News & Notes: February 10, 2012

While gluten-free-friendly chef Marc Vetri and others plan on opening higher-end restaurants at the Moorestown Mall, apparently there's still room for more humble fare. PB&U's second location opened at the mall yesterday (400 Rt. 38, 856-234-5300) and, like the original in Wayne, the new spot has gluten-free bread and uses a separate toaster, utensils and ingredients to make your sammich.

The mushroom capital of the world - Kennett Square - is home to the aptly named Portabello's (115 W. State St., 610-925-4984). The restaurant's gluten-free menu includes pasta, bread and dessert.

Vedge, a new addition to the scene in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia (1221 Locust St., 215-320-7500), can accommodate gluten-free diners.

All of the sandwiches at Center City's Pure Fare (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441) are now made with gluten-free bread from Toté Bakery. I raved about the breads and other baked goods from Toté in Tuesday's post.

Gluten-free churros at Sazon

The wonderful family-owned Venezuelan cafe Sazon in Northern Liberties (941 Spring Garden St., 215-763-2500) is now frying up gluten-free churros. Thanks to reader Heather H. for the tip and the photo.

Heather also let me know that Le Pain Quotidien's two Center City locations (801 Walnut St., 215-253-3114; 1425 Walnut St., 215-751-0570) are serving tartines on certified-gluten-free crackers.

Mt. Airy's Food For All (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) reopens today and will host a party (with DJ) tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Foodery in Center City (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111) and Northern Liberties (837 N. 2nd St., 215-238-6077) stocks Dogfish Head's new Tweason'ale. McMenamin's Tavern in Mt. Airy has all three New Planet gluten-free beers (thanks Katie F.), while Varga Bar (941 Spruce St., 215-627-5200) has carries the brewery's 3R Raspberry Ale (thanks Sherrie S.).

The lovely ladies at Philly's Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) are preparing treats for Valentine's Day, including heart-shaped cookies and donuts and red velvet cupcakes. Call by Sunday, February 12 to place holiday orders.

Cookies, muffins and cupcakes from allergen-friendly bakery Sweetness are now available at Buonissimo Market in Blue Bell (700 Dekalb Pike, 610-270-9100).

All of the meats and cheeses sold at Wegmans deli counters have no gluten ingredients, although the stores caution that there is a risk of cross-contact.

Many people who are diagnosed with celiac disease also have iron-deficiency anemia. What is less commonly known is that many of those individuals exhibit a craving for large amounts of ice or ice water. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are looking for participants for a study on this subject. More information is available here.

The newly formed Berks County Meet-Up Group (that's the Reading area) will get together at Good Eatz at 1 p.m. tomorrow, while the Chester County Gluten Intolerance Group chapter will host a free "Gluten Free 101" class at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Registration is a must for both events.

Hope that's enough to satisfy your appetite for one week. Have a great weekend!

- Michael