Having been diagnosed with celiac disease five years ago, it has been an adventure to find places that offer the same delicious, indulgent foods I love to enjoy (minus the gluten). At first, it was difficult to find suitable offerings and became a serious trial and error process of finding products that actually tasted good. However, in the past couple years, as the gluten-free ‘trend’ has been on the rise, many more options are becoming available, and are having success mimicking gluten-contained foods. Below are some of my favourite places Vancouver has to offer for the gluten-intolerant victims!
The Parlour
Located in the heart of Yaletown, The Parlour’s expertise in pizza goes beyond any other place in Vancouver. This eclectic, laid-back restaurant features fantastic appies, share plates, sandwiches, and not to mention, their wood-fired oven pizzas. Oh, and they also offer a gluten free crust for any pizza on their menu, or one that you create on your own for the Plain Jane’s out there. From the Goldmember that features Yukon gold potatoes and truffle oil to the Yaletown that serves up Albacore tuna, spicy aioli, and avocado on their crisp crusts. To accompany your pizza, The Parlour also serves up unique, crafty cocktails and your classic wine and beer options.
Lucky Taco
New to Kitsilano is Lucky Taco, a vibrant Mexican cantina just minutes from the beach. Offering an array of tacos and share plates, majority of the menu is free of gluten. Though my friends and I have debated over what menu items are the best, my personal favourites are the ‘Baja Pescado’ taco, a gluten-free tempura-battered cod topped with shredded cabbage, chipotle mayo, pico de gallo, and cilantro. A popular item among my friends and I is also the ‘Crispy Cauliflower’ taco – suitable for those who are both gluten-free and vegetarian! The ‘Crispy Cauliflower’ taco is filled with tempura cauliflower, BBQ sauce, pico de gallo, agave-lime crema, and queso fresco. Pair your meal with one of their several cocktails and you will be set.
Lemonade Bakery
Developed by pastry chef, Tracy Kandonoff, Lemonade Bakery seeks to give those with a gluten intolerance a selection of handmade baked goods using natural ingredients and their own flour blends developed to give their goods the taste and texture that mimics baking with gluten. Among the many treats Lemonade sells including cakes, tarts, croissants, cookies, and squares, they also have an assortment of breads such as a quinoa baguette, bagels, dinner rolls, and sourdough bread. Though I have yet to try some of their treats, this Cambie Village hidden gem is a gluten-free paradise, and most definitely on the top of my list of places to go!
The Juice Truck
For all the health nut’s out there, The Juice Truck’s various locations around Metro Vancouver offer an extensive array of freshly-pressed juices, smoothies, snack and entrée items, and even a vegan soft-serve. Their entire product list is both gluten-free and vegan. A personal favourite is The Remedy, a pressed juice known to cure those stubborn weekend hangovers. Loaded with fresh pineapple, kale, cucumber, ginger, and mint this juice is both refreshing and hydrating. For those looking for something a little heartier the tofu spring rolls with sesame almond dipping sauce and Kale Caesar salad are the perfect pick me up’s. In addition to their Mount Pleasant, Gastown, and downtown core locations, The Juice Truck recently expanded in Yaletown and Steveston.
Café Medina
Nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Café Medina has been a local favourite ever since opening their doors in 2008. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu invites customers to try unique, exotic brunch dishes and expand their palate. Though their menu isn’t exclusively gluten-free, many of Medina’s items are allergy friendly and can adapted to suit your dietary needs. Signature items include La Santé, served up on a charcuterie board featuring boiled eggs, olive tapenade, tomato salad, and grilled ciabatta to accompany the cured meats. Medina’s most popular item, the Fricassée is served up in a skillet with fried eggs, braised short ribs, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, arugula, and Applewood cheddar. To warm up on a cool Vancouver’s day, Medina is well-known for their coffee offerings where you can choose from a classic espresso to one of their many lattes including a touch of lavender flavouring. Whilst it can be a challenge to find suitable places that everyone can enjoy, Medina is the perfect place for all, whether or not they have special dietary restrictions.