Friday, December 18, 2009

News & Notes

UPDATE (12/18/09): The Purely Elizabeth demo at Essene has been rescheduled for January 2, 2010 due to the anticipated snowstorm expected in the Delaware Valley this weekend.
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After posting Monday's review of gluten-free bagels from Joan's GF Great Bakes, I heard from Joan herself. She posted a comment correcting my original statement that the bagels are partially baked. Rather, she wrote, they are boiled just like bagels made with wheat. Based on my experience burning a couple bagels early on, Joan recommended that I turn down the oven heat and omit the cooking spray I used to grease the pan. With a bit more time to make breakfast over the upcoming school break for the kids, I'm going to try these suggestions.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, I reviewed Philadelphia's modern Mexican restaurant Lolita, where my family enjoyed an excellent gluten-free meal served by a knowledgeable waitstaff.

Elements, an modern American restaurant in Princeton, New Jersey (163 Bayard Lane, 609-924-0078) can accommodate gluten-free diners, while Leonardo's II Mediterranean Grill in Lawrenceville, New Jersey (2021 Route 1, 609-396-4466) has gluten-free penne on its Italian menu. Thanks to members of the Mercer County Celiac Support Group for the information on these two restaurants.

Seafooder Blackfish, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania (119 Fayette Street, 610-397-0888) and in Stone Harbor, New Jersey (9628 Third Avenue, 609-967-9100), are gluten-free-friendly. Chef/owner Chip Roman's efforts to accommodate gluten-free diners are reported in an article on AroundMainLine.com posted earlier this year.

Reader Julie emailed me about her successful gluten free dining experiences at Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant BasilLeaf (2808 South Eagle Road, 215-968-7505).

Gluten-free-friendly Philadelphia eateries participating in Center City District Restaurant Week on January 17-22 and 24-29, 2010 include Amada, Bindi, The Capital Grille, Chifa, City Tavern, Davio's, La Fontana Della Citta, Lolita, The Melting Pot, Noble, Morton's, The Palm, Rouge, Roy's, Time, Tinto, Xochitl and Zahav. Links to all of these restaurants are posted at the Gluten Free Philly restaurant compilation.

Back in September, I wrote about the awesome white sandwich bread and muffins from Udi's Gluten Free Foods. I'm pleased to report that Gluten Free Dynasty/Water to Go in Pennsauken, New Jersey received its first shipment of Udi's White Sandwich and Whole Grain breads ($5.79) and the Lemon Streusel and Blueberry muffins ($6.79) yesterday. Get them while you can - I doubt you'll be disappointed!

Through December 22, 10-ounce boxes of gluten-free battered halibut, cod and haddock from Starfish brand are on sale at area Whole Foods Markets at $4.99 to $7.99 each. The products, regularly $7.99 to $8.99 each, are located in the Frozen Seafood sections of the stores.

Sunstart Bakery makes several varieties of gluten-free cookies imported from Northern Ireland. I've found its products hit-or-miss, but the company's new Rocky Road Gluten-Free Bars look tempting. A chocolate biscuit is topped with milk chocolate, mini marshmallows and cherries. Strangely, though, there are no nuts in the recipe. Sunstart's products are available online at the Gluten-Free Mall, Amazon.com and at local stores.

ShopRite markets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware carry new gluten-free Risotto Chips from New York Style, made with arborio and whole-grain brown rice. The varieties include Sea Salt, Spicy Marinara and Parmesan & Roasted Garlic. ShopRite also stocks Buffalo Nickel Wingers, chicken-wing shaped potato snacks that come in five levels of spiciness. The Wingers also are sold online at Amazon.com.

Last week, I mentioned that Purely Elizabeth's gluten-free muffin and pancake mixes are now available at Philadelphia's Essene Market. Owner Elizabeth Stein emailed to tell me that she will be offering samples of her muffins and hot-off-the-griddle pancakes at Essene tomorrow, December 19, from noon to 4 p.m.

Also tomorrow, the Sinking Spring/Reading, Pennsylvania chapter of R.O.C.K. will hold its gluten-free cookie exchange from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Lawn United Methodist Church, located at 15 Woodside Avenue in West Lawn. Parents and children are welcome. There will be a speaker, games and, of course, gluten-free food. Those who participate in the cookie exchange (baked or store-bought) are eligible to win prizes.

I may be posting sporadically over the next two weeks as Christmas and New Year's Day approach, but will be back regularly after the first of the year. I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and thank you for reading, contributing and helping to make Gluten Free Philly the definitive resource for all things gluten-free in the Delaware Valley.
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1 comment:

  1. thanks for the shout out again GF Philly! I am one of your biggest fans, keep spreading the word and keep up your great work. :)AroundMainLine.com

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