Friday, September 30, 2016

News & Notes: September 30, 2016

Revolutions, a rock-and-bowl complex just opened in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia (1009 Canal St., 267-348-0544) offers gluten-free items at its Burger & Beer Joint eatery, as noted on the menu. Options include the Pig in a Bucket appetizer, two salads, and burgers and sandwiches on gluten-free buns. A sister location in Bethlehem (3717 Route 378, 484-935-3001) has a different menu but also has gluten-free choices.

Also in Bethlehem, the dinner menu at Emeril's Chop House at the Sands (77 Sands Blvd., 877-726-3777) lists items that can be prepared gluten free.

In nearby Allentown, the fast-casual Wok Box (818 W. Hamilton St., 484-350-3160) maintains a list of gluten-free ingredients for rice and noodle bowls. Request that gluten-free orders be prepared with separate utensils and cookware. (Thanks Melissa D.)

LaScala's Pronto in Mt. Laurel (4040 Dearborn Circle, 856-234-5400) serves gluten-free pizza prepared with separate ingredients and bakeware.

Irish pub Rí Rá, located at The Quarter at the Tropicana in Atlantic City (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-348-8600) notes gluten-free options on its menu.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Expo East 2016 Recap

What do functional water, cold-brewed coffee and sauerkraut have in common? Those products were among those trending at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore last week. The show features new and emerging gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

This year's show was larger than ever, with more than 1,450 exhibiting brands and more than 450 first-time vendors. In no particular order, here's my list of the top five gluten-free products I tried at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores), along with information about some other noteworthy items:

New Pop: The Original version of this skinless popcorn, one of three flavors from a New York-based upstart, reminds me of a less cloyingly sweet Sugar Smacks cereal made with corn instead of wheat. The skin on the corn kernels are peeled before being pressure popped, so there's nothing to get stuck between your teeth. A cup serving size is just 32 calories, but you'll want more - it's addicting. Each serving has 4 grams of fiber, zero grams of fat and just 3 grams of sugar. New Pop can be found at a few area markets, but mostly in the New York City area. The company also takes orders online.


Tucson Tamale: This Arizona mini-chain of restaurants has begun to expand distribution of its delicious gluten-free tamales east of the Mississippi River, though they can also be ordered online. They are super easy to make and taste great. There are several vegetarian and vegan varieties, and well as dessert and breakfast versions.

Smashmallow: The creator of Krave jerky is behind this new line of premium snackable marshmallows. The treats are made with organic sugar and all natural ingredients, and range from 70-90 calories per serving. Smashmallow bites come in seven flavors, including Cinnamon Churro, Strawberries & Cream, Espresso Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Meyer Lemon Chia Seed and Root Beer Float.


The Curious Creamery: Coming this week via Amazon is The Curious Creamery's new make-your-own ice cream - no machine is needed. The gluten-free, neutral base can be used to customize your flavor. All that's needed is a hand mixer or stand mixer, freezer, and liquid (tea, juice or milk) or fruit puree or yogurt of your choice. The prep takes less than five minutes, followed by freezing time. I sampled a yummy pumpkin flavor that's perfect for fall.


Pasta Oggi: This Montreal-based start-up got a mention in this space last year for its gluten-free ravioli, but this year its certified gluten-free pizza took center stage. The hand-tossed, stone-baked frozen pizzas have a crisp, tasty crust. Alas, these are only available in Quebec at the moment but the company is seeking U.S. distribution.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Beyond Celiac's Matching Donation Drive and Samuel Gee Society Reception on October 13


Beyond Celiac, the national celiac advocacy organization based right here in the Philadelphia area, has received an anonymous $20,000 matching grant to complete by the end of October. Contributions from new donors will be matched 2-to-1 and donations from existing donors will be doubled. Consider helping the group obtain the full value of the matching pledge by contributing today through this link.

If you're in the Philadelphia area, consider joining Beyond Celiac on Thursday, October 13 at its 3rd Annual Samuel Gee Society Reception. This year, it's a kid-friendly event that will take place at a lovely private home in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. Guests will gather for an evening of delightful gluten-free fare, cocktails, music and "ask the dietitian" as the group recognizes six young contributors who are actively working to make their world with celiac disease more livable. Christina Pirello from public television's Christina Cooks! fame will be doing a kid-friendly healthy-cooking demonstration. The main event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a VIP pre-event reception beginning at  6 p.m.

Tickets are available online or by contacting Nancy Ginter of Beyond Celiac at 267-419-2101.

Friday, September 9, 2016

News & Notes: September 9, 2016


Kettle Brand Potato Chips' two new gluten-free flavors tap into the popularity of trendy bar menus. Moscow Mule features a zesty lime juice and ginger punch, while Korean Barbeque has smoky and roasty-sweet hoisin and garlic notes.

Paladar's 21-Day Dry Aged Skirt Steak Churrasco
Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar opens its first area location at the new King of Prussia Town Center (250 Main St., 484-965-9779) on September 30. The Spanish-influenced mini-chain offers a gluten-free menu. In the same complex, b.good, which offers gluten-free burgers, fries and shakes, opened last month (150 Main St., Suite 160, 484-322-2110).

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Goodies Giveaway: Tate's Bake Shop Gluten-Free Sampler Basket


I've been a big fan of Tate's Bake Shop's gluten-free chocolate chip cookies since discovering them a few years ago; they're thin and crunchy with large chocolate morsels studded throughout each and every one. I can say - without hyperbole - that they are the best packaged gluten-free chocolate chip cookies on the market.

Tate’s produces its gluten-free baked goods in a dedicated gluten free facility. The cookies are made using rice flour and the brownies and blondies are made with almond flour. Additionally, products are tested both internally and by an outside accredited laboratory. The gluten-free products test at 5 ppm (gluten) or lower. Tate's is also recognized by the Celiac Support Association.

To celebrate the arrival of fall, Tate's Bake Shop is offering readers free shipping site-wide at Tate'sBakeShop.com with promo code GFPHILLY. The offer is valid through October 31. (You can also find Tate's on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.)

What's more, Tate's is offering one lucky blog reader a Gluten-Free Sampler Basket ($50 value) that includes:

  • Two 8 oz. bag gluten-free chocolate chip cookies (approx. 14 cookies per bag)
  • One 8 oz. bag gluten-free double chocolate chip cookies (approx. 14 cookies per bag)
  • One 8 oz. bag gluten-free ginger zinger cookies (approx. 14 cookies per bag)
  • One 4 oz. gluten-free blondie
  • One 4 oz. gluten-free brownie
  • One Harney & Sons tea tin (30 sachets per tin)
  • Natural wood tray
To enter up to four different ways, follow the instructions below. Entries are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, September 11. The winner will need to respond to a notification email and provide a U.S. mailing address within 24 hours of the end of the giveaway. Good luck!

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DISCLOSURE: Neither I am nor any immediate family member is an employee, officer, director or agent of Tate's Bake Shop or its respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, advertising and promotional agencies. This post contains affiliate links. Click here for my complete Disclosure