News & Notes: February 21, 2020

This month brings word of two new gluten-free breakfast cereals, for kids and kids at heart. Nature's Path has added to its Envirokidz line with Turtle Splash, a strawberry and chocolate flavored cereal. Post has a new variety of its famed Pebbles cereal that magically turns milk blue.

Woodchuck Hard Cider is releasing two new hard cider styles: Sippin’ Citrus and Mimosa. Sippin’ Citrus is a grapefruit hopped cider that pairs the juice of the common eating apple with grapefruit and cascade hops, while Mimosa features orange juice. Both styles are 5.5% ABV.

Sedona Taphouse has a wide selection of gluten-free food and drink

In Phoenixville, Sedona Taphouse (131 Bridge St. #5, 484-302-5714) has an extensive list of gluten-free menu items, from burgers to flatbreads, from crab cakes to chocolate cake. The kitchen's fryer is only used for gluten-free items like fries and the flatbreads are baked in a separate oven. There's also a dedicated pot for gluten-free penne. The bar has many gluten-free adult beverages, including Glutenberg beer and hard ciders. A second area location is coming to West Chester later this year at the 44 West Plaza development. The chain also has outposts in northern New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The all-gluten-free Bleu Bear Market in Marlton (27 N. Maple Ave., 856-810-3456) will open its doors on Saturday, February 29 at 7 a.m. In addition to a full line of fresh baked goods, the market will offer made-to-order sandwiches, salad bar and much more. Meanwhile, Bleu Bear Bakery, the gluten-free bake shop in Haddonfield, has relocated from its original location on Kings Highway around the corner (14 Tanner St., 856-354-0006) to utilize the larger kitchen space there.

Speaking of expanding in South Jersey, Grubr Gluten-Free Kitchen in Medford, which sells prepared foods for pick-up and delivery, is opening a full-service cafe next door at 15 Jackson Rd. Grubr Sit & Eat is slated for an April opening.

Bhan Thai just opened a second South Jersey location in Marlton (1041 Rt. 73 S., 856-422-8424). The menu, which replicates the one at the original Mt. Laurel spot, notes many gluten-free options.

About half of the menu options at the recently opened Oori, a Korean fried chicken and ramen shop in Pottstown (2228 Pottstown Pike, 484-985-8071), are or can be made gluten free. All of the dry wings are gluten free, as are two of the wet varieties: sweet chili and white miso honey mustard. The wings are prepared with a rice flour/corn starch batter. Rice noodles can be substituted in several ramen dishes. Thanks to @glutenfreebebe for the tip.

Also in Pottstown, The Blue Elephant (152 E. High St., 484-949-9084) notes gluten-free choices on its Asian fusion menu. Be sure to request gluten-free modifications and preparation.

The Farmer & The Chickpea recently opened in Quakertown (1321 W. Broad St., 267-227-3895). The cafeteria-style restaurant lists gluten-free options on its menu, which rotates weekly.

Reader Corinna V. let me know that the oldest continuously operating inn in America, King George II Inn in Bristol (102 Radcliffe St., 215-788-5536), has gluten-free lobster bisque and crab cakes, among other items listed on the menu.

Peter McAndrews has reopened Modo Mio in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia (705 5th St., 267-239-2712) as well as Paesano's Philly Style, now in Fishtown (1429 Marlborough St.). Modo Mio has gluten-free pasta, while Paesano's will soon have gluten-free bread for sandwiches.

In Rittenhouse Square, Scarpetta (210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 215-558-4199) has an extensive gluten-free menu that includes pasta.

The adults-only Barcade in Fishtown (114 Frankford Ave., 215-634-4400) has gluten-free tacos, a house salad, deviled eggs, a pickle plate and several snacks on its current menu. A future location is coming to Center City at 1210 Chestnut St.

The Fairview, which recently opened in Fairmount (601 N. 21st St., 215-235-3500), has a dedicated fryer for fries and tater tots along with other noted menu options. Gluten-free hard cider and seltzer are available from the bar.

At the DECO Food Hall in Wilmington (111 W. 10th St., 302-300-4955), four of the pho varieties at Phubs are gluten free, as are the steak, chicken and shrimp rice and salad bowls.

Sweet Victory Bakery makes gluten-free bundt cakes, cupcakes,
cookies, pies and special-order cakes

Sweet Victory Bakery is a gluten- and dairy-free bakery based in Dublin, Pennsylvania. Owner Veronica hosts pop-up sales twice a month at 105 N. Main St. (Follow the bakery on Facebook for upcoming dates.) Her baked goods are also sold at area markets such as Kimberton Whole Foods, Altomonte's and other locations in Bucks County and Chester County.

Healthy Meals by Anna rotates its gluten-free options
twice a month

Chef Anna started Healthy Meals by Anna about a year ago, preparing gluten-free meals for delivery in the Philadelphia area and pick-up. Her menu changes bi-weekly and she also offers catering services. Orders can be placed on an a la carte or subscription basis.

Philadelphia Mead Well is the city's first modern-day meadery. Mead, known as honey wine, is gluten free. The meadery's tasting room, located in the Harrowgate section of North Philadelphia (3525 I St. - Unit 201, 267-454-5956), is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Upcoming area events include a gluten-free education dinner at The Pop Shop in Medford (1 S. Main St., 609-975-6888) on Thursday, February 27. The event includes a gluten-free buffet dinner, dessert by Bleu Bear Bakery, samples and coupons. Yours truly will share great information for traveling and dining gluten free. Ravitz Family Market’s dietitian, Ashley Cully, will offer advice and tips for gluten free shopping and cooking at home. All guests are encouraged to bring their favorite gluten-free recipes for a recipe swap. Tickets are $26.95 and include tax and gratuity (available here). Advance ticket purchase required.

CHOP will host its annual gluten-free education day on Sunday, March 1. Details and registration information are available here.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,800 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!