Friday, November 30, 2018

News & Notes: November 30, 2018


Conagra's Evol Foods brand recently launched two new lines, each of which includes meals made without gluten-containing ingredients. The made-without-gluten options in the Modern Nutrition Bowl lineup are the Warrior Bowl and the Balance Bowl. None of the Morning Bowls - Breakfast Sausage & Uncured Bacon, Spicy Chipotle Chorizo, Smoked Uncured Ham Benedict and Creamy Basil Veggie - are made with any ingredients that contain gluten.


Katz Gluten Free has four new Twinkie-like creme-filled cakes: Caramel Apple, Pumpkin, Peppermint and Gingerbread. By purchasing through this affiliate link, you'll be supporting Gluten Free Philly.

Thanks to loyal reader Jaime L., I can report that the just-opened Tank and Libby's in Drexel Hill's Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center (1011 Pontiac Rd., 484-455-7527) is serving sandwiches on gluten-free bread. The owners of this breakfast and lunch spot are well versed in gluten-free food preparation.


Another longtime reader, Jessica N., let me know that Coyote Crossing in Conshohocken (800 Spring Mill Ave., 610-825-3000) has a dedicated fryer and lists gluten-free items on a menu that includes tortilla chips, quesadillas, enchiladas and flautas. The owner, Carlos, is often on hand to answer any questions about the gluten-free options.


Through December 30, Puyero Venezuelan Flavor in Society Hill (524 S. 4th St., 267-928-4584) is offering hallacas - traditional Venezuelan tamales wrapped in plantain leaves - in three varieties. Each one is made from corn dough and stuffed with a stew made from a meat of choice. The fat from the stew is also used to add extra flavor to the corn dough. It is then wrapped in plantain leaves, tied with strings, and boiled. Puyero's holiday menu additions include hallacas made with chicken, chicken and pork, and veggies. There's also a special Andes-style hot chocolate for the holidays, made with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. If you'd like to trying making them yourself, Puyero is hosting a holiday-edition cooking class on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.; ticket information is here.

In Moorestown, Maurizio's Bistro (33 E. Main St., 856-793-9884) offers separately prepared gluten-free pizza, pasta and entrees. Gluten-free items are noted on the menu.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Deck the Hall


Philadelphia's original commodities exchange has been transformed into an artisan marketplace in the style of New York's Chelsea Market and Washington, D.C.'s Union Market. Formally opening yesterday, The Bourse Food Hall (111 S. Independence Mall E.) will feature nearly 30 food and beverage tenants, including many with gluten-free selections. The list includes:

  • TaKorean: With four locations in metro D.C., TaKorean brings a combination of Korean inspired flavors with a Latin-American twist. In addition to their signature Korean tacos made with corn tortillas, the gluten-free options include Korean rice and salad bowls. They also offer a customizable menu comprised of two gluten-free proteins (tofu and cauliflower), romaine and spiced kale slaws, as well as several toppings and garnishes.
  • Prescription Chicken: The first brick-and-mortar location for this acclaimed D.C.-area soup purveyor offer its signature made-to-order chicken-based soups. All broths are gluten free and they even have gluten-free matzoh balls!
  • Mi & Yu Noodle Bar: This fast-casual spot based in the D.C. region offers artisanal bowls with gluten-free pho rice noodles and several gluten-free broths: spicy "kimchi style," vegetarian and savory miso. Avoid fried proteins since they are cooked in a shared fryer.
  • Abunai Poke: From Hawaii by way of D.C., this quick-service shop has a selection of poke and various Hawaiian dishes. The gluten-free proteins include plain tuna, plain and marinated salmon, lobster, octopus, shrimp and tofu. Also gluten free are the mixed greens, all mix-ins and toppings, chili pepper aioli, wasabi aioli and miso dressing.
  • Chaat and Chai: The Indian street food stand has gluten-free options like curries and soups.
  • Ka’moon: Fast-casual, Halal-prepared Egyptian cuisine from the folks behind The Taza Truck in Easton, Pennsylvania. Look for build-your-own gluten-free rice bowls.
  • Freebyrd Chicken: Freebyrd's pulled chicken and side salads are gluten free.
  • TAPS Fill Station: Philadelphia is the second outpost from the Baltimore-based concept specializing in draft booze with a solid focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Virtually everything on the menu served is sourced from within a 250-mile radius. Five lines hold hard cider and mead, two are stocked with kegged cocktails, and six more are split between red and white wines.
  • Olive With a Twist: A gourmet pantry originating in Easton, Pennsylvania offering a curated selection of cheeses, pâté, charcuterie, olive oils, balsamics, sauces and more.
  • Scoop DeVille: A Philadelphia institution since 1989, Scoop DeVille offers several gluten-free ice cream and yogurt flavors and dozens of toppings.
  • Chocodiem: With the exception of certain seasonal varieties, the hand-crafted, artisanal truffles at this Easton-based Belgian chocolatier will be gluten free, as will all of the macarons. Also gluten free will be the house-made gelato, frozen chocolate drinks, chocolate cocktails and selected desserts and confections.
Coming soon to the Bourse are several other gluten-free-friendly eateries:
  • Rebel Taco: A Mexican taco purveyor from D.C.-based Social Restaurant Group, Rebel Taco will serve tacos made with gluten-free tortillas.
  • Bricco Coal Fired Pizza: The Westmont, New Jersey pizzeria will offer gluten-free pies.
  • Break Juicery: Boasting locally sourced and organic fruits and vegetables, Break Juicery will offer a variety of juices and smoothies as well as açaí bowls.

Friday, November 2, 2018

News & Notes: November 2, 2018

Green Giant Fresh has expanded its fresh vegetable offerings with its new gluten-free Vegetable Meal Bowls, available in the refrigerated produce section at grocers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $3.99 per bowl. Each bowl includes a 100% fresh vegetable base with sauces and seasoning packets, The line includes six varieties:
  • Buddha Bowl: featuring crumbled sweet potato, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, roasted chickpeas and tahini sauce
  • Burrito Bowl: containing crumbled cauliflower and ancho-chipotle pepper black bean sauce
  • "Fried Rice" Bowl: featuring crumbled cauliflower, carrots, onions, broccoli and teriyaki sauce
  • Pad Thai Bowl: featuring carrot noodles with peanut-flavored sunflower butter sauce
  • Ramen Bowl: containing butternut noodles, crumbled cauliflower, carrots, onions, broccoli, roasted edamame and ramen seasoning
  • Rancheros Bowl: featuring crumbled sweet potato, cauliflower, kale and green chili sauce
California Pizza Kitchen has added two new gluten-free cauliflower thin-crust pizzas to its line of frozen pizzas. One is Artisanal Style Cheese, the other an Uncured Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage pizza. Speaking of CPK, the restaurants are phasing out the rice-flour pizza crusts but are still offering five certified gluten-free cauliflower pizzas. (Thanks to Baltimore Gluten Free for the tip.)

I'm still searching for the new Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake ice cream from L.A.-based Coolhaus. The seasonal flavor made with pumpkin and cream cheese ice cream and a gluten-free graham cracker crust swirl. The company's website has a downloadable coupon.

Cheesecake Factory at Home is a new line of gluten-free refrigerated puddings that will hit stores early next year. These layered puddings come in four flavor combinations:
  • Vanilla Fudge Duet: creamy vanilla bean pudding over dark chocolate fudge sauce
  • Chocolate Black-Out: rich Belgian chocolate pudding over dark chocolate fudge sauce
  • Salted Caramel Delight: creamy salted caramel pudding over rich caramel sauce
  • Cake Batter Strawberry Royale: creamy cake batter-inspired pudding over a sweet strawberry puree

Mi-Del has two new gluten-free seasonal cookies: Snowflake Snickerdoodles and Snowman sugar cookies.

Trader Joe's is always adding new gluten-free products. Among the latest are blueberry and everything bagels, as well as a pie crust.

The Philadelphia area has seen lots of gluten-free-friendly restaurant openings of late. Today is the debut of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in King of Prussia (670 W. DeKalb Pike, 610-337-7823). The kitchen has a gluten-free menu that includes many traditional seafood and steakhouse options.

In Fairmount, the new Thirsty Dice (1642 Fairmount Ave., 215-765-2679) is a board-game cafe featuring more than 800 games to choose from. The menu is designed by the good folks at Fox & Son and includes gluten-free corn dog lollipops, French bread pizza and mac-and-cheese.