Gluten Free Portland

Your go-to resource for all things gluten-free PDX.

GIG Gluten Free Fair Spring 2012

I visited the Portland Gluten Intolerance Group’s Spring fair last weekend, and was really amazed at how many people were there. There simply was no parking in the lot, and so I ended up parking a block or two away. The place was packed. I don’t really know if they had more booths this year than last, but it certainly does seem like that must have been the case. Some exhibitors that stood out to me were: Andina, Coconut Bliss, Corbett Fish House, Gem Bakery, Harvester Brewing, Jensen’s, Lamb’s Markets, New Cascadia, New Seasons, Petunia’s, Rudy’s, Udi’s, White Rabbit Bakery, and more. There were also quite a few speakers scheduled. Laura B Russell at the GIG Fair Laura B. Russell was right inside the entrance of the fair. Regular readers will know her as the author of The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen among other things. Jude's Foods Cookies Although Petunia’s (who make my favorite gluten-free cookies) was at the fair with samples of some of my favorite baked goods, I have to say that I’ll be on the lookout for these cookies made by Jude’s Foods (terrible Flash-based site warning). Their cookies are crispy and amazingly delicious. Brazi Bites Also at the fair was Brazi Bites, who make delicious Brazilian cheese snacks – a.k.a pao bread. Hopefully we’ll have a review of their goods up soon. They just moved into a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. Andina at the gluten-free fair Andina (our review here) was at the fair with some really delicious treats. I’m pretty sure that they were there to promote not just their restaurant, but also their Tupai event space. The snacks here are little ahi tuna rolls made with avocado and wrapped with potato puree instead of rice. These little buggers were tasty! They also had some delicious little cookies. Lisa Shaver and Dr. Samantha at the GIG Fair Last but not least, here are Samantha Brody ND, LAc and Lisa Shaver. Lisa is the Portland Metro GIG Branch Manager. Samantha is a.k.a. “Dr. Samantha” my ND, who was there at the professionals table for the fair. We wandered around the room for a little bit. Check out Dr. Samantha’s impressions of the fair on her blog, here.

Unfortunately, I had to run to look at a house pretty soon after I arrived. But I was still glad that I showed up. Events like this one make it plain that the gluten-free community is healthy and growing in Portland.

GIG Gluten Free Food Fair News

Here is the flyer for the Spring 2012 Gluten Free Food Fair (download PDF here). This event is organized by the Portland Metro Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). It looks like this is going to be the biggest one ever.

When: Saturday May 19, 2012 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Mittleman Jewish Community Center
6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland OR 97239
How Much: $5 per person, $10 per family, Kids under 12 free!
More Info: graindamaged.blogspot.com

Lisa Shaver sent us a schedule of speakers for the fair (last updated at 8:00 AM 5/1/12). We’ll try to update it as she sends us more information.

Time Topic Presenter
11:30 Healing with a Traditional Diet for Your Modern Life Joy Ceilidh
11:30 Wheat Belly: finding gluten problems even though the celiac test is normal Clar Glenn, MD
12:00 The Paleo Diet Cain Credicott
12:00 Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance in The Media – The Good and The Bad Nadine Grzeskowiak, RN
12:30 Empowering Kids on Special Diets Joy Ceilidh
1:00 What’s Hot in Gluten Free Foods: an insight to new products introduced at the 2012 Natural Foods Expo Colleen Lawson
1:00 Gluten and Hormones Misty White, ND
1:00 Celiac Disease & Gluten-Related Disorders: The Basics Wendy Cohan, ND
1:30 Do I have SIBO? GF and not feeling 100% Allison Siebecker, ND
1:30 Making GF Choices Tammy Credicott
2:00 Gluten-Free Meal Planning Kimi Reid
2:30 Gluten and Cosmetics and Body Care Products Stephanie Tanner

Note that the Gluten Free Food Fair is organized by the Portland Metro GIG. Although we support the Portland Metro GIG, we are not affiliated with them.

Portland Metro GIG Meeting and Book Signing Event

The March GIG meeting this Saturday hosts Tammy Credicott, author of The Healthy Gluten-Free Life. More information about the event is here on Grain Damaged.

GIG Meeting

When: March 10 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where:
Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room MOB2

More Info: Call Lisa Shaver 503.577.9339, GIG of Portland branch manager.

Book Signing

Later the same day, Tammy Credicott will be doing a presentation and book signing at Tula Gluten Free Bakery Cafe (our review here).
When: March 10 – 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Where:
Tula Bakery Cafe
4943 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland OR 97211

Coming Events

Here is your reminder about Crave Bake Shop’s Fundraiser for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

What: Join the Crave Bake Shop team for a fun-filled evening of music, dancing, desserts and raffle prizes at Bushwhackers Saloon as we raise $30,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

About CCFA: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 82 cents of every dollar the foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs.

Where: Bushwhackers Saloon, 8200 Tonka Street Tualatin, OR 97062, 503-563-5023

When: Fundraiser begins at 7pm on Friday, November 11, 2011

More info: Visit CraveBakeShop.com or on Facebook (Crave Bake Shop), or contact Jamie Hogland at CraveBakeShop@gmail.com or 503-212-2979

November GIG Meeting

The Portland Gluten Intolerance Group’s annual Thanksgiving Potluck and Recipe Contest is this Saturday.

This Saturday’s meeting of our GIG of Portland will be a Thanksgiving dinner potluck at our regular time, 10-12 at Emmanuel Hospital, rm 1075. Bring your fave GF dish to share PLUS the recipe (and 20-30 copies of the recipe). Come hungry!
Recipe contest and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. If you are new to gluten-free, bring a vegetable side dish to be super safe! Lots of yummy dishes.
Our meetings are always free to all who are interested in the gluten-free lifestyle, eating and living gluten-free, whether you are gluten-sensitive, gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease or an auto-immune disease that necessitates a gluten-free diet.

When: October 8 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where:
Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room E-1075/1077

More Info: Call Lisa Shaver 503.577.9339, GIG of Portland branch manager.

More Upcoming Gluten-Free Events

Here are some more upcoming events in and around Portland.

Samplefest in Vancouver WA

Samplefest – over 40 gluten-free vendors will be at this gluten-free sampling fair. All proceeds go to support Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of Southwest Washington.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver
4505 E. 18th St. Vancouver, WA 98661
When: Saturday October 15th 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $2 per person- children under 12 free

Questions contact Audrey Levin
425-761-3424 or levinaj@comcast.net
www.gigswwa.blogspot.com

October GIG Meeting

The Portland Metro GIG meeting is the second Saturday of the month.
Topic: “GF 101.” Samples provided by GF Gem (new maple raisin coffeecake and dairy-free gingerbread muffins) and PuraVida who distribute Wellaby’s.

When: October 8 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where:
Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room E-1075/1077

Put That Bread Down! Dr. Tom O’Bryan at the National College of Natural Medicine

Recognize the Many Faces of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Presenter: Dr. Tom O’Bryan

Description: For every person with Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease that have intestinal symptoms, there are eight that have symptoms outside the intestines. How can we tell if wheat is a problem when the gut “feels fine”? For many, the blood tests are negative, and yet, the person knows they feel better on the gluten-free diet. Why is that? The blood tests are wrong! Unless you have total villous atrophy, the sensitivity of the tests can be as low as 27-33%. That means the test can be wrong 7 out of 10 times. Dr. O’Bryan will unveil the new blood tests that do not have these types of false negatives. If you have a problem, these tests will show it.

Co-sponsored by National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) and Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).

Gluten Free samples will be provided by local Gluten Free bakeries, Tula and GEM.

When: Saturday, October 8th, 2011 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: NCNM Annex – 2719 SW Kelly Portland, OR 97201
Cost: $10 cash at the door

Portland Gluten Free Holiday Food Fair October 22

The McMinnville, Mid-Willamette Valley and Portland Metro Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Branches of Oregon have announced a new annual Gluten Free Holiday Food Fair. This is the same organizers who do the Gluten Free Food Fairs in May, so there will be gluten free products to sample and other gluten free folks to talk to. The times we’ve gone, it’s been fun and interesting, and we plan to go again for this one. Check their site for more info.

Where:
The International Fellowship Family
4401 NE 122nd St. Portland, OR (NE Sandy & 122nd)

When:
Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Entry Fee:
$5 per person, $10 per family, Kids under 12 free

Interested sponsors and vendors should contact Lisa Shaver at 503-577-9339.

Coming Gluten Free Events

The summer is finally kind of showing some enthusiasm for showing up. Maybe. Not that I’m feeling impatient or anything. The good news is that there are some great Portland gluten free events coming up soon. Here’s a quick run-down:

June 11 – Portland Metro GIG

Quick reminder that the Portland Metro GIG meeting will be this Saturday.

When: June 11 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Speaker: Rudi’s GF bakery
Where:
Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room E-1075/1077

June 12 – Rudi’s Summer Road Trip BBQ in Lake Oswego

Mentioned here a month or so ago, it’s coming this Sunday. From Kyra at Crave Bake Shop:

Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery is doing a summer road trip and I’ve been helping them coordinate a GF BBQ on Sunday June 12th at Millenium Park in Lake Oswego. It is free and all ages and open to the public and there will be live music and lots of lunchy foods, like BBQ gf hotdogs and hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches etc (from them) and desserts (from me). And did I mention that it’s FREE? we’re finalizing the details, so I’ll be sure to get back to you, but it looks like the event will be from 11:30-1:30 PM on the 12th. Flyer to come!

June 12 Midway Farm Event

This is more of a “gluten-free friendly” event than a full-on gluten free event, but if you are interested in visiting a farm this weekend, this one is for you.

Sunday, June 12th 12pm – 3pm Enjoy a summer day on the farm! Stroll around visiting all the chickens, ducks, geese & turkeys. Meet our famous family milk cow Heidi & Dutch Chocolate our Welsh pony. This is a family fun day at Midway Farms. Face painting will be the rage along with a coloring contest. Midway Farms is located midway between Albany and Corvallis on Highway 20. For more information visit our website www.midwayfarmsoregon.com or contact us at info@midwayfarmsoregon.com

June 21 – Petunia’s Gluten Free & Vegan Bakery Class

We’ve been trading emails with Petunia’s and plan to check them out soon, I promise! In the meantime, you can find their gluten free goods at the Saturday at the PSU Farmer’s Market 8:30-2. If a class is more your speed, Lisa Clark of Petunia’s will be teaching one on June 21st. Here are details:

Tuesday June 21st from 6-9pm @ Whole Foods in the Pearl we will hold a Summer Desserts Baking Class featuring fresh Oregon  berries used in three different amazing desserts to wow your friends and family with. You must sign up and pay through the Guest Services counter in the store, or call today before it’s full! 503.525.4343

Summer Camp! and GIG Conference

Grain Damaged has posted a call for volunteers to help out at Summer Camp in July. And also details on an upcoming GIG conference in Orlando Florida.

News Bites: GIG Pancake Breakfast this Weekend

Gig Pancake Breakfast at Lingonberries

The Portland Metro Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is having the first of two pancake breakfasts this Saturday (the 17th) at Lingonberries Market in Vancouver. This weekend they will be using mixes from Bob’s Red Mill, Laurel’s Sweet Treats, and Kinnikinnick. Dairy free options will be available. The cost is $5 per person – $12 max per family. (I can’t say for sure as of this writing, but I can only imagine that the proceeds from this event will go to support the Portland GIG.) I wish that I could attend, but I’m still working on losing weight and can’t do the maple syrup! Here’s the relevant info:

Where: Lingonberries Market – 6300 NE 117th Ave – Vancouver WA 98662
When: Saturday, July 17 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Contact: christina@lingonberriesmarket.com or call (360) 260-4411

The next GIG Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for August 21. We’ll try to remember to give everybody notice the week before.

Dr. Stephen Wangen at March GIG Meetings

Just a quick reminder to follow up on this post, but with more details.

The Portland Metro GIG will be hosting Dr. Stephen Wangen, author of Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance at their March meeting. He will be speaking about his book and will be available for book signings after the meeting. Here is more information on this book (on Amazon). Dr. Wangen will also be speaking at the Eugene and Salem GIG meetings that same week. Here are the details:

  • Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6:30 PM. Eugene GIG, monthly meeting held at the Lakewood Clubhouse, 1800 Lakewood Court, Eugene, Oregon. Contact:  Diane Connely,  dianecon@comcast.net or 541-343-0459
  • Friday, March 12, 6:30 PM. Salem and McMinnville GIGs, dinner and presentation at Marco Polo restaurant in downtown Salem, Oregon. Dinner included, $15 per person.  Reservations and pre-payment required. Contact:  Kristen Klay, kristenklay@yahoo.com or 503.581.3884 or Becky Crooke, beckycrooke@gmail.com or  503-393-2043
  • Saturday, March 13, 10 AM to 12 PM. Portland GIG meeting at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon, Room 1075. Contact: Lisa Shaver,  lisashaver@yahoo.com or 503.222.1315

Dr. Stephen Wangen is a state licensed and board certified physician, with a degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. Dr. Wangen specializes in digestive disorders and food allergies and has first-hand experience with food sensitivities, having himself been diagnosed with gluten intolerance and a dairy allergy.  Dr. Wangen is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of the IBS Treatment Center in Seattle.  Dr. Wangen serves on the Board of Directors for the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, and is the Research Director for the Innate Health Foundation.  Dr. Wangen has written two books:  Healthier Without Wheat (2009) and The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Solution (2006).  Dr. Wangen travels nationally speaking about these and related topics.

News Bites: Dot Com, Classes, More Classes

We’re Officially a Dot Com

We are now accessible at an alternate URL: www.glutenfreeportland.com. Many thanks to Chris at Flypaper Creative for helping to make this possible.

Classes at Abby Table

Abby’s Table is a great place to get gluten-free food and has classes (see our review, here). Abby’s Table chef Abby Fammartino and health counselor Katie Decker are teaming up to present three classes in January. All classes are 7:00 to 8:15 PM. Check the Abby’s Table calendar for more info or to sign up. These are $30/class or $75/3 for the class series. Here are the classes:

  • January 14th: Setting Intentions, Detoxing, Food and Mood
  • January 21st: Seasonal Eating, Chinese 5 Phase Theory and Creating Balance
  • January 28th: Staying Inspired, Meal Planning, and Stretching One Meal into Many

Portland Metro GIG Hosts Dr. Stephen Wangen

The Portland Metro GIG will be hosting Dr. Stephen Wangen, author of Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance at their March meeting. He will be speaking about his book and will be available for book signings after the meeting. Here is more information on this book (on Amazon). Dr. Wangen will also be speaking at the Eugene and Salem GIG meetings that same week. Here are the details:

  • Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6:30 PM. Eugene GIG, monthly meeting held at the Lakewood Clubhouse, 1800 Lakewood Court, Eugene, Oregon.
  • Friday, March 12, 6:30 PM. Salem and McMinnville GIGs, dinner and presentation at Marco Polo restaurant in downtown Salem, Oregon.
  • Saturday, March 13, 10 AM to 12 PM. Portland GIG meeting at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon, Room 1075.

Gluten-Free Informational Classes in Corvalis

Nadine Grzeskowiak, the Gluten Free RN, will be hosting informational classes on January 5, 12, 19 and February 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 12-1pm at her office at 215 SW 4th Street, Corvallis, Oregon. “This class will cover the basics of gluten intolerance and Celiac disease and what it means to lead a gluten free lifestyle. Gluten free goodies will be provided. Class is held at the downtown office in Corvallis.”