News & Notes: March 16, 2018

Before digging in to the news of the day, I want to thank all of my readers - new and old - for supporting my passion in publishing this blog. Yesterday marked the 9th anniversary of my first post, which was a simple "Welcome." Since then, the gluten-free world has grown tremendously. It's so much easier now for my son to eat gluten free, whether in the kitchen or out of the house, than it was when I first started this endeavor. Though we've made much progress, our voices must continue to be heard.

Last week's Expo West gourmet and healthy foods trade show brought word of a number of new gluten-free products that are just out or will be soon. For starters, you can pretend you're back in college with Lotus Foods' rice ramen noodle soup. Organic brown rice noodles are blended with vegetables and spices to create three certified-gluten-free varieties: Masala Curry, Tom Yum and Spicy Miso.

Bobo's is adding to its line of gluten-free snacks with TOAST’R pastries, baked oat crusts filled with jams and nut butter. TOAST’R will launch nationally starting at Whole Foods Market in May.  Each box will retail at $2.49 and will come in four flavors: Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed, Strawberry Jam, Chocolate Almond Butter and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Bobo's products are certified gluten free by the GFCO.

Quinn Snacks announced two new additions to its gluten-free pretzel line, Maple Oat Twists and Deli Rye Style Pretzel Rods. All Quinn pretzels use Kansas-grown sorghum flour.

Birch Benders is launching of a new line of frozen toaster waffles in four flavors, including a gluten-free Paleo variety made in Belgium.

2015 Expo East Recap

Last's year's hot food, kale, is this year's jackfruit, At least that's what I gathered from canvassing the products at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore earlier this month. The show features new and trendy gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

Fortunately I burned off as many calories as I consumed in walking the show floor. In no particular order, here are some of the notable gluten-free products I spotted at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores):

Cheeseburger bites from GeeFree Foods: These hors d'oeuvres join the company's pastry dough and other bite-size snacks like pigs in blankets. The cheeseburger bites will reach stores this fall.

Cannoli shells from Russo's Gluten Free Gourmet: The shells are made with rice flour and corn starch and have a flaky, crunchy texture. This item is currently available for online ordering through the company's website but will be reaching wider distribution.

Pop Goes the Toaster

The world is a better place now that Glutino's gluten-free Pop Tarts toaster pastries have arrived. The Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon flavored treats are sold at Whole Foods markets ($4.99 per five-pack), with wider availability come springtime.

Since I wasn't sure that the pastries would taste good right out of the foil package, I dropped one of each flavor into our toaster at the lightest setting. About 60 seconds later the tarts popped up, the centers a golden brown. My son and I had to curb our enthusiasm as we waited for them to cool down, but that beat the alternative of scalding the roofs of our mouths. The pastries were surprisingly flaky and the fruit filling runs nearly from end to end, save for a thin crust. Both were tasty, although we both preferred the strawberry one.

I imagine that for most people, the "toaster" part of toaster pastries is a mere suggestion. Thus began our next trial - could the products hold up without warming? I'm happy to report that they can. The toasting certainly brings out more flavor, but room temperature is no deterrent. Frosting would be a welcome addition to future versions, but they stand on their own just fine.

At a buck per pastry, the Glutino toaster pastries aren't cheap. (There is a link to a cents-off coupon at the Glutino homepage.) Given that these products fill a void in the gluten-free marketplace, however, it's worth a splurge for the novelty and convenience.

News & Notes: February 1, 2013

West Avenue Grille offers gluten-free pancakes at its locations in Jenkintown (718 West Ave., 215-886-1540), Dresher (1650 Limekiln Pike, 215-367-5428) and Southampton (233 2nd St. Pike, 215-942-6290), and other menu items are or can be made gluten free. Thanks to Jaime L. for the tip.

Pancakes are also an option at Atiya Ola's Cafe, a raw/vegan cafe in West Philadelphia (4505 Baltimore Ave., 215-939-3298), says reader Laura G.

Farmicia's main dining room

Reader Pam V. let me know that Old City's Farmicia (15 S. 3rd St., 215-627-6274) has a gluten-free menu.

Roberto Cafe near Rittenhouse Square (2108 South St., 215-545-0793) serves gluten-free pasta, as does Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti in Turnersville (3210 Rt. 42, 856-728-4505).

The Saxby's Coffee location in University City (4000 Locust St., 215-222-8400) is now carrying gluten-free sweets from The Little Bakery, as is Ana's Corner Store in East Norriton (3310 N. Wales Rd., 610-279-3100).

Tis' the season - for skiing, that is. In Tuesday's post, I shared word of the gluten-free options available at ski resorts at the Poconos and other day's-drive spots.

The big product news this week was the unveiling of Glutino's toaster pastries in Apple Cinnamon and Strawberry varieties. Whole Foods Markets will be the first to stock these treats. You can print a 55¢ off coupon via the Glutino website.

At Trader Joe's, I discovered an new gluten-free all purpose flour, sold in 1 lb. bags for $3.99 each. Gluten Free on a Shoestring has reviewed the product and ventures that it's made for TJ's by King Arthur Flour.

Tickets will soon be on sale for Celiac Awareness Night at the Phillies, this year to take place on Friday, Aug. 16, when the Phightins take on the L.A. Dodgers. I hope to have some news on gluten-free options for the 2013 season in the next few weeks.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: March 25, 2011

Normally, I mention new gluten-free products further down in my Friday posts. I'm making an exception this week, however, because this is too good to wait on. Longtime Philadelphia favorite Tastykake has introduced gluten-free Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies. From the comments on my Facebook page, it seems that local Acme Markets are the only stores stocking them so far. There are eight cookies per box, $5.99 each. (Hat tip to reader Bethann S.) We've only tried the Chocolate Chip variety so far, and the consensus is that they're pretty good - they're not "soft-baked" but are chewy. Definitely worth a try. (UPDATED: A company rep confirmed that the cookies are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.)

Earlier in the week, I wrote about local meat purveyor Wellshire Farms, which produces gluten-free cold cuts and other delicacies.

In addition to offering a gluten-free menu, the management at Marmont Steakhouse in Old City (222 Market St., 215-923-1100) recently added an electric fryer used only to prepare frites (avoiding cross-contamination with glutenous fried items) along with Redbridge beer. Crème brûlée is available for dessert.

Although not new to the restaurant list, Joe's Crab Shack (locally in Lawrenceville and Wilmington) has listed all of its gluten-free items on a dedicated menu.

The Pie Lady Cafe in Moorestown (9 E. Main St., 856-778-PIES) can make any of its pies gluten-free by special order. The bakery bakes the gluten-free versions - with tapioca and coconut flours - separately. Thanks to reader Diana M. for the heads-up.

Back in January, I featured Snack Like a Local, a local company looking to offer healthier options - including gluten-free snacks - in area vending machines. The company just announced that it will be placing its first machine in Old City at Independents Hall, a coworking space and community.

Wegmans will carry new muffins and cupcakes from Doylestown's allergen-friendly Cookies . . . for Me? They can be found in the frozen-foods section and the bakery.

I'm happy to report that DeLiteful Foods in Lawrenceville, which was scheduled to close at the end of March, will remain open under new ownership.

Photo credit: Nicole's Special Diet Creations

Another barrier broken: Eco-Planet is coming out with gluten-free Pop-Tart-style toaster pastries, in Frosted Blueberry, Frosted Strawberry and Frosted Brown Sugar & Cinnamon flavors. Thanks to Gluten-Free Optimist Sandra, who directed me to a blog post up at Nicole's Special Diet Creations.

I plan to be off the posting beat next week, but will return in the beginning of April. Keep your restaurant and product tips coming to me via email, or post them at Facebook. For those of you planning to attend the CHOP Education Day on Sunday, please say hello.

Have a great weekend!