I visited the Portland Gluten Intolerance Group’s Spring fair last weekend, and was really amazed at how many people were there. There simply was no parking in the lot, and so I ended up parking a block or two away. The place was packed. I don’t really know if they had more booths this year than last, but it certainly does seem like that must have been the case. Some exhibitors that stood out to me were: Andina, Coconut Bliss, Corbett Fish House, Gem Bakery, Harvester Brewing, Jensen’s, Lamb’s Markets, New Cascadia, New Seasons, Petunia’s, Rudy’s, Udi’s, White Rabbit Bakery, and more. There were also quite a few speakers scheduled. Laura B. Russell was right inside the entrance of the fair. Regular readers will know her as the author of The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen among other things. Although Petunia’s (who make my favorite gluten-free cookies) was at the fair with samples of some of my favorite baked goods, I have to say that I’ll be on the lookout for these cookies made by Jude’s Foods (terrible Flash-based site warning). Their cookies are crispy and amazingly delicious. Also at the fair was Brazi Bites, who make delicious Brazilian cheese snacks – a.k.a pao bread. Hopefully we’ll have a review of their goods up soon. They just moved into a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. Andina (our review here) was at the fair with some really delicious treats. I’m pretty sure that they were there to promote not just their restaurant, but also their Tupai event space. The snacks here are little ahi tuna rolls made with avocado and wrapped with potato puree instead of rice. These little buggers were tasty! They also had some delicious little cookies. Last but not least, here are Samantha Brody ND, LAc and Lisa Shaver. Lisa is the Portland Metro GIG Branch Manager. Samantha is a.k.a. “Dr. Samantha” my ND, who was there at the professionals table for the fair. We wandered around the room for a little bit. Check out Dr. Samantha’s impressions of the fair on her blog, here.

Unfortunately, I had to run to look at a house pretty soon after I arrived. But I was still glad that I showed up. Events like this one make it plain that the gluten-free community is healthy and growing in Portland.