News & Notes: May 24, 2013

As Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere." As of today, it'll be time to eat at his newest Margaritaville restaurant, located at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City (1133 Boardwalk, 609-431-4100). Although it's not yet posted on the restaurant website, there's a gluten-free menu consisting of entrees, sandwiches (with buns), fries prepped in a separate fryer, desserts and beer.

Agno Grill's coconut-flour flatbread with fillings

The owners of Rittenhouse Square's Pure Fare are set to open their second all-gluten-free eatery nearby on May 29. Agno Grill (2104 Chestnut St., 267-997-4524) is styled as modern Mediterranean, serving items like flatbreads, baked falafel, quinoa tabbouleh and grilled, marinated chicken with harissa sauce. Thanks to reader Sherrie C. for the tip.

Readers Elly A. and Heather H. wrote me about New American Ela in Philadelphia's Queen Village section (627 S. 3rd St., 267-687-8512), where gluten-free options are starred on the frequently rotating menu. Heather recently enjoyed a kale salad with sautéed onions, green apples and whole mustard vinaigrette, a short rib entree with whipped mashed potatoes and broccoli gremolata, and strawberry-rhubarb cobbler (poached strawberries with cheesecake ice cream, minus the cobbler) for dessert.

Manakeesh Cafe, a Middle Eastern spot in University City (4420 Walnut St., 215-921-2135) has a gluten-free platter that's made up of hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel (fried in a dedicated fryer), fattoush and grape leaves.

Hearth, a new addition to the New Hope dining scene (7 E. Ferry St., 267-714-7400), is a BYOB featuring seafood and vegetarian selections. Gluten-free options such as baked polenta, salmon niçoise and tuna steak salad are noted on the menu, while others can be made gluten free on request.

5 O'Clock Brew Co. plans an IPA called "Blue Skies"

Speaking of the 5 o'clock hour, contributing writer Dori wrote this week about Philly's 5 O'Clock Brew Co. and New Jersey's Departed Soles Brewing Company. Both are finalizing plans to launch gluten-free beers in the area by the end of the year.

Amazon.com's gluten-free grocery sale is still live, ranging from up to 15% off Glutino and Pamela's products to up to 25% off Betty Crocker mixes (with a $6 instant coupon, you can get a six-pack of BC's yellow cake mix for less than $3 a box) and GoPicnic. You can get automatic free shipping with the Subscribe & Save option. (I get a small commission when you purchase items through the above links.)

Greensgrow Farms is hosting a gluten-free cooking class featuring Vietnamese cuisine, being held at noon tomorrow at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Philadelphia (2139 E. Cumberland St., 267-283-6787). Tickets are $35.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness are sponsoring a free celiac disease educational event and cooking demo on Tues. May 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Katz Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill (1301 Springdale Rd.). Speakers include Dr. Anthony DiMarino, Jr. from Jefferson, the NFCA's Alice Bast and Jefferson dietitian Emily Rubin, while Pasquale Masters of Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees will run a cooking demo and food sampling. Call 1-800-JEFF-NOW to register or use the online form.

Have a great holiday weekend!

- Michael