Written by Ally Frid
This past summer, I was informed by my doctor that I might have celiac disease. After some blood tests and a couple of trips to the hospital, it was confirmed. I had lived in Kingston for 5 years and became a pro at spotting all the best places to eat. However, this year was going to be different. It was time for me to put on my detective hat and scope out the best gluten-free eats in the city.
My first stop was Hey Darlin鈥 Diner. When I informed the waitress of my newfound allergy, she reassured me that the kitchen was a dedicated gluten-free space, and that I was in good hands. Little did I know, this was the case for many other restaurants in Kingston that I had previously enjoyed pre-celiac, such as NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen, Baja Craft Kitchen, Whiskey & Ros茅, and many more.
Although these options are delicious and gluten-friendly, they鈥檙e not the most affordable on a student budget. My next stop was to visit local coffee shops in the downtown area, and to check out their gluten-free options. To my surprise, many caf茅s offer gluten-free goodies and are very conscious about cross-contamination. Two of my favourite spots are Grocery Basket and Juniper Caf茅. Both places offer baked goods that are gluten-free (such as muffins and scones), and other pre-packaged meals to-go. Besides coffee shops, there are many other fast-food-style restaurants that offer gluten-friendly options such as Subway, Thai Express, Score Pizza, and a couple of sushi places in the downtown area. Throughout my food-tour, I鈥檝e been very impressed with the level of care that most establishments provide in ensuring that gluten-free options are not at risk of cross-contamination. For example, I鈥檝e seen workers put on a new pair of gloves when handling gluten-free foods and use special equipment for the gluten-free meals.
If you鈥檙e anything like me, and enjoy making your own meals at home, you鈥檙e probably wondering if there are grocery stores that stand out for their gluten-free options. Luckily, most grocery stores in Kingston have dedicated aisles with a selection of gluten-free foods and products, that you may not have even noticed before! As well, there is a locally owned gluten-free bakery and whole foods shop called The Silly Yak. It is not within the downtown area, but it is still a great option for folks with celiac disease.
Unfortunately, most of the certified gluten-free foods can be quite pricey. It is important to read the nutrition label on the products that you are buying and pay close attention to the ingredients. Even if it does not have a 鈥淕luten-Free Certified鈥 label on the packaging, it may still be gluten-free! Often, the ingredients will include a list of all the allergens that the product may contain, depending on the facility in which it was made. Every individual has a different severity to gluten-containing foods and should be aware of what they can and cannot consume. If you require the opinion of fellow celiacs, there are apps (such as 鈥溾) that include ratings on the safety of different restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores in your area, for individuals with celiac disease.
For graduate students who live on campus, or close to campus, there are options for you too! Within each dining hall, there are measures in place for students with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity/intolerance. Upon request, there are gluten-free meals that can be prepared, as well as gluten-free friendly pantries (specifically in the Ban Righ and Jean Royce dining halls). Additionally, students are encouraged to speak with the chefs, or the registered dieticians, who are available to provide advice on the safe food options for different dietary concerns/restrictions on campus.