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.

Hall and Hearty

Philadelphia's original commodities exchange has been transformed into an artisan marketplace in the style of New York's Chelsea Market and Washington, D.C.'s Union Market. Opening last fall, The Bourse Food Hall (111 S. Independence Mall E.) features more than 20 food and beverage tenants, including many with gluten-free selections. The current list includes:

• LALO: A fast-casual concept with a focus on Filipino comfort food, LALO offers two celiac-safe options: breakfast staple longsilog (sausage with garlic rice and fried egg) and leche flan.
• TaKorean: With four locations in metro D.C., TaKorean brings a combination of Korean inspired flavors with a Latin-American twist. In addition to their signature Korean tacos made with corn tortillas, the gluten-free options include Korean rice and salad bowls. They also offer a customizable menu comprised of two gluten-free proteins (tofu and cauliflower), romaine and spiced kale slaws, as well as several toppings and garnishes.
• Rebel Taco: A Mexican taco purveyor from D.C.-based Social Restaurant Group, Rebel Taco serves tacos made with gluten-free tortillas.
• Prescription Chicken: The first brick-and-mortar location for this acclaimed D.C.-area soup purveyor offers its signature made-to-order chicken-based soups. All broths are gluten free and they even have gluten-free matzoh balls.
• Abunai Poke: From Hawaii by way of D.C., this quick-service shop has a selection of poke and various Hawaiian dishes. The gluten-free proteins include plain tuna, plain and marinated salmon, lobster, octopus, shrimp and tofu. Also gluten free are the mixed greens, all mix-ins and toppings, chili pepper aioli, wasabi aioli and miso dressing.
• Ka’moon: Fast-casual, Halal-prepared Egyptian cuisine from the folks behind The Taza Truck in Easton, Pennsylvania. Look for build-your-own gluten-free rice bowls.
• Freebyrd Chicken: Freebyrd's pulled chicken and side salads are gluten free.

• TAPS Fill Station: Philadelphia is the second outpost from the Baltimore-based concept specializing in draft booze with a solid focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Virtually everything on the menu served is sourced from within a 250-mile radius. The lines hold hard cider and mead, kegged cocktails, red and white wines, kombucha and locally made hard seltzer.
• Bluebird Distilling: Full-scale craft cocktail bar featuring Bluebird Spirits.  
• Scoop DeVille: A Philadelphia institution since 1989, Scoop DeVille offers several gluten-free ice cream and yogurt flavors and dozens of toppings.

XIII Marks the Spot

By Sara Blank

The tasting room at Original 13 Ciderworks (1526 N American St., 215-765-7000) brings a splash of life to the otherwise industrial area of Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, not too far from Fishtown. While their signature line of dry Sir Charles ciders has been popular in area bars since 2015, in half that time the tasting room has become an innovative yet hidden gem for the gluten-free community and cider lovers alike.

Port Richmond Hash at Original XIII Ciderworks

I visited Original 13 for the first time after attending the Pour the Core cider festival in 2017, when I learned about the new tasting room, and was amazed by the extent of gluten-free options on the menu. When I returned recently, I found this to be truer than ever. Outside, the umbrella-covered seating area sits on a surprisingly quiet street, making it the ideal brunch spot for a summer day. The inside of the restaurant offers a spacious table seating area and a wrap-around bar. With industrial chic décor, relaxing low lighting, and an entire wall of board games to choose from, Original 13 lends itself to both family-friendly daytime crowds as well as romantic evenings.

As I’m unable to join in on the fun of tastings at breweries, I was excited to enjoy my first-ever cider flight during my first visit. This time around, I enjoyed the flight at brunch, which boasts generous pours of six hallmark ciders. The ciders range in flavor (deep blueberry, strawberry, bone dry and original among them), but all of them maintain a signature dryness that makes it easy to enjoy several beverages without being overwhelmed by too much sweetness.

While the food options are delicious and adventurous (not at all pedestrian brunch options), admittedly we were there mostly to enjoy the adult beverages. Still, we enjoyed a Port Richmond Hash, prepared with kielbasa, eggs, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions and peppers. Across both the lunch and brunch menus, many items are denoted as with a “GF” symbol, even pancakes and fries. The staff explained that not only do separate preparation areas ensure gluten-free safety, but also that gluten-containing items do not go in the fryer to avoid any cross-contamination.

Original XIII's lunch menu

Original XIII's brunch menu

I would highly recommend Original 13 as a brunch spot with friends or an off-the-beaten-path date spot, perfect for relaxing and spending long stretches of time enjoying both food and drink. Since the restaurant’s online menu is not always updated, I took photos of both menus to plan ahead for my next visit. With an illustrious history rooted in the heart of Philadelphia—Original 13 is the first cidery in the city—I look forward to them helping to maintain the popularity of ciders throughout the region.

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!

Pizza and Vino at Zavino

Zavino offers a variety of gluten-free pizzas

By Sara Blank

Although Philly gets a bad rap for its Byzantine liquor laws, we do have many options that don't exist in other large cities. With an abundant number of BYOBs and generous happy hours in town, I've become quite spoiled with our options. Since moving here, I've been in the pursuit of the best gluten-free happy hour the city has to offer, and I would be remiss not to share the love for my favorite restaurant in town.

I've long said to friends that Zavino has the best gluten-free pizza I’ve enjoyed at a restaurant anywhere. With its authentic-tasting crusts, Zavino quickly has become a favorite Center City spot. At Zavino, I don’t feel the need to qualify to my non-gluten-free friends that we're eating gluten-free pizza; the fluffy, flavorful crusts need no justification. Though Zavino does use a shared oven for its gluten-free pizzas, the gluten-free dough is prepared separately and those crusts are baked atop a separate pan to ensure there's no contact with any oven surfaces that would create cross-contamination.

Zavino's baked ricotta gluten-free flatbread

Zavino’s chic yet casual vibe makes it an instant hit among those visiting Center City (112 S. 13th St., 215-732-2400) or University City (3200 Chestnut St., 215-823-6897) at any time, but during happy hour (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) the house wines and several specials (including full-sized pizzas) are only $5. With many of the dishes already gluten free, and nearly all of the pizzas able to be modified, I’ve adopted a few standbys.

Most recently, I enjoyed Zavino's margherita pizza and cheesy bread (a baked ricotta flatbread with olive oil for dipping) from the happy-hour menu. Bonus: there is no upcharge for ordering gluten free. Though not on the happy-hour menu, a favorite of mine is the spaghetti squash, mixed with carrots, zucchini, pine nuts and tomato sauce, and topped with shredded provolone cheese. For good measure, we added greens in the form of the chicken paillard salad (sans poultry for a slightly lighter fare), a refreshing arugula-based salad with watermelon radish and thyme vinaigrette.

Spaghetti squash at Zavino

Zavino impresses with its ample selection of gluten-free options, but I’m most enamored with the quality of the food. Between the flavorful food options and welcoming atmosphere, the Center City location has quickly become my undeniable go-to for a night out with friends. The cozy dining room and relaxed outdoor seating on warm-weather days makes Zavino the perfect place to start or end an evening.

While Zavino seems quiet about their breadth of its gluten-free offerings (I was tipped off by a fellow Center City Celiac), I look forward to trying other options during future visits. In the meantime, I will continue to do my part in spreading the word about Zavino's delicious gluten-free pizza and - just as important - its happy hour specials.