CNE Gluten-Free Options!

This post is part of a series of posts about gluten-free food options found at various tourist attractions across Ontario.

The Canadian National Exhibition takes places in the Exhibition Place (how ironic) every year toward the end of summer.  For 2012, the park has introduced a brand new guide for those with certain food restrictions, including vegetarian, peanut-free, gluten-free, halal and more.

Look for these handy symbols around the food building:

 

Click here to view the PDF file.

Toronto - Il Fornello Gluten-Free Review

Antipasto

I was honoured to be given the opportunity to visit Il Fornello (Danforth location) a couple weeks ago with my boyfriend to sample some of their gluten-free menu options.  Il Fornello was the first restaurant in Toronto to recognize the dietary needs of those with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance by offering gluten-free pizza and pasta.

Antipasto platter for two

First up, this beautifully displayed antipasto platter was filled with a delicious assortment of grilled vegetables, olives and cheese.  The perfect start to any meal, if you ask me!

Gluten-free Pizza Melanzane

I am somewhat of a pizza fanatic.  Sure, everyone loves pizza... but I think I have an obsession.  The above pizza did not disappoint.  It was topped with mozzarella, spinach, tomato and eggplant which combined to make a yummy addition to the meal.  The pizza base, created by Molly B Gluten Free, is perfectly chewy and crunchy at the same time.

Gluten-free "Penne Capri"

On the advice of Shawn, the manager at the Danforth Il Fornello location, we ordered the Penne Capri (with gluten-free fusilli noodles subbed in) to split.  It is normally supposed to come with chicken but we added goat cheese instead.  Amazing!  My boyfriend exclaimed that it was the best pasta he has eaten and he's probably right.  It was delicious and I can't wait to go back for more!

Desserts: Panna Cotta and Creme Brulee

After antipasto, pizza and pasta I couldn't imagine having enough room for dessert but I absolutely had to try their Creme Brulee.  And why not the Panna Cotta while we were at it?  I originally stated that I would only have one bite of each just to say I had tried them.  I ended up eating my fair share!  They were too hard to resist.

Creme Brulee

Hint to anyone looking to visit Il Fornello:

Go to their website and on the Mailing List page, sign up to receive their Gluten Free Club Card.  With the card, you do not have to pay the extra fee for the gluten-free pizza crust or gluten-free pasta!  Save $2-$5 on your meal ;)

Another hint... if you love Il Fornello (or if this post and these pictures have made you realize you have to visit) stay tuned to my blog for something special soon!

CN Tower - Gluten-Free Options

This is part of a series of posts about gluten-free food options available at select tourist/family attractions in Ontario.

I sent an email to the CN Tower in Toronto asking about gluten-free options in the 360 Restaurant at the top of the tower.  I have never been up the tower but I hope to soon!

I was a little disappointed with the lack of a direct list of options available.  As a vegetarian, it is sometimes hard to judge if I will just be stuck with a salad... and it's always nice to have a gluten-free pasta option or bread as a side.  No mention of any rice dishes either.

Anyway, here is the response directly from the Sous Chef at 360 Restaurant:

Hi thanks for your question.
Most of our dishes can be modified to be gluten free, as our jus are made in house and do not contain flour wheat or barley. If A dish like prime rib for intents is served with bread pudding  we do substitute it for mash or baked potato. 95% of the menu can be ordered, just be sure that you inform your waiter about your food allergy.
Looking forward to see you in 360  at the CN TOWER

Have a nice day

Stefan Gohlke                                                                        
Sous Chef, Sous-chef                                                         
CN TOWER | LA TOUR CN www.cntower.ca                       
301 Front Street West | 301, rue Front Ouest                    
Toronto, ON M5V 2T6         

VILLA Restaurant does not disappoint!

I've never been disappointed with my food at VILLA Restaurant.  (Examples one, two and three.)  I visited again last night and of course had to document my meal.

Get ready to drool...

Gluten-free and vegan chocolate cake

Surprisingly, this cake contained no gluten, eggs or dairy.  While I found it to be a little on the dry side, it was packed with chocolate and was a great way to end a meal... whether on your own or shared.

Primavera with gluten-free noodles

I strayed from my usual Alfredo pasta and went for this Pasta Primavera.  Yum! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, olive oil - cooked to perfection!

Pizza Pollo with gluten-free crust

I didn't eat the Pizza Pollo... I'm a veggie.  But I was told it was really good!

Visit VILLA Restaurant if you're looking for great Italian food in Toronto!

Rogers Centre gets gluten-free options!

Quick shout out to Gluten Free Philly for passing this information on to me!

Rogers Centre (forever known as the "SkyDome" to me) where the Blue Jays play will soon be offering some gluten-free options!

Going to see the Toronto Blue Jays is a cheap, fun activity for the whole family and I remember going with my class in elementary school.



This is quoted from Gluten Free Philly:

Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre) - Sandwiches (Barq's BBQ beef brisket, Big Smoke jerk chicken, T.O. chopped pork and Market Burger), pizza, traditional butter chicken with fresh greens, three-bean chili and fruit at Muddy York Market (Section 109); beer at King Club (Level 100)

Update, as of May 18, 2012:

With so much going on, I haven't had a chance to look into this further... so a fan of Gluten-Free Ontario sent an email to Rogers Centre and got the following response:


***
Being fully aware that there is a need for gluten free foods and products, I wanted to provide you with some information that may help you the next time you’re down at the ballpark! 
 
Our Executive Chef Dilup Attygalla has developed a list of menu options. Muddy York Market is our flagship location located on the 100 Level Stadium Food Hall (Section 109 at Gate 3) and is easily accessible for our guests from L200 and L500.

Our Staff in Muddy York Market is also fully trained on servicing “gluten free” menu items and any other food requests from our guests.

Our Muddy York Market Sandwiches will be available to be served on gluten free bread:
Barq’s BBQ Beef Brisket
Big Smoke Jerk Chicken
T.O Chopped Pork
Market Burger

In addition we also have:

Traditional Butter Chicken served with fresh greens (instead of basmati rice)
Three Bean Chili
Mediterranean Platter
Fresh Whole Fruit

We also have available at the KING CLUB on level 100, gluten free beer.

We hope these items will make your experience here at Rogers Centre that much more enjoyable. Please feel free to forward any further questions you may have.

Looking forward to seeing you here at the ballpark!

Guest Experience Team
***

Toronto - Lemongrass (Islington/Bloor)

I went to Lemongrass.  I love Lemongrass.

This restaurant is located at Islington and Bloor in Etobicoke (Toronto).

The take out menu clearly indicates gluten-free options.  When I sat down in the restaurant, I was really disappointed to see that the big menu makes no indication of gluten-free options.  Luckily I had grabbed the take out menu on the way in so I could make an informed decision.

Fresh Mango Cold Roll

While not stated right on the menu, I am told the cold rolls are gluten-free when served with red sauce instead of the peanut sauce.  Boy are they yummy!

Veggie Pineapple Cashew Fried Rice

I get the Veggie Pineapple Fried Rice almost every time I order from Lemongrass.  Sometimes it is great... and other times, not so much.  Usually it's great though :)

Maybe I had the wrong setting on my camera... oops.   But you get the idea.

After I had already ordered, I noticed a little menu on another table.  I grabbed it, thinking it was the dessert and/or drink menu.  Turns out, they have the gluten-free options conveniently written out!  Makes it much easier to identify what is safe and order accordingly.  As you can see, there are lots of options so if you're in the area, you should check it out!

Event - VILLA Restaurant - February 2012

On Wednesday February 22, Gluten-Free Ontario had its first ever event.

The event took place at VILLA Restaurant on Bloor West Village (between Runnymede and Jane) and the total attendance was 20 people.  Not bad, for a first event. I had met some people in person before, others I had been in contact with online and there were some who I had never talked to before.

When I arrived, there was a pretty Prix Fixe menu with my logo on it!  I had chosen the menu a few days prior but I had no idea the menu would be tailored so perfectly for the event... take a look!

We had the choice between soup and salad to start and then an entree of either pasta or pizza.

Prix Fixe Menu

Mixed Greens Salad

Mushroom Leek Soup

Fusilli Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

Fusilli Primavera

Wild Mushroom Pizza

Special thanks to my friend Lat from The Experimental Cupcake for taking the above pictures!!

The last of the four entree choices was Margherita Pizza but I don't recall seeing anyone with that one.  I ordered the Primavera since I had never tried it before but the Margherita Pizza was second choice in my mind.

Conversation just seemed to flow between tables, discussing Celiac-related topics and beyond.  I tried my best to spread my time between tables, making sure I got a chance to meet everyone.

I would be lying if I said the planning of this event was a piece of cake.  There were hiccups along the way.  First, I had a guest list of 38 people, which suddenly dwindled to 30 just a couple days before the dinner and then only 23 people arrived.... and 20 people stayed for dinner.  I wish everyone who had RSVP'd had made it to the dinner but I know sometimes things pop up last minute.

Feedback from the event has been extremely positive!  Everyone seems to be asking for monthly events (what are they trying to do... make me crazy?!)  Give me a few weeks and I'll see what I can do.

I would also like to send a special thank you to PatsyPie for sending yummy cookies, biscotti and pie crusts to me to hand out as door prizes at the end of the dinner.  I can't wait to see what kinds of pies you guys come up with!!

PatsyPie goodies

 I know I mentioned this before but I will say it again...

If you would like to plan an event in your city, please set up a Facebook event with all of the details (you will be responsible for confirming details and reservations with the restaurant)

and I will be happy to repost the event to help spread the word.

Sponsor - VILLA Restaurant (Toronto)

I am very proud to introduce one of my sponsors - VILLA Restaurant!

Located in Bloor West Village in Toronto, VILLA has been offering gluten-free pizza and pasta since 2004.

I went a couple weeks ago and, of course, documented my visit through pictures for you guys!

Pictured above is the Arribiate with gluten-free pasta.  It is described as spicy tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, jalapenos and parmesan cheese.  I'm a wuss when it comes to spice but this wasn't over the top with spiciness.

And above is my favourite dish at VILLA... Alfredo with gluten-free pasta.  Seriously, 90% of the time I go there, I order it.  I have even gone so far as to have it delivered to my house.  I'm slightly obsessed with it.  I've mentioned my love of cheese a time or two before.

As always, another great visit to VILLA Restaurant!  If you want to check out some pictures from my previous visits, see my other blog post!

Chain Restaurant - Milestones Gluten-Free

I visited Milestones a couple weeks ago for a late Christmas dinner with two of my closest friends from high school.  I had been to Milestones while on a gluten-free diet once before.  It was years ago and they only had an (outdated) allergy chart on their website.

Anyway, this visit to Milestones was much better:

They now have a gluten-free menu!!




I took this picture of the gluten-free portion of the menu.  It is right in the regular menu they give everyone so you don't have to specifically ask for a different menu.  (I find it a little awkward having to ask for a separate menu and employees having to search for it, roll their eyes and be handed a list of menu items with NO prices on it.)

Gluten-free options include pasta, chicken, burger (with bun!), salad or steak.  The vegetarian options are a little slim but pasta is always a favourite of mine!  It's hard to go wrong with pasta.

Tomato Basil Brown Rice Spaghettini topped with goat cheese - perfection!

 

You know what I loved about Milestones?  When the server took my order, she confirmed by saying "Gluten-free pasta" and again confirmed that it was gluten-free (without me pestering her) when bringing the plate. 

 

Even though the pasta was incredibly filling... I noticed there was a gluten-free dessert so I had to order it.  The Ganache Torte is made with Belgian chocolate with a pecan crust and caramel sauce.

Wow, dessert was amazing. 

Who else has been to Milestones?  

How was your experience?

Toronto - C'est What?! (Pub/Restaurant)

A few weeks ago, I went out for my work's Christmas party.  The owners asked for my input on where to eat so I went into research mode, for some place fun and able to accommodate my gluten-free diet.

I shot an email off to C'est What (67 Front Street East, at Church, Toronto) asking what kinds of gluten-free foods were offered.   C'est What is located in the basement of a historic building in downtown Toronto.  With the focus of the pub/restaurant on their wide variety of craft beers, one would think a Celiac would be straight outta luck but no worries, they serve Nickel Brook Gluten Free beer! They also have a large selection of liquor if beer isn't your thing.

To my surprise, here's their reply about gluten-free offerings:

We have a number of options:
The veg and chicken roti on rice
Chips and salsa
Poutine (no gravy)
Caesar salad (no croutons)
Hogtown salad
Rainbow salad
Cajun rogout
Moroccan stew
Buffalo and lamburger (no bun)
Staggering pig (no bun)
Plus, we may or may not have additional options in our specials menu that particular day.

Seems like they've dealt with this sort of question before!  A little slim on the vegetarian options but that was okay... I took the plunge anyway.

I got the Moroccan Stew with chunks of carrots, celery, other veggies and chickpeas in a tomato broth over rice.  Yum!  I should try making this at home...

I'm not gonna lie, I'm addicted to tortilla chips... I've mentioned this a time or two before. Can't go wrong with these.

This last picture is of the Artichoke & Parmesan, which I was told is gluten-free when served with veggies instead of the pita bread. 

Please keep in mind the above list of gluten-free items were gluten-free as of December 2011.  Always check ingredients since they can change at any time.

Would I visit C'est What again?  Yes, in a heartbeat.  Great service, friendly relaxed environment and knowledgeable about gluten-free food.

PS - you guys won't have to put up with my crappy iPod pictures much longer... I got a new phone with a better camera, woohoo!

Certified Hero Burgers - Veggie Style!!

They're here, they're here!!  The gluten-free veggie burgers that I talked about before are HERE at 

Hero Certified Burgers!

Not much to say... except yum!  It was incredible to get a gluten-free veggie burger in a mall.  I haven't been able to do that in years.

Toronto - VILLA Restaurant Giveaway!

Gluten-Free Pizza with Pineapple

Villa Restaurant is one of favourite restaurants.  In the heart of Bloor West Village, Villa offers gluten-free pizza, pasta, multigrain dinner buns, salads and even some desserts.  Since 2004, Villa has been serving the Celiac community - long before most other restaurants even considered offering gluten-free options and two years before I was even diagnosed with Celiac Disease.


Do you know how wonderful it is to go to a restaurant and order gluten-free food right from the menu?


I have been there many times and each time the food is great.  My go-to meals are usually the Alfredo with gluten-free spiral noodles or pizza with various toppings.  If you visit during lunch hours, you also get a side salad with your pizza or pasta order!

Alfredo with gluten-free pasta

Gluten-Free Wild Mushroom Pizza

Contest!!

What meal are you most looking forward to trying at Villa Restaurant?
You can check out the menu on their website.

• Post your entry in a comment below before 11:59 EST on Sunday, December 11, 2011 and you will be entered to win one of two $25 Gift Certificates to Villa Restaurant!
• Please include your name (as it appears on Facebook) or your Twitter handle in your comment so I am able to contact you when/if you win!  If you do not have Facebook or Twitter, please ensure I have a way to contact you.
• If you enter more than once (please don't) only your first comment will be considered.

This contest is open to Ontario residents only! (This is Gluten-Free Ontario, after all) The winner will be chosen by the owner of Villa Restaurant and I will post the winner's name by Wednesday, December 14, 2011 on Facebook, Twitter and on this page.


Comments on this blog require approval - please only post once and I will approve them at a later time.

Gift Certificates expire January 31, 2012.

WINNERS: Terri Coles and @latleger

Hero Burger Offers GF Veggie Burger!

Hero Certified Burgers has decided to switch to a new gluten-free version for their veggie burgers!!

A couple months ago, I went to Hero Certified Burgers to get a veggie burger with a gluten-free bun (buns supplied by O'Doughs).  The menu advertised that their veggie burger supplier is Sol Cuisine, a company known for producing a wide range of gluten-free veggie burgers that taste great - I even wrote a blog about Sol Cuisine.


To my surprise, the chain used a pure wheat gluten version of the veggie burgers!!  Ahhh, needless to say, I went hungry that day.


When I got home that day, I emailed Hero Burger to ask why they used a wheaty veggie burger when they proudly advertise the use of a gluten-free bun and have an awesome gluten-free veggie burger supplier (Sol Cuisine).  The person I exchanged emails with agreed that this was unfair to customers who are both vegetarian and gluten-free - like me!!


I just spoke with Sol Cuisine yesterday and have been told that Hero Certified Burgers has decided to change the veggie burgers to be gluten-free!  woohoo!  Never thought I'd be able to eat a veggie burger with bun at a fast food joint!


This new burger should be available soon... I will keep you guys posted when I get more information.


Don't worry... they still have their gluten-free 100% beef patty for you meat-eaters.


My burger will look something like this ;)

Who's excited to try the new burger?  Or at least excited for me to eat a burger again?

Jack Astor's Gluten-Free

I never thought I'd see the day where I could walk into a handful of restaurants in my own end of the city (Toronto) and order gluten-free food right off the menu without the server looking at me like I had two heads.

If you don't believe me that there are tons of restaurants out there offering gluten-free food, check out my website - Gluten-Free Ontario.

Yesterday I was out shopping when hunger struck.  I wondered what I was going to do then realized Jack Astor's was on the same block.

Over a year ago, I found out that Jack Astor's offers a gluten-free menu in their Nutrition Guide.  It lists any modifications the menu items need in order to be gluten-free.  It really is a treat to flip through a menu and decide what to order rather than being told to have a salad... with oil and vinegar dressing.

Jack Astor's Nachos

I like nachos.  I could eat them every day.  mmm and Jack Astor's Nachos are definitely yummy!  Thin corn chips with melted cheese, green onions, peppers, jalapeno and tomato, served with sour cream and salsa.

Jack Astor's Veggie Pad Thai

I realize the portion above looks really small but I assure you it is not.  The Pad Thai is made with rice noodles and veggies.

The server was kind enough to bring out the Nutrition Guide binder to the table since I did not have my printed list with me.  This includes 3 pages of gluten-free options!  As mentioned earlier, you can review the available options before visiting Jack Astor's.  The Nutrition Guide also has an allergy chart in case you have other allergies and/or intolerances.

Jack Astor's Nutrition Guide with Gluten-Free Options!

If you are close to a Jack Astor's I suggest you go in for some yummy gluten-free food.  A list of locations can be found on their website.

Buffalo Gluten-Free - Part 2

Part 1 of this blog post will cover the gluten-free vendor fair and shopping for GF products in the US.

Part 2 of this blog post will cover dining and eating in Buffalo and Niagara, NY.

No trip to Buffalo, NY is complete without researching safe places to eat.  Luckily, the Western New York Gluten Free Support Group's website offers a huge list of places known by locals as offering gluten-free food.

Below, I review three of those places:  Mighty Taco, PF Chang's and Chipotle.

Mighty Taco

This fast food chain offers a wide range of gluten-free food.  Fast, cheap and tasty - you can't go wrong at Mighty Taco!

Mighty Taco sign

While not gourmet ingredients, what do you expect from a fast food joint?  Fast, simple and great. Taco, nachos, guacamole and a drink.

PF Chang's

At first, I was a bit hesitant to go to PF Chang's.  I have heard nothing but amazing things about it but the vegetarian options on their gluten-free menu (click the GF menu link on that page) seemed a bit sparse.  I decided to see what all the fuss was about anyway.

GF Fried Rice

Wow, I do not regret this choice!  I got the GF Fried Rice and GF Buddha's Feast, which was a medley of steamed veggies.  As you can probably tell, the portions are HUGE.  The two orders together gave me at least three meals, if not four.  When you order from the GF menu, your food will come out on these round plates that say PF Chang's, instead of their square plates.  This is a great feature and I think other restaurants should think about doing this or colour coding plates for GF orders.

GF Buddha's Feast

Although I was completely stuffed from rice and veggies, my server (Nick, who was awesome, I might add) insisted that dessert was a must.  I decided to order the GF Flourless Chocolate Dome.

GF Flourless Chocolate Dome

Wow, look at the texture!  Since this dessert is flourless, it's like a giant truffle cake.  This tops the list as the best gluten-free dessert I have ever ordered at a restaurant.

GF Flourless Chocolate Dome

Definitely going back to PF Chang's on my next trip to Buffalo.  Next summer seems so far away...

Chipotle


Craving tacos again, I was tempted to go back to Mighty Taco. Instead, I went to Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Chipotle

Their website offers Special Diet Information. 

Chipotle Menu Board

Everything is made fresh to order in an assembly line.  You choose whether you would like a burrito, bowl, taco or salad.  Unfortunately, the burritos are NOT gluten-free.  But you can choose the hard corn taco, salad option, burrito bowl (it does not have the tortilla) or soft corn tortilla (select locations).

I chose to go for the hard taco shells with vegetarian fillings - veggies, black beans, lettuce, corn, mild salsa and cheese. 

GF Hard Corn Taco with Vegetarian option

I think this one is the GF chicken salad(?).  I admit the presentation isn't perfect but the quality of the fresh ingredients made up for the lack of visual appeal.

GF Chicken Salad at Chipotle

Chipotle also happens to have two locations in Toronto, Ontario - 323 Yonge Street and 2323 Yonge Street