News & Notes: August 10, 2012

Since there won't be playoff baseball in town for the first time in years, the focus this fall will be on the Eagles. The regular season kicks off September 9 with the Birds in Cleveland, with the first home game scheduled for the following Sunday. Aramark will once again have gluten-free fare at Lincoln Financial Field: hot dogs, Larabars and Redbridge beer are available at the "Philly Favorites" stands at sections 117, 205 and 219, and gluten-free Crabfries are sold at the Chickie's & Pete's locations at sections 102, 119, 229 and 241. Fans can also bring their own food to the game so long as it's wrapped in clear plastic.

Despite the Phillies' woes this season, there are other reasons to go to Citizens Bank Park. Gluten-free cheesesteaks are now available at Elfreth's Alley Grill at Section 109, and Bull's BBQ in Ashburn Alley has gluten-free rolls. This complements the pizza recently added at Season Pizza in the Alley. Kudos to Aramark for stepping up its game.

The baked chicken tenders at "healthy fast food" restaurant Bryn & Dane's in Horsham (400 Privet Rd., 215-675-1599) are gluten free, as are all salads and smoothies. (Thanks to reader Jamie L. for the heads-up.)

Old City's Panorama Ristorante, nestled in the Penn's View Hotel (Front & Market Sts., 215-922-7800), now offers gluten-free pasta. The restaurant holds the Guinness world record for the largest cruvinet, or wine preservation and dispensing system (120 bottles).

The all-vegan Vgë Café (say it "vee-gee") in Bryn Mawr (845 Lancaster Ave., 610-527-3091) has gluten-free mac & cheese, soups and salads.

In Margate, the Mediterranean restaurant Sofia (9314 Amherst Ave., 609-822-9111) notes gluten-free entrees, including crabcakes, with an asterisk on the dinner menu. Many of the appetizers and salads are also safe.

Elsewhere down the shore, the gluten-free menu at Alumni Grill in Wildwood (3316 Pacific Ave., 609-523-1111) includes burgers and sandwiches on rolls and fries.

Gone from Center City is Buca di Beppo. The Italian chain's locations in Exton, Wynnewood and Wyomissing remain open.

Every Thursday is gluten-free day at the Tortilla Press Cantina in Merchantville (7716 Maple Ave., 856-356-2050). The menu includes beer-battered fish and chips made with Bards Beer. (Thanks to reader Mark M.)

As mentioned here two weeks ago, Philadelphia Brewing Co. has released a new gluten-free hard cider. The Traditional Dry cider is now available on tap at Atlantis the Lost Bar in Kensington, McGillin's in Midtown Village and Cherry Street Tavern in Logan Square. It'll be available in bottles in the fall.

As mentioned here on Tuesday, locally made Bill's Best Organic BBQ Sauces are free of gluten (of course) as well as the dreaded high-fructose corn syrup.

The Ravitz ShopRite markets in Cherry Hill, Marlton and Mt. Laurel now stock Butterfly Bakery's gluten-free blueberry mini muffins, sliced creme cakes and other baked goods. The company's gluten-free products, made with teff flour, are produced in a separate facility.

Reader Rose B. let me know that Dogfish Head's Tweason'ale is on the current bottled beer list at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont (90 Haddon Ave., 856-833-9800).

Voting continues for "Best Local Blogger" on PHL17's Philly Hot List. Please show your support by voting for the blog at this link.

Finally this week, best wishes to hometown gluten-free chef Monica Glass, who is leaving our fair city for a executive pastry chef position in Boston.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael