What to sample at Toronto’s Gluten Free Garage
On Sunday May 1st 2016, the Artscape Wychwood Barns hosts TO’s largest festival for gluten-free foodies. With workshops led by gluten-free experts and over 65 food vendors to sample from, this event is a must-attend for wheat-sensitive Torontonians. From cupcakes to malt beer and cider tastings, the Gluten Free Garage is where to snack up and stock up this weekend. [Photo by Franco Deleo; courtesy of the Gluten Free Garage]
Bunner's Bake Shop
3054 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z7Heralded as one of Toronto’s best bakeries, Bunner’s Bake Shop is a mainstay for gluten-lovers and loathers alike. It’s just that good, whether you’re a sweet tooth with or without dietary restrictions. In addition to a stand stocked with wheat-free treats, this year at #GFG, baker extraordinaire and Bunner’s co-founder Ashley Wittig will host a workshop on creating savoury delights of the vegan and gluten-free persuasion – the class starts at 2 pm sharp.
The Arepa Republic (Food Truck)
Toronto, ONIf you’ve been chasing down this gluten-free food truck in Toronto, take a breather. Specializing in Venezuelan arepas (a grilled corn flatbread filled with meat, fish, black beans, avocado, cheese and plantains) Arepa Republic will be making an appearance at the Gluten Free Garage. For savoury-minded lunch folk at the festival, the hand-crafted cornmeal sandwiches will make the perfect nosh.
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Gluten-Free Bakeshop
830 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M2Amidst some seriously gourmet gluten-free fare, the wheat-free sourdough bread at this Bloorcourt bakery is a particularly hot seller. In fact, they sell so fast that owners Yuliya and Denis suggest reserving a loaf if you’ve got a serious craving. Find ‘em at the Gluten Free Garage this weekend and take a tour of the soy- and wheat-free options on offer – cupcakes, doughnuts, tea cakes and more round out the roster at this local spot.
Almond Butterfly
100 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G6It’s easy to pass one of Toronto’s greatest gluten-free cafés without even noticing it, but Almond Butterfly’s compact spot in the Harbord Village is a mainstay for the wheat-sensitive and hungry U of T students alike. Whether you’re hankering for a little cheesy-melty (apple cheddar walnut bagel melt, anyone?) or an afternoon pick-me-up in the form a chocolate fudge gluten-free cupcake, Almond Butterfly has you covered. Be sure to stop by this stand at the Gluten Free Garage and have a sample of whatever sweet and savouries they’ve got on offer – they won’t disappoint!
Kupfert & Kim
100 King St, York, ON M9N 1L3Wheatless and meatless is the name of the game at this healthy lunch spot with locations across the downtown core, including a sprawling new location at the corner of Richmond and Spadina. Kupfert and Kim first built its reputation of feeding hungry finance folk delicious vegan and gluten-free fare in the PATH – from comfort food like Thai curry bowls to fresh salads to breakfast fare like congee, smoothies, and steelcut oats. At #GFG, they’ll be serving mini-versions of their vegan and gluten-free meals so you can get a thorough sampling of the menu!
AG Macarons
647 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6G 1Z4Little did you know, but the swoon-worthy macarons at Anet Gesauldi are all gluten-free, so be sure to pass by their stand this weekend for a wheat-free treat. When it comes to desserts, tasting with the eyes is half the fun, and this Dupont-dwelling bakery and tea café knows this all too well. AG’s gorgeous bites range from blue-hued toasted coconut to salted caramel to matcha green tea, with tons of options in between.
Whisked Gluten-Free
4-1970 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1H 2W1Whisked away in a little retail space in Scarborough, this gluten-free bakery holds one of the best reputations among Toronto’s wheat-sensitive wizards. Order custom gluten-free desserts or bulk baskets that include loaves of gluten-free bread (in both standard and fun flavours like cinnamon raisin), fuel bars, and frozen cookies. But the fresh-baked sweets are the real showstopper at Whisked. Our pick? The Quebec-style Tarte Au Sucre (yes, you heard right, sugar pie), or the lime curd and coconut cake.
Tori's Bakeshop
2188 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 1E6Next time you’re keen on some modern Parisian patisserie vibes, head to Tori’s Bake Shop. A legend in The Beaches, locals flock to the bakery and café for its bright, pastel-hued interior and sumptuous organic, vegan desserts, with a slew of gluten-free options. Yes, you’ll find vegan and gluten-free buttercream cakes and butter tarts alongside expertly rendered espresso-based drinks at Tori’s, but there’s also some seriously intriguing inventions to boot, including a vegan and gluten-free ba’con made from hickory smoked coconut, tamari, olive oil, maple syrup, and Worcestershire. At #GFG they’ll be serving their signature donuts and filled crumpets.
Mad Mexican Perpared Food Products Ltd
64 Crockford Blvd, Scarborough, ON M1R 3C3Those with a serious taco craving should head to the Mad Mexican stand at Gluten Free Garage. The Bloor West Village fixture for gourmet Mexican fare will be serving made-to-order tacos, tortilla chips, guacamole and salsas. There’s plenty of sweet treats to sample, so if your palate needs a savoury balance, here’s one we recommend!
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