News & Notes: July 22, 2016

Enjoy Life has introduced bite-size Mini Cookies, available in both crunchy and soft-baked varieties. The four crunchy options are Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Sugar Crispy and Vanilla Honey Graham and the three soft-baked versions are Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Brownie and Snickerdoodle. All of the cookies are gluten free and free of the top eight allergens. The Mini Cookies will be in stores soon.

Local cold cuts purveyor Dietz & Watson has a new Originals line, a collection of gluten-free products featuring no-antibiotics-ever and organic and nitrate-free deli meats and all-beef franks, as well as RBST-free cheeses.

We spent a lovely day last week in Cape May, New Jersey, where there are a number of gluten-free-friendly restaurants. The Cape May Fish Market (408 Washington St., 609-770-3790) serves sandwiches on gluten-free rolls, while That's Amore (301 Washington St., 609-898-3663) offers risotto and notes gluten-free options on its menu. We enjoyed a fine lunch at the Mad Batter (19 Jackson St., 609-884-5970), which has a gluten-free menu, though the fryer is not separate. Elaine's Dinner Theater (513 Lafayette St., 609-884-1199) offers gluten-free fare as part of its theater menu.

Assaggio! in Egg Harbor City (500 W. White Horse Pike, 609-965-3303) notes which items are gluten free on its menu. Thanks to Jenna of nearby gluten-free bakery Kizbee's Kitchen (734 W. White Horse Pike, 609-553-3383) for the tip. If you're heading down the shore, be sure to check out Jenna's yummy baked goods.

Say hello to Philly's newest 100%-gluten-free restaurant, Real Food Eatery near Rittenhouse Square (207 S. 16th St., 215-608-8941). Guests can combine a protein with a base of grains or greens and choose to hot or cold sides. Salads and bowls are available too.

The dinner menu at Philadelphia's Ti Penso (2108 South St., 215-735-4200) notes gluten-free options. The menu at this New American BYOB changes seasonally. Ti Penso is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Asuka, a Chinese-Japanese restaurant in West Chester (1502 West Chester Pike, 610-738-8888), offers an extensive gluten-free menu that includes soups, appetizers, sushi, rice and noodles, and protein and vegetable dishes.

Reader Matt F. let me know that Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse (7500 State Rd., 215-333-9663) in the Mayfair section of Northeast Philadelphia can accommodate gluten-free guests. All meats are gluten free (hold the gravy), as are most sides.

New on the gluten-free menu at all Zoës Kitchen locations is Mediterranean baked feta served with cucumbers. Two more outposts are in the works, one in Newtown Square (3741 West Chester Pike) and the other in Newark, Delaware in the new Christiana Fashion Center (2150 Fashion Center Blvd.).

Also coming to that Christiana complex is Ted's Montana Grill (301 Fashion Center Blvd.). Ted's, which offers a gluten-free menu, is aiming for a January 2017 opening.

Fogo de Chão's location at the new King of Prussia Town Center (155 Main St., Building L, 484-965-9655) has just opened. You can read a review of our meal at the Brazilian steakhouse's Philadelphia location here.

Two more T-swirl crêpe locations are coming to the area, joining the first in Philadelphia's Chinatown. One is opening later this year at the Plaza at King of Prussia Mall (160 N. Gulph Rd.), the other in Doylestown (33 N. Main St.). All crepes are made with a rice flour batter and are prepared with a choice of sweet or savory fillings. Many, but not all, of the filling options also are gluten free. The list of verboten fillings can be found here.

True Food Kitchen will also be coming to the King of Prussia Mall next summer. The menu at the Arizona-based health-forward chain notes gluten-free items, which include pizza and sandwich buns.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,500 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!