News & Notes: December 21, 2012

Haute hot dogs are the new gourmet hamburgers, it seems. Opening in Media at noon tomorrow is My Three Sons Hot Dogs & Beer Emporium (300 W. State St., 610-565-3674), where gluten-free buns and beer will be available. Every hot dog is themed and several are named after cities, reflecting each town's personality.

The owners of Exton's Pronto have rechristened Ruffini's in Thorndale as Pronto Bistro Italiano (43 N. Bailey Rd., 610-380-8263), where they serve gluten-free pasta. Other items are designated on the menu.

The reincarnated Ground Round, with an area location in Langhorne (735 Middletown Blvd., 215-757-2323) and another coming soon to East Windsor (529 Rt. 130 N.), notes gluten-free items on its dinner menu.

McCoole's at the historic Red Lion Inn in Quakertown (4 S. Main St., 215-538-1776) notes gluten-free items on its menu, including pasta dishes. Also in Bucks County, Taormina's of Ivyland (880 Jacksonville Rd., 215-394-5523) serves separately prepared gluten-free pizza in a medium size. Thanks to reader Mike S. for the tips.

Gluten-free pizza is available at Wingers in Folsom (1001 Macdade Blvd., 610-532-5080).

The risotto dishes at That's Amore in Collingswood (690 Collings Ave., 856-869-5683) are gluten free, and other safe options from the Italian bistro are noted on the printed menu.

Center City's Honeygrow (110 S. 16th St., 215-279-7724) has two new gluten-free stir-fry sauces: Coconut Curry and Lemon Miso Tahini.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill plans to open a new location at the Moorestown Mall in the summer of 2013. The American grill chain, with area spots in Chadds Ford, Collegeville and Newark, has a gluten-free menu.

Raw-foods cafe JAR BAR has closed its Center City location on South 12th Street, but is still operating in Radnor.

Food For All Market in Mt. Airy (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) is now manufacturing and distributing its own line of gluten-free breads.

CHOP's Children Celiac Support Group is planning a New Year's Eve celebration at Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., 856-784-5647). Reservations are required from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.; call the restaurant and also email the support group with the number of adults and children in the party.

I want to extend my thanks to everyone for reading Gluten Free Philly this year and spreading the word about the blog. Please accept my sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas and happy and healthy 2013.

- Michael