Friday, June 22, 2012

News & Notes: June 22, 2012

Actress Jennifer Esposito (fifth from left) helps cut the ribbon at Schar's new
Gloucester County manufacturing facility, the company's first in the United States 
"Made in the USA!" That's the rallying cry for employees at Schar's first American production plant, situated in Logan Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Company executives, local dignitaries and actress Jennifer Esposito (Schar's new spokesperson) cut the ribbon yesterday to formally open the 60,000-square-foot facility.

Just off exit 10 of I-295, the plant will produce breads, rolls and the company's new plain and cinnamon raisin bagels for U.S. distribution. In addition to utilizing local contractors to build the structure, Schar has hired 50 full-time employees on the operations side.

Elsewhere in the Garden State, The Borgata in Atlantic City (1 Borgata Way, 609-317-1000) is stepping up its table games (pardon the pun) with the introduction of gluten-free menus at its restaurants. Modern Japanese restaurant Izakaya now has a gluten-free menu that includes sushi rolls and a rice noodle dish, while Italian spot Fornelletto's menu includes grilled chicken parm, eggplant parm and other specialties. Old Homestead's gluten-free menu and the gluten-free menu at Bobby Flay Steak feature traditional steakhouse favorites. SeaBlue's menu has a variety of appetizers, entrees, sides and a dessert, and the menu at Wolfgang Puck American Grille combines surf and turf.

On the casual side, The Metropolitan's gluten-free menu has a smaller array of choices, but there is also an oyster bar and gelato bar at the restaurant. Roma has several soups and salads on the menu, and diners can get fried rice and rice noodle dishes off the menu at Asian spot Noodles of the World. At The Water Club, lobby lounge Sunroom has small plates like salads, hummus platters and truffled french fries on its gluten-free menu.

Many of the Mexican specialties at Wayne's Xilantro (103 N. Wayne Ave., 484-580-8415) can be made with corn tortillas. The chips are prepared in a separate fryer too. (Thanks to reader Bethann for the tip.)

Center City's modern Asian bistro Sampan (124 S. 13th St., 215-732-3501) has updated its gluten-free menu.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, with mall locations in King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd. - Suite 101, 610-992-1152) and Cherry Hill (2000 Rt. 38, 856-665-1052), has changed up its gluten-free menu for the summertime. The chain plans to open a third area spot at the MarketFair in Princeton in Spring 2014.

In Tuesday's post, I reviewed our recent meal at the Cherry Hill outpost of The Capital Grille, which also has local spots in Philadelphia and King of Prussia.

A gluten-free addition to Ocean City's Boardwalk is Laura's Fudge (932 Boardwalk, 609-399-0616), where all fudge flavors except for cookies-and-cream are safe. The owners recently began stocking other gluten-free treats like chocolate-covered pretzels, gummy bears and cookies. The fudge, which was voted Best Fudge in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by the Press of Atlantic City, is also available at Laura's other Ocean City locations at 935 Asbury Avenue and 34th Street & West Avenue (609-398-5293).

Camden County-based Caesar's Pasta has expanded its line of gluten-free frozen Italian dishes. The company's new gluten-free entrees include Beef Cannelloni - Florentine Style in Marinara Sauce with hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and cheese and Chicken Lasagna - Cacciatore Style with rBGH-free and cage-free chicken. The ravioli selections include Beef Ravioli with hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and Cheese Ravioli with hormone- and antibiotic-free cheese. All of Caesar's gluten-free products - including the new items - will be on sale next week at the Cinnaminson ShopRite (141 Rt. 130 S., 856-303-7676) for $3.99 each.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

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My new 'Gluten Free Philly' Delaware Dining Guide is available as an e-book download. The guide provides hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State, including Wilmington, Newark and the southern resort towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.
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