac are forced to stick to strict diets.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and diarrhea.

There is no cure for the disease, and the only way to avoid the symptoms is to avoid gluten. About one in 100 Canadians suffer from the disease, and that number appears to be growing.

The disease damages structures in the lining of the small intestine called villi, which in turn impairs the body's absorption of nutrients.

Catherine Panejko, 20, was diagnosed with celiac a year ago, and even a single drop of a wheat product can trigger fatigue, bloating, weight loss and anemia.

"I can't eat cakes, yogurts. I have to be careful with ice cream, (gluten) is in everything -- even rice crackers," she said.

Panejko is now one of the patients trying a new drug called Larazati. The treatment is designed to protect the digestive tract against the damaging disorder.

According to researchers, the drug could make life easier for thousands......

Read the full story HERE .

Gluten-Free Pizza Party

2010-02-21T11:09:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I undertook the gigantic task of moving into my first home. I had been packing, organizing and planning for weeks and weeks. Then, the time finally came when I had to say a final goodbye to the little apartment that had been so good to me for the past 5 years. I closed the door, and I was off to new territory. A group of friends volunteered to be movers and we worked pretty hard to get my bed, couch, bookcases and boxes into the new digs. The move went exceptionally well, but I must say I was exhausted at the end. I needed a pick-me-up. And, I needed to celebrate this accomplishment and the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Obviously, there is nothing like pizza and cheap champagne for such occasions!

So, this was the prime excuse to finally test out the gluten-free pizza from Bella Vista Tavern. I ordered a mix of gluten-free and regular crusts (for the helpers, of course!). Unfortunately, Bella Vista does not deliver to my area, so we had to go pick them up. But, it didn’t matter. I wanted pizza badly enough that it was worth the extra trouble.

When we finally got the boxes into the house, I couldn’t wait to check out what my pizza looked like! I wasn’t disappointed. It looked just like the regular crust pizza! But, what really matters is the taste. You can’t judge a book by its cover! I bit in, and was instantly satisfied. The crust was thick, warm and soft. Not dry and crumbly in the least! SOOOO GOOOD! The pizza came with lots of toppings and the pieces were nice and big. At first, I was actually worried that we might not have enough pizza to fill everyone up, but the slices are very substantial. Even the burlier ones out of the group were finished after 2 or 3 slices.

I also want to mention the friendly staff. All my dishes and kitchen things were still packed away in boxes, so I asked Bella Vista for some disposable cups, napkins etc. They immediately obliged. They even gave us the option of 2 different kinds of cups! I thought that was kinda funny and cute. I was really impressed by how much they cared.

In sum, I highly recommend Bella Vista for your next pizza party!
Yum Yum.

Bella Vista Tavern Restaurant
2645 Alta Vista Drive
Phone: 613-731-9841
Map

1-Year Anniversary!

2010-02-11T18:24:00.006-05:00

A milestone: Gluten-Free Ghetto will be celebrating its first birthday this coming Monday! Hooray!

So why not take a little trip down memory lane, shall we?

When I first started this blog, I had no clue what I was doing. I was new to the gluten-free life, and had almost no resources to help me. So, I ventured into this blog not knowing much about gluten, and really having no clue whether I could write, or even keep up with a blog. But, knowing that I had readers depending on me forced me to explore the city’s food scene and discover a whole new world – so that I could share it! Now, I think about what to write whenever I eat out, or try something new, or learn of a new business. It has become second-nature to write, just as it has become second-nature to eat gluten-free.

I originally wanted this blog to serve 2 purposes:

1-To collect information about gluten-free food in Ottawa, all in one place, so that it could serve as a good resource for anyone living on this diet; and

2-To be my personal reminder of how many food options there are out there. (My memory can suck)

I feel like I've made pretty decent progress reaching those goals. But, I also think it is time to kick it up a notch! There are so many more things we could explore: recipes, products, tips and tricks in the kitchen and in life. When I first began this blog, my only readers were my childhood best friends, who aren’t even gluten-free (thanks guys!). Today, GFG has hundreds of readers! (Thanks for that too) We are a small community now -A force to be reckoned with, you might say! So, in the spirit of growth and looking towards the future, I plan on changing the look and adding some new content to the site. My vision is to make GFG more of a community space, where readers can submit content and suggestions, and can find topics of interest more easily. In essence, I’m going to be renovating a bit! So, if there is anything you’d like to see in this space, leave a comment or drop me a line at glutenfreeghetto@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming changes – Arriving SOON! (Also, please bear in mind that I am really not techy and also slightly indecisive. So, it might take a while for me to get the style and kinks all worked out!)

Cheers to another good year!

Caprese Ristorante Italiano

2010-02-05T14:07:00.009-05:00

The gluten-free scene in Ottawa is abuzz with talk about Caprese Ristorante Italiano, by golly! This new restaurant opened over the fall in the place of the former Rasputin's Café. It is the first in Ottawa to have a 100% gluten-free menu. At Caprese, you’ll find a variety of classic Italian staples such as gnocchi and pasta primavera, as well as some tasty appetizers. Meals are served with warm soft bread which is made in-house. Mmm! Plus, they have a selection of gluten-free desserts so you can finish off your meal with something sweet and satisfying. Are you salivating yet?

The ambience is nice and the prices are quite reasonable, considering the usual crazy markup for gluten-free food. They generally have a table d’hôte, which runs for $26 or so, and includes soup, salad and a main course. Furthermore, the portion sizes are quite generous. You won’t walk out hungry!

Caprese Ristorante Italiano

696 Bronson Avenue

613-231-3885

(Map)

Bake Sale for Haiti

2010-01-25T13:04:00.007-05:00

Dear readers,

In case you haven’t heard, this weekend there will be a vegan bake sale to raise funds for Haiti. There are promises of gluten-free baked goods (I will be donating a bunch of them), so I encourage you to go on over and check it out!

Here is the official invitation:

***************************************

Date:	Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time:	10:00am - 5:00pm
Location:	Gallery Hall of Ecclesiax church - by Bank and 5th Ave
Street:	2 Monk street (Bank and 5th Ave in the Glebe)

Who doesn't love baked goods?? Come stuff your face with deliciousness for a good cause!

With treats made by talented local home bakers and professional bakers; featuring amazing vegan cupcakes, cookies, squares, bars, cakes... the list goes on. (Gluten-free options available too!)

Bring your growling bellies, friends, and a travel mug for coffee/tea.

All proceeds to go to the Canadian Red Cross for Haiti Earthquake Relief.

For more information or to volunteer, email ottawaveganbakesale@hotmail.com
***************************************

You can also find the Facebook event HERE.

Come one, come all!

xo,

Dino

Aroma Meze

2010-01-20T12:36:00.009-05:00

Oh, how I do love Greek food! This little spot in Centretown conveniently has all its gluten-free items marked on the menu. Yey! Now, that’s the way to my heart! They even have a few GF items available that would normally be questionable to gluten haters, like dishes with sausage and certain sauces. How nice!

The full menu is listed on their website here.

A’roma Meze
239 Nepean Street
613-232-1377
info@aromameze.com
Map

Vitaemine

2010-01-15T13:00:00.005-05:00

This peppy-looking lunch spot opened up near my office a few months ago, and I was instantly intrigued. They boldly advertize GLUTEN-FREE in the window, so how could I not check it out? I’ve wandered in occasionally since they opened, and I finally feel I’ve tried enough of their offerings to give an honest review. I must say, I am quite pleased!

This is one of the few places I have managed to find a quick gluten-free breakfast. I was on my way to work one cold rainy morning, and decided to stop in and see what they might have. They offered me a bowl of their hot cereal (made with, I think, buckwheat, apple sauce and cinnamon?) with a side of sliced fresh fruit. It was just what I needed to perk up my day and warm me up. And, healthy too! Mmm!

One of the big draws of Vitaemine is the fact that you can get any sandwich made on a gluten-free bun. The bread is quite good, and my only complaint to date has been the quality of their tofu. In the company's early days, I ordered a sandwich with tofu, and it was raw and wet. Ew. The juices soaked into the bottom of the sandwich, and the texture was so chalky and unpleasant that I started to feel a little ill. But I ate the sandwich anyway, in the name of research. See the things I do for you, dear readers? ;) Anyhow, I digress! The manager told me the tofu thing would be fixed, so today, I tried another sandwich. It was awesome! The bread was really tasty, and the tofu was fabulous! And, I am sitting here feeling quite full and satisfied. A good sign.

I've also tried each of their sweet breads - Chocolate zucchini, banana, and pumpkin. All were tasty, though the pumpkin bread easily stole the spotlight. It was spicy and moist, while I found the chocolate and banana breads to be a little boring and maybe a touch dry.

Vitaemine also makes a bunch of healthy smoothies and usually has some gluten-free sweets on hand too! Find their partial menu here. They have more offerings listed in store.

The staff at Vitaemine has consistently been friendly and knowledgeable. I generally ask a lot of questions (i.e. annoying customer), but since their business depends on a lot of us allergenic folks, they have always taken a lot of care in ensuring my questions are answered. I find that really shows a business cares about the needs of it's clientèle. I would certainly recommend this place for a good healthy lunch or simple breakfast. Plus, they prepare gluten-free foods in a separate area from the rest to keep them safe!

Happy Lunchtime!

Vitaemine
136 O’Connor and Laurier
info@vitaemine.ca

Credible Edibles

2010-01-11T14:06:00.004-05:00

I’ve just heard of a little spot in Hintonburg that has gluten-free meal options as well as cupcakes for dessert. I haven’t made a visit yet, but I am certainly intrigued! Their website says they offer gluten-free bagels, wraps, bread and buns for sandwiches. How exciting! Not to mention that they seem to be rather socially conscious. Cool!

OPEN TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS 11AM - 2PM.
If anyone has been there, it would be great to hear about your experience! I’ll be reporting back as soon as I investigate the place…

Credible Edibles
78 Hinton Avenue N
613-558-7569
info@credible-edibles.ca
Map

New Fave!

2009-12-07T20:17:00.007-05:00

I've already expressed my compulsion for B. Goods cookies a while back, but I now have a little update to share. B. Goods has just launched a NEW gluten-free cookie! And, it is super delish! The flavour is Orange Hazelnut, and it is deliciously crunchy on the outside and soft and melty on the inside. Plus, it has big ol’ chunks of hazelnut inside as well as hazelnut pieces sprinkled on the outside. Oh my!

I am not usually a fan of orange-flavoured baked goods, so I was a little bummed when I first heard the rumours that this new cookie was being developed. BUT, I must say that all of my orange cookie doubts disappeared when I tasted it. Oh man, it is so so tasty! I think it has even replaced my former favorite, the Cinnamon Kasha cookie. Go try it! Really.

You can always find B. Goods’ cookies at the Herb and Spice on Bank Street, Market Organics in the Byward Market, as well as various cafes. B. Goods is also a regular vendor at the Main Street Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday from 9am – 2pm from early May until the end of October.

* Note: B. Goods bakes in a facility that also uses gluten-containing flours, so cross-contamination is always a possibility.

B. Goods - a bakery -
b.goods@rogers.com
613-882-0923

Cupcakes!

2009-11-28T09:28:00.007-05:00

Just a small note to say that Three Cheers Cupcakes makes fantastico gluten-free cupcakes! They are moist, light and artfully decorated.

Nothing dry, heavy or flavourless here! All are made with wholesome flours such as sorghum and buckwheat, as opposed to the usual rice flour options available. Vegan cupcakes are also available for those on gluten-free/casein-free diets, as well as those who simply prefer to avoid animal products.

Three Cheers will be featuring some gluten-free cupcakes at the Ladyfest Tarts n’ Crafts Christmas sale on December 5th at the Jack Purcell Community Centre. You can also place your order directly by visiting threecheerscupcakes.com.

*Three Cheers Cupcakes bakes in a facility that uses gluten-containing flour. While they take immense care in avoiding cross-contamination, it is always a possibility.

Three Cheers Cupcakes
ThreeCheersCupcakes@gmail.com

The Wellington Gastropub

2009-11-04T13:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my manfriend’s 30th birthday, so we wanted to have a special dinner with friends to celebrate. Our group was a mixture of vegans, omnivores and myself, so it was kinda hard to find a suitable restaurant. Not to mention that we were also hoping to find a place with a nice touch of ambiance to celebrate such a milestone. We settled on The Wellington Gastropub. We called them a few days in advance and informed them about our unique group. They said they’d be happy to cook something gluten-free and vegan for us, and would be ready for our arrival. We had no idea what they had in store, but all of us were excited to see what the talented chefs in the kitchen would create for us. Oh, the suspense!

When the appetizer came, it was a beet carpaccio topped with an apple slaw and greens in refreshing vinaigrette, and a mixture of candied nuts. It was light, delicious, and the perfect teaser to whet our appetites. When the main course arrived, it was a bed of rarely seen local salsify topped with lentil patties that were soft and steamy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The dish was garnished with pea shoots and complimented by a savoury coconut milk sauce with a hint of lime. It was really a “wow” meal for all of us. I didn’t want it to end! And boy, do I wish I had a photo!

For dessert, I had come prepared with a layered double chocolate gluten-free vegan cake, brushed with ganache and coffee liquor between the layers and finished with an espresso frosting and dark chocolate drizzle. (I bet you didn’t know I could bake, eh?) I figured the restaurant might not know what to serve our group for dessert, so I wanted to make sure there was at least some b-day cake we could have. Turns out The Wellington Gastropub was also prepared! They offered us fresh poached pears drizzled in a raspberry coulis. Mmm! We opted to have a little of both, and they graciously accepted to serve my cake with a side of their lovely pears. They even put a candle on the birthday boy's cake! It was truly a meal to remember!

The service was prompt and very polished, yet relaxed and enjoyable. The chef even came to our table a couple of times throughout the night to chat and ask questions about our preferences. We felt so welcomed and very spoiled indeed! I got the impression that they genuinely enjoyed the challenge of creating a unique meal for us, instead of dreading having to accommodate difficult customers. I was really touched by their willingness to craft something special for our birthday celebration, and would highly recomcommend the Wellington Gastropub for any special night out.

In terms of price, we spent about $11 for the appetizer, $18 for the main, $3.50 each for the cake cutting fee, and about $55 per bottle of wine. I think they might have given us the pears on the house, but I’m not 100% certain since I left my receipt behind… Woops!

The Wellington Gastropub
1325 Wellington Street
613.729.1315
info@thewellingtongastorpub.

More Beer...

2009-11-01T18:07:00.010-05:00

Ahhh, another sweet success for the gluten-free folks of the world: New Grist beer.

I’m not sure how long this beer has been available in Ottawa, but I came across it for the first time about a month ago at the LCBO on Rideau Street. I grabbed a 6-pack, and was quickly on my way! I just couldn’t wait to compare it to La Messagère, which has become somewhat of a staple at parties lately.

I found New Grist to be really tasty, and somewhat tangier than La Messagère. A nice alternative to mix things up a bit! My BF definitely prefers New Grist, but I think I am partial to La Messagère, myself. To me, it just seems a bit smoother, and since I’ve never been much of a beer connoisseur, it is more to my taste.

I also recently tested out “Perry”, which is like Strongbow Cider, but made with pears. Go figure! So far, I’ve seen it at both the LCBO in the Rideau Centre and the one on Rideau Street, though I am sure it is available at most locations. It was not too sweet, and had a really nice flavour. Easy drinking, to be sure. Plus, I’ve noticed that a couple new brands of cider have also hit the shelves lately. Yey!

So Delish!

2009-10-28T13:06:00.004-04:00

I’ve been hearing good things about So Good Restaurant and their ability to do gluten-free for a long time now. Last week, I finally decided to go investigate over dinner.

I asked the server if they could accommodate me, and she told me to simply pick whatever I wanted from their extensive menu, and then she’d tell me if it could be made gluten-free. My buddy and I settled on the Fried Tofu with Pepper-Salt (this was a bit of a test as I knew it was breaded), and the Wu Se Vegetables. Turns out both dishes could be made gluten-free! Awesome!

At the end of the evening, I had a nice chat with the owner, Peter. He told me that he was professionally trained as a nurse, so he is very familiar with the dietary requirements of celiacs. He spoke with pride about how he’s been able to accommodate celiacs for a number of years, with no reported problems. Great to hear!

But, how was the food, you ask? Well, awesome! The Fried Tofu with Pepper-Salt was highly addictive. Mmm! It was kinda like popcorn chicken, but made with tofu instead! The gluten-free version is breaded in corn starch rather than wheat flour. I think I ate ¾ of the plate, to my friend’s dismay. (Bwahaha!) The Wu Se Vegetables were also very delicious! They were glazed in peanut sauce, with just the right amount of spiciness. YUM!

So Good is a casual spot with generous portion sizes, and very reasonable prices (Wu Se Vegetables: $8.95, Fried Tofu with Pepper-Salt: $8.95). I highly recommend it for a cozy, unpretentious dinner out. They also do take-out! Just don’t eat the fortune cookies…

So Good Restaurant
717 Somerset Street West
613-233-0138

NEW!

2009-07-27T19:15:00.011-04:00

Oh my! This little gem has just opened its doors and not only is the food AMAZING, but it is also very GF-friendly. In fact, all the dishes which are gluten-free, or can be made as such, are clearly marked on the menu. What more could a gal ask for? Oh wait, I forgot to mention the great wine. Plus, after I pointed out my gluten aversion, they served yummy toasted papadums with my meal instead of bread. I was so touched!

Zen Kitchen is a brand new vegetarian fine dining restaurant which is absolutely worth checking out. Really, a very nice place for a special date. :) The food is creative, delicious, and the menu is regularly tweaked so you'll see new items appearing every so often, depending on the seasonality of produce and the whim of the talented hands in the kitchen.

I had a tomato bisque to start, the thai lemongrass curry as a main, and the chocolate mousse torte for dessert (see pic!). I was especially impressed with the bisque and curry. The bisque was made with applewood smoked tomatoes, and was truly delicious. This would be a very comforting soup to have on a chilly evening. As for the curry, it was highly aromatic, with a spice that slowly increased as I made my way to the bottom of the plate. Very unique and satisfying. Plus, I found some purple carrot in my dish, which I thought was pretty cool. Five stars out of five.

Zen Kitchen

634 Somerset Street West
613-233-6404

info@zenkitchen.ca

Map

The Table Vegetarian Restaurant

2009-07-18T11:41:00.004-04:00

The Table has long been a faithful standby for the vegans and vegetarians of Ottawa. But, I now know they also offer an excellent selection of gluten-free dishes and a bunch of desserts too!

The Table is buffet-style dining, which is nice, because you can try a little bit of everything. Additionally, all of the items in their buffet are clearly marked as being gluten-free. Heaven! I had dinner there with some girlfriends a few weeks ago, and it was a pleasure to not pester the server with a slew of questions for once.

Being a bit of a foodie, I must make a point of saying the buffet can be a bit hit or miss. Most items are healthful and delicious, but every so often you'll grab something that is just... well... not good. At all. And, since you pay for your items by weight, you don't want to grab anything you won't eat. So, alas, I give you my personal "Hot or Not" list of buffet items.

HOT

I especially recommend the veggie patty that comes with caramelized onion sauce. It is absolutely delicious! The tofu masala was also very satisfying. :) YUM! For dessert, do try the chocolate mousse cake! It was rich and flavourful. Out of all the desserts I tried during my last visit, it was by far the best.

NOT

Don't be swayed by the allure of the gluten-free bread slices tucked beside the hot buffet. I had such high hopes for a tasty slice of fresh bread that I grabbed one immediately, and was sorely disappointed. It was dry, bland and crumbly. Even after drenching it in masala sauce it still felt dry on my palate. Tears. For dessert, please please just stay away from the vegan GF coconut cake they have. Really, it was terrible. Both myself and another friend had to leave most of it on our plates because it just wasn't edible.

Overall, I'd recommend The Table for a relaxed dinner since it has a lot of gluten-free options and is easy to navigate due to the signage. Plus, there is something for everyone. Entrees usually cost between $10-$15, depending on how high you pile your plate. Dessert tends to range from $6-$8.

The Table Vegetarian Restaurant

1230 Wellington Street

613-729-5973

wellington@thetablerestaurant.com

Map

Café Nostra Trattoria

2009-06-29T18:21:00.004-04:00

Although Italian food is traditionally (and deliciously) gluten-laden, Ottawa’s Little Italy seems to be quietly embracing the idea of providing gluten-free options. Very cool, methinks! Along with the GF pasta and pizza at La Dolce Vita and the gluten-free beer at Pub Italia, I’ve recently discovered yet another little spot where one can indulge in some traditional Italian fare sans gluten. Café Nostra Trattoria is known for it's cozy atmosphere and great wine selection, plus they will make any pasta dish gluten-free for an extra $2. YUM!

Props to the progressive minds on Preston Street who are making fine dining easier for us tender-bellied folks!

Cafe Nostra Trattoria

357 Preston Street

613-321-4612

Map

B. Goods

2009-06-05T09:02:00.005-04:00

Ok, ladies and gents! I am very excited to announce that I’ve found AWESOME gluten-free cookies! I had heard that B. Goods makes great cookies, but hot dang! Now I’m a believer! I've been addicted for a while now, and they are consistently good too. So far, the only two GF varieties available are Chocolate Mint and Cinnamon Kasha. And, they rule! Especially the cinnamon one!

The first time I got a cinnamon cookie was from Market Organics in the Byward Market. I hadn't had a truly satisfying cookie in ages, so I couldn’t wait to take a bite and test this one out! After all, it seemed pretty promising. It looked like a real cookie, not a rubbery blob or a crumbly cakey thing. And, oh man, it did not disappoint! It had a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior that just seemed to melt in my mouth. Really! SO good! Now, I’m hooked!

B. Goods is a mobile bakery that you can find rolling around town at various festivals, including the Folk Fest and the Rideau Canal Fest, both happening in August. The B. Goods rig will also be at the Main Street market on Saturdays until late October. I’ve seen B. Goods’ cookies all over town, and most places carry the GF varieties intermittently, so keep your eyes open for 'em because if a place carries B. Goods, the GF cookies will eventually make their way through the rotation of flavours. A list of vendors can be found on B. Goods' Facebook page.

*Note: B. Goods’ GF cookies are made in a facility that contains gluten.

B. Goods - a bakery -

b.goods@rogers.com

613-882-0923

Lydia Bee

2009-06-01T21:10:00.005-04:00

Two Sundays ago, I attended Ravenswing D-I-Y Fair in Minto Park. It was a fab event with many great artists selling their wares, as well as funky musicians and cool workshops for the public. There were also a handful of bakers there, including Lydia Bee who is a ball of energy and had a table of tempting vegan and gluten-free cookies. I guess I’m kind of a sucker, because when I see the words “gluten-free” on a baked goody, I just can’t help but have a taste! I tried a lime cookie and a pea-chocolate chip cookie, and they were both delish! Mmm! They had a texture that resembled shortbread cookies. Firm when you pick them up, but somehow kinda melty once they’re in your mouth. I really liked the tangy lime cookie, and was surprised that the pea cookies (cleverly named “I Can’t Pea-lieve It”) didn’t taste like peas at all! Just yumminess! Not a bad way to get your veggies in, if I do say so myself!

Lydia Bee officially lives in Toronto, but came to O-town for the craft fair. I’m glad she did! Hopefully, we’ll see her again next year, and I’ll be able to sample some more of her treats!

Trillium Bakery

2009-05-28T19:55:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, I went shopping with my best buddy, Kris. We explored the Great Glebe Garage sale (which was insane), and also hit a few other spots around town. After much bargain hunting and crowd fighting, we decided to grab the bus home. That’s when I noticed that our bus stop was just beside Trillium Bakery! T’was FATE! I had never stepped foot inside before, but I knew they offered gluten-free goodies so there was no way I could pass up this golden opportunity to check it out! So, I decide to shoot in for a quick visit (plus I needed bus change), while Kris waited for the OC Transpo outside. I promised to be fast because we were both pretty exhausted from the morning’s events.

As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by how charming this little nook was. The store is very small and lined with big shelves filled with baked goods. There were even tiny plates of samples scattered here and there. Plus, the entrance boasted a small day-old section for bargain hunters. The first thing that entered my mind was that if I ever opened my own bakery (one can dream!), it would look like this.

I wandered around and saw lots of gluten-free cookies, cakes, a few pies and fruit crumble. They also carried gluten-free bread (not made by them) and pasta. I eyed the array of cookies, and eventually settled on a pack of 2 big chocolate chip ones ($4). I went to the cash to pay for my treats, and this is where the experience turned a little sour for me. I was in a jolly mood, so I told the woman behind the counter how excited I was to have found a place with so many gluten-free offerings. I was so happy! I said I’d definitely return because I was eager to try some of their other goodies. I expected her to show a little enthusiasm, maybe even a smile, but instead she ignored what I said and just tried to upsell me some fruit crumble. Ummm… ok. Not what I had anticipated. Slightly off-putting, but no biggie. Then, as she was counting out my change, I asked if I could have $3 back for bus fare. I didn’t

think it was a huge demand since she was giving me change back anyway. And, after all, I had just bought somewhat expensive cookies and showered her business with praise. But, I was wrong! No change for moi! And, even though I could clearly see she had change in the till, I was told to walk over to the laundromat next door. She said Trillium never carries much change and the Laundromat has lots so I should go there. After her refusal, I tried again:

-Me: “But… but… but… M’am, one of the main reasons I bought these cookies was to get bus change."

-Lady: “Like I said, we don’t give change”

-Me: “But, it’s just $3, and I don’t want to miss my bus”

-Lady: “Well, there’s nothing I can do for you”

What? Really? It’s not like I wanted a barrel of quarters! And, my change already included two toonies, so she just had to break one. It was silly! Maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it felt like she was just trying to be difficult. This was definitely not the friendly personal experience I had expected from a local entrepreneur. Plus, after everything, I missed my bus because of it. Grumble. At least the guy at the Laundromat was nice!

I had walked into Trillium with such excitement and delight, only to walk out a disappointed customer. To me, a simple smile and a little human kindness go a very long way. I hope to have a better experience there if I ever wander in again.

As for my cookies, they were OK, but nothing to write home about. (This is my unbiased opinion, which has nothing to do with my experience there! I even got a second opinion from Kris, who wasn’t blown away either) I found the cookies to be a bit too sweet, and somewhat lacking in chocolate chips. They were also just a tad too crumbly and didn’t have much depth of flavour. On a scale of 5, they would get a 2.5. Not that bad, not that great –just OK. I refrigerated the second cookie for the next day, and it was a bit better chilled, but still didn’t knock my socks off. Maybe 3 out of 5 this time.

I’d certainly be interested in trying Trillium’s other cookie flavours, cakes or the fruit crumble sometime, but I won't get the chocolate chip cookies again. If anyone has a different or more positive review of Trillium’s offerings, I’d love to hear it! I’m sad I had a bad experience.

Trillium Bakery also caters to other allergies and food sensitivities by offering dairy-free, sugar-free, egg-free, peanut-free, yeast-free and preservative-free foods. They can also design custom products on request.

Trillium Bakery

209 Belmont Ave. (at Bank St.)

613-730-1316

Map

The Buzz Restaurant and Lounge

2009-04-16T19:50:00.007-04:00

Oooo, this is my new fave place for having drinks with the girls! It is cozy, with great service, and they make simply the best martinis!

I recently contacted them to see if they could accommodate a gluten-free diet, and was told that their menu already has a few GF items, notably the Salmon, Duck Confit, Lamb Shanks, and Varutharacha Chicken, as well as most specials they offer. I also suspect the Polenta and Roasted Red Pepper Stack appetizer is gluten-free, but the manager didn't specify. As for sides, they offer both rosemary and mashed potatoes. But, do be sure to mention your affliction to gluten to the server so they can take extra care with your meal. Check the menu here!

I highly recommend you try their banana cream pie martini, but just ask for it without the graham cracker crumbs around the rim. It's so good, I seriously dream about it.

The Buzz Restaurant and Lounge

374 Bank Street

613-565-9595

Map

Beer!

2009-04-10T08:44:00.002-04:00

It has been a few months since I've gone gluten-free and one of the things I've missed the most has certainly been beer. There's just something that doesn't quite sound right about poutine with wine. Ew. And, when I go out with my soccer team after a hard game, all I want is a cold beer! BBQ? Beer! I do enjoy a good glass of red wine, but sometimes it just doesn't quite suit the bill.

So, I've been searching for a solution and, inevitably, heard of La Messagère gluten-free beer. I've been itching to try it for weeks now, and last night was THE night! And, oh my, it is good! YUM! I was worried it would taste weird, but it actually tastes like beer. In fact, if I hadn't been looking for a difference, I don't think I would have ever noticed. Really!

So, where can this delightful treat be found? Well, you can buy it at the big LCBO on Rideau and King Edward, as well as the one on Bank and Walkley. It'll set you back $17.15 plus the $0.60 deposit for a case of 6. I've heard La Boîte à Grains in both Hull and Gatineau carry it as well. As for going out, I know that Pub Italia and Bella Vista restaurant serve it. I assume there are a few more places serving it, so I intend to update this post as I make new discoveries.

Another option is Strongbow Cider, which is officially gluten-free. It is beer-esque and very tasty, plus it can be found almost anywhere.

Cheers!

Bella Vista Restaurant

2009-04-06T07:43:00.008-04:00

The Bella Vista Tavern Restaurant is another place I have yet to visit, but I have heard so many glowing reviews that I just need to mention it here. Apparently, they make the best GF pizza in town! I’ve even been told it's hard to tell the difference with regular pizza. Really? Is this too good to be true?! I must definitely make a special trip to test this theory.

Furthermore, they have gluten-free fettuccine and spaghetti. AND, best of all, they serve gluten-free BEER!! Yippee!

Bella Vista gets pretty busy on weekends, so it might be wise to make reservations, especially if you’re headed there with a large group. Or, you can always get take-out, which is nice.

Bella Vista Tavern Restaurant

2645 Alta Vista Drive
Phone: 613-731-9841

Map

Orzo

2009-04-05T15:01:00.006-04:00

Gah! I'm all in a tizzy because I just made the upsetting discovery that orzo isn't a variety of rice -it's PASTA!! NOOO!

And, I had such nice plans for an orzo summer salad. Foiled again!

Orzo = Bad!

Fratelli

2009-04-01T21:15:00.004-04:00

A new discovery! I saw today that Fratelli Italian restaurant can substitute any of the regular pasta on their lunch or dinner menus for gluten-free corn pasta. Niiiice. And, personally, I am quite pleased to see they have a good selection of vegetarian-friendly GF options too! The Penne Primavera looks especially intriguing to me (roasted bell peppers, zucchini, chickpeas, pesto, goat cheese… oh my!). :) Check the menu here.

The other nice thing about Fratelli is that they have locations in most parts of the city, so you’re never too far away when you need a quick fix of hot Italian food to go with your hot Italian lover (I wish). They are located in the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata, Beechwood, and just opened a new location in Barrhaven.

Buon Appetito!

Fratelli

Various locations

info@fratelli.ca

East African Restaurant

2009-03-24T18:09:00.006-04:00

If you've ever had Ethiopian food, you are familiar with the spongy enjera bread used to soak up the various sauces and foods served on a large colourful platter.

I recently did a little research and discovered enjera is made with teff flour, which is gluten-free! Cool! So, the next time I passed by the East African Restaurant on Rideau Street, I made a point of asking the owner whether their enjera was gluten-free. Turns out they use a blend of teff and whole wheat flour, so it is definitely not suitable to a gluten-free diet.

BUT! The good news is that all their sauces are gluten-free, so those get a green light! Also, I was told the East African Restaurant can accommodate requests to make their enjera with only teff flour, as long as they get at least 3 days notice, since it takes so long to make. Or, if you end up there at the last minute, they can substitute the enjera for lettuce leaves.

I have eaten at The East African Restaurant many times, but haven't yet been there since going GF. If I have enough notice before my next visit, I'd really like to try ordering their enjera bread to be made with teff flour only. What a nice treat!

East African Restaurant

376 Rideau Street

(613) 789-7397

Map

Byward Fruit Market

2009-03-23T20:23:00.006-04:00

This weekend, the unusually mild March weather gave me the urge to wander the streets of the Byward Market. Among many stops, I ventured into the Byward Fruit Market and was surprised to see that such a small shop manages to stock quite a few gluten-free products! They had a really impressive selection of pasta, which was mostly corn-based. They also carried a few different kinds of granola, made with GF oats. But, I was most impressed with their hot brown rice cereal. I've been looking for such a thing, and this is the first time I come across it. It's essentially the GF version of Cream of Wheat.

I was also struck by the huge selection of beans and grains they had! Dang! I haven't really discovered how to use millet in cooking yet, but I noticed they had the grains (not flour) there. I think that will come in handy as I experiment more with GF cooking.

Aside from that, the Byward Fruit Market is just a cool place to visit because they have some of the craziest produce you'll ever see! Half of the fruits and veggies are completely mystifying to me. Purple carrots? Indeed!

Byward Fruit Market

36 Byward Market Square

(613) 241-6542

info@byward fruit.com

Map

GF Travel - Part 1

2009-03-15T15:17:00.012-04:00

I have just returned from my first trip since going gluten-free, and I now have a few discoveries to share. I went to the Netherlands, so I had too prepare for a long overnight flight and the next morning's breakfast. I should mention that Air Canada does offer a gluten-free meal option (and so do these airlines), which you need to reserve at least 18 hours in advance. I didn't. So, I had to rely on my own wits to get me through the trip.

I ate dinner before I left, but I knew I'd be hungry again with the late flight, so I brought along a second dinner in my bag. I packed a simple spinach salad with cherry tomatoes and goat cheese, sprinkled with sunflower and flax seeds. I dressed it in a simple olive oil vinaigrette, and it was truly divine. Goat cheese is my new best friend. I mentioned the salad dressing to the security guards (it being a liquid and all), but they waved me through anyway. Nice! I also definitely enjoyed the tasty red wine which was served at dinner time on the plane. So luxurious!

For breakfast, I used an old trick my Dad has been doing for ages. I packed a tupperware of dry cereal, sprinkled with nuts and raisins (or anything else like cranberries or coconut flakes. Yum!). Then, when breakfast time rolls around, I just order a glass of milk and pour it onto my gourmet cereal. And, presto -the perfect compliment to a piping hot cup of coffee and a banana. Much more satisfying than a breakfast bar, I should think.

For snacks, I brought:

-Individually sized apple sauce packs (they are liquid, but less than 100ml, so they are ok)

-Apples and bananas

-Rice crackers and cheese

-GF snack bars

Other travel foods that crossed my mind:

-Pack of premade sushi for dinner

-Tortilla chips and a small container of salsa

-Cut fruits and veggies

-GF cookies

-Pop corn

I think the trick to travelling GF is to pack nutritious foods that feel like a treat. That way, when everyone else is being served a hot meal, you can pull out your gourmet creation and feel just as good about your own dinner. Happy trails!

Welcome to The Works!

2009-03-03T22:05:00.012-05:00

The Works is almost a legend in this city. They are known for their incredible burgers, as well as the crazy toppings that complete them. Peanut butter on a burger? Yes indeed, dear friends. Yes indeed.

My best friends happen to be in town this week, and it has been a long-standing tradition to make a special stop at The Works whenever they visit. But this time around, things were a little different for me. I must say, I was rather intimidated to eat there knowing that everything generally comes served between buns or battered and deep fried. Gah! What was a girl to do?! Well there was no way I was going to skip dinner with my pals, so I emailed the restaurant beforehand and got some answers.

First off, I was surprised at how fast they answered me. In my opinion, this shows a restaurant is serious about meeting their customers' needs. So, 1 point for that! They also gave me some good news, which gives them another point.

It turns out The Works has quite a few things to offer the gluten-haters of this world. Yey! All of their burger patties are gluten-free, except for the chicken breast, so stay away from that one. They can also serve any of their burgers naked (a.k.a. bunless) over a bed of lettuce, which I think is very kind. :) They also said that many, MANY of their burger toppings are gluten-free, so there is lots of selection there. They said there are too many GF toppings to name, so it would be best to ask the server when ordering to ensure you're given the right options. They did mention the Smokey Mountain Burger (Monterrey Jack Cheese, Smokey BBQ and Bacon) was safe though.

When it comes to side dishes, the onion rings are out of the question since they are breaded. BUT, their fries are good to go! Yey! Though, I suppose if they are cooked in the same fryer as the o-rings, it might pose some problems for those who are especially sensitive.

In the end, I chose to go for a salad called the Senorita Saladino -hold the croutons. It was really tasty, and filled with loads of salsa and avocados, but I was somewhat dismayed to discover it came served on a flour tortilla that wasn't mentioned on the menu. Mea culpa! Totally my fault for not mentioning the gluten aversion once I got there. So, a little word of warning on the salad.

Still, I was impressed at how seriously my email inquiry was taken, and how many options they offered. Their poutine looked delicious, so I might try that next time! Or, maybe I'll go for a bunless veggie burger.

The Works

Various locations

Coming Soon...

2009-02-24T21:18:00.004-05:00

News! The Lieutenant's Pump will be re-printing their menu shortly with all of their gluten-free items highlighted for convenience. Stay tuned! I'll be sure to post the launch date as soon as I get it!

Lieutenant's Pump

361 Elgin Street

(613) 238-2949

Map

Wild Oat

2009-02-21T23:55:00.011-05:00

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of making my very first visit to the Wild Oat. I was having breakfast with a vegan friend, and between the two of us, the list of dietary restrictions makes eating out together somewhat of a challenge. I had heard "The Oat" (as the cool kids say) catered to a wide array of diets, so it seemed like a good place to check out.

After looking thoroughly at the menu, I am happy to say I had no trouble finding a couple options for a veggie gluten-free breakfast. I settled on a cream of buckwheat breakfast (can't remember the exact title), and really enjoyed it. It was essentially ground flax seeds and buckwheat blended with bananas and orange juice, then topped with an array of fresh fruits. YUM! And, so nutritious! My buddy had the Japanese breakfast, which also happened to be GF, and quite tasty when I stole a bite. It was a bowl of brown rice topped with greens, sprouts, marinated tofu and incredibly flavourful mushrooms. I think it would be a really great choice for brunch. I will definitely be back!

We ended up hanging around for a while after breakfast, and it soon seemed like a good idea to test something sweet from the Wild Oat's bakery section. We'd been eyeing some of the goodies since we'd stepped inside, and I'm pretty sure neither one of us planned to leave without having a taste. After a good perusal of the selections, we decided to share a modest date square. It turned out to be quite satisfying, and I was REALLY pleased to see the crust wasn't grainy like the one I had at Bread and Sons a while back. And, the crumble on top was delish! But, the one little thing that irked me was that the filling had an orangey taste to it. I don't know if it's some necessary ingredient in GF date squares or something, but the one I had at Bread and Sons had the same issue. It's not that it tastes bad; in fact, it's fine. It's just that what I want is a date square that tastes like dates! ONLY dates. I suppose the search continues...

Back to the pastries! I made a mental note of some other GF offerings the Wild Oat had on hand, as they all looked quite scrumptious. They had some tempting chocolate honey cakes, peanut butter chocolate squares, a raw mango pie, and some truffles.

Wild Oat

817 Bank Street

(613) 232-6232

Map

Grumble.

2009-02-21T09:25:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to say that neither Starbucks, Second Cup nor Bridgehead offer any GF pastries in O-town. Starbucks offered me mixed nuts, though.

Ristorante La Dolce Vita

2009-02-19T18:38:00.006-05:00

When gluten is an issue, venturing into Little Italy can seem like an exercise in futility. Unless you've discovered a certain little gem called Ristorante La Dolce Vita. If you're craving some authentic Italian fare, you'll likely find something here to satisfy your hunger. Not only are they known for being one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, but any of their gourmet pizzas and pasta dishes can be made gluten-free for a small extra charge. And, with 16 different kinds of pizza, there is quite a vast selection to choose from. They also have GF soups, meat and veggie lasagnas, and most importantly, dessert! (Cheesecake is my friend) I haven't yet been there, but I certainly am looking forward to my first visit! I wonder if they have gluten-free beer?

Their gluten-free menu can be found here.

Oh, and did I mention they also offer take-out and delivery? Eccellente!

Ristorante La Dolce Vita

180 Preston Street

(613) 233-6239

info@ladolcevitapreston.ca

Map

Bread and Sons Bakery

2009-02-19T00:17:00.005-05:00

Do let me introduce my new favourite GF indulgence: Pistachio cookies. From Bread and Sons Bakery. So gosh-darned tasty! At first, I was hesitant to pay a whole dollar for one small cookie, so I didn't. My next visit, I was itching for something sweet, so I thought "what the hey". Oh, you better believe the third visit wasn't far behind, and I couldn't help but get TWO! Drool! Now, I have to hold myself back from going there. Gah! Those cookies are the perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness, with neither flavour overpowering the other. I just LOVE them! They are made with chickpea flour, but they really don't have that tangy taste that usually comes with it, which is a good thing in this case.

Bread and Sons also carries what they describe as the world's best date squares. They are gluten-free, so how could I resist such a tempting offer? I brought one back to work to enjoy over a cup of tea, and I have to say, it was a little... blah. Not bad, but not superb in my view. The crust was grainy, and the filling had a distinct citrus flavour to it. Orange, perhaps? It was also rather heavy. So, it is definitely not your traditional date square. But, if you're willing to try something a little different, maybe it's for you! It did have a lot of gooey dates inside, and that is always a good thing. Selling price: $2.95

Oh, and I was told Bread and Sons expects to start carrying a great GF bread this summer once they hire a new baker. I can hardly wait!!

*Note, Bread and Sons mostly bakes with gluten-based flour, so cross-contamination may be an issue if you are really sensitive.

Bread and Sons Bakery

195 Bank Street

(613) 230-5302

Map

MUST Wine Bar and Tapas

2009-02-18T01:31:00.001-05:00

I recently wandered into MUST Wine Bar and Tapas and had the opportunity to speak with the owner of this funky new spot in the market. You can imagine I was quite happy to discover they have a great selection of gluten-free items!

Their menu can be found here. You'll note that the menu does not explicitly list which items are GF, but Bettina, the owner, kindly walked me through every item so that I could list them here.

And, here they be:

COLD

-Panache

-Calamari (ask to omit baguette)

-Tuna

-Beef (ask to omit wonton)

-Olives

-Charcuterie (ask to omit the crostini)

HOT

-Lamb

-Figs

-Chorizo

MAINS

-Fish

-Beef

-Fowl

DESSERTS (!)

-Chocolate

-Truffle Bar (super delish!)

-Brulee

I asked Bettina if it was possible for MUST to avoid cross contamination, and she explained that they make all their food to order, so they could indeed accommodate this as long as it was requested at the time of ordering. (Yey!)

While I was there, I tried the Panache salad as well as the truffle bar, and they were both awesome! The rest of our group also enjoyed their plates, and there were certainly no complaints about the wine. This is a nice and ambient little place that hasn't been completely discovered since it only opened about 2 months ago. If you're looking for a cozy place to bring a date, this would be a good one! (It also looks much better in person than it does in the photos on their website)

MUST Wine Bar and Tapas

41 William Street

(613) 680-3107

Map

Highlander Pub

2009-02-17T07:57:00.002-05:00

Great news: The Highlander Pub has an awesome selection of gluten-free foods, including breaded (you heard right) chicken wings (which I really enjoyed in my pre-vegetarian days), as well as warm artichoke dip served with corn chips. Mmmmm.... artichoke. I flipped through the menu, and saw there were about 5 or 6 different options for us gluten haters. And, everything is clearly marked on their menu. Pretty good!

I spoke to a guy who looked like he was in charge, and he told me the owner is very serious about meeting the dietary requirements of their customers, and that the Highlander is always very careful about avoiding cross-contamination. Sweet. I really can't wait to check out their GF stuff now that I know all this!

Highlander Pub

115 Rideau Street

(613) 562-5678

Map

Pizza Pizza

2009-02-16T19:14:00.007-05:00

A while back, I had heard Pizza Pizza carries gluten-free dough, and had been looking forward to testing it ever since. This weekend, I finally got the chance to try it out when some friends and I decided to pick up a couple boxes of pizza for an easy dinner. As I held the little package tightly in my hands, I wondered whether this would spell the end of pizza for me, or be a small success in my path to living gluten-free.

When we finally settled down and dug into our meals, I wasn't disappointed! The pizza was certainly tasty enough, and similar to a thin crust. It wasn't the most flavourful crust I've ever had, but the toppings play the biggest role in flavour here, so that didn't bother me. Besides, it's Pizza Pizza, and not some gourmet joint. I was definitely happy to see the crust wasn't grainy, crumbly, or overly dry. Really, I was quite pleased with what I got for the price.

The GF dough at Pizza Pizza is made from rice and potato flours and only comes in medium size. It is also par-baked (whatever that means), so it requires no dusting flour, thereby avoiding cross-contamination with gluten-based flours. Also, Pizza Pizza has a variety of GF sauces, so be sure to ask.

Something to mention is that when we tried to order online, the GF option didn't appear. But, when we called directly, they said it was not a problem to get GF dough. In the end, it didn't take any longer to prepare the GF pizza than the regular one we ordered, and they didn't even charge us any extra for it. Cool.

Pizza Pizza

(613) 737-1111

3, 2, 1, GO!

2009-02-15T16:40:00.006-05:00

Since discovering my affliction with gluten, I have been doing much research on the subject, hoping to find a way of maintaining my lifestyle, while avoiding close contact with the loathed substance.

I really love eating out, and have always been drawn to gluten-laden foods -especially baked goods- and the idea of giving all this up is simply unacceptable to me. Alas, the quest for alternative foods and restaurants began. In doing this, I've come to discover there is no super-complete list of restaurants catering to gluten-free diets in Ottawa. So, what else was there to do but create one? I'll be regularly contacting restaurants, eateries, bakeries, cafes etc, and collecting the responses so that I may share them here. I also have grand plans to bake some GF goodies, and will post my successes and failures for all to see. :)

Stay tuned for sweet sweet gluten-free lovin'! xo