Friday, September 7, 2012

News & Notes: September 7, 2012

Most items on the menu at Chestnut Hill's critically acclaimed Mica (8609 Germantown Ave., 267-335-5592) are gluten free, with none of the sauces containing flour.

Maureen from the Hold the Gluten podcast let me know that Pizza Villa in Swedesboro (700 2nd Ave., 856-467-5000) now has gluten-free pizza.

Central Michel Richard at the Revel in Atlantic City (500 Boardwalk, 855-348-0500) has a gluten-free dinner menu, while the resort's Lugo Cucina e Vino restaurant also can accommodate.

New to Center City is the Yellow Juice Bar (2046 Sansom St., 267-888-8368), serving banana smoothies and gluten-free breads and cookies from Taffets. (Hat tip to reader Sherrie S., who pens the Living Simply Gluten Free blog.)

Bob's Bake at Home Pizza in Havertown (28 W. Eagle Rd., 610-446-1995) has a dedicated prep area with separate sauce, cheese and toppings for its gluten-free crusts. The store also has Conte's ravioli, salads and chicken wings on its gluten-free to-go menu.

Haddonfield's The British Chip Shop (146 E. Kings Hwy., 856-354-0204) now has gluten-free bread for sandwiches (Thanks, Samantha M.). Similarly, The Tomato Bistro in Manayunk (102 Rector St., 215-483-2233) offers gluten-free Kobe beef, portabella and lamb sliders.

Bobby's Burger Palace opened last week at the Princeton MarketFair Mall (3535 Route 1, 609-919-0182).

The Saladworks chain has launched an interactive allergen menu, which is a unique widget that allows customers to plug in what they’re allergic or intolerant to and then see what they can still have on the menu. (Thanks Joanne R.)

Aperto, a BYOB in Narberth, has shut its doors. Sonata, an American BYOB in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, also has closed. In the same 'hood, brunch specialist Cafe Estelle is closing on September 30.

The most popular gluten-free baked goods at Be Well Bakery & Cafe in Huntingdon Valley (2651 Huntingdon Pike, 215-938-8638) are muffins, ranging from blueberry pear to chocolate banana depending on the day. The bakery also makes gluten-free vegan breakfast cookies and brownie-like tuxedo cups filled with mousse and whipped cream. Gluten-free items are baked first thing in the morning in the front of house.

Ordered a week in advance, Classic Cake Company in Cherry Hill (480 Evesham Rd., 856-751-5448) can prepare a flourless cake and a gluten-free sponge cake made with potato flour. The bakery does not have a dedicated area or equipment but takes care to avoid cross-contact. (Thanks Jared and Stephanie G.)

Katz Gluten Free has expanded its product line with Munchkin-like cinnamon and powdered donut holes. Orders over $50 include free shipping; otherwise, the flat rate is $7.99. First-time customers can use promo code FACEBOOK for 35% off their orders. (You can support Gluten Free Philly by purchasing through this link.)

You'll be able to sample PJ's Beef Steak, which I wrote about on Tuesday, at Appetite for Awareness. If you want to try sooner, the online sampler special ends today.

New from Popchips are a line of tortilla chips, including Nacho Cheese flavor. No MSG or preservatives are in these chips, which are GFCO-certified. The Ranch ones I tried were a cross between Baked Lays and Doritos.

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia is hosting a celiac support group meeting on September 19 at 5 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, call Rachel Lenhoff, RD at 215-427-6538 by September 14.

Appetite for Awareness in Philadelphia is less than three weeks away. Earlier this week, I got a sneak peek at the venue - the former Strawbridge's building at 801 Market Street - and it's shaping up nicely for the event. The building is easily accessible via SEPTA (Market East) and PATCO (8th & Market) and street and lot parking is available nearby.

A list of the more than two dozen participating restaurants and 30-plus exhibitors is now posted at the event website. (Don't even bother reading that nonsense about the honoree.) Early-bird tickets for the September 23 event are available through this link, and the purchase may be tax deductible. If you can't make it, you can still support the cause by purchasing a raffle ticket for a one-year Mercedes lease.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael


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1 comment:

  1. You totally deserve the honor, Mike! You've been an amazing resource for us and I can't thank you enough.

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