Our journey began with our own family’s struggles with Celiac disease, severe gluten intolerance, and autism. We quickly realized that there was a need for safe and delicious food options for those with dietary restrictions, and we decided to do something about it.
2019 was a wild ride for our family! We welcomed our second child Charlotte, but it was a difficult pregnancy for Samantha (Sam). It wasn’t until Charlotte was two weeks old that we discovered why – she had a rapid heart rate and was rushed to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. While there, we met a doctor who specialized in autism and learned that our son Zachary was showing signs of ASD at just 2.5 years old.
On top of all of this, Sam was still exhibiting flu-like symptoms every few weeks that lasted for days. We began cleaning up her diet and removing gluten and lactose items, leading to the discovery that Sam has Celiac disease and a severe reaction to gluten. But with Covid-19 hitting in 2020, we struggled to get Sam the help and diagnosis she needed.
Despite these challenges, we tried to enjoy nice meals out with the kids or have date nights. But every time we went out, Sam would show symptoms of “glutening” and be sick for days. So we purged all non-gluten-free items from our home and Ryan started cooking everything from scratch to ensure Sam’s safety.
Friends and family loved the food Ryan was creating, especially the BBQ items. Thus, the Maple Leaf Roadhouse BBQ was born – all gluten-free and safe for those with severe allergies or sensitivities. Ryan even created “2 Donna’s Sauces,” paying homage to our mothers who were both named Donna.
But our mission doesn’t stop there. We also want to give back to the autism community by employing young adults with ASD and giving them a chance to learn new skills in an inclusive workforce. We even volunteer at Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for families staying there, since we used their services when Charlotte was in the hospital.
Our vision is to solve the issue of safe food choices that are delicious for everyone while also giving kids and young adults with special needs a positive path through good food.
A Multicultural Exploration of Food and Inspiration
A Multicultural Exploration of Food and Inspiration
Early Passion for Cooking and Inspirations
Exposure to Multicultural Family Recipes
Development of Culinary Skills and Techniques
Experimenting with Healthy Options
Discovering Clean Eating Lifestyle
Creating Delicious and Safe Options
Early Passion for Cooking and Inspirations
Ryan’s love for cooking began at a young age and was inspired by his parents, grandma, and Stephen Yan from “Wok with Yan”.
Exposure to Multicultural Family Recipes
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario in the late 70s and 80s, Ryan was exposed to a variety of traditional family recipes from his multicultural friends and their parents.
Development of Culinary Skills and Techniques
With the guidance of his inspirations and exposure to diverse recipes, Ryan developed valuable culinary skills and techniques.
Experimenting with Healthy Options
Ryan found that many healthy foods lacked flavour and started experimenting with ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals.
Discovering Clean Eating Lifestyle
After following a clean eating lifestyle, Ryan lost 120lbs, but he found it challenging to stick to the limited options available
Creating Delicious and Safe Options
Ryan has spent the last decade perfecting his ingredient blends to create delicious and safe sauces, that meet the dietary needs of almost anyone, offering a better option for clean eating.
We are proud to offer exceptional small group catering services throughout Central Alberta, delivering personalized culinary experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Our gluten-free products are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional offerings, providing a range of options that are safe and suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.