Gluten Free Philly News and Notes

New this week was the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness's announcement that its June Monday Meet-Up event will be held on June 15 at Joe Palombo's Mirabella Cafe in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Mirabella Cafe was one of five South Jersey restaurants that participated in a celiac awareness event this past Tuesday. We ate at The Tortilla Press in Collingswood, where my older son enjoyed chicken fajitas (with corn tortillas) and Boston cream pie made by Di Bartolo's Bakery.

I added a link to Ruby Tuesday's gluten-free menu to my restaurant compilation, which now lists nearly 100 gluten-free friendly dining establishments. Ruby Tuesday, a chain of bar-and-grill restaurants, has many locations throughout the Delaware Valley.

Gluten-free pizza is now available at Alfredo's, located at 2900 West Chester Pike in Broomall, Pennsylvania.

I've also added A Cupcake Wonderland to the list of gluten-free bakeries. A Cupcake Wonderland, based in Philadelphia, is run by two preschool teachers who create customized cupcakes that can be made gluten free.

Bunn's Natural Foods in Southampton, Pennsylvania is hosting its second annual gluten-free food fair, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will include offerings from more than 20 manufacturers, free samples, demonstrations, raffles and prizes.

On Sunday, June 7, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia children's support group will co-host an "indoor picnic" with the Southern New Jersey adult support group. The event will take place on the campus of Virtua-West Jersey Hospital in Voorhees, New Jersey, at the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All participants should bring their favorite gluten-free picnic item. Reservations should be made by Thursday, June 4 by emailing celiaccenter[at]email[dot]chop[dot]edu or by calling (267) 426-6822.

In last week's News and Notes, I mentioned that Lois Quigley, a holistic health counselor, will be speaking on Wednesday, June 10 at the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania on "Gluten Free Living." On Tuesday, June 9, Ms. Quigley will lead "Gluten Free Alternatives for Kids and Lunch" at the South Street Philadelphia Whole Foods. The program, which is designed for children, takes place from 11 a.m. to noon and includes a gluten-free lunch. Although there is no cost to attend, all participants must register in advance at the store's customer service desk as class size is limited.

Back in March, I wrote about Conte's Pasta, a company in Vineland, New Jersey that makes gluten-free pizza, ravioli, stuffed shells, gnocchi and pierogies. Amazon.com is running a special offer this month - through June 30, 2009, you can save 20 percent when you spend $59 or more on Conte's gluten free products. Use promotional code CONTE224 at checkout. Amazon.com also is offering free one-business-day shipping, which is recommended due to the products' perishable nature. Just select the expedited shipping option at checkout.

Don't forget to drop me a line at gfphilly[at]gmail[dot]com with tips on any events, new products you've seen at the market, or restaurants that have added gluten-free menus. Have a great weekend!