Toronto Gluten Free - The Junction

Gluten-free neighborhoods in Toronto are on the agenda for this year. I thought I'd start closest to home.  I live in the Junction - which is north of High Park. The Junction has been "up and coming" for many years now. It looks like we are in the sweet spot where there is lots of creative energy, but we are not gentrifying towards shopping mall mediocrity. Starbucks arrived a couple of years ago, but so far, it's stopped there. We still have a high ratio of used appliances and indy dollar stores gracing the hood.

What's most interesting to me, is that even in this tiny little hipster grotto there is a SELECTION of places where I can get not only a safe gluten-free meal, but some devine treats too. My top 10 Junction spots for a gluten-free fix are: 

The Beet: I cannot say enough about rice wraps at this place (see a past post HERE). Lots of gf options and a staff that just "gets it". In the summer we are regulars on their patio. Super healthy, tasty, affordable and SAFE!

Bunner's Vegan & Gluten free Bakery: When they opened across the street from my  home I could not believe my eyes. They just celebrated their 2nd birthday. Celebrate yours with a custom made red velvet cake - or just pop in for cupcakes or cookies. It's hard to walk by.  

North of Bombay: I'm crazy about Indian food. Go here for the best pakora in town.  Curry Twist: Another Indian restaurant, with tangier butter chicken and slightly more refined offerings. There is typically a line up in this little place - and it's worth waiting for.  Read more about Indian gf food options in general HERE. 

Cantina: New to us as of December 2012. Sophisticated, handmade soft tacos with rice and beans are the gf offering. Be warned, the staff like to make a point of letting you know that they are cooler than you. Yes, even you. Your bill will be higher than what you'd expect to pay for Mexican. The tacos almost make up for this. La Revolucion: Also Mexican, but cheap and cheerful for when you need a fix and want a decent gf meal that isn't posed over.   

Little Fish Bakes Good: A cafe with an excellent brunch which includes an option of white or brown gf rice toast. They sometimes have other goodies like gf brownies too.   

Gabby's: One must recognize a sports bar that puts out an enormous sign that reads "try our gluten-free menu!". This is not a culinary place - you go there to watch a game. I've tried the burger so far, which I was happy to enjoy on a gf bun.

The Sweet Potato: An organic food market with a wide selection of gluten-free staples like bread, crackers and cookies, much of which is produced locally including Organic Works and Gaga for Gluten free.

Crema Coffee: Aside from making excellent coffee... they also carry a selection of gf goodies including cookies from Bunners and treats from Queen B Pastries.   

Finally, we have an organic farmer's market here on Saturday mornings during the summer.  Sounds like a pretty good hood for a celiac eh? If you think I've missed something worth noting - please let me know!

gluten-free gifts... to my heart through my stomach

who could eat so much at one pot-luck?!

We recently had a team meeting at my manager's house. The idea is to get away from the office for a day of creative thinking. For such events, our team pulls together serious pot-luck lunches. 

Last year I was blown away by everyone's consideration of my needs, and this year did not disappoint. When I showed up in Adrian's kitchen - this basket was waiting on the counter. It put one heck of a gluten-free grin on my face.

I shared the gf love... even if I wanted to eat them all!

A couple of months ago I posted a review of Queen B Pastry's CROWNIE. Any product I review unsolicited and based on my desire to share (vs paid promotion). 

A week after posting on the CROWNIE, owner David had a box of the delicious treats delivered to my home in thanks. Queen B now sells these and a number of other divine treats down the street from us at Crema Coffee (you must try the Olive Oil Orange Cakelettes!). 

This blog is called gluten free gift because I am constantly reminded of the kindness of others. My life is full of such gifts, for which I'm overwhelmed with gratitude.

Brown Rice Wraps - Food for Life

gluten-free brown rice wrap served at The Beet

Brown rice wraps were a discovery that blew my mind. The only gluten-free option for a wrap that I had used to date were soft corn tortillas. I like those, but the flavour could be overpowering, and they didn't make a great "sandwich".

The brown rice wrap pictured here was served to me at one of my favourite local restaurants called The Beet. They grill the wrap first and then fill it with avocado, black beans and quinoa. They also serve it with barbeque chicken. Seriously good!!

These wraps, which are made by Food for Life are sold flat packed and frozen in a bag as tortillas. I had been nuking them, but since trying them grilled I've been warming them in a non-stick pan on the stove before stuffing. Both work, but the texture of the latter method is much better. 

Unlike so many rice based gluten-free baked goods, these hold together amazingly well - and have a quality we rarely get to enjoy: a little bit of chew!

One of my go-to meals when dining alone is to fill one of these with fresh arugula, spinach or chicory along with tuna, leftover grilled chicken or cheese. When you wrap them tight, you can cram a lot of greens into one of these wraps - so you get a complete meal without much prep or clean up.Click on the links to find out more about this amazing product and where you can find it near you!

brunch - gluten free style

gluten-free bread served with eggs, bacon and home fries at little fish

The gluten-free stars really have aligned for me - a year ago a bakery called littlefish opened in my neighborhood directly across the street from my home on Dundas Street West. This is essentially an all day brunch establishment - that is NOT gluten free. However, when you order your gluten-free toast they actually offer you a selection of white or brown. My typical classic breakfast is pictured above. Delish.

Last December, a totally gluten-free (and vegan) bakery opened up less than a block from my home. Bunners makes a cupcake so rich that it should only be eaten in two sittings - and the red velvet birthday cake? Divine. 

The Beet (a mere 3 blocks away) has a number of healthy, tasty, local, organic & gluten-free entres clearly marked on the menu. I particularly like the bbq chicken rice wraps.

My neighborhood in Toronto is known as the Junction. Ten years ago there was literally nothing to draw people here - today, it has certainly made me feel very much at home. 

Finally on the topic of local baked goods... a shout out to my dear friend Angela, who showed up at my door with a gift of homemade gluten free carrot muffins last weekend. The universe is keeping the baked goods coming!
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