- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Sante Gluten Free Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Canadian (New) Coffee & Tea, Canadian (New) [Edit]
2630 Quadra StVictoria, BC V8T
(250) 590-7174
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
2 reviews for Sante Gluten Free Cafe
2 reviews in English
-
Review from psylocke r.
Langley, BC
7/2/2011
Its rare to find a dedicated gluten free cafe, let alone a hang out where gluten-avoiders can feel welcome, and safe to eat anything off the menu. I found such a place in Victoria. My friend and I enjoyed the soothing ambience as soon as we entered. The quiet music, comfy couches, and friendly staff made us feel right at home. Their menu includes salads, mains, bagels, pizza, and several baked goods. Since we were eating our way around Victoria for the day, and were full from lunch, I decided on the lemon cranberry loaf, and she decided on the quinoa carrot cake. My choice was a perfect pairing of sweet and tart. My friend enjoyed her unique quinoa treat as well. We can't wait to come back and try more offerings from their menu. On our way out, we met the owner, who shared her story of going gluten free, and of starting up this great new spot. She vowed that they would be on the mainland with another location in the future, and I'm going to hold her to that!
-
Review from A E.
Victoria, BC
8/15/2011
"I don't need to avoid gluten," you say. Well I said it too, but I am a curious monkey, and here is what I discovered.
First of all, this place is loads nicer than the "Chemical free wrap joint" that used to occupy the same space (see my review of that one). They now have soft background music, a couch to sit on, as well as tables and chairs, and art on the walls. The owner is very friendly, and eager to accomodate, since they are trying to establish clientele. She is the mothering european type, who makes you smile as she fusses about your comfort.
The owner says she wants people to spend the day drinking coffee and working with the free wifi. I didn't see anyone doing it, but it didn't seem like so bad a place for it.
The food, yes yes, the food! The menu is brief, and written in coloured chalk, on a board installed on the wall. There is a focus on Gluten Free, but the food can also be made Vegan. There is a case with small quiches and pastries, and personal pizzas that are heated to order. In addition, they make delicious wraps. The coffee is provided by Fernwood Roasters (a reputable supplier, but not as good as Café Fantastico's, a half a block away), and it tasted fresh.
I ordered a Vegan wrap, which has tofu and Daiya (a delicious vegan cheese with no soy or gluten, that melts like real cheese). The food portion was a bit small, but it came with a side of salad and the taste and healthiness made up for its size.
They also sell a few Vegan and Gluten Free items, some of which can be found across the street at Fairways. It is a good place to ask about V and GF cooking. I recommend Santé to anyone curious about V or GF food, and to people wanting a working coffee shop with healthy and delicious food choices. (needless to say, you should check it out if you are a celiac).
I did find, however, that the food took a while to make (it was only a wrap), and that they need some bigger items on display. The gravy train is going to come from people stepping in to grab lunch while at work, or on errands at Quadra Village, and if they see nothing but tiny quiches, and dietary restricted food, they might not even stop to try it. And then when they order something larger, they won't come back if it takes 10 minutes and they are still hungry after they leave.
Specialties
Santé Gluten-Free Café is Victoria's only completely gluten-free café. Celiacs and the strictest of gluten-free eaters can relax and delight in the fact that all menu items are safe for them to experience. Located in the colourful Quadra Village, the Parisian-style cafe offers a wide array of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free meals and baked goods made from the finest, organic and locally grown produce when available. We offer full espresso bar featuring Fernwood Coffee, Numi organic teas and Vega protein Smoothies. We hope you love our products as much as we love making them. Kids friendly, wheelchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi
History
Established in 2011
Hanna Kofman opened Santé Gluten-Free Café with her husband Boris in March 2011 after relocating from Cagary, Alberta. She suffers from the celiac disease herself and wanted to share her knowledge and experience to help others. Although, there are many restaurants in Victoria offering celiac-friendly menu items, the "cross-contamination" of kitchens is a serious danger to celiac and gluten-intolerant. Knowing that even the slightest trace of gluten can have adverse effects, Kofman chose to go completely gluten-free. Many clients dine with their friends and families for the first time in years!
