News & Notes: November 22, 2013

I'm proud to announce the launch of the Gluten Free Philly mobile app for iPhone and iPad users. (Fear not Android users, a similar version is in the works.) You can search for more than 1,200 curated gluten-free-friendly restaurant, bakery, market and attractions listings in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and all of Delaware. You can see what's closest to your location and make use of other great features like turn-by-turn directions and menu links. More screen shots and the full description of the app can be found at the Apple App Store. The cost is $2.99.

Delicias will serve gluten-free arepas at its new location
(Photo credit: Delicias)

Philadelphia is getting two more gluten-free-friendly restaurants that will be among the dozens already listed in the app. Latin food truck Delicias is setting up a brick-and-mortar spot at 526 S. 4th St. in the next week or two with an all-gluten-free menu featuring grilled arepas. You can read about Delicias and other gluten-free food truck options here.

Meanwhile, Market East Asian restaurant Aqua is opening a second city location at 120 S. 15th St. in the next few weeks. The new branch, which will also have a gluten-free menu, will be take-out and delivery only. I posted a review of the original sit-down location last year. (Philly.com's Insider column broke the news on the Delicias and Aqua openings.)

Frankie's, the Italian option at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (1131 N. DuPont Hwy., 302-674-4600), now offers gluten-free pasta.

Gennaro's in Hamilton (4613 Nottingham Way, 609-587-4992) has pizza and pasta, while Bistro Romano in Philly's Society Hill neighborhood (120 Lombard St., 215-925-8880), will prepare pasta upon request.

Relative to other parts of New Jersey, Salem County isn't exactly a gluten-free hotbed, but Franco's in Pennsville (185 N. Broadway, 856-540-0777) has a number of choices for diners, from pizza to spaghetti, penne and stuffed shells. The kitchen prepares those items separately.

In Doylestown, Genevieve's (34 E. State St., 908-797-6743) offers gluten-free bread for sandwiches, while Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods in nearby New Hope (415 S. York Rd., 215-862-9809) can make 11 different sandwiches with gluten-free poppy seed rolls.

Red Robin's new location at the Cherry Hill Mall (2100 Rt. 38) opens on Monday, Dec. 2. The restaurant is running a sneak-preview celebration next week with free meals during the employee training exercises. RSVP through this link.

Tuesday, saw the inaugural First Draft beer column here at the blog with a review of naturally gluten-free Glutenberg beer out of Canada.

Glutino has a holiday-themed snack hitting stores now - yogurt-covered pretzels sprinkled with mint. (Several Facebook readers have spotted these at Whole Foods.)

Local snack-foods maker Herr's has introduced a limited-edition flavor of its Rippled Baked Crisps.

COOK (253 S. 20th St., 215-735-COOK) is a fully-equipped, 16-seat kitchen-classroom where guests can enjoy meals made by Philadelphia-area culinary professionals. Nutritionist Genevieve Sherrow will lead two classes there next month: Gluten-Free Pies, Tarts & Quiche on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Gluten-Free Breadmaking on Saturday, Dec. 28. The classes cost $75 each.

Have a great weekend, happy Hanukkah and wonderful Thanksgiving!

- Michael