News & Notes: October 5, 2018

Before I get down to business, I wanted to let you know that NBC10 Philadelphia will be featuring Gluten Free Philly in a two-party story on dining out with Celiac Disease on Monday's 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts. Set your DVRs if you can't catch it when it broadcasts in real time. The stories should be posted to the station's website shortly after they air.

(Photo Credit: Corinna V.)

(Photo Credit: Baltimore Gluten Free)

Trader Joe's has several new gluten-free products in stores. The new Crispy Quinoa Stars is a quinoa and rice cereal sweetened with cane sugar and honey. There's also a butternut squash pizza crust and a spinach & kale crust in the frozen section. (Thanks, Corinna V.)

(Photo Credit: The Impulsive Buy)

Though not up on its website, Udi's Gluten Free has introduced two new breads: Hearty Sprouted Grains and 7 Seeds & Grains.

At long last, the new gluten-free pretzel rods from Snyder's of Hanover are making their way into supermarkets. I picked up a bag at Wegmans in Cherry Hill.

I had a chance to attend a pre-opening dinner last weekend at the just-opened North Italia in King of Prussia (350 Mall Blvd., 484-751-9000) and can report that the kitchen can separately prepare gluten-free pizza and pasta orders. The gluten-free crust comes from California's Venice Bakery.

Topgolf, the fast-growing entertainment center chain that crosses the Frisbee concept with a driving range, makes its debut today in Mt. Laurel (104 Centerton Rd., 856-793-4086). The kitchen serves gluten-free flatbreads, burger buns, salads and hard cider.

Several shops at the new Bourse in Old City (111 S. Independence Mall E.) have soft-opened ahead of a formal grand opening later this fall, including Prescription Chicken, which serves gluten-free matzoh ball and other soup varieties. Also open is Takorean, serving tacos on corn tortillas by request. Coming soon is Freebyrd Chicken; the gluten-free options there will be pulled chicken and salads. Westmont's Bricco Coal Fired Pizza plans to offer gluten-free pizza at its Bourse location shortly after its opening. The full list of gluten-free-friendly vendors can be found here.

At Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, Luhv Vegan Deli 51 N. 12th St.) has opened a full-fledged stand. All menu items except the burger buns are gluten free.

Gluten-free options are listed on the menu at the new Green Soul in Philadelphia's Spring Garden section (1410 Mt. Vernon St., 215-660-9600). The kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for fried items.

The recently opened Dooney's Pub in Voorhees (154 Rt. 73 N., 856-210-6274) has a separate kitchen area to prepare gluten-free orders that includes a dedicated fryer. The menu is extensive, from cheesesteaks to wraps to wings to potato skins.

Roy-Pitz Barrel House (990 Spring Garden St., 215-995-6792) notes gluten-free options on its menu, though there is no gluten-free fryer. A hard cider currently is on tap. (Hat tip to reader Christin S.)

Egg Harbor Township's Tacos el Tio recently opened a second Garden State location in Medford (200 Tuckerton Rd., 856-334-8026). Most menu items are gluten free; those that aren't are listed as such. There's a dedicated fryer for tortilla chips, but be sure to advise your server that you're ordering gluten free.

Merighi's Savoy Inn in Vineland (4940 E. Landis Ave., 856-691-8051) notes gluten-free options on its bistro menu. Gluten-free pasta is made to order in a fresh pot of water and gluten-free orders are handled separately.

Phoenixville's Bistro on Bridge (208-212-Bridge St., 610-935-7141) has a number of gluten-free menu options, but does not have a dedicated gluten-free fryer.

Gluten-free bakery Sweet Ladybug Baked Goods has set up shop inside Let's Bake Cookie Company in Bensalem (2570 Bristol Pike, 215-245-1607). Gluten-free baked goods are produced on dedicated equipment in a dedicated room. The facility also has space for cooking/baking-themed birthday parties and classes. Several gluten-free items are available daily, but for a wider selection customers should order in advance.

The Ravitz ShopRite in Marlton (307 W. Rt. 70, 856-983-7370) is hosting its annual gluten-free vendor fair tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be dozens of companies offering samples, including Glutino, Enjoy Life, Lundberg, Late July, Steve & Andy's, Simple Mills, Schar, Hippeas, Caesar's Pasta, Canyon Bakehouse and Smart Flour.

The Grain Exchange in Bucks County is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an open-house tasting event on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Sweet Occasions in Peddler's Village in Lahaska (74 Peddler's Village). The gluten-free bakery will be sampling seasonal items like pumpkin cheese cake, pumpkin bars and spice cake along with favorites such as Caramel Delight Bars from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grain Exchange's all-purpose flour will also be available for sale.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

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