Gluten Free Beer

Hey all! Since a few of you have asked, there is indeed gluten free beer, and it is not bad at all, although a little pricey (I think around $18 for a six pack). The kind that is available in Edmonton is called La Messagere. It is brewed from rice & buckwheat. There are supposedly quite a few stores that carry it, but I know that you can for sure get it at the 123rd Street Liquor store on 123 Street & 105 Ave (only about 10 blocks from Kinnikinnick if you are in the area picking up your bread).

8th Annual Cycling for Celiacs

It is once again that time of year where a group of crazy celiacs tune up their bikes and prepare for the 11 day ride from Victoria to Edmonton. The purpose of the long ride is to help raise awareness about Celiac disease, as well as to raise funds for the J.A. Campbell research fund. All Celiacs benefit from the work of a few. The more people that we can make aware about Celiac disease, the better it is for us all, as more restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, and just the general public become aware of what it means to be gluten free. With more funds for research, we are closer to finding alternative treatments, can help improve diagnostic tools, and find better substitutes for gluten in foods. If you would like to donate to Cycling for Celiacs, please contact Leticia at 1-780-482-2708, or send your cheques to Cycling for Celiacs @ 5R17 11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4. Please make cheques out to Cycling for Celiacs (long ride).

El Rancho

The Celiac Dinnerclub made it to El Rancho Restaurant in February. This hidden treasure makes authentic El Salvadorean and Mexican foods, making you feel as though you were actually in El Salvador! They also play great latin tunes to enhance the whole experience. Nearly all of the food on the menu is naturally gluten free, and most of the other things can be made gluten free (watch out for the enchiladas mexicanas, burritos, & quesadillas). I personally decided to go crazy on the appetizers, and was not disappointed by a single one. The pupusas were a huge hit, and the enchiladas el salvadoranias, flautas mexicanas, tamales, and camarones en la plancha were all excellent! Most of the appetizers could be considered a light meal, as several of them even come with a light salad. The flautas were a favourite of mine, and I've ordered them a couple of times since. I just can't resist! The prices are very reasonable, and range from about $6.95-$18 for a meal. The restaurant is quite small, and family owned & operated. They do not have a large staff, and so you may have to wait a bit for your meal. It is a great opportunity for some wine & good conversation! I highly recommend El Rancho to anybody craving a taste of authentic latin food, good music, and a friendly atmosphere. El Rancho is located at 11810 87 Street, Edmonton.