Friday, December 20, 2013

News & Notes: December 20, 2013

Readers with Android smartphones and devices will be happy to know that the Gluten Free Philly business finder app is now available. Like its iPhone cousin, the Android version allows you to search for more than 1,200 curated gluten-free-friendly restaurant, bakery, market and attractions listings in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and all of Delaware. You can see what's closest to your location and make use of other great features like turn-by-turn directions and menu links. More screen shots and the full description of the app can be found at the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The cost is just $2.99.

Although Jose Garces's just-opened Cuban diner Rosa Blanca (707 Chestnut St., 215-925-5555) doesn't yet have a gluten-free menu, the kitchen can accommodate requests. Located in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia at the former Chifa location, the diner serves breakfast (starting at 7 a.m.), lunch and dinner and has an extensive rum program.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

First Draft: Green's Gluten-Free Beers

By Chris Betz

Last year, I traveled to Belgium and was able to visit some of the world's greatest breweries. Though I no longer drink traditional beers, I discovered that Green's gluten-free beers captured the essence of what makes Belgian beers special.


Green's beers have been brewed since 2004 at the legendary DeProef Brewery in Lochristi, Belgium, making them one of the longest continuously produced gluten-free beers in the world. In place of barley malt, Green's uses a blend of millet, sorghum, rice and buckwheat. All four varieties have received accolades: the Amber Ale won a Gold Medal at the 2013 World Beer Championships and the Dubbel Ale took the Top Gluten-Free Beer award at this year's Calgary International Brewfest.

Friday, December 13, 2013

News & Notes: December 13, 2013

Photo credit: The Happy Mixer/Facebook
The Philadelphia area's newest 100% gluten-free bakery is opening its doors tomorrow. The Happy Mixer in Chalfont (4275 County Line Rd., 267-663-7209) will offer donuts, cakes, muffins, brownies, cookies and more. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

The so-called "mother of all grains" is so popular right now, a new BYO restaurant in Doylestown has taken on its name. At Quinoa (762 N. Easton Rd., 215-348-2826), about three-quarters of Peruvian side of the menu is gluten free, and many of the Mexican dishes are, or can be modified, to be gluten free. The proprietors also own El Tule in Lambertville (49 N. Main St., 609-773-0007), which shares the hybrid Peruvian/Mexican concept. Both restaurants maintain separate fryers for gluten-free tortilla chips. (Thanks to reader Krifka S. for the tip.)

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Going to California

CPK's gluten-free BBQ Chicken Pizza
I'm giving credit where credit is due: California Pizza Kitchen has atoned for its botched attempt at gluten-free pizza back in 2011. They licked their wounds, retrenched and now, two years later, not only is the chain preparing those pies so that they're safe for celiacs, the end result is one of the superior gluten-free pizzas I've eaten.

Friday, December 6, 2013

News & Notes: December 6, 2013

Cherry Hill's newest restaurant is The Farm & Fisherman Tavern + Market (1422 Rt. 70 E., 856-356-2282). Located in the former Andreotti's spot, this New American bistro is a spinoff of The Farm & Fisherman BYOB in Center City Philadelphia. The tavern's evolving farm-to-table menu (currently dinner only) lists items that are gluten free. Lunch service will begin next Tuesday, Dec. 10 and breakfast starts in January.

In nearby Haddonfield, the menu at Italian Da Soli (116 Kings Hwy., 856-429-2399) notes gluten-free items like grilled calamari, sauteed sweet sausage and baked salmon with fig and balsamic preserve. Gluten-free penne also is available. (Thanks to Jennifer M. for the tip via Facebook.)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Goodies Giveaway: "Gluten-Free Entertaining" Cookbook


With family meals beckoning on Christmas and New Year's Eve and Super Bowl parties in the planning stages, it's prime time for special occasions, though Olivia Dupin doesn't sweat it. The South Jersey resident loves to host her own intimate dinner parties. “I’ve worked as a private chef for nearly 10 years, so adapting recipes to a home kitchen comes naturally to me,” says the Culinary Institute of America-trained Dupin. Last month she released her second cookbook, Gluten-Free Entertaining: More than 100 Naturally Wheat-Free Recipes for Parties and Special Occasions, which showcases dishes enjoyed by her friends and family whether they're wheat eaters or not.