We stopped in for lunch at Mauyra’s Indian restaurant the other day. I knew from experience that they should be able to accommodate celiac disease and gluten intolerance. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that we were able to also order some lamb dishes! Quite often Indian restaurants will marinade their lamb in yogurt. Although this is unrelated to celiac disease, we have to also battle a dairy intolerance. But that’s another story. So Maurya’s was able to serve up a delicious gluten free and dairy free meal that satisfied our curry cravings.

Location:
1643 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V6J 1W9
Tel: 604-742-0622
www.mauryaindiancuisine.com

Brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. Joe Fortes has it all. The menu does not list gluten free items, but the servers tend to be very knowledgeable and willing to suggest safe options.
Being right in the heart of Vancouver, Joe Fortes gives us gluten-haters an opportunity to dine downtown within walking distance to everything. Grab a gluten free bite to eat, then stroll along Robson Street, or head up Burrard Steet to catch a movie.

Location:
777 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E 3V5
Tel: 604-669-1940
Toll Free: 1-877-669-JOES (5637)
www.joefortes.ca

www.GrimmsFineFoods.com

This Canadian run company proudly offers a wide range of gluten free and lactose free products. Their fine deli meats, and their packaged meats all have “gluten free” on the labels. I’m a big fan of their original pepperoni sticks.
The company also offers other products which may be gluten free, but you may want to contact them directly if you have any concerns.

Available in many retailers, such as Safeway, FamousFoods, and more.

www.RedbridgeBeer.com

Celiacs, rejoice! Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch) has come out with one of the first mainstream gluten free beer. Partnering up with the NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awarness (U.S.)), Budweiser has created a delicious beer using sorghum rather than the traditional wheat or barley. Since Anheuser-Bush is not a small-time micro brewery, finding Redbridge in your local beer or liqour store tends to be easier.

So crack open a cold one with peace of mind and enjoy this fine, affordable, gluten free beer that you once thought would not be possible. And as they say, please drink responsibly.

Available in many retailers.

www.glutino.com

Gutino is always coming out with new products. I was pleased to recently stumble across their gluten free pizza crusts. I’ve tried several brands of crusts, but I like how the Glutino pizza crusts aren’t overly think. I’ve always been a thin-crust guy, so I’m happy with Glutino’s efforts.
I found these crusts at Caper’s in Vancouver. But I’m sure you can find them nearly everywhere Glutino is carried.

www.minarafoodsltd.co.uk

Minara’s makes a complete line of Indian sauces which even indicate on the label that they are gluten free! I’ve tried a lot of canned ethnic sauces, but Minara’s is one of my favorites. So if you’re a bit hesitant to go out to and Indian restaurant, I’ve found a fantastic gluten free option which let’s you bring Little India right to you’re own kitchen!

I have been able to pick up Minara’s products at various grocery stores such as Caper’s, Choices and Famous Foods. I’m sure they are available in more stores, too.

Near Dunbar and King Edward, Handi Cuisie of India brings a unique flare to traditional India food. As usual, most Indian dishes are naturally gluten free since chick pea flour is more commonly used. But as always, be sure to emphasize the importance of your gluten free requirements. Handi’s should have no trouble providing a safe and delicious meal for anyone on a gluten free diet.

Location:
4432 Dunbar St
Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-738-3186
www.handiwestside.com

A lot of authentic Mexican cuisine is primarily corn-based, making it gluten-friendly. However, you’ll always want to be careful of cross contamination.
El Barrio is a great restaurant near Commercial Drive that can accommodate gluten free dietary needs.

Location:
2270 E Hastings St
Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-569-2220
www.elbarrio.ca

Living a gluten free lifestyle can not only seem overwhelming, but it can also get expensive. Sure, there is a small tax break for those diagnosed with celiac disease. But that doesn’t really make it any cheaper.
NoFrills is a great option to help alleviate the cost of eating gluten free. You can pick up many GF products such as canned foods (like tuna and tomatoes), or certain snacks (like rice chips and crackers).
The savings can add up quickly! Just be prepared to do some label-reading.

Location:
Throughout Canada
Visit website for store locator
www.shopnofrills.ca

Product Description
This is a practical, comprehensive, and inspirational guide to living a wheat-free, gluten-free lifestyle. Millions of people are choosing to eliminate wheat and gluten from their diets because of medical conditions such as celiac disease (sprue), gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Others believe that dietary intervention programs are effective in reducing or eliminating behaviors associated with autism, ADD, ADHD, and related syndromes. And yet still others are eliminating wheat or gluten from their diets for personal reasons.

Author:
Danna Korn

Price Range:
$10-$20 CAD
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