new year, more GF eats + IRL connections!
new year, more GF eats + IRL connections!
'of rice & yams' no.5
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you were able to find moments of R & R amidst a hectic season of activities 😌
As we step into 2024, my main intention is to refocus on the things that really light me up, regardless of what I perceive others might expect of me. This will manifest in two ways through my work:
Hosting Events and Collaborating with People IRL (again!) – I’m determined to create more meaningful connections this year by hosting events and collaborating with like-minded individuals. I really miss my pre-covid pop-up dinners, Monty’s, and I’m ready to bring them back! This February, my cousin is turning 50 in Joshua Tree and has invited us to cater her birthday weekend. Definitely want to attract more things like this, please :)
Sharing More GF Eats – ‘Cause dining out with a gluten allergy is tricky! In 2024, I want to continue to make life easier for fellow GF peeps by sharing more discoveries in the world of gluten-free eats. We also have an exciting trip to CDMX and Oaxaca booked for early March, and you know that I’ll be creating a Google My Map of all the tasty bites we find! Would love your recos, if you have any! I’ll also finally be updating the existing maps on my website, along with adding ones for Toronto and Vancouver.
These are the aspects of my life that come more naturally to share online, and I want 2024 to feel more authentic and less forced. For me, it’s IN with sharing IRL experiences again, and OUT with recipe reels for the sake of ‘keeping up’, unless it feels organic.
While I’m still navigating the path to making avenue #1 a reality in Vancouver, let’s kick off the year with a delightful list of gluten-free eats from 2023!
Guisados (Los Angeles) – Almost all of their menu items are gluten-free except for the Camarones & Vegan Peppers and the tamales. The sampler platter is where it’s at for trying a variety of braises.
The Wooden Fish (West Vancouver) – Our go-to Viet spot on the North Shore with GF markings. We love their Jicama Salad.
Ask For Luigi (Vancouver) – I don’t know that I’ve found a better place that does both gluten and gluten-free fresh pasta!
Chancho Tortilleria (Vancouver) – Our favourite place in Vancouver for tacos. They have great homemade corn tortillas and the juiciest carnitas I’ve probably ever had. It can be so dry.
Delara (Vancouver) – A lovely spot for modern Persian, with the majority of the dinner menu inherently gluten-free.
Farmer’s Apprentice (Vancouver) – Seasonal farm-to-table menu with GF markings. We had a blue corn gnocchi that we’ll be dreaming about forever.
Bibik’s (Burnaby) – Sharing a taste of Singapore, Bibik’s takes orders once a week out of their ghost kitchen in Burnaby. I usually send them a DM on Instagram when I’m not sure about gluten in a dish.
Manjal (Burnaby) – The best dosa and idli we’ve had in Van.
Riz (Toronto) – A fully dedicated GF kitchen makes it 100% stress-free to eat at this pan-Asian spot with 2 locations in Toronto. This is the only gluten-free peking duck experience that we’ve come across.
Rosebud (Toronto) – A very cute date night spot, this wine bar in Corktown was super accommodating to a gluten allergy. Featured is an incredible almond torte, which we ordered three of!
Some bonus Toronto spots that we love for GF dining –
Thai Room Grand – With 3 locations in the outskirts of Toronto, Thai Room can make most of their dishes GF, except for anything that goes in the deep fryer.
Tabulé – Also with 3 locations, this is our go-to Middle Eastern spot with GF falafels and laffa (a thin, chewy-like pita that’s great with their dips).
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That’s all for this time! Wishing you all a year filled with hope and love 🙏🏼
Jannell