I’m homesick today.
There are so many things that I miss about Calgary and Canada right now. I miss my family, my friends (who are the same as family), my dog and my old boss. I miss how the use of a car horn is reserved for celebrating a win in hockey or to indicate an emergency – and NOTHING else. I miss how no one gets scared when you say hi to them, even when you don’t know them. I miss being able to find East simply by turning my back to the mountains, I miss the letter ‘U’ and I miss local business.
Moving here has been like being re-diagnosed all over again. Nothing is the same, grocery stores are inconsistent and the rules of ppm are different. I miss knowing what’s okay to eat.
So this post is dedicated to my people at home. Here are some gems in your area. Support local and support the GF conscious business near you.
First: I want to send a shout out to GF Patisserie. Why? Because they are awesome. I’ve never kept that a secret. They are a great example of local business that cares, and that takes the time to do it right. Quality over quantity. It matters – trust me. So to the lovely ladies at GF Patisserie and to the Celiac Husband that supports them – you truly are ROCKSTARS.
Second: Copper Pot Creations. Here’s the deal – I never had the pleasure of eating there. This information comes to me from an insider. Yes, I still have spies in Calgary. Be aware, be very aware! I looked over their mandate and the menu and I’m impressed. Their products are 100% free of wheat/gluten, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy/casein, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. Not going to lie, I had to stop and think: If the are free of all that, then what is left to cook with? And this, is why I am a domestic anti-goddess. There is lots left and they have made meals that look fantastic out it. They also offer free delivery with the city of orders $30/more. Someone please try them out and let us know how it is. I hope it tastes as promising as it looks/sounds.
Third: Wild Horse Bistro. My sister and my mom stumbled upon this gem when they were at the Farmers Market. And because they are so awesome, they sent the Chocolate Cake mix my way. It’s damn good. Nicely packaged, all ingredients included (at least the non-perishable ones) and easy to make. The cake came out fluffy, moist and rich. Wild Horse Bistro for the win! They operate out of Black Diamond, but can be found at Farmers Markets. Visit the site for more details.
So let me end with this. I miss you all. I miss you’re emails and comments. I miss your silent judgment of my culinary ineptness and even more importantly, I miss hearing about your lives. I may be living in the US, but for as long as I can type, I’ll do my best to contribute to your quest for GF greatness.
If anyone is interested in the directions I am going here, please feel free to follow my new twitter feed: @nonresident. A second blog is on it’s way. Because let’s be honest, I’m never short of things to say and living as a non-resident alien has given me more material than I ever thought possible.
Happy Easter My People.
« Having Breakfast with Ian 2.0 GPA »
J.Pierre
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:39 am
Your comments moved the faboulos baker girls close to tears. And the husband too. But then knowing him, he would never admit that. Especially not in a Blog post response.
Happy Easter Caitlin. You are our Canadian beachhead in America. Hold the Fort until reinforcements arrive.
caitlin
April 3rd, 2010 at 7:43 am
So happy to hear from you. Being here has given me a whole new appreciation for local businesses doing great things. Keep it up!
Dianne
April 3rd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Have never met you… but follow you online. Today you touched a heart string.
I can relate. I recently moved from Calgary to Northern/central BC… small town. Finding foods out there is, as you put it, like being re-diagnosed all over again.
I understand your soul touching “missing my people”. It’s something the English language doesn’t seem to have the deep enough words to cover.
Good luck down there in the land of ” u-less”.
Thank you for continuing your pursuit and support up here.
caitlin
April 3rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hi Dianne. Thank you for the message. It’s amazing how awesome the GF community in Calgary is.
I loved the “u-less” comment, I think I’m going to have to use that here…I’ll give you all the credit too.
Happy Easter and thanks for reading.
Debbie
April 7th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
OOOhhh, Caitlin. Thank you so much for mentioning me here. I miss you too. Can’t wait to visit you.
-Deb
caitlin
April 8th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Oh that’s awesome I had no idea you read my blog! Talk to you soon.