News & Notes: October 12, 2012

C19 (267 S. 19th St., 215-545-0441) has brought Venice to Rittenhouse Square. Not only does the kitchen prepare gluten-free pasta, but also salads, risotto, steaks, fish entrees and even pan-fried polenta frites.

Lots of new options in suburbia this week. In Chester Springs, Liberty Union Bar & Grill (325 Simpson Dr., 484-359-4061) has a gluten-free menu as well as Redbridge beer and Woodchuck cider. The wings and fries are prepared separately.

Villanova's Azie on Main (789 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-527-5700) has a gluten-free menu that features pad thai, fried rice and sashimi.

In nearby Wayne, many selections at the vegan-friendly Raw Can Roll Cafe (767 W. Lancaster Ave., 484-580-8454) are gluten free.

Red Robin has a targeted opening time frame as the "beginning of 2013" for its Deptford Mall location. The chain has gluten-free burger buns and fries.

Baked goods from "Best of Philly" winner The Little Bakery are now sold in Center City at Brodo (31 S. 18th St., 215-977-7766) and Rittenhouse Market (1733 Spruce St., 215-985-5930).

Some of the 40 varieties of cheesecakes from Yhanne's House of Cheesecakes in Clayton, New Jersey (835 N. Delsea Dr., 856-881-0403) can be made without a crust. Yhanne offers several versions at the Berlin Farmers Market (41 Clementon Rd., 856-809-2470) Thursdays through Sundays. (Thanks Tom P.)

Look for Perdue's new gluten-free and dairy-free refrigerated breaded chicken tenders in supermarkets, as I wrote on Tuesday.

The Somers Point ShopRite (Rt. 9 & Bethel Rd., 609-927-8133) will be having a gluten-free festival on Saturday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They'll have samples, coupons, and information available as well as a chance to win $50 worth of gluten-free items.

Make note of a fundraiser at the newest Iron Hill Brewery location, in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia (8400 Germantown Ave., 215-948-5600). Present the special voucher at dinner on Monday, November 12 and the restaurant will donate 20% of your food bill to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. Iron Hill has extensive gluten-free menus for adults and kids.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael