Even Celiacs Can Share Plates at Son Vida!

A few weeks ago, we decided to have a last minute dinner date with some friends, only to discover that many places in the Bedford area are closed Sunday. (Who knew?) Son Vida seemed like the best choice, so we all met up there.

The first thing that I saw when I walked in was a sign advertising Sangria Sundays (which means sangria is half price), so that got things off to a good start. However, once I saw the menu and the server explained the concept, I was a little bit concerned. Their menu is focused on small plates, so everyone orders two or three dishes each and then the table shares them. We had a table with a Celiac, a vegetarian, and two meat-loving men – I couldn’t see how sharing plates would work.

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What’s For Dinner? Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia!

For us, a favourite recipe has to have four key characteristics: gluten-free (or easy to make it that way), fairly healthy, ingredients that we usually have in the house, and under an hour to cook and prepare. This Rachel Ray recipe checks all of those boxes, and it’s easy to mix it up!

Why We Love It

This recipe is healthy, tasty, and naturally gluten-free. There are also endless customization possibilities, which means you’ll never get bored of it.

Ingredients

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (from the deli – the fake stuff won’t do!)
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tsp. dried
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tilapia fillets
• 1 lemon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine cheese, paprika, and parsley in a shallow dish. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dredge fish in mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place fish on paper.
5. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven (until center is opaque).
6. Serve with wedges of fresh lemon.

Tips

• Don’t skip the lemon – it’s a must!
• Try different kinds of white fish, change up the herbs and spices, and mix in other kinds of hard Italian cheese (like Asiago or Romano).

Adapted From: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/five-ingredient-recipes/parmesan-crusted-tilapia

Taste-Testing New Products!

Last week, I discovered Udi’s gluten-free tortillas at Sobeys! You can get a pack of eight small ones or six large ones for $5.99. These have to be the best gluten-free tortillas I’ve ever had. Although I love the Ivory Teff wraps from La Tortilla Factory (available at Pete’s Frootique for about the same price), these wraps have a wheatier taste, and even have that flour-dusted texture. You wouldn’t be able to tell them apart from a regular tortilla!

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Welcome to the Neighbourhood, 2 Doors Down!

Last month, Chives head chef and owner Craig Flinn opened 2 Doors Down, just (you guessed it) two doors down from his much-loved Chives restaurant. It focuses on local flavours just like Chives, but offers a more casual dining experience. We just had to check it out!

2 Doors Down is a small space, with a chic-rustic sort of vibe and super friendly staff. We were seated quickly and offered drinks. Mike chose a seasonal rhubarb mojito ($9) while I opted for the sangria ($8). We were also informed that the fryer is out, meaning no French fries, poutine, or calamari. (As well, although the poutine is marked as a gluten-free option on the menu, it is cooked in the fryer with the calamari, meaning the fries are likely a no-go for Celiacs. I found this rather disappointing. However, they do have some other great gluten-free options, including mussels, a smoked pork chop, vegetarian burger, curry, butter roasted salmon, and a farmer’s market soup.)

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Epicure Goes Gluten-Free!

Epicure Selections has just announced that all products shipped after May 1, 2013 are gluten-free! Epicure is a Canadian company that focuses on gourmet food products and cookware sold through home parties and online. They also have tons of gluten-free recipes on their site!

Although they are not certified gluten-free, their products have been tested to confirm that they do not contain any gluten. As well, their manufacturing facility is gluten-free. An excellent FAQ sheet is available here.