News & Notes: May 11, 2012

Now you can get a gluten-free bagel and a schmear at Short Hills Restaurant & Deli in Cherry Hill (486 Evesham Rd., 856-429-6900). For now, the bagels, burger buns and sandwich bread are warmed in foil in an oven, but a new dedicated toaster is coming soon.

The Good Karma Cafe location in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood (10th and Pine, 267-519-8860) sources bread from Whole Foods for gluten-free sandwiches. Thanks to reader Sherrie S. of Living Simply Gluten Free for the tip.

Center City Philadelphia's new Brodo (31 S. 18th St., 215-977-7766) has a variety of gluten-free soups daily (with appropriate signage) and salads sans croutons.

A new Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, which has a gluten-free menu, is now open in Collegeville (51 Town Center, 484-902-1850).

Also newly opened is the Wegmans market in King of Prussia is now open (1 Village Drive, 484-690-3500). It was there that reader Bill L. spotted Wegman's new gluten-free dessert baking mixes. The supermarket chain also has introduced a line of gluten-free corn pastas - elbows, fusilli, spaghetti and penne - selling for $2.49 each. Shoppers can download a dollar-off coupon for the pasta from Wegmans' website.

In addition to the news earlier this week that Domino's now has a gluten-free crust (which is not recommended for those with celiac disease and others due to cross-contamination), Chuck E. Cheese's is testing a bake-in-bag gluten-free pizza and a brownie at its Minnesota locations.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Celiac Center is conducting research that aims to better clarify men and women's experiences with fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The hope is that this study will clarify inconsistencies in the current literature, increase physician knowledge of this issue and gain awareness for the celiac community. Adults ages 18 and older are invited to take the survey, which closes on June 17, 2012.

A new cooking game show will soon be casting in Philadelphia - wouldn't it be fantastic if they accepted someone cooking gluten free? Here are the details:

GSN (Game Show Network) and the producers of THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE, are thrilled to bring you BEAT THE CHEFS, an exciting new cooking game show that celebrates REAL people who make great food! BEAT THE CHEFS gives talented home cooks the chance to go up against some of the best chefs in the business, battle it out in the kitchen, and win a BIG CASH PRIZE!

We are scouring the nation for passionate home cooks from all walks of life. Are you a great cook despite never having been formally trained? Whether you are a chili cook-off champion, the queen of the bake sale, or just a whiz in the kitchen, now is your chance to see if your signature dish has what it takes to compete with our professional chefs! Gather up two of your family members or best friends as your sous chefs and pick the dish that you know will leave the judges begging for more! 

We are looking for fun, outgoing teams of all ages. If you love to cook, have a competitive spirit, and think you have a winning dish, email us at BeatTheChefs@rrstaff.com. Please include your name, age, contact info, photo, two proposed teammates (and their photos), a description of your culinary background and your signature dish! Put the city/state where you live in the subject line for priority.

The Children's Celiac Support Group will meet on Sunday, May 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bucks Specialty Care Center in Chalfont. (It's at 500 West Butler Avenue, but for GPS purposes it's 800 Manor Drive.) Children of all ages are welcome. RSVP by May 17, 2012 by emailing the CHOP Celiac Center or calling 215-590-2985.

Have a great weekend and happy Mother's Day!

- Michael