2024 Step Beyond Celiac 5K Set for Sept. 21

The Step Beyond Celiac 5K walk/run is an incredible opportunity to support Beyond Celiac and raise awareness for celiac disease. By registering and fundraising for this event, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those living with celiac disease. The funds raised through this event will be used to support Beyond Celiac research efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with celiac disease.

This year's Philadelphia-area event will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The registration fee is $30. Registration is now live.

Suds and Sounds in Atlantic City June 4-5

The 2022 Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival returns to Bader Field (545 N. Albany Ave.) for two days of music and beers (and hard ciders, meads and more).

The Festival will feature Alkaline Trio with special guest Thrice for Session 1 on Saturday, June 4 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.). At Session 2 on Sunday, June 5 (noon to 4 p.m.), New Found Glory makes their long-awaited return to the Jersey Shore with guests Four Years Strong. The festival also plays host to an acoustic stage that features eight local artists, unplugged and acoustic.

Jersey City's Departed Soles Brewing Company will have at least one of its gluten-free beers at the Festival. (If Sunken Silo Brew Works in Hunterdon County confirms that it will have gluten-free Crazy X American Pale Ale there, I'll update this post.)

Confirmed cideries and meaderies include Armageddon Brewing (New Jersey), Austin Eastciders (Texas), Blake's Hard Cider Co. (Michigan), Original Sin (New York), Moonlight Meadery (New Hampshire) and Romilly Cidre (France). California's Flying Embers will have hard kombucha.

If beer and music aren't enough, the festival will also feature cuisine from Atlantic County restaurants, area food trucks, culinary demonstrations, educational seminars, sideshow acts and other activities. There will be two all-gluten-free food trucks at the Festival: Philly's own Fox & Son and Wholly Bowls.

In addition, the 2022 festivities will host a carnival-like atmosphere. Attendees are invited to enjoy hot wing eating contests, larger-than-life games, Silent Disco, hatchet throwing and keg tossing. In addition, non-brewery vendors will offer unique beer-related apparel and goods.

The 2022 Hops Trot 5K will take place Sunday, June 5 at 10 a.m., starting at Ocean Casino Resort. This fun run will send racers down the boardwalk to some of Atlantic City's favorite watering holes, ending at Bader Field just in time for Session 2. Costumes are encouraged!

General Admission tickets are $70 in advance (plus taxes and fees) and can be purchased online. The festival also offers VIP tickets, group tickets and a Designated Driver ticket for $25 at the door to further encourage attendee responsibility. Although Designated Driver tickets are unlimited, keep in mind that the festival has sold out for the last nine years, so don't wait to get tickets.

The event is rain or shine, and parking is available on site at Bader Field for a fee.

All attendees are urged to taste responsibly. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted into the festival. Valid photo identification must be presented.

CHOP Celiac Education Day Slated for March 6

Each year, the Celiac Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides children with celiac disease and their caregivers with a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary educational program. While the event will be virtual again this year, it will contain high-quality presentations and networking opportunities for families near and far.

The 17th Annual Celiac Education Day is open to families who want to:

• Hear evidence-based lectures about celiac disease, current research and potential new treatments from respected experts in the field
• Learn how celiac disease presents across the lifespan – from early childhood through adolescence and early adulthood
• Understand more about naturally gluten free, anti-inflammatory foods
• Learn how to safely eat gluten free in school, at restaurants and when traveling
• Obtain the most up-to-date information on celiac disease and COVID-19
• Hear from other kids with celiac disease about their real life experiences

After you register through Eventbrite, a link to join this event will be sent to your email. Please do not share the link with others. The deadline to register for this event is March 6, 2022. For questions, contact CHOP via email.

Step Beyond Celiac 5K Set For Sept. 26

Beyond Celiac's Step Beyond Celiac 5K will be off and running at FDR Park in Philadelphia on September 26, 2021. The live walk/run starts at 8 a.m. and there is a virtual option available.

All participants receive a Step Beyond Celiac 5K shirt if they register before the t-shirt deadline. The race fee is $35 and registration ends September 24, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Register here and select Team Gluten Free Philly.

Beyond Celiac is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic along with CDC and local health department guidelines. COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged; masks are required of all participants based on current City of Philadelphia mandates. Participants exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked not to participate in this Step Beyond Celiac 5K. If it is determined that the event cannot take place in person, the 5K will become a 100 percent virtual event.

CHOP Virtual Celiac Education Day Slated for March 7

Each year, the Celiac Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides children with celiac disease and their caregivers with a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary educational program. While the 2021 event will look a little different — it’s all virtual — it will contain the same, high-quality presentations for families.

The 16th Annual Celiac Education Day is open to CHOP families from near and far who want to:

• Hear evidence-based lectures about celiac disease research and advances from respected experts in the field

• Learn about how celiac disease presents in childhood and adolescence

• Understand the importance of adhering to a gluten-free diet – and where to access support and resources if needed

• Learn how to safely eat gluten free in school and restaurants

Event Details

Sunday, March 7, 2021*

8:30 a.m. – Noon

To register or learn more details about this event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celiac-education-day-2021-registration-123510700831.

After you register, a link will be sent to your email the week before the event. Please do not share the link with others.

* The deadline to register for this event is March 4, 2021.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Celiac Center at 215-590-3076 or email celiaccenter@email.chop.edu.

Join Gluten Free Philly at the Pa. Virtual Gluten Free Expo November 7

The PA Virtual Gluten Free Expo will take place next Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be accessed by going to www.glutenfreeexpopa.com.  This free, live online event will fill the void left by the cancellation of this year’s Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo in Oaks and the Central PA Gluten Free Expo in Camp Hill.  

The expo will allow for video chat with local and national gluten-free exhibitors, eight live-streamed educational presentations, and various giveaways.  Over 40 virtual exhibitor booths will be online for the event, such as Philadelphia-based Flakely, where Chef Lila Colello creates gluten-free French pastry, including brioche and croissants.  

Speakers will include Lisa Fahey, M.D., Clinical Director of the Celiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and yours truly.

In 2019, over 3,800 consumers attended the two in-person gluten-free events. Those interested in attending the expo can pre-register at https://glutenfreeexpo.live/Pre-register and enter to win gluten-free prizes. If you don't register in advance, you can simply go to the event homepage on the day of the event.

Businesses interested in exhibiting can email info@connectingglutenfree.com for details.

Follow the event through social media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/@PhillyGFExpo                 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhillyGlutenFreeExpo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/@PhillyGlutenFreeExpo

***

Presentation Schedule on November 7, 2020:                                                

11:00 a.m.  “Three Steps to Gluten Free Living” with Melinda Arcara, author and publisher of glutenfreebebe.com

11:00 a.m.  “Gluten-Free Dining and Product Q&A” with Michael Savett, publisher, glutenfreephilly.com

Noon  “Gluten Free College 101” with Andrea Balzano Tucker, celiac advocate and podcaster, BaltimoreGlutenFree.com

Noon “Celiac session” with Beyond Celiac

1:00 p.m.  “Associated Conditions of Celiac Disease” with Lisa Fahey, M.D., Clinical Director of the Celiac Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

1:00 p.m.  “Navigating Social Settings and Eating Out When Gluten-Free” with Safiya Carter, allergy-sensitive/gluten-free food inventor, chef, consultant

2:00 p.m.  “Gluten-Free Road Trips” with Elikqite, publisher of the Travel Gluten-Free podcast

2:00 p.m.  “Cooking Techniques For Those New to a Gluten-Free Diet” with Melinda Arcara, author and publisher of glutenfreebebe.com

Current Exhibitor Lineup:

Presenting Sponsor: Wegmans

Platinum Sponsor: Aleia’s Gluten-Free

7 Muffins A Day

Arbonne 

Aurochs Brewing Company

B.C. Brewery

Batimore Gluten Free

Beautycounter

Ben and Jerry's

Chebe Bread Products

Chomps

Dessert Crazy

Don't Go Nuts

Eban's Bakehouse

EpiLynx LLC

Every Body Eat®

Flakely, LLC

Flax4Life

Freely Vegan

Full Flavor Foods

Gem City Fine Foods

Giant

Hodo Foods

Home Free Treats

Kay's Naturals

Mikey's

Mom's Place Gluten Free

Nomato by Norine

PASTA LIFE – Gluten-Free Pasta Straws

Red Plate

Savor Street

The Soulful Project

Undercover Snacks

Village Eatinghouse

Weis Markets

* This is a sponsored post *

Virtual Gluten Free Expo Slated For Nov. 7

With COVID-19 preventing large-scale gatherings, the Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo is converting to a virtual event next month. This free virtual expo, scheduled for November 7, will connect guests with gluten-free companies, and feature expert classes and great giveaways. Pre-register here and get updates on the event.

VIP tickets are available for purchase and include a special VIP-only online event on November 5, a goodie box with samples and coupons sent to ticket holders and first dibs on 2021 VIP tickets.

An Evening Beyond Celiac Set for October 23

Beyond Celiac, the nation’s leading celiac disease organization known for its tireless work in patient advocacy and as the driving catalyst for a cure, is making another big move to empower and serve its community. On Oct. 23 at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT, the organization is hosting An Evening Beyond Celiac, the largest virtual event of its kind this year, to celebrate the ongoing acceleration of work to find a cure for celiac disease by 2030.

With anticipated participation from community members in every state in the country, the exciting evening will spotlight the Beyond Celiac scientific roadmap and the multidisciplinary, partnership-based approach that will bring results. Mixed into the evening’s agenda are musical performances and ask-the-expert segments.

“A cure for celiac disease is within our reach, so Beyond Celiac is hosting the biggest evening our community has ever seen to celebrate what life will be like once we can finally eat without fear,” said Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast. “With the strides we are making in research and the unrivaled focus and innovation of our science team, this night will be an entertainment-filled salute to the power of working together to accelerate a cure.”

Highlights planned for An Evening Beyond Celiac with emcee Diana Rocco, reporter for New York’s ABC7 (formerly of CBS3 in Philadelphia), include:

• A discussion with Beyond Celiac Chief Scientist & Strategy Officer Salvo Alesci, MD, PhD; Chief Scientific Investment Officer Ken Kilgore, PhD, MBA; and Board Chair Alan Ehrlich, MD, and moderated by Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast
• Ask-the-Expert segments with New York Times best-selling author Mark Hyman, MD and pediatric gastroenterologist Ritu Verma, MD, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
• Exclusive musical performances by Marian Hill, the band behind the hit song “Down”
• Additional musical performances by Beyond Celiac ambassador and operatic tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz and Philadelphia duo The Younger Brothers Band
• A gluten-free cooking demo with comedian Anna Vocino
• A few surprises and notable guests!

Through Sept. 10, any donation to the organization’s SepTENber campaign includes access to the virtual event. Starting Sept. 11, individual access requires a minimum contribution of $50. Sponsorship packages from $125 – $25,000 are also available and include delivery of gourmet gluten-free meals to enjoy during the celebration, as well as other gifts and recognition of support. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.beyondceliac.org/evening.

Beyond Celiac 5K Series is Now Virtual

Beyond Celiac is taking its entire 2020 Step Beyond Celiac 5K series to the virtual streets with a multi-city tour for individuals and teams across the country to support celiac disease research efforts. Five event dates are planned between August and October. Join them for one or many with one-, three- and five-city tour options.

The Step Beyond Celiac 5K is a family-friendly event and fundraiser for Beyond Celiac. All participants are encouraged to raise funds by running or walking 3.1 miles either in the event cities or right where you are in support of research efforts for treatments and a cure.

Lace-up your running shoes, train, raise money, and run (or walk) a 5K (3.1 miles) to improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by celiac disease.

All participants receive a Step Beyond Celiac 5K shirt if they register before the t-shirt deadline.

The Philadelphia run will be between September 26 and October 3. Please join Team Gluten Free Philly at registration. Registration is $30 per person for one run, $75 for three cities and $120 for all five.

City Tour runs:

Boston –  August 9 – 16

Kansas City – September  13  – 20

Philadelphia – September  26 – October 3

Dallas – October 10 – 18

Denver – October 18 – 25

Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo Returns on May 16

The 5th annual Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo on Saturday, May 16 is the premier area event for those with celiac disease or living a gluten-free lifestyle. There will be 80+ local and national vendor booths, as well as seminars, door prizes, samples galore, products for purchase and more. Spend a day in a gluten-free paradise as you learn, sample and experience new brands. Try and buy unique and artisan products and stock up on gluten-free goodies you can’t easily find.

The expo will again be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. - Hall C) in Oaks, Pennsylvania with free parking available. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, March 12, at noon Eastern.

TICKET OPTIONS:

VIP 9:45 a.m. EARLY ENTRY (limited availability)
$28.50 + fees (All kids 6 and over must purchase a ticket; 5 and under are free)
This ticket includes early 9:45 a.m. entry into vendor area, guaranteed goodie bag, and VIP area with exclusive VIP gluten-free samples and treats. VIP registration and VIP area with goodies opens at 8:45 a.m.

10:15 a.m. EARLY ENTRY (limited availability)
$18.50 + fees (Kids 12 and under are free)
This ticket includes early 10:15 a.m. entry into vendor area (45 minutes before general admission) and guaranteed goodie bag.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. GENERAL ADMISSION
$10.00 + fees (Kids 12 and under are free)

Buy tickets online, or purchase by phone at 717-248-6741 M-F 8 a.m - 5 p.m.

General-admission tickets may also be purchased in person at The Happy Mixer in Bucks County beginning March 12 (VIP and Early Entry are online or phone only). VIP and Early Entry tickets sell out very quickly so the best chance to purchase them is to order online as soon as they go on-sale March 12.

Gluten-Free Education Evening at The Pop Shop Collingswood Set for March 31

Learn more about living gluten free deliciously at The Pop Shop's Collingswood, New Jersey location (729 Haddon Ave., 856-869-0111) on Tuesday, March 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include a gluten-free buffet dinner, dessert by Bleu Bear Bakery, samples, coupons and more.

Yours truly will share tips for traveling and dining gluten free. Ravitz’s Family Market’s dietician, Ashley Cully, will offer advice and options for gluten-free shopping and cooking at home. All guests are encouraged to bring their favorite gluten-free recipes for a recipe swap.

This evening is excellent for people or caregivers with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and those who live with someone following a gluten-free diet.

Tickets are $26.95 per person and include tax and gratuity. Purchase them online at this link.

Step Beyond Celiac 5K Returns to Philly May 31

Lace up your running shoes, train, raise money and run (or walk) a 5K for research, education and early diagnosis of celiac disease to improve the quality of life for affected children and adults.

This year, the Philadelphia version of Beyond Celiac's Step Beyond Celiac 5K is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at FDR Park beginning at 8 a.m. The event will raise funds to support research efforts and help the organization develop a global patient registry of people diagnosed with celiac disease who want to participate in research studies, including clinical trials.

All participants registered before May 1 receive a Step Beyond Celiac 5K shirt and post-race gluten-free goodie bag with treats and coupons from your favorites and some new-to-you gluten free organizations.

Early-bird registration (by March 31) is $30 and children 5 and under are free; use code 2FOR2020 and save $2.. Help me meet my fundraising goal by joining Team Gluten Free Philly at registration.

News & Notes: February 21, 2020

This month brings word of two new gluten-free breakfast cereals, for kids and kids at heart. Nature's Path has added to its Envirokidz line with Turtle Splash, a strawberry and chocolate flavored cereal. Post has a new variety of its famed Pebbles cereal that magically turns milk blue.

Woodchuck Hard Cider is releasing two new hard cider styles: Sippin’ Citrus and Mimosa. Sippin’ Citrus is a grapefruit hopped cider that pairs the juice of the common eating apple with grapefruit and cascade hops, while Mimosa features orange juice. Both styles are 5.5% ABV.

Sedona Taphouse has a wide selection of gluten-free food and drink

In Phoenixville, Sedona Taphouse (131 Bridge St. #5, 484-302-5714) has an extensive list of gluten-free menu items, from burgers to flatbreads, from crab cakes to chocolate cake. The kitchen's fryer is only used for gluten-free items like fries and the flatbreads are baked in a separate oven. There's also a dedicated pot for gluten-free penne. The bar has many gluten-free adult beverages, including Glutenberg beer and hard ciders. A second area location is coming to West Chester later this year at the 44 West Plaza development. The chain also has outposts in northern New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The all-gluten-free Bleu Bear Market in Marlton (27 N. Maple Ave., 856-810-3456) will open its doors on Saturday, February 29 at 7 a.m. In addition to a full line of fresh baked goods, the market will offer made-to-order sandwiches, salad bar and much more. Meanwhile, Bleu Bear Bakery, the gluten-free bake shop in Haddonfield, has relocated from its original location on Kings Highway around the corner (14 Tanner St., 856-354-0006) to utilize the larger kitchen space there.

Speaking of expanding in South Jersey, Grubr Gluten-Free Kitchen in Medford, which sells prepared foods for pick-up and delivery, is opening a full-service cafe next door at 15 Jackson Rd. Grubr Sit & Eat is slated for an April opening.

Bhan Thai just opened a second South Jersey location in Marlton (1041 Rt. 73 S., 856-422-8424). The menu, which replicates the one at the original Mt. Laurel spot, notes many gluten-free options.

About half of the menu options at the recently opened Oori, a Korean fried chicken and ramen shop in Pottstown (2228 Pottstown Pike, 484-985-8071), are or can be made gluten free. All of the dry wings are gluten free, as are two of the wet varieties: sweet chili and white miso honey mustard. The wings are prepared with a rice flour/corn starch batter. Rice noodles can be substituted in several ramen dishes. Thanks to @glutenfreebebe for the tip.

Also in Pottstown, The Blue Elephant (152 E. High St., 484-949-9084) notes gluten-free choices on its Asian fusion menu. Be sure to request gluten-free modifications and preparation.

The Farmer & The Chickpea recently opened in Quakertown (1321 W. Broad St., 267-227-3895). The cafeteria-style restaurant lists gluten-free options on its menu, which rotates weekly.

Reader Corinna V. let me know that the oldest continuously operating inn in America, King George II Inn in Bristol (102 Radcliffe St., 215-788-5536), has gluten-free lobster bisque and crab cakes, among other items listed on the menu.

Peter McAndrews has reopened Modo Mio in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia (705 5th St., 267-239-2712) as well as Paesano's Philly Style, now in Fishtown (1429 Marlborough St.). Modo Mio has gluten-free pasta, while Paesano's will soon have gluten-free bread for sandwiches.

In Rittenhouse Square, Scarpetta (210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 215-558-4199) has an extensive gluten-free menu that includes pasta.

The adults-only Barcade in Fishtown (114 Frankford Ave., 215-634-4400) has gluten-free tacos, a house salad, deviled eggs, a pickle plate and several snacks on its current menu. A future location is coming to Center City at 1210 Chestnut St.

The Fairview, which recently opened in Fairmount (601 N. 21st St., 215-235-3500), has a dedicated fryer for fries and tater tots along with other noted menu options. Gluten-free hard cider and seltzer are available from the bar.

At the DECO Food Hall in Wilmington (111 W. 10th St., 302-300-4955), four of the pho varieties at Phubs are gluten free, as are the steak, chicken and shrimp rice and salad bowls.

Sweet Victory Bakery makes gluten-free bundt cakes, cupcakes,
cookies, pies and special-order cakes

Sweet Victory Bakery is a gluten- and dairy-free bakery based in Dublin, Pennsylvania. Owner Veronica hosts pop-up sales twice a month at 105 N. Main St. (Follow the bakery on Facebook for upcoming dates.) Her baked goods are also sold at area markets such as Kimberton Whole Foods, Altomonte's and other locations in Bucks County and Chester County.

Healthy Meals by Anna rotates its gluten-free options
twice a month

Chef Anna started Healthy Meals by Anna about a year ago, preparing gluten-free meals for delivery in the Philadelphia area and pick-up. Her menu changes bi-weekly and she also offers catering services. Orders can be placed on an a la carte or subscription basis.

Philadelphia Mead Well is the city's first modern-day meadery. Mead, known as honey wine, is gluten free. The meadery's tasting room, located in the Harrowgate section of North Philadelphia (3525 I St. - Unit 201, 267-454-5956), is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Upcoming area events include a gluten-free education dinner at The Pop Shop in Medford (1 S. Main St., 609-975-6888) on Thursday, February 27. The event includes a gluten-free buffet dinner, dessert by Bleu Bear Bakery, samples and coupons. Yours truly will share great information for traveling and dining gluten free. Ravitz Family Market’s dietitian, Ashley Cully, will offer advice and tips for gluten free shopping and cooking at home. All guests are encouraged to bring their favorite gluten-free recipes for a recipe swap. Tickets are $26.95 and include tax and gratuity (available here). Advance ticket purchase required.

CHOP will host its annual gluten-free education day on Sunday, March 1. Details and registration information are available here.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,800 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

CHOP Celiac Education Day Set for March 1

Each year, the Center for Celiac Disease at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides children with Celiac Disease and their caregivers a one-day, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary education program. The annual education day centers around the mission of the Celiac team at CHOP to promote community awareness by providing families with evidence-based lectures provided by respected experts within the field. This year, the event will be held on Sunday, March 1 at a new location - the Leonard & Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center (3615 Civic Center Blvd.).

Both the clinical implications of Celiac Disease and the importance of adhering to a gluten-free diet, as well as future therapeutic treatments, will be discussed. Children in attendance are provided the opportunity to attend interactive age-specific lectures and to learn through play with CHOP's child-life specialists.

Registration for this event is free, but is limited to the child with Celiac Disease and one caregiver per family. RSVP online by February 27. On the day of the event, registration/breakfast begins at 8:15 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m. CHOP will offer complimentary gluten-free meals for lunch, and attendees can sample gluten-free products from several vendors.

Complimentary parking is available in the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care parking garage (3500 Civic Center Blvd.). Bring your parking ticket to the registration desk for validation.

If you can't make it in person, the event will be live-streamed but registration is still required.

For more information or if you have any questions, contact the Celiac Center at 215-590-3076 or email Melinda Nichols.

Gluten Free Education Evening at The Pop Shop Medford

Learn more about living gluten free deliciously at The Pop Shop's Medford, New Jersey location (1 S. Main St., 609-975-6888) on Thursday, February 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will include a gluten-free buffet dinner, dessert by Bleu Bear Bakery, samples, coupons and more.

Yours truly will share tips for traveling and dining gluten free. Ravitz’s Family Market’s dietician, Ashley Cully, will offer advice and options for gluten-free shopping and cooking at home. All guests are encouraged to bring their favorite gluten-free recipes for a recipe swap.

This evening is excellent for people or caregivers with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and those who live with someone following a gluten-free diet.

Tickets are $26.95 per person and include tax and gratuity. Purchase them online at this link.

News & Notes: November 8, 2019

Late July Snacks recently launched a Korean Barbecue flavor in its Clásico line of tortilla chips. The chips are made with organic yellow corn, and seasoned with a blend of brown sugar, onion, garlic, ginger, chili pepper and smoky flavoring.

Enjoy Life introduced soft-baked holiday cookies, in apple cider donut and peppermint bark flavors.

Mi/Mo Mochi has released a cool peppermint flavor in time for winter.

Boston Beer has reformulated all Truly hard seltzer flavors and plans to launch a line of lemonade seltzers next year.

It's not beer, but AB InBev is putting the Bud Light moniker on a new line of gluten-free hard seltzers. The seltzers will be released in early 2020 in Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry and Mango flavors.

Locally, Haddonfield's dedicated Bleu Bear Bakery is expanding to Marlton (27 N. Maple Ave.) early next year with a combination market and bakery. The market will have prepared foods, sandwiches, a salad bar and more.

(Photo: Elikqitie/Travel Gluten Free)

Philly native Elikqitie of the Travel Gluten Free podcast let me know that the Mary Cassatt Tea Room at the Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-546-9000) offers afternoon tea with gluten-free sandwiches and sweets. I'll be on her podcast in the coming weeks.

Lovebird is opening a third Pennsylvania location early next year, this one in Newtown (247 N. Sycamore St.). All of the fried chicken at Lovebird is gluten free, as is the macaroni and cheese and fries.

Liquid Eatery in West Chester (18 N. High St., 610-709-6911) is an all-gluten-free vegan restaurant serving flatbreads, tater tots, smoothies and more.

In the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (1901 Callowhill St., 267-603-9482) offers gluten-free marinades and sauces upon request.

The newly opened Emmy Squared Pizza in Queen Village (632 S. 5th St., 267-551-3669) serves gluten-free pizza - Detroit style. The gluten-free dough is prepared separately, baked in dedicated pans and is cut with a designated cutter.

Luke's Lobster in Rittenhouse Square (130 S. 17th St., 215-564-1415) offers lobster rolls on gluten-free buns.

In Wilmington, the Washington Street Ale House offers a gluten-free menu. The Ale House is affiliated with Delaware's gluten-free-friendly Big Fish Restaurant Group.

The area's newest Yard House is scheduled to open on Dec. 2 in Willow Grove (2500 W. Moreland Rd., 215-830-9310). Gluten-free options are listed on the menu.

Luxe steakhouse chain Steak 48 is coming to Philadelphia next year to the Avenue of the Arts (260 S. Broad St., 215-552-4848). The menu notes gluten-free choices.

Trader Joe's is adding another Center City Philadelphia location. The new market will be opening in 2020 at 1324 Arch Street.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Gluten Intolerance Group of Chester County will be hosting a gluten-free Cupcakes & Wine event at Stone Barn Cellars in Spring City (3050 Pottstown Pike) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available through Eventbrite.

CHOP's next children's support group meeting will be a holiday cookie exchange. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Voorhees Specialty Care Center (1012 Laurel Oak Rd.) from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring two dozen gluten-free cookies for sharing. RSVP via email with the number of children and caregivers attending.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,700 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: September 20, 2019

My/Mo has launched two new limited-edition mochi ice cream flavor launches for the fall. Pumpkin Spice is made with creamy pumpkin spice ice cream infused with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove spices wrapped in a pillowy rice flour dough exterior, while Apple Pie á la Mode wraps the dough around a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream hugging a cinnamon apple center. Both varieties are available at Target, among other retailers.

RXBAR is entering the hot cereal category with the launch of new RX A.M. Oats. RX A.M. Oats are made with the same core ingredients found in RXBAR and RX Nut Butter products - egg whites, fruits and nuts - with the addition of gluten-free oats. RX A.M. Oats are available in three flavors: Maple, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate. Consumers can prepare the single-serve cups in one of three ways: with hot water, in the microwave or as overnight oats.

Simple Mills' certified gluten-free Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars will be available this fall in Dark Chocolate Almond, Chunky Peanut Butter, Nutty Banana Bread and Spiced Carrot Cake varieties. The bars have a soft-baked texture with chunks of almonds, coconuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, carrots, bananas and raisins. The line will be sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Amazon and other grocers.

Veggies Made Great by Garden Lites has added two Veggie Cakes varieties and three new Frittatas. The Superfood Veggie Cake now comes in Butternut Squash and Broccoli Cheddar, and the Frittatas in Spinach Egg White, Veggie Bacon & Potato, and Mushroom & 3 Cheese Egg White.

The primary ingredient in the new Crunchmaster Grain-Free Crackers is cassava, a root vegetable native to South America. Also known as yucca or manioc, cassava is paleo and vegan friendly as well as gluten and nut free. The line features three flavors: Lightly Salted, Mediterranean Herb, and Romano, Asiago & Cheddar.

Brewery Ommegang announced the introduction of Project Cider, a new initiative intended to explore the intersection of European and American cider traditions. The line debuts with two varieties: Dry and Rosé. The ciders will be offered year-round on draft and in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans.

Celebrate the Arts with Beyond Celiac

Join Beyond Celiac at a gala event on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Kimmel Center featuring the Philadelphia debut of acclaimed operatic tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz.

Highlights of this special evening will include a completely gluten-free cocktail reception and seated dinner by Garces Events in the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden followed by a solo concert by Arturo in the Kimmel’s Perelman Theater.

Funds raised through this special event will benefit the organization's efforts to advance research for Celiac Disease, including the funding of grants to scientists focused on unlocking the secrets of this serious genetic autoimmune disorder.

Beyond Celiac has partnered with Chacón-Cruz to raise awareness of this serious genetic autoimmune condition and to generate support for research for treatments and a cure. Arturo, his son and his mother have all been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. And in pursuit of a brighter future for his family – and everyone dealing with this serious autoimmune disease – he has signed on to be the official spokesman of Beyond Celiac.

Arturo is featured in a video describing the challenges of living with Celiac Disease and his decision to support Beyond Celiac.

A native of Sonora, Mexico, Chacón-Cruz has performed over 50 roles – such as Cavaradossi in Tosca – in theaters across the globe, from La Scala in Milan to Carnegie Hall in New York. An acclaimed performer, Arturo has a wide repertoire and has won a number of honors and awards. He shares a long and important relationship with two of the reigning opera singers of the day, Plácido Domingo and Ramón Vargas. Since discovering Chacón-Cruz in 2000, Plácido Domingo has remained his friend and mentor, and the two have shared the operatic stage and concert platform many times.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets for the concert and the concert/dinner package are now available. 

CDF Turkey Trot 5K Slated for November 2 in Princeton Area

The Celiac Disease Foundation is hosting the 1st Princeton Turkey Trot 5K at the Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, New Jersey on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Check-in opens at 8 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m.

Each participant will receive a Team Gluten-Free event t-shirt and post-race gluten-free snacks.
The 5K fun run/walk will take place rain or shine, and medals will be given out to the top fundraisers. Early-bird registration is available now through October 13, 2019.

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