News & Notes: September 21, 2012

Sleepy Voorhees, New Jersey is turning into a gluten-free haven. Pasta Pomodoro is, of course, the anchor and Iron Hill Brewery and Burger 21 are on the way. Add to the mix Catelli Duo at the Voorhees Town Center (12101 Town Center Blvd., 856-751-6069). Not only is about half the menu naturally gluten free or gluten-free-ready, house-made fettuccine is on hand and pizza is in the works. Chef Lou Imbesi says that the kitchen takes care to make the gluten-free pasta separately.

Reader Missy C. let me know that Arirang in Langhorne (2329 E. Lincoln Hwy., 215-946-2240) has gluten-free soy sauce for hibachi cooking. Call ahead to make sure the sauce is on hand and request that gluten-free orders be prepared first. Also, the soup served with hibachi meals is not gluten free.

CHOW284 in Feasterville (284 E. Street Rd., 215-357-9988) highlights gluten-free items on its menu. The kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for fish-and-chips and wings. Other safe choices include crispy calamari, crabcakes and General's-style chicken. (Thanks to reader Alisha for the tip.)

Center City's Good Dog Bar (224 S. 15th St., 215-985-9600) has a gluten-free menu posted at its website that includes a bunless version of its famous Good Dog Burger. The patty is a 1/2 pound of ground sirloin stuffed with Roquefort cheese and topped with carmelized onions. Crispin and Strongbow ciders are safe bar options. (Hat tip to Jenny J.)

Harry the K's Broadcast Bar & Grille at Citizens Bank Park will have gluten-free items for the last homestand of the Phillies regular season, beginning tonight. On the menu are burgers, organic hot dogs and house-made sausages on gluten-free bund and rolls and chopped salads with chicken and gluten-free croutons.

Chef Marc Vetri will import his Osteria concept across the river to Moorestown. The restaurant, which doesn't have an opening date, will be at the Moorestown Mall and will have a liquor license. Osteria has a GREAT-trained kitchen.

The Pop Shop will be opening an outpost on Main Street in Medford; the opening date has not been announced. The comfort food spot's original Collingswood location has gluten-free sandwiches, chicken fingers and more.

Atlantic City's Mussel Bar was the subject of my review in Tuesday's post. The Belgian gastropub at the Revel prepared several excellent gluten-free dishes at a recent meal.

The local purveyor of fresh gluten-free bagels now has a name. Sweet Note Bakery's bagels and scones are sold at a growing number of stores and coffee shops in the area. Appetite for Awareness attendees will be able to sample the bagels on Sunday.

The Grain Exchange (215-531-1261) will be sampling its new Pumpkin Biscotti at Appetite and will be selling Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies at the event.

Did someone mention Appetite for Awareness? I hope to see many of you there on Sunday. To whet your, um, appetite, here's a sneak peek at the cooking demo schedule and other activities, which will take place alongside the dozens of restaurant and vendor tables.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael