News & Notes: July 7, 2017

The makers of Veggie Fries and Veggie Tots has expanded with its frozen line with new gluten-free Veggie Rings, a healthier alternative to traditional onion rings. The protein- and fiber-rich product is a blend of cauliflower, navy beans, and onions coated with a gluten-free breading. Veggie Rings will be available in the frozen aisle of select retailers, including Wegmans, Giant, Kroger, Market Basket, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Jewel Osco and Lucky’s Market.

The new Cauliflower Rice Bowl at Zoës Kitchen

Fast-casual Mediterranean chain Zoës Kitchen, with 13 locations in the tri-state area and hundreds more in 13 other states, has launched its largest new menu roll-out in eight years. Guests can pair their kabobs with one of the new gluten-free sauces - Greek Tzatziki, Italian Salsa Verde, Israeli Skhug and Moroccan Harissa - and can add their favorite protein to the new Cauliflower Rice Bowl. All gluten-free options are noted on the menu.

True Food Kitchen's Inside-Out Quinoa Burger

True Food Kitchen is opening its first area location in King of Prussia (239 Mall Blvd., 484-751-1954) on July 19. The health-forward menu, which lists gluten-free selections, changes seasonally.

The Cheesecake Factory's newest dessert happens to be gluten free. It's a combination of cold brew coffee cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake topped with coffee mascarpone mousse.

In Wildwood Crest, Lemma's Beach Grill (9103 Atlantic Ave., 609-522-6361) offers gluten-free breakfast and lunch options (including bread) with separate preparation.

Fresco in Northfield (2327 New Road, 609-383-3737) and Ocean City (755 Asbury Ave., 609-399-3737) prepares gluten-free options such as pasta, soups, tacos, grilled cheese and panini separately.

Reader Andrea, who blogs at Baltimore Gluten Free but is a Philly-area native, let me know about a few other Jersey shore options. The Juice Pod in Avalon (2001 Dune Dr., 609-961-3404) serves gluten-free açaí bowls, smoothies and granola. In Stone Harbor, Chill (224 96th St., 609-368-8500) serves gluten-free pasta and bread, while The Taco Shop at Quahog's (206 97th St., 609-368-6300) can separately prepare gluten-free tacos and quesadillas using corn tortillas. The Taco Shop has a second location at the Cape May Airport in Rio Grande (1288 Hornet Rd., 609-849-9045).

The Bungalow Beach beach club in Atlantic City (2641 Boardwalk, 609-432-3009) notes gluten-free options on lunch and dinner menus; request that orders be handled separately. At Tropicana's Rí Rá Irish pub (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-348-8600), there are a few gluten-free options listed in the menu, including salads and entrees. Redbridge beer and several hard ciders also are available.

New gluten-free options in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware include The Crab House (19598 Coastal Hwy., 302-227-2019), which has a gluten-free menu featuring crabcakes and other proteins. The restaurant is owned by the proprietors of Big Fish Grill and other celiac-friendly restaurants in the First State.

Nearby, Rosenfeld's Jewish Delicatessen (18949 Coastal Hwy., 302-645-1700) has gluten-free bread and will utilize separate preparation of gluten-free orders. Closer to the beach, The Back Porch Cafe (59 Rehoboth Ave., 302-227-3674) notes gluten-free options on the lunch and dinner menus.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,600 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!