News & Notes: November 1, 2013

The Philadelphia region's strong gluten-free community took a blow last week with the closure of Latin BYOB Casona in Collingswood after almost eight years in operation. With many options on the menu and a kitchen staff educated on proper food preparation, Casona was a favorite of many.

Despite that loss, Collingswood continues to be a bastion of gluten-free-friendly businesses. Sweet Freedom Bakery is planning a mid-November opening at 577 Haddon Ave., and El Sitio Grill & Cafe (729 Haddon Ave., 856-240-1217) can accommodate guests looking for South American cuisine. The kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for appetizers like empanadas and plaintains, and the menu also includes salads and grilled meats.

Most area Cheeburger Cheeburger locations are carrying gluten-free burger buns. Diners can find them at New Jersey outlets in Hamilton (549 Rt. 130 N., 609-585-8899), Lawrenceville (3349 Brunswick Pike, 609-799-2222) and Princeton (182 Nassau St., 609-921-0011) and at two southeastern Pennsylvania spots in Frazer (235 Lancaster Ave., 610-296-8858) and Oaks (180 C Mill Rd., 484-392-7005). Note that fries and shakes may be prepared using shared equipment.

Northern Liberties' vegan-friendly Soy Cafe (630 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1003) has gluten-free wraps, soups, smoothies and salads.

Rittenhouse Square New American restaurant REX 1516 (1516 South St., 267-319-1366) has just updated its gluten-free menu for the season. The kitchen's juicy burger remains on the menu, which also features a sweet potato panna cotta for dessert. (Read my review here.)

Eatery on Main Cafe in North Wales (104 S. Main St., 215-699-8097) can prepare gluten-free breakfast and lunch wraps and sandwiches.

Also in North Wales, Wegmans will open its newest Philadelphia-area market on Sunday (500 Montgomery Mall, 267-677-0700).

I reviewed southern New Jersey's only all-gluten-free bakery and cafe, WildFlour in Lawrenceville, in Tuesday's post.

Mi-Del's limited-edition Candy Cane sandwich creme cookies are making their way to supermarkets now in time for the holiday season.

Goldbaum's flatbread crisps, which took top honors in the Best New Bread, Grain, Cereal or Cracker category at this week's Kosherfest 2013, come in four flavors: Nutty Sesame, French Onion, Just Salt and Roasted Garlic. The crisps are made with chickpea flour.

Look for Post's limited-edition Sugar Cookie flavor Pebbles cereal, which is gluten free.

The Celiac Center at Paoli Hospital (255 W. Lancaster Ave.) is hosting a free class, "Living Gluten Free," on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Online registration is available.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael