One of the reasons for choosing Vancouver Island for our holiday location this year was the huge choice of gluten-free dining and shopping available in comparison to Canmore!!! Okay, I also wanted to see the ocean, ride on a ferry or is that sail?? And, just enjoy Victoria – but, a big part of it was the fact that there are a lot of gluten-free, celiac friendly options on the Island and in Vancouver.

They are really aware of gluten issues and celiac disease there. During my research I had come across a gluten-free fish and chip option in Victoria BC. Well, to say I was excited doesn’t adequately describe my feelings…I was literally dancing in front of my computer!!! I was very much looking forward to eating fish and chips!!!! Prior to being diagnosed in 2013, I loved fish and chips. Not all the time mind you, but before I knew I had celiac disease, and I could no longer just go to a fish and chip shop, I had not realized how much I would miss it. So I’d read on The Celiac Scene website, that there was a fish and chip shop in Victoria that was recommended for celiacs’. It stated that The Fish Store took celiac issues seriously and that they had a dedicated gluten-free deep fryer!!!

Oh my god!!!! A visit here had to be on the itinerary!! I could eat real deep-fried fish and chips in the loveliest of settings. Just look at this beautiful tempting basket of gluten-free deep-fried haddock, chips, coleslaw, tartar sauce and ketchup with that yummy lemon slice to drizzle all over!!! To say I was in heaven is not doing it justice I was over the moon, beside myself with anticipation of the first bite and it did not disappoint!! Yummy, light and crunchy, just the right amount of batter to fish ratio. Not oily!!! No fishy smell or taste. Oh, to sit on Fisherman’s Wharf in the sunshine at a picnic table with my family and eat fish and chips just like them and not eat a salad I had brought with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t put into words the pleasure it was. I highly recommend The Fish Store to other celiacs and those avoiding gluten. I did not feel any adverse effects the next day. I felt confident in their care to make sure my food was not cross-contaminated. As you can see in the photo, they even have in bold letters on their recipe board “Ask us about our gluten free choices”. If you find yourself in Victoria BC do check this place out.

*Note: As always the above is my opinion of my experience on that day. There are no quarantees implied in this review in regards to cross-contamination and gluten free claims.