Fit to Be Fried

"The timeless struggle. The eternal choice." You might think these phrases describe some weighty, life-altering decision, but you'd be wrong. As emblazoned on the packaging of Frito-Lay's newest snack, they characterize the dilemma many of us hope to avoid: choosing between potato chips or fries.

The company's new Ruffles Crispy Fries are not your ordinary potato sticks. The thick French fry-shaped snacks are sliced from real potatoes (says so right on the bag), with slivers of potato skin left on for good measure. They're offered in two varieties - Original and Cheese-Flavored - and are sold primarily at 7-Eleven stores in 1.4-oz. bags for $1.09. No MSG to be had in either flavor. (Frito-Lay lists these products on its "Not Containing Gluten Ingredients" list.)

The original flavor beats the cheese variety hands down, whether out of the bag or out of the microwave. That's right - I heeded the suggestion on the bag to warm them for 30 seconds to see if they were any good. While actual fries cannot be reheated with any level of success, the heat actually improved the taste even as the Crispy Fries retained their crunch.

It wasn't on my Outlook calendar, but apparently National French Fry Day is this Saturday, July 13. (Shouldn't it be on a Friday?) I'll be celebrating with some more Crispy Fries.

Gluten-Free Food Network Star

Jaquy Yngvason is building herself quite a resume. Diagnosed with celiac disease more than a decade ago, Jaquy's a professional food stylist and recipe tester (someone has to make all the food in magazines and on television look good!), allergen-friendly cooking class leader and, most recently, an Internet and TV chef.

Jaquy began posting episodes of her web cooking show on YouTube last fall, when she began traveling the United States to work on a documentary series chronicling the gluten-free community. She just posted a preview of the upcoming "Tasty Freedom" series, and popular Philadelphia gluten-free-friendly spots like Sweet Freedom Bakery, Paesano's Philly Style and Food For All Market are featured (along with a certain blogger).


Her stardom isn't limited to the web though. On last week's episode of the Food Network series Chopped, titled "Gyro We Go Again," Jaquy battled three other competitors for the chance to win $10,000. If you missed it, set your DVR to record the episode, which airs again Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific and Friday at midnight Eastern/Pacific.

News & Notes: June 28, 2013

You don't have to go to northern California to check out how wine is made. Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City offers daily tours of the property, which also houses a gold course, hotel and two restaurants. The more casual of the two, Joseph's Restaurant (72 Bremen Ave., 609-965-2111) notes gluten-free options on its lunch, dinner and vegan/vegetarian menus.

The Victoria Freehouse, a British gastropub in Old City (10 S. Front St., 215-543-6089), has gluten-free options like bangers and mash, chicken tikka masala, vegetable curry and shepherd's pie. Hard ciders, meads and wines are among the safe drinks. The Freehouse shares ownership with The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield. (Thanks to reader Bill L. for the tip.)

Reader Amanda C. let me know that Eulogy Belgian Tavern (136 Chestnut St., 215-413-1918), also in Old City, serves up gluten-free wings, frites prepared in a dedicated fryer, and many mussels dishes. You'll also frequently find a gluten-free beer or two, along with several hard ciders, on the drinks menu. The grilled wings at the nearby Khyber Pass Pub (56 S. 2nd St., 215-238-5888) are also gluten free.

Keeping It Real

By Dori Molozanov

Shopping for and preparing practical meals that are nutritional, creative, flavorful and diverse enough to keep your taste buds interested can be challenging - especially while eating gluten-free. “It’s hard, it’s a lot of work,” says Lucinda Duncalfe, founder of Philadelphia-based Real Food Works. “It took me a solid year to cook well.”

Real Food Works, a meal delivery service offering customizable meal plans for health-conscious diners, is working to make healthy gluten-free dining more accessible with the addition of its new gluten-free option. The company partners with local restaurants to create dishes especially for Real Food Works customers.

News & Notes: June 21, 2013

The new Midtown Village gastropub Pennsylvania 6 (114 S. 12th St., 267-639-5606) has a gluten-free menu with raw bar selections, salads, entrees and sides. (Reader Jennifer S. gets a hat tip.)

Cheu Noodle Bar, in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood, serves gluten-free and vegan rice noodles in a lemongrass-coconut broth. (Thanks to reader Sherrie C. for the lead.)

At the Voorhees Town Center, Elena Wu has opened on Restaurant Row (12106 Town Center Blvd., 856-375-2289). The restaurant can prepare many dishes with gluten-free soy sauce or otherwise accommodate guests.

Turning Point, a New Jersey mini-chain serving breakfast and lunch, recently opened its first South Jersey location in Marlton (300 Rt. 73 N., 856-988-1528). The "gluten-sensitive" menu on hand includes egg dishes (omelets and skillets), appetizers and salads. Customers can bring in their own bread for French toast and sandwiches.

In Princeton, the gluten-free menu at traditional American restaurant Winberie's (1 Palmer Sq., 609-921-0700) includes fries from a dedicated fryer.

Underdogs has closed up its South Philly location but it's business as usual at the original Rittenhouse Square spot, says Philly.com. Underdogs has gluten-free buns available for its franks.

P.F. Chang's new summer menu additions include one gluten-free entree. The Summer Vegetable Quinoa "Fried Rice" is made with wok-toasted quinoa with sunburst squash, mango, tomatoes and snow peas, topped with a sunny-side egg.

Philly.com also reports that upstate New York BBQ staple Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is scouting a location on the 1500 block of Chestnut Street in Center City. There are wings, sides and, of course, a lot of 'cue on Dinosaur's gluten-free menu.

The Cheesecake Factory will be adding a gluten-free menu come August with about 70 options.

Tuesday's post featured a review of La Pasta's delicious gluten-free ravioli, sold at Whole Foods in the refrigerated case.

With a successful test run in Massachusetts and Florida, Dunkin' Donuts will soon be selling a gluten-free cinnamon sugar donut and blueberry muffin nationwide. The products are made in a dedicated facility and are already packaged by the time they're delivered to stores.

Sinfully Safe's double chocolate brownies

Sinfully Safe is a Trenton-area gluten-free bakery that distributes brownies and cookies at markets and stores throughout Bucks and Mercer counties and the surrounding area. Chef Maggie Bauer's sweets can also be ordered online.

*ndulge Cupcake Boutique has opened a second location in Manayunk (4373 Main St., 267-297-8214). As at the Bryn Mawr location, gluten-free cupcakes are available via special order.

Gluten-free peanut butter cup and black & white cupcakes are sold on Sundays at Sublime Cupcakes in Wyomissing (72 Commerce Drive, 610-898-4183) and coming next month to Collegeville (141 Market St.). Bakers there prepare gluten-free cupcakes before the day's baking and rewash all equipment before making the batter. They're then stored in a covered rack while the traditional baking is done.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael