Every year in St. Albert the farmer’s market opens in June and runs throughout the summer. It appears that this is one of the highlights in the town. So naturally I was excited to go on Saturday for the opening day.
The farmer’s market was entertaining. There were the usual booths with baked goods, sauces, meats, and fruits and vegetables. The usual crowd with kids, parents, grandparents and tourists. But the real entertainment for myself happened to be around the corner from the farmer’s market.
As we turned onto a side street near the farmer’s market to get away from the crowds I noticed a deli that advertised gluten free items. As I walked in I noticed a sign on the door mentioning an upcoming bike ride for Celiac awareness. I thought to myself, this place looks pretty good so far…but let’s see. The first thing I noticed walking in was a freezer with postings for gluten free bread, buns and muffins. And then I saw it. “Gluten Free Perogies.” I actually did a double take, and my face split into a massive grin. Gluten free perogies?? Am I imagining things?? This can’t be possible! I frantically searched through the freezer until I found the perogies and gripped them in my hand, as if I was afraid they might go missing!
Now at $12 for a dozen perogies, they were a little expensive, but definitely worth it to try them at least once. Once I got home the perogies were obviously my choice for dinner, and I couldn’t wait to try them! I boiled them for 5 minutes, as per the directions, and then fried them with some sliced onion for a little added flavour.
They were amazing! Probably the best gluten free substitute I have ever tried. They tasted about as great as I remember regular perogies tasting! They were definitely worth the $12!
So naturally, after I had finished the perogies I had to call my dad (who is also Celiac) and brag about my amazing dinner! As he lives in Vancouver he’ll have to wait until he comes to visit me to try these amazing perogies.
So if any of you are ever in St. Albert, Alberta, you must check out the Grapevine Deli at 10 Perron Street. (They also carry gluten free butter tarts, which were also incredible!!)
Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming. Only last week I wrote a blog about finding frozen gluten-free perogi and now I find yours. I am too far away, Maryland in the US, to try these, but I am amazed that they are out there. My grandmother made perogi when I was kid and they bring back lots of fond memories. Go to http://www.glutenfreeliving.com and click on blog to read what I had to say.
If your looking for a really great perogy in Alberta, I found some at Ed’s gluten free specialty in Edmonton. the store was so busy, and I watched nearly everyone take some of out of the freezer. I had to see what all the hype was about, In the freezer was not only perogies in a bunch of flavors, there was ravioli, and pizza pouches too. the company is called Stellas, is a simple paper bag with a little window, so you can actually see what your buying. I was not disappointed! they are so yummy, I’ve been back a bunch of times for more, and more. Do try these!
According to the Ed’s Gluten Free website they are opening up in Vancouver. It says their located at 2827 Arbutus St. I guess your dad won’t have to travel all the way to Edmonton for those Perogies!
Thanks for the tip!
These products are great! I’ve read that they are at eds in Vancouver, and they popped up somewhere in a search for sask too!