News & Notes: July 29, 2011

Last Sunday's gluten-free event at The Bards in Philadelphia was an unqualified success, so much so that gluten-free pizza is now available every day. This makes it just the second restaurant in Center City (Giorgio on Pine being the other) that serves gluten-free pizza. The owners will also offer an expanded gluten-free menu every Sunday.

I gave readers something to chew on in my Tuesday post - Philadelphia's own Peanut Chews. That and other candies made by Just Born are gluten free.

All area Peace A Pizza locations - in Pennsylvania, that's Ardmore, Exton, King of Prussia, Montgomeryville, Rosemont, Springfield, Wayne, West Chester; Stone Harbor, New Jersey; and Newark, Delaware - have 12-inch gluten-free pizza crusts. The shops use different pans and utensils and take steps to avoid cross-contamination. Thanks to Dana M. and Nancy D. for letting me know about the Springfield and Montgomeryville spots.

Franco's Pizza in Collegeville (3815 Ridge Pike, 610-409-0780) offers gluten-free pizza and pasta.

Ralic's Steakhouse, a newcomer to Haddonfield (26 S. Haddon Ave., 856-616-1520), serves gluten-free-friendly appetizers, entrees and even dessert - a flourless chocolate cake with hazelnut crunch.

Reader Robin V. recommends The Mediterranean in West Chester (150 W. Gay St., 610-431-7074) for a gluten-free meal. The kitchen can prepare gluten-free desserts with several days' notice.

McCourt's, a farm-to-table concept in Hatboro that offered gluten-free dishes, recently closed.

Grocery Market in Center City (101 S. 13th St., 215-922-5252) offers gluten-free soups daily, along with other foods.

Souderton's Melodia Grill (664 E. Broad St., 215-721-4000) is offering a three-course meal for two for $45. The offer, through deal site Living Social, is available for purchase through Sunday and can be redeemed through December 1, 2011. The restaurant has a gluten-free menu.

Congratulations go out to Main Line Baking Co., named as the "Best of Philly" in the August issue of Philadelphia magazine for its gluten-free baked goods.

Coming soon to stores are bagel chips from Glutino, in Original and Parmesan & Garlic flavors.

Although not quite the level as the weighty chicken-or-egg question, I do wonder whether nuggets or tenders came first. In any event, Applegate Farms has just introduced certified-gluten-free chicken tenders, sold alongside the company's nuggets.

Presumably not wanting to be left out of that discussion, Wegmans now offers its own private-label chicken nuggets; you can print a dollar-off coupon here. (Hat tip to reader Jim.)

The Chester County chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group is holding its next meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. Speaking will be Dr. Donna Skerry, a nutritional consultant. The meeting will be held at the Fern Hill Wellness Resource Center in West Chester.

Have a great weekend!