News & Notes: June 28, 2019

Cauliflower will soon be as plentiful as air - it's everywhere. Witness Caulipower's newest product, New Chick on the Block chicken tenders. They'll be available this fall in Original and Spicy(ish) varieties.

Healthy Choice is extending its popular Power Bowls line with new grain-free options, adding four new varieties. There are four new flavors: Spicy Beef Teriyaki, Basil Pesto Chicken, Spicy Black Bean & Chicken, and Chicken Marinara, all made with - yep - riced cauliflower.

Following the lead of Bantam Bagels, GeeFree Foods will soon launch a line of gluten-free bagel bites. These new bite-sized, cream cheese-filled snacks will come in Plain, Everything and Cinnamon Raisin varieties.

Udi's has introduced two grain-free muffins, Chocolate Zucchini and Banana Chocolate Chip. The company has also rolled out three new kinds of granola: Almond Butter, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate Coconut.

I tried the new breakfast biscuits from Goodie Girl Cookies at last year's Expo East show, and they're delicious! They come in Blueberry and Cinnamon Brown Sugar flavors. Now you can get them via Amazon. Purchase through this affiliate link (no extra cost to you) and support Gluten Free Philly.

Greens and Grains, with a location in Center City Philadelphia at the Comcast Center (1701 JFK Blvd., 267-519-8071) and down the shore in Galloway (80 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd., 609-277-7060),  Margate (7801 Ventnor Ave., 609-300-5088) and Northfield (1600 New Rd., 609-380-4337), uses Purely Elizabeth gluten-free granola for its smoothie bowls.

Sweet Aloha Bowls in Royersford (324 Main St., 484-791-3948) offers gluten-free granola by request for its smoothies and fruit bowls. (Thanks to reader Tim W.)

Longtime reader Diane M. let me know that George's Place, with locations in Cape May (301 Beach Ave., 609-884-6088) and Cape May Court House (104 N. Main St., 609-778-2650), can accommodate gluten-free guests. (I mentioned sister restaurants The Younger Brother and Shamone Bites + Wine in the last News & Notes.)

Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls, with Jersey Shore locations in Cape May (709 Beach Ave., 609-600-3571), Sea Isle City (4215 Landis Ave., 609-478-2845) and Ocean City (728 Boardwalk, 609-862-2347) can prepare lobster rolls in baby romaine lettuce leaves. The Maine lobster bisque and New England clam chowder at all locations are gluten free. (Thanks to Beth S. for the tip on Instagram; follow her at @wheatnothings for all things gluten free in Delaware.)

Tony Beef in Galloway (195 S. New York Rd., 609-377-5744) can serve its burgers on gluten-free buns.

At Tom's All American BBQ in Quakertown (85 S. West End Blvd., 227-267-3292), all rubbed and smoked meats, including ribs, are gluten free, as are all sauces. The kitchen has gluten-free flatbread and rolls, and many sides are also gluten free.

At long last, the Indian-Chinese hybrid Inchin's Bamboo Garden is set to open in Center City Philadelphia (1726 Chestnut St., 215-516-7999) on July 1. The menu notes gluten-free options

Chef Peter McAndrews is set to close his celiac-friendly Monsu in the Italian Market on Sept, 29, according to Inquirer.com. On the plus side, he plans to reopen Modo Mio in Center City. McAndrews, whose children have Celiac Disease, also operates Paesano's in Northern Liberties and La Porta in Media.

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: 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

News & Notes: January 11, 2019

With a new year comes new products. Caulipower has launched a frozen, gluten-free cauliflower tortilla line with Original and Grain Free varieties. The Grain Free Cauliflower Tortilla features chickpea flour with 7 grams of protein and only 8 net carbs per tortilla. Both varieties will be available on Amazon and at select retailers this February.

Annie's new gluten-free cookie dough protein bars, with 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, come in two flavors: peanut butter and chocolate peanut butter.

No information is available on Udi's Gluten Free's website, but the company has released brownie and chocolate-flavored mug cake mixes.

Quinn Snacks' new gluten-free peanut butter-filled and dark chocolate peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets are available exclusively at Whole Foods. They’ll be in all stores by January 29th.

As I mentioned last summer, the Girl Scouts are introducing a new gluten-free cookie for the 2019 season. The chewy caramel chocolate chip cookie is made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sea salt, caramel and gluten-free oat flour. Not all troops will have them and they are in limited quantities, so ask around early.

Katz Gluten Free has debuted mini muffins - blueberry, chocolate chip and fudge brownie. By ordering any of Katz's gluten-free baked goods through this link, you'll be supporting Gluten Free Philly through a small affiliate commission - thank you!

Del Frisco's Grille (225 S. Broad St., 215-309-1154) opened on the Avenue of the Arts in Center City Philadelphia last month. Lunch, dinner and brunch menus note gluten-free items.

News & Notes: April 28, 2017

Smart Flour Foods' new gluten-free Snack Bites are made with the company’s proprietary ancient-grains flour blend of sorghum, amaranth and teff, Available in traditional pizza flavors - Three Cheese, Uncured Pepperoni and Pepperoni & Sausage Combo - the Snack Bites are filled with a hormone-free cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, along with uncured, vegetarian-fed, and antibiotic- and nitrite-free pepperoni in the meat versions. Snack Bites will be available in select retailers nationwide this summer at a suggested retail price of between $3.99 and $4.99.

Vitalicious is producing a gluten-free version of its popular VitaTops. The cakey chocolate-chip variety, which also is dairy free - is made with sorghum flour, organic sugar and natural vanilla flavor and contains 5 grams of fiber.

If you're missing the taste of churros, Frito-Lay is filling the void with limited-edition cinnamon-and-sugar sopapilla flavored chips. There are no gluten ingredients in these corn-based chips, released to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

EVOL has announced another gluten-free single-serve entree with an international flavor. The Hawaiian Style Grilled Chicken meal is made with sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce on grilled chicken with pieces of pineapple, red bell peppers, edamame and water chestnuts on a bed of white rice. It will be available in frozen food aisles at retailers nationwide next month.

News & Notes: October 31, 2014

The Phil's Tavern in Blue Bell (931 Butler Pike, 215-643-5664) has rolled out a new gluten-free menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and more. Advise your server of your dietary request.

Reader Denise F. let me know about several other Montgomery County spots that offer gluten-free options. The Victorian Village Italian Bistro in Hatboro (420 S. York Rd., 215-394-5948) has gluten-free spaghetti and ziti plates, grilled chicken Parmigiana and other dishes on its menu. Just down the road, Hatboro Dish (102 S. York Rd., 215-347-0036) has breakfast sandwiches on gluten-free Sweet Note bagels and pizza, both of which can be prepared separately upon request. Ben & Irv's in Huntingdon Valley (1962 Country Line Rd., 215-355-2000) also has Sweet Note's bagels as well as bread, cookies and pancakes; request that the pancakes be made on a separate part of the grill.

News & Notes: October 24, 2014

The High Point Cafe locations in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia (602 Carpenter Lane, 215-849-5152; 200 W. Allens Lane, 215-248-1900) and in Brewerytown (2831 W. Girard Ave., 267-519-0984) offer gluten-free breads like quinoa loaves and soda bread and sweets such as berry oat bars, macaroons, and cranberry orange muffins. The items are baked and packaged in a separate gluten-free kitchen. High Point's gluten-free products are also sold at other locations, including Weaver's Way in Chestnut Hill, Manayunk Brewing Company, and the Trolley Car Cafe in East Falls.

We spent last weekend in downstate Delaware for a youth baseball tournament and spotted a number of new gluten-free-friendly restaurants. Gary's Dewey Beach Grill (2000 Coastal Hwy. - Suite 105, 302-227-8519) offers gluten-free crab cakes. The restaurant is open on the weekends through the fall.

The small plates/tapas menu at 14 Global in Bethany Beach (14 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 302-616-1035) notes gluten-free options like pan-seared snapper, drunken PEI mussels and crispy pork belly. New Planet Pale Ale is usually available from the bar. During the fall season, the restaurant offers dinner service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

2014 Expo East Recap (Part One)

Natural Products Expo East, held in Baltimore each September, is an opportunity for both emerging and developed companies to showcase their products for retailers and distributors. Here are some of the highlights in the gluten-free space that are either on their way to stores or seeking wider distribution.

GeeFree Foods [store locator] was one of the most popular gluten-free vendors at the event. The company’s hor d’oeuvres line includes savory Franks in Blankets, Spanakopita and new Cheeseburger Bites, Taco Bites, Buffalo Chicken Bites, Pepperoni Bites and Apple Pie Bites. GeeFree also makes Chicken Pot Pie and Puff Pastry Sheets.

Feel Good Foods [store locator], which was first to market with gluten-free egg rolls and dumplings, is coming out with several Asian entrées by year's end. The line includes Vegetable Brown Fried Rice, Stir-Fry Chicken & Vegetables (Mu Shu Chicken), Mongolian Beef with Asparagus & Scallions, General Tso’s Chicken, and Broad Noodles with Chicken & Chinese Broccoli (Pad See Ew).

News & Notes: September 5, 2014

Grub Burger Bar is targeting the end of this month for its Philadelphia-area debut in Willow Grove (159 N. York Rd.) Look for gluten-free buns and sweet potato fries cooked in a dedicated fryer. A second Delaware Valley branch is coming to North Wales in June 2015 (230 Montgomery Mall).

The just-opened Bareburger in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia (1109 Walnut St., 215-627-2273) serves traditional and exotic proteins on gluten-free buns (baked by Free Bread) along with four salad varieties. The fries are prepped in a separate fryer and all of the shakes are gluten free. A flourless chocolate cake and a vegan carrot cake headline the dessert options. Owner Daniel Kemelman stresses that the kitchen takes every precaution to avoid cross-contamination.

Expo East Recap (Part One)

Natural Products Expo East, held in Baltimore each September, is an opportunity for both emerging and developed companies to showcase their products for retailers and distributors. Here's a look at some gluten-free products that are either on their way to market to stores or gaining wider distribution.

Pizza

A Texas pizza chain sampled retail versions of its gluten-free pizza. Russo's New York Pizza has six crispy pizza varieties, including the excellent Mulberry (Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon and hamburger), that will be making their way to markets.

Smart Flour Floods was one of many companies at the expo hailing from Austin, Texas. Smart Flour's frozen pizzas were distinctive for their ancient grains flour base. The crusts in the new Classic Cheese, Garden Margherita and Uncured Pepperoni varieties are made with a blend of tapioca, sorghum, teff and amaranth flours. These are free of soy, egg and rice. The Pepperoni pizza won the expo's "Best New Food" award.

News & Notes: July 12, 2013

The out-of-town "better burger" invasion has spread beyond Philadelphia borders into the suburbs. The latest to land is Burger Monger at the Willow Grove Mall (2500 W. Moreland Rd., 215-659-8099), which, like Burger 21 (new to Voorhees), originated in Tampa, Florida. Burger Monger's gluten-free patties and hot dogs are made with healthier Akaushi (Kobe-style) beef. The proteins, including Coleman free-range chicken, are prepared on a separate grill away from the bun grill and separate utensils are used. Customers can get Kinnikinick gluten-free buns for the sandwiches or order them wrapped with lettuce. The fries at Burger Monger are also gluten free, with no chance of cross-contamination since nothing else goes in the fryers. The kitchen uses separate containers for gluten-free milkshakes (made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream) since malteds are also on the menu.

A mini chain out of northern New Jersey, Zinburger, has opened on the old race track grounds in Cherry Hill (923 Haddonfield Rd., 856-488-7590). The restaurant is styled as a "wine & burger bar," with a selection of vino in addition to the standard menu of burgers, shakes and fries. The burgers themselves are gluten free, the fries are prepared in dedicated fryers, and shakes sans malt can be made separately. No buns, though customers can bring their own.

Meanwhile, Taffets gluten-free buns are now an option at Rittenhouse Square burger spot 500 Degrees (1504 Sansom St., 215-568-5000). (Thanks Lynda V. )

Reader Kara M. tells me that in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood, Mediterranean spot Barbuzzo (110 S. 13th St., 215-546-9300) accommodates gluten-free diners. At a recent meal, she and her husband enjoyed items on the cured meat board, roasted beet salad, grilled octopus salad, roasted bone marrow and the peanut butter gelato.

Also in Wash West, Paesano's Philly Style's newest location at Woody's Bar (202 S. 13th St., 215-545-1893) has gluten-free rolls for cheesesteaks.

Chifa, the Latin-Asian hybrid in the same neighborbood (707 Chestnut St., 215-925-5555), is closing after dinner service tomorrow night. Chef-owner Jose Garces plans to reconceptualize the restaurant as a Cuban diner.

Fette Sau, the Stephen Starr BBQ joint in Frankford (1208 Frankford Ave., 215-391-4888) has changed the formulations of two of its three table sauces so that only the "Spicy" sauce is gluten free. Thanks to reader Elizabeth R. for the heads-up.

More at the shore: The restaurant at the Blue Rose Inn in Cape May (653 Washington St., 609-435-5468) notes gluten-free options on its dinner menu and currently has a flourless chocolate cake and crème brûlée for dessert.

In Avalon, Kudos American Grille (2619 Dune Drive, 609-368-7422) has gluten-free pancakes and waffles at breakfast, bread and rolls at lunch, and pasta and chicken fingers at dinner, among other choices.

Just opened in Margate is Ginny's (8017 Winchester Ave., 609-816-9370), which has pancakes, oatmeal, and a separate toaster for bread, while nearby Bocca Coal Fired Bistro (7805 Ventnor Ave., 609-823-3663) offers separately prepared gluten-free pizza and pasta. Thanks to reader Lauren C. for those tips.

Readers Mark M. and Joseph let me know that Beiler's Bakery at Philly's famous Reading Terminal Market (51 N. 12th St., 215-351-0735) carries baked goods like lemon bars and cookies from Ruth Ann's Gluten-Free Bakery in Lancaster County.

Thanks to reader Jaime L., who sent me a photo of the new Pillsbury-branded gluten-free muffins. She picked them up in the freezer case in the gluten-free section at the King of Prussia Wegmans store for $3.79 for a package of four. As I wrote back in March, the GFCO-certified muffins are being produced by Uncle Wally's.

When it rains, it pours. Glutino's newest product is instant pancake mix, offering the convenience of a pourable bottle. It requires only one cup of water and, once opened, keeps in the fridge for up to four days. The mix's suggested retail price is $5.29.

And finally, in case you've been away for the holiday and missed the last couple of post, last week's feature post had a trailer for the upcoming YouTube gluten-free documentary series "Tasty Freedom," which will have a Philadelphia-themed episode, and on Tuesday I posted my review of Frito-Lay's new Ruffles Crispy Fries, a potato-stick snack.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: March 15, 2013

I can't think of any better news to share today - four years to the day I launched Gluten Free Philly - than the fact that Phillies games will be a whole lot more enjoyable this season, win or lose. Citizens Bank Park will have an all-gluten-free kiosk located on the main concourse at section 136, between third base and left field. The menu will consist of hot dogs, cheese steaks, pizza, snacks and beer, with some other items in the works.

Nectar's soy wrap roll with tuna,
striped bass, avocado and cucumber
(Photo courtesy of Nectar)

The well-regarded pan-Asian Nectar in Berwyn (1091 Lancaster Ave., 610-725-9000) has added a gluten-free menu that includes chicken, shrimp and lobster pad Thai, fried rice, a seafood hot pot with rice noodles, sushi and sashimi.

Penndel's Steak and Hoagie Factory (313 W. Lincoln Hwy., 215-741-6555) has gluten-free rolls for $2 additional. (Thanks Ina M.) A separate grill is in place for prep of the gluten-free sandwiches and the owner has plans to add other items.

Reader Jaime L. let me know that Piatto Grille in Conshohocken (410 W. Ridge Pike, 610-825-1300) can make most dishes gluten free.

P.F. Chang's new Shaking Beef dish

P.F. Chang's has two new dishes that can be made gluten free. One is Shaking Beef, a traditional Vietnamese favorite with sliced beef, broccolini and potatoes tossed together and served over a cool salad with lime vinaigrette. The other is from the limited-time "Inspired" menu: Thai Basil Sambal Noodles - rice noodles, fresh vegetables and Thai basil tossed in a spicy coconut sambal sauce

Thai Basil Sambal Noodles from P.F. Chang's

In last Tuesday's post, you can read about which local pizza chain turns out the best gluten-free pizza according to GFP contributor Jason. The post prompted a friendly debate on the GFP Facebook page.

At last week's Expo East natural-foods showcase, Uncle Wally's, a Long Island bakery founded by chocolate chip cookie entrepreneur Wally "Famous" Amos, debuted GFCO-certified gluten-free chocolate chip and blueberry muffins under the Pillsbury brand that will be available nationally.

Glutino's newest product, unveiled at Expo East, is gluten-free pretzel chips.

We haven't heard from Glutenfreeda for a while, but the company, which makes burritos, pizza wraps and ice cream sandwiches, has unveiled another niche product: all-natural "Hot Pocket"-like Pocket Sandwiches made with gluten-free whole grain bread wrapped around "delicious, gooey, savory fillings" that cook in under one minute. Varieties include nitrate-free Bacon & Fluffy Eggs with Cheddar Cheese, Savory Roast Beef with Caramelized Onions & Provolone Cheese, nitrate-free Hickory Smoked Ham with Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese and Southwest Chicken Chipotle with black beans and corn.

The company is also extending is instant-oatmeal line with Instant Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cups with resealable lids. All Glutenfreeda products are  produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility and certified gluten-free at less than 5 ppm.

GFP has been nominated in the Best Blog category in the Triumph Dining Best of Gluten-Free Awards this year. Voting is open through March 31 and you can vote once daily per computer or mobile device. If you're pressed for time, just jump ahead to the Stores and Resources voting page, where you can show your support for the blog. There's no need to enter any contact information.

Don't forget that you can follow GFP on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ and, as always, tips and comments are welcome via email.

I hope to see many of you at the CHOP celiac event on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: January 4. 2013

Happy 2013 to everyone! With the start of the new year comes new food. There are so many items to write about today that I'm bumping mention of restaurant news to next Friday's post.

Van's Natural Foods has entered several new product categories, all GFCO-certified, whole-grain items. (The new items contain gluten-free oats.) The company adds to its existing gluten-free breakfast line - waffles, French toast sticks and pancakes - with the introduction of its first cold cereals, Honey Nut Crunch and Cinnamon Heaven.

In addition to the cereals, Van's has also rolled out several snacks. New all-natural, high-fiber snack bar varieties are Peanut Butter Chocolate, Cranberry Almond and Chocolate Chip. There are also three kinds of baked crackers, made with oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa and amaranth: Say Cheese, Lots of Everything and Multigrain.

Chung's Gourmet Foods has reformulated its line of microwaveable Asian dishes with a switch to gluten-free soy sauce. The Chung's For 2 entrees come in eight varieties: General Tso Chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, Pork & Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork and Teriyaki Chicken. I bought a few of these at Wal-Mart in Somerdale, New Jersey for $3.48 each. They are high in sodium, so stick to the recommended "for two" serving size unless you want to siphon water all day.

Hain Celestial's Gluten Free Cafe brand has added to its portfolio with a new line of baking mixes. The products, which bear the Gluten-Free Certification Organization seal, include mixes for chocolate cake, brownie, pancake and all-purpose baking. These sell for around $4 each at the Somerdale Wal-Mart.

I thought after my last News & Notes post that I was done posting for 2012. However, that changed when I learned that Dunkin' Donuts is testing out a gluten-free cinnamon sugar donut and blueberry muffin in Miami and the Boston area. If all goes well, look for these sweets to be available nationwide by summertime.

Katz Gluten Free's new glazed donuts

On that note, Katz Gluten Free has introduced glazed and powdered donuts and corn muffins. Orders over $50 include free shipping; otherwise, the flat rate is $7.99. Customers can use promo code FACEBOOK for 25% off their orders. (You can support Gluten Free Philly by purchasing through this link.)

Upcoming events include the monthly meeting of the South Jersey celiac support group in Voorhees on Sunday. A representative of Bob & Ruth's Gluten-Free Dining & Travel Club will be sharing information about upcoming trips.

On Wednesday, January 9, the Woodlawn Library in Wilmington will host a free "Gluten-Free Cooking at Home" class at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Area gluten-free events through April are listed at the blog.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Gluten-Free America to Run on Dunkin'

Dunkin' Donuts' new gluten-free baked goods
(Photo: Gluten Free South Florida Facebook page)

Ever since Starbucks pulled the plug on its short-lived gluten-free baked goods venture back in 2009, no national coffee-shop chain has filled that void. That's about to change, as Dunkin' Donuts is test-marketing a gluten-free blueberry muffin (priced at $2.39) and cinnamon sugar donut ($1.89) and plans to roll out the sweets nationwide by Summer 2013, according to an operator of several stores in south Florida. The packaged items, which are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, are being piloted at several Dunkin' Donuts locations in Miami and Boston. The company has more than 7,000 restaurants in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Florida franchisee Fred Guttenberg wrote on the Gluten Free South Florida Facebook page that "I am extremely proud to be able to offer this test. I have worked with Dunkin' Donuts on this ever since my son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This is an operations test only and limited to my two stores in Florida and a few locations in Boston. This will be moving to a larger test in February and full market roll-out closer to summer." According to Guttenberg, the baked goods have been in development for two years.

The participating Miami stores are located at 12930 S.W. 120th St. and 10754 S.W. 24th St.; in the Boston area, locations at 1316 Beacon St. and 1008 Beacon St. in Brookline and 209 N. Harvard St. in Alston are carrying the products.