News & Notes: July 12, 2013

The out-of-town "better burger" invasion has spread beyond Philadelphia borders into the suburbs. The latest to land is Burger Monger at the Willow Grove Mall (2500 W. Moreland Rd., 215-659-8099), which, like Burger 21 (new to Voorhees), originated in Tampa, Florida. Burger Monger's gluten-free patties and hot dogs are made with healthier Akaushi (Kobe-style) beef. The proteins, including Coleman free-range chicken, are prepared on a separate grill away from the bun grill and separate utensils are used. Customers can get Kinnikinick gluten-free buns for the sandwiches or order them wrapped with lettuce. The fries at Burger Monger are also gluten free, with no chance of cross-contamination since nothing else goes in the fryers. The kitchen uses separate containers for gluten-free milkshakes (made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream) since malteds are also on the menu.

A mini chain out of northern New Jersey, Zinburger, has opened on the old race track grounds in Cherry Hill (923 Haddonfield Rd., 856-488-7590). The restaurant is styled as a "wine & burger bar," with a selection of vino in addition to the standard menu of burgers, shakes and fries. The burgers themselves are gluten free, the fries are prepared in dedicated fryers, and shakes sans malt can be made separately. No buns, though customers can bring their own.

Meanwhile, Taffets gluten-free buns are now an option at Rittenhouse Square burger spot 500 Degrees (1504 Sansom St., 215-568-5000). (Thanks Lynda V. )

Reader Kara M. tells me that in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood, Mediterranean spot Barbuzzo (110 S. 13th St., 215-546-9300) accommodates gluten-free diners. At a recent meal, she and her husband enjoyed items on the cured meat board, roasted beet salad, grilled octopus salad, roasted bone marrow and the peanut butter gelato.

Also in Wash West, Paesano's Philly Style's newest location at Woody's Bar (202 S. 13th St., 215-545-1893) has gluten-free rolls for cheesesteaks.

Chifa, the Latin-Asian hybrid in the same neighborbood (707 Chestnut St., 215-925-5555), is closing after dinner service tomorrow night. Chef-owner Jose Garces plans to reconceptualize the restaurant as a Cuban diner.

Fette Sau, the Stephen Starr BBQ joint in Frankford (1208 Frankford Ave., 215-391-4888) has changed the formulations of two of its three table sauces so that only the "Spicy" sauce is gluten free. Thanks to reader Elizabeth R. for the heads-up.

More at the shore: The restaurant at the Blue Rose Inn in Cape May (653 Washington St., 609-435-5468) notes gluten-free options on its dinner menu and currently has a flourless chocolate cake and crème brûlée for dessert.

In Avalon, Kudos American Grille (2619 Dune Drive, 609-368-7422) has gluten-free pancakes and waffles at breakfast, bread and rolls at lunch, and pasta and chicken fingers at dinner, among other choices.

Just opened in Margate is Ginny's (8017 Winchester Ave., 609-816-9370), which has pancakes, oatmeal, and a separate toaster for bread, while nearby Bocca Coal Fired Bistro (7805 Ventnor Ave., 609-823-3663) offers separately prepared gluten-free pizza and pasta. Thanks to reader Lauren C. for those tips.

Readers Mark M. and Joseph let me know that Beiler's Bakery at Philly's famous Reading Terminal Market (51 N. 12th St., 215-351-0735) carries baked goods like lemon bars and cookies from Ruth Ann's Gluten-Free Bakery in Lancaster County.

Thanks to reader Jaime L., who sent me a photo of the new Pillsbury-branded gluten-free muffins. She picked them up in the freezer case in the gluten-free section at the King of Prussia Wegmans store for $3.79 for a package of four. As I wrote back in March, the GFCO-certified muffins are being produced by Uncle Wally's.

When it rains, it pours. Glutino's newest product is instant pancake mix, offering the convenience of a pourable bottle. It requires only one cup of water and, once opened, keeps in the fridge for up to four days. The mix's suggested retail price is $5.29.

And finally, in case you've been away for the holiday and missed the last couple of post, last week's feature post had a trailer for the upcoming YouTube gluten-free documentary series "Tasty Freedom," which will have a Philadelphia-themed episode, and on Tuesday I posted my review of Frito-Lay's new Ruffles Crispy Fries, a potato-stick snack.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael