News & Notes: June 7, 2019

(PC: OwowCow)

The lousy spring weather has finally broken, hopefully for good. The beginning of summer calls for what else - ice cream! The award-winning OwowCow Creamery, which has Pennsylvania locations in Chalfont (101 N. Main St., 215-716-7703), Easton (1262 Simon Blvd., Unit B106, 610-438-5269), Ottsville (4105 Durham Rd., 610-847-7070) and Wrightstown (591 Durham Rd., 215-598-3248) as well as a New Jersey outpost in Lambertville (237 N. Union St., 609-397-2234), will scoop gluten-free flavors from the freezer and also offers gluten-free cones.

Speaking of dessert, there's a new gluten-free bakery in Philly's Fairmount section. Dessertcrazy (1925 Fairmount Ave., 267-764-1411) is keto friendly, using alternative sweeteners for its baked goods.

The all-gluten-free Bleu Bear Bakery, from the owners of Haddonfield Donut Company, opens tomorrow in Haddonfield (109 Kings Hwy. E., 856-429-3703).

Move over, escape rooms: axe throwing is the newest group bonding experience. Kick Axe Throwing in Old City (833-745-9293) has several gluten-free options like baked chicken nuggets, salads and sandwiches on gluten-free bread to nosh on as you channel your inner Paul Bunyan.

South Jersey isn't left out this week: Sprouts Farmers Market just opened its first Garden State store in Marlton (237 Rt. 73 S., 856-355-8228), while the all-gluten-free Heartbeet Kitchen is readying another area location, this one in Maple Shade (2442 Rt. 38 W.). The latter is scheduled to open this summer.

The newest Alumni Grill location in Glassboro (222 Rowan Blvd., 856-243-5519) has a gluten-free fryer for french fries and also offers salads, burgers and sandwiches.

In Medford, Cielito Lindo (185 Rt. 70, 609-257-3459) has a dedicated fryer for chips and can make many dishes gluten free.

There are some new gluten-free options at the Jersey Shore this year. Jack's Shack in Stone Harbor (261 96th St., 609-368-4565) has a dedicated fryer for gluten-free chicken tenders and fries as well as corn tacos and Udi's sandwich rolls. (Thanks to reader Meghan R.)

The Younger Brother in Cape May (314 Beach Ave., 609-898-2009) notes gluten-free selections on its dinner menu. Yes, you're reading that right: gluten-free mac & cheese poppers prepared in a dedicated fryer, crab cakes and more. Sister restaurant Shamone Bites + Wine (421 Washington St. Mall, 609-884-6088) can also accommodate gluten-free diners with advance notice.

Woodie's Drive-In in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island has gluten-free burger buns. (Thanks Scott H.)

In Margate, Tomatoe's (9300 Amherst Ave., 609-822-7535) lists gluten-free options on its menu.

The dining room menu at Marie's Seafood in Sea Isle City (4304 Park Rd., 609-263-8812) notes gluten-free fare, but be aware that the hoisin sriracha sauce served with the shrimp rolls is no longer gluten free.

Guy's Sammich Joint, Guy Fieri's casual cafe at Harrah's in Atlantic City (777 Harrah's Blvd., 609-441-5000), has gluten-free buns.

Brazi Bites' Cinnamon Churro Brazilian Cheese Bread is now at select Target stores, with availability soon at Whole Foods, Safeway, Albertsons and other markets. A twist on the popular Latin American treat, the new Cinnamon Churro recipe was crafted in collaboration with well-known gluten-free pastry chef, and four-time Food Network Cupcake Wars Champion, Kyra Bussanich. Target will soon have the company's new Empanadas, which come in four flavors: Black Bean & Cheddar, Chickpea Veggie, Chicken & Cheese and Beef & Bean.

Target is also where you can find Feel Good Foods' new snack bites, made with cauliflower crust. They come in three varieties: Three Cheese Pomodoro, Chicken Sausage and Uncured Pepperoni.

So new it's not even on the website, General Mills just debuted another gluten-free Chex variety, Peanut Butter.

Kellogg's Kashi brand has introduced two new gluten-free waffles: Berry Bliss and Golden Goodness. Both are made with quinoa and other superfoods.

Katz Gluten Free's new mini muffin snacks are great for lunchboxes and on the go. Use promo code SNACK for 20% off and purchase through this affiliate link to support Gluten Free Philly. Thank you!

The Gluten Free Philly app is new and improved: Version 2.0, if you will! It's faster and packed with more than 1,700 listings in the tri-state area. Download it from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is hosting a Celiac support group meeting on Sunday, June 30 at its King of Prussia Specialty Care Center (550 S. Goddard Blvd.). The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. and children and their families are welcome. The theme is summertime fun (vacations, travel, camps, etc.). The kids will have a summer-themed craft to do together. RSVP via email by June 23 with the number of kids and adults attending. Please bring a gluten-free snack to share.

You can register for Sunday's Step Beyond Celiac 5K walk/run at the Philadelphia Zoo beginning at 7 a.m. The event begins at 8 a.m. Hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend!

- Michael