News & Notes: August 17, 2018

Perdue Farms is converting its Simply Smart prepared-chicken brand to an all-organic line this fall. The revamped products will include certified gluten-free chicken tenders and nuggets.

Trader Joe's new gluten-free mac & cheese combines Cheddar, Swiss, Havarti and Gouda cheeses with a house-made gluten-free béchamel sauce. The corkscrew-shaped rotini pasta is made with a blend of corn, rice, lentil and quinoa flours.

The Girl Scouts will have a new gluten-free cookie in time for next year's cookie season. Caramel Chocolate Chip will be sold in select regions and replace Trios, while another gluten-free cookie, Toffee-tastic, will return in other markets. The new cookie features rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.

New this summer from Truly Spiked & Sparkling is Truly Rosé, a rosy-hued spiked sparkling water Truly Rosé takes its cues from rosé wine – it’s delicately sweet, a tad tart and fruity with a hint of California Chardonnay grapes.

In Ocean City, OC Eatery (506 E. 9th St., 609-938-2803) can accommodate gluten-free guests with separate food preparation of many menu items. (Thanks to reader Michelle.)

Davio's Philadelphia location offers several frittatas on its
gluten-free Sunday brunch menu

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, which has area locations at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia (111 S. 17th St., 215-563-4810) and King of Prussia (200 Main St., 610-337-4810), is now serving a gluten-free brunch on Sundays. The hours and menus vary slightly between the city and suburban outposts.

Lovebird's new mac and cheese is gluten free
(PC: Lovebird/Facebook)

Lovebird in Doylestown (19 E. Oakland Ave., 267-406-4712), which recently made its fried-chicken menu entirely gluten free, is now offering gluten-free mac & cheese.

Sugar Factory's location at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City (1000 Boardwalk, 609-428-7751) has a gluten-free menu that includes salads, steak and seafood, chicken, pasta and fondue for dessert. We ate there a few weeks ago and had a good experience.

The Apple Walnut Cafe in Broomall (2924 West Chester Pike, 610-353-1384) has many gluten-free options for breakfast and lunch, including stuffed French toast, burgers, and club and grilled cheese sandwiches. The kitchen maintains a dedicated toaster for gluten-free bread and grilled items are prepared in separate cookware. The breads are made by Bellyrite Foods, which also supplies Shake Shack with gluten-free burger buns.

Reader Diane M. let me know that Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery in Rio Grande (600 S. Railroad Ave., 609-846-7347) serves gluten-free crackers at its wine tastings and tours.

The first CHOP Celiac support group meeting of the fall will take place on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the Voorhees Specialty Care Center (1012 Laurel Oak Rd.) from noon to 2 p.m. Dr. Kim Wesley, a psychologist at CHOP, will speak about coping with Celiac Disease at school. RSVP via email with the number of people attending and the child's age. Parents should bring a snack to share with the group.

The Rachel Way gluten-free food pantry at the Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike, 484-804-5393) is hosting a Junior Chef Cook-Off for children ages 8-16 on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be paired off with a local celebrity or chef to prepare meals and claim the title of Junior Chef Champion. The competitions will be judged by well- known industry restaurateurs and personalities. More details and registration information can be found on The Rachel Way's website.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael