Posts Tagged Pizza
Don’t Do Without – A Celiac’s Guide to Safe Takeout!
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in Recipes on December 4, 2014
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since being diagnosed with Celiac disease is that if I am craving a food, I can either make it at home or find a reasonable take-out solution with a little bit of research. This is really valuable at busy times of the year, like in the weeks leading up to Christmas!
Here are our top ideas so that you can satisfy your cravings with some gluten-free goodies.
Taste Testing Pillsbury Pizza Dough!
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in Products on October 28, 2014
The Product
Before you get excited, I’ll confirm that Pillsbury gluten-free pizza dough is not yet available in Canada. However, hopefully their recent Canadian launch of other gluten-free products has done well enough that they’ll consider bringing it here.
I picked up a 360-gram tub of Pillsbury gluten-free pizza dough at Whole Foods Market while in the U.S. recently for $3.99.
The Test
We had friends over unexpectedly on the weekend, so I decided this was a good time to try out the new dough. I prepared and baked it pretty much as instructed: cut the dough ball in half, flattened each piece into a pizza shape, par-baked it for 11 minutes, added toppings, and baked for about 5 more minutes. The only thing different was that I didn’t flip it between the two baking steps since I had put it in the pan incorrectly the first time (with the crust part up instead of down).
We made a classic margherita-style pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, as well as a caramelized onion and bacon pizza.
Alexandra’s “Gluten-Free” Pizza Not Safe for Celiacs
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in General Information, Reviews on July 30, 2014
A few weeks ago, local pizza chain Alexandra’s joined Twitter (and followed our blog). I got extremely excited about their first tweet:
I immediately tweeted at them asking for more information. They put me in touch with their marketing consultant, who has family members with Celiac and who seemed to really understand my concerns about gluten-containing ingredients and cross-contamination. Her first e-mail gave some information, including the fact that the dough is made off-site to reduce the chance of cross-contamination.
But then something weird happened.
Great Deals at Chops Meat Market!
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in News, Products on July 24, 2014
A reader recently tipped us off to the great gluten-free options at the new Chops Meat Market in Burnside. (They’re located at the very bottom of Wright Avenue in the black and red building behind the Ultramar on Windmill Road.) One look at the recent deals on their Facebook page and we knew we had to pay them a visit!
Although you could tell that they are still getting organized and getting stock in, we were pretty impressed at the selection of meats and gluten-free items. Things that caught our eye included:
Urban Dining in Bedford with Resto
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in Reviews on July 3, 2014
Last spring, we were sad to see Bedford favourite The Cellar close, but when their general manager teamed up with her family to open Resto Urban Dining in the same space, we were pretty excited. It’s been almost a year since Resto opened its doors so we decided it was time to finally pay them a visit.
Although we arrived at around 5 p.m. on a Friday, the place was in a bit of chaos due to a number of graduation events. (They also seemed somewhat understaffed.) We were disappointed that the much-lauded rooftop patio was completely booked but took a seat on the small front patio overlooking the Bedford Highway. To begin, I ordered a daiquiri ($7) and Michael ordered a red ale by Garrison
($5.50). A couple of notes on the food menu immediately grabbed my attention: all pizzas can be made gluten-free and you can substitute rice or quinoa pasta in any pasta dish. There is no upcharge for either item, which is really nice.
I asked our server about gluten-free options.
Checking Out Morris East at Bedford West
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in Reviews on June 25, 2014
I’ve heard fantastic things about the downtown location of Morris East, and it’s been on our wishlist for quite a while. We had a chance to visit the Bedford West location last weekend and were not disappointed.
We arrived at the restaurant (located off of Larry Uteck Drive) at about 6 p.m. and were seated right away. (We were surprised at how quiet it was for a Friday night, but it picked up before we left.) Michael ordered a Morris East Fire Tap (a blend from Garrison Brewing, $6) to drink while I chose The Redhead, one of their signature cocktails ($10). We looked over the menu, which states that all pizzas can be made gluten-free with a $3.50 upcharge for the crust. We asked our server about other options as well as the size of the pizzas. All of their salads can be made gluten-free, as can their potato chip starter, charcuterie board, dips, and flatbread. Main meal options vary by the night, as does their gluten-free status (although a wood-fired steak is a permanent feature and can be made gluten-free).
Piez Bistro Serves Up Delicious Pizza Pies!
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in Reviews on May 4, 2014
I first heard of Piez Bistro a few months ago, when a Facebook friend liked and shared their page. The picture of a gluten-free blueberry Danish posted one morning was enough to make me drool! Not long after, The Chronicle Herald posted a very positive review. This led to a conversation on Facebook and Twitter about their gluten-free options and practices. The owner’s young daughter has Celiac disease, leading her to create a gluten-friendly bistro. Although their kitchen is not completely gluten-free, everything is made from scratch on-site and they are very aware of cross-contamination.
Last Friday was a dreary day, and I was feeling under the weather due to an impending cold. I decided that some gluten-free pizza was just what I needed! We made the drive over to Dartmouth and arrived at Piez Bistro in the midst of the supper rush. All six tables were occupied, and the tables outside were out of the question due to the weather. There was also a lineup around the counter. However, that gave us time to review the chalkboard-style menu hanging over the order counter/kitchen area.
Costco Eliminating Gluten-Free Products from Nova Scotian Shelves
Posted by glutenfree4hfx in General Information, Products, Rants on April 27, 2014
I’ve posted a few times about the great gluten-free options at our Costco stores in Dartmouth and Halifax, including pizza, pastas, crackers, deli meats, and pretzels. Last year, we visited Costco stores in Calgary and Edmonton and saw even more gluten-free options. We were excited, thinking that this meant more gluten-free options were coming our way.
Unfortunately, the opposite is true. The Bayers Lake and Dartmouth Costco stores have stopped selling Breton gluten-free crackers, gluten-free pasta, and even some types of quinoa. Who knows what products will get the axe next. It’s hard to believe that last fall people were told that there would be a gluten-free section in the Bayers Lake Costco!
This is even more disappointing considering that posts that I’ve seen recently on Facebook and Twitter indicate this is not part of Costco’s overall strategy. Some Costco stores in the United States now carry supersized loaves of Udi’s bread. The Costco in Quebec carries Glutenberg beer.
If you’re disappointed in Costco’s decision too, please fill out a comment card the next time you’re at the store and put it in their suggestion box. We’ve been told that this box is emptied and read daily and that the store does listen to suggestions. We’ll keep you up to date with any developments!
Gluten For Punishment 