News & Notes: May 27, 2016

(Photo Credit: Yoku/Facebook)

Tucked into the corner of Rittenhouse Square's Pure Fare is Yoku (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441), an all-gluten-free Asian build-a-bowl concept. Guests can either order a curated bowl or create their own, choosing from a variety of bases, proteins, toppings, garnishes and sauces. The take-out spot also offers a number of soups, including a rice dumpling version.

Mission BBQ just opened its first New Jersey location in Deptford (1901 Deptford Center Rd., 856-352-5158), joining area spots in Northeast Philadelphia (11000 Roosevelt Blvd., 267-538-0102) and Wyomissing (1775 Papermill Rd., 484-509-0019). An outlet is also coming to Whitehall (1421 Grape St., 484-408-0325) in July. Mission offers a gluten-free menu listing proteins, salads and sides.

2016 Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo Recap

If the crowd at the first annual Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo in Oaks, Pennsylvania on Saturday was any indication, there was tremendous pent-up interest in having a gluten-free vendor fair return to the Philadelphia area.

More than 55 companies, restaurants and bakeries sampled their products and handed out information at the event, where I was one of the presenters. The entrance to the expo led more than 2,200 attendees to the stands of presenting partner Wegmans as well as the always popular Tonya's Gluten Free Kitchen, where Tonya and her family pleased guests with her fantastic gluten-free soft pretzel nuggets.

News & Notes: May 13, 2016

While we were in southern Delaware last weekend for a youth baseball tournament, I discovered several new gluten-free finds in the area. Nalu Surf Bar in Dewey (1308 Coastal Hwy., 302-227-1449) has a gluten-free menu comprised of wraps, tacos and protein entrees, while across the street at Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson St., 302-227-3888), many seafood items on the buffet are gluten free, as are several a la carte options listed on the menu.

In Lewes, Striper Bites (107 Savannah Rd., 302-645-4657) notes gluten-free items on its menus, but be aware that the buffalo wings are prepared in a shared fryer.

At Crabby Dick's in Rehoboth Beach (18831 Coastal Hwy., 302-645-9132) and Delaware City (30 Clinton St., 302-832-5100), the restaurants keep a gluten-free guide on hand. Acceptable options include steampots, seafood and salads.

Elsewhere in Rehoboth, The Fresh Market is opening on June 8 in the Rehoboth Gateway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway.

Grotto Pizza recently opened another Delaware location, this one in Middletown (315 Auto Park Dr., 302-314-9500). All outlets offer gluten-free pizza.

First Draft: Burning Brothers Brewing

By Chris Betz

The founders of Minnesota-based Burning Brothers Brewing, Dane Breimhorst and Thom Fos, have set out to brew great beer that just happens to be gluten free. After the two friends set out to start a brewery, Dane was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Instead of giving up their dream, they decided to create a dedicated brewery where they could create gluten-free beer to share with the world.

Pyro, an American Pale Ale (4.6% ABV), comes in a 16-ounce can strikingly labeled with a bold "ΠΡ," the Greek letters phonetically spelling out the name of the beer. A pint-glass pour reveals a golden color with a foamy white head and a pleasant semi-sweet hop aroma. It tastes slightly bitter, with an agreeable citrusy flavor reminiscent of lemon or orange peel. Light to moderate in mouth feel, Pyro is a delicious, crisp APA that masks the sorghum well. This versatile beer can be enjoyed with a variety of foods but works especially well with grilled meats and smoky cheese.

I opted to use a tulip glass to try Burning Brothers' Roasted Coffee Ale (7.7% ABV), a strong, dark ale blended with cold-brewed coffee. Cracking open the can ignites the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans along with a light sweetness. Unsurprisingly, this reddish-brown ale has toasty coffee flavors that finish dry, hiding the sorghum flavor. This unique variety is an excellent beer that pushes the boundaries of gluten-free brewing - a real pleasure to drink! Pair this one with your favorite gluten free dessert, perhaps one with dark fruits.

I appreciate that the brewers minimize the "gluten free" designation on their cans, as that tells me that they want to be compared alongside their traditional peers. I'm extremely impressed with Burning Brothers and can't wait to try more offerings from them.

Currently, Burning Brothers beers can be found in Minnesota (including at the taproom in St. Paul), Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, but the brewers are working on expanding distribution and Pennsylvania is one of the target markets.

Goodies Giveaway: Gluten-Free Gift Basket From DayClear

Hidden gluten in medications is a ongoing concern for people on a gluten-free diet. While Congress again considers a proposed Gluten in Medication Identification Act, those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance must continue to be vigilant when taking medicines.

Odes Mitchell took matters into his own hands. After his son was diagnosed with celiac disease and he struggled to find safe medicines, Mitchell created DayClear, a line of over-the-counter medications that are not only gluten free, but also free of sugar, dye, alcohol and acetaminophen. There are four varieties: DayClear Allergy Relief, DayClear Sinus Pain & Pressure, DayClear Cough Cold & Flu, and NiteClear Cold and Flu Relief.

The medications are sold locally at ShopRite, Giant and Stop & Shop markets throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware as well as in 17 other states and the District of Columbia. (Use the store finder for a location near you.) Go to DayClear's website for a printable $2-off coupon. The line is also sold nationwide via Amazon.com.

DayClear is among the sponsors of this year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Philadelphia this Sunday, so if you're participating in the event, be sure to stop by the DayClear booth to check out the product line and snap a photo.

DayClear is giving away a gluten-free gift basket (included items are shown above) to one lucky blog reader. To enter, follow the instructions below. Entries are being accepted through 11:59 P.M. Eastern on Monday, May 9. The winner will need to respond to a notification email within 24 hours and provide a U.S. mailing address. Good luck!

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