I’m a Montreal transplant who settled in Manotick Ontario nine years ago, but my family’s roots are from Eastern Ontario.   I started my gluten free business in Januray of 2012 out of frustration, and not being able to find healthy tasting gluten free foods.  My understanding of the way a community works is by sticking together, so I went out onto Main Street “Manotick” and started introducing myself to fellow vendors and letting them know about my local home-based online Gluten Free business.  What a welcoming bunch of people I met today, and some of them I had already met by shopping or browsing in their stores before.  As I hoped, most of the vendors had the same feeling as myself, but I guess they aren’t as forward or extroverted as I am to go knocking on doors and introducing themselves …  I felt comfortable in doing so as I am proud to live in a beautiful community filled with history and charm.   I wasn’t able to meet all the vendors in Manotick, but my walk is not finished and can be picked right up were I left off another day.

This was a great day venturing into my community and finding more quaint & unique vendors.  If I  didn’t take a walk on Main St. Manotick today I would of never have known the types of stores and friendly faces that habited here.  I guess the lesson learnt today was get out in your community and see what it has to offer.

Below are some of the local vendors that had or will have gluten free products in their establishment in Manotick.  To see the Manotick/Osgoode Directory Click Here.

 

 

 

 

The Manotick Pepper Mill is as charming as Manotick, and filled with beautiful linens, kitchen gadgets, and fun fresh functional kitchen essentials.  I spoke with Stephanie O’Manique  one of the owners – what a wonderful person she is, and very well versed when it comes to nutrition.  If you’re in Manotick check this place out.  I did and found some gluten free products. Located at 5562-A Main St. Manotick 613-491-0589.

 

The Hodge Podge Shoppe really does stand up to it’s name.  You will spend quite some time in there, either for the variety of foods or just the array of antiques and collectibles.   What a great and helpful staff and the owner Beth Collins has great presence.  A world of charm is what this place is, a hidden gem, and some great pottery I must say.  If it’s a hot summer day like it was yesterday, grab the kids and go for some yummy hard ice cream, they also have some gluten free mixes that you can buy on their shelves, just ask them where they are.   Located at 1140 Tighe Steet Unit B, Manotick 613-692-2922.

 

On one side of the shop you have Lilou Organics owned by Lisa Schmidt which has a great selection
of organic items, including gluten free makeup and skin supplies. They also do wellness
treatments in the back of the store.  On the other side  of the shop you have Green Spirit.
Green spirit shares the store but you wouldn’t know because they blend so well.  The lovely
Kay Aveling, owner of the “green spirit” carries eco living products, gluten free goodies and wellness items.  They are both located at 5558 Main St.
Manotick.  Lilou Organic  number is 613-692-2800 and “green spirit’s” information can be seen
on their business card to the right.

 

 

 

 

I know this is about gluten free but I had to add my favourite video store called Just New Reeleases.  The owner’s name is Dan and he really helps you find the type of movie you are looking for.  He is what every vendor should be like, kind, understanding and patient, but he also has the very best knowledge on movies.  He carries movies that most video stores don’t carry, and is the biggest movie buff I know.  He has carried some of FUK Flour’s goodies during certain holidays as most people who are going to rent a movie would also like a snack to.  Not every video store carries gluten free goodies for their clients but Dan does at times and is aware of his clients needs, plus he is the only video store still opened in the more southern end of Ottawa.  Please visit his simple but vast array of videos and video games at his location  5556 Main St Box 267 Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A3, 613-692-3800

 

My walked continued this Monday afternoon and brought us to the Lasting Impressions Shop located at 5552  Main St. Manotick.  My Mom and I were excited to see the amount of beautiful gifts ideas and sparkling array of jewellry in this shop.  It’s true what their business card states “the shop for all of your gift giving needs” and to my surprise had gluten free products, such as gourmet chips and crackers.  I was able to spot a few other products by reading the ingredients that were also gluten free but not indicated on the product,  all you would have to do is call the company and ask if their establishment is wheat free (GF).  I would recommend going to this shop as you are sure to find something you would like, we did.

 

Last week after taking another walk on Main St. while dropping off some of my sample boxes containing GF Rice Coco Flax Krisps, GF Jeannies Date Squares and our GF Triple Chocolate Skor Brownies to a few of the vendors listed on this post,  they immediately became  addicted.  One of the vendors from Lilou Organics Ecobeauty Boutique wrote me this testimonial – “I LOVED the yummy sweats that I tried from FukFlour – especially the brownies. Everything I tried tasted super delicious and I would never guess that it was gluten-free. Although I don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet, I tend to look for these types of foods because they use much cleaner/better ingredients in general and i’m really careful about eating unprocessed foods. I feel good about giving my kids these types of treats that you get at FukFlour. You have to try them – you’ll be a convert!!”.  This not only puts a smile on my face but at least I made her happy.

 

Lisa said to me to go see the Gingerbread Guy at 1134 Tighe St in Manotick as she said he had just put out a sign stating gluten free
gingerbread cookies.  So I went on my gluten free way to visit the Gingerbread Man.  This was my first time going into his shop/bakery as I don’t normally hang around gluten.  My eyes could not believe what they were seeing nor smelling.  The smell of sweet spiciness in the air and the amazing detail onall sort of gingerbread houses and figurines.  Richard Palframan is the owner and what a gentleman he is.  We spoke for a while and he is more a conventional bakery and certified chef, who has been making gingerbread creations for 20 years. If you are ever in Manotick pay him a visit as his shop is a must see.  You can place orders by phone 613-692-3209 or visit his website at www.gingerbreadman.ca.

And then there is me, FUK Flour.  I am currently looking for a place in Manotick to plant my roots and spread the knowledge of Gluten Free, and not to mention my great tasting healthy GF foods. I am also looking for investors to invest in a growing gluten free business.  If you know of a location in Manotick or surrounding area that is coming up for lease or rent please drop me a line.  I will be out and about on Dickinson Days 2012: June 1st and 2nd in  Manotick.  A celebration of  Moss Kent Dickinson’s birthday, founder of the Village of Manotick. The weekend will be overflowing with activities for all ages to enjoy.

 

 

For FUK Flour Directory Click Here.

This was brought to you by Gluten Free Ottawa.