Friday, September 18, 2009

News & Notes

Less than two weeks to go before the Appetite for Awareness event, the area's biggest celiac awareness event of the year. I will be there and will report on the festivities. This week, meanwhile, I wrote on Monday about the some of the cool gluten-free ice cream flavors from Turtle Mountain like Snickerdoodle and Key Lime Pie that contain bits of cookie or cake. On Wednesday, I posted a review of the gluten-free chicken meatballs, bite-sized pound cakes and challah muffins made by New Harvest Naturals.

In restaurant news, I learned this week that Nunzio's Ristorante Rustico, an Italian BYO in Collingswood, New Jersey offers gluten-free pasta.

Late last month, I wrote that Calabria Pizza Italian Grill in Absecon, New Jersey began serving gluten-free pizza. Due to the popularity of that item, the restaurant has expanded their gluten-free offerings to include ravioli. Thanks again to reader Tami for the tip.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey has posted its Fall 2009 gluten-free menu.

Reader Debra posted a comment this week that Sedona, Patsy's and The Parkway, all located in southern Delaware's Bethany Beach, are gluten-free-friendly.

If you're a regular rider of the PATCO high-speed train line between Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, you probably use a Freedom card to pay your fare. Now the card is good for savings at many shops and restaurants in both areas. Among the businesses in New Jersey offering discounts are several gluten-free-friendly places: Casona in Collingswood ($10 off $50 or more), Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (20% off total check, up to $8) and DiBartolo Bakery in Collingswood (10% off). Just present your Freedom Card at time of payment.

The newest area Wegmans market, replete with gluten-free groceries and frozen items, will open in Collegeville, Pennsylvania on October 11.

Conte's Pasta has broken ground on an expansion of its production facility in Vineland, New Jersey. According to an article this week in the Daily Journal, the project will help the family-owned business widen its niche in the market for gluten-free pasta.

Edy's limited-edition Hot Cocoa light ice cream and seasonal Pumpkin light ice cream, now available in supermarkets, are safe for celiacs. The Hot Cocoa flavor, which is similar to Rocky Road but without the nuts, disappeared from our freezer in two days!

Don't forget that the Philadelphia Eagles' first home game of the 2009 NFL season will take place this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Gluten-free hot dogs, snacks and beer are available at Lincoln Financial Field. Details on where the items are available can be found at my post from August.

I'm happy to report that I received an email this week from the retiring organizer of Camp Celiac in Rhode Island that several volunteers have stepped in to run the camp next summer. More information about next year's session will be posted on the Camp website but applications are expected to be available for campers and volunteers in February 2010.

Keep the emails coming - you can reach me at gfphilly[at]gmail[dot]com. Have a good weekend!
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