Friday, May 6, 2011

News & Notes: May 6, 2011

With the start of Celiac Awareness Month this week, it was appropriate that the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness recognized five U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, in a new report for being especially "celiac aware." You can access the report, and read about the other cities that made the list, by "liking" the NFCA's Facebook page and clicking on the "Celiac Aware Cities" tab on the left-hand side.

In my Tuesday post, I reviewed Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse in Center City Philadelphia. Given the cost and the amount of food served (both large), Fogo is more of a special-occasion restaurant than a place you'd visit on a regular basis but still shouldn't be missed by gluten-free diners.

I'll begin the restaurant roundup this week in the Garden State. In Atlantic City, Cafe 2825 (2825 Atlantic Ave., 609-344-6913) offers guests gluten-free pasta and can modify other menu items. A bit further from the sea and surf is Naples Pizzeria in Little Egg Harbor (425 W. Main St., 609-296-1313), which offers gluten-free pizza.

Reader Beth S. wrote on Facebook that Piccolina Toscana, an Italian tapas restaurant in Wilmington (1412 N. DuPont St., 302-654-8001) is hosting a Gluten-Free Night every Tuesday.

Reader Heather H. emailed me about the gluten-free options on the menu at Center City Philadelphia's Le Pain Quotidien (1425 Walnut St., 215-751-0570). The made-to-order breakfast omelettes, salads such as quinoa and goat cheese & arugula, appetizers like roasted cauliflower and hummus, and certain dinner entrees (roasted herb lemon chicken with arugula, sweet potatoes and shaved parmesan) are organic and gluten free. The cafe's six-vegetable quiche is made with a gluten-free buckwheat crust, but is prepared off-site in a facility where wheat products are made. Heather, who has celiac disease, told me that her husband Scott is a manager there and has educated the staff on proper food-handling protocol to avoid cross-contamination. Scott will be also working with the staff at a second location coming this summer to 801 Walnut Street.

Reader Jaime K. let me know that Italian Delite in Broomall (2052 Sproul Rd., 610-353-5885) serves gluten-free pizza.

Food blog Foobooz reports that the Naked Chocolate Cafe in Center City, which carried gluten-free confections, has closed. The shop is looking to relocate.

Chick-Fil-A is test-marketing sweet potato waffle fries at many Delaware Valley locations through August. A consumer relations representative advised me that the fries are gluten free.

No Whey Health Foods in Pitman, New Jersey (3 2nd Ave., 856-582-1115) is a new store selling gluten-free and allergy-friendly groceries. Thanks to readers Thomas P. and Sue R. for the tip.

Reader Chris P. sent me a link to product information for Kellogg's new gluten-free Rice Krispies, which will be available in June. There's even a recipe for Rice Krispie Treats.

If you weren't able to find Shabtai Gourmet's new mini Swiss cake rolls at Passover (or maybe you just want more), the cakes can now be ordered at the company's website.

Amazon.com is offering up to 30% savings on gluten-free groceries for Celiac Awareness Month through May 31. All deals can be combined with a Subcribe & Save offer to add an additional 15% savings. The products on sale are as follows:

The Center City branch of Maggiano's Little Italy (1201 Filbert St., 215-567-2020) is hosting a gluten-free dinner on Wednesday, May 25 beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $40 per person plus tax. The menu is posted on the restaurant's website (click on the "Events" tab), and there will be a silent auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will also go to that organization. Thanks to reader Felicita M., who let me know about this event.

Have a great weekend!
Comment using:

No comments: