News & Notes: November 6, 2015

Tenderloin Medallions at Travinia
(Photo credit: via Facebook)

Philadelphia's newest concert hall, The Fillmore, now has a gluten-free-friendly pre-show dining option nearby. Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, in the city's Fishtown section (1000 Frankford Ave., 267-687-2020), opens Sunday for dinner, with lunch service starting on Wednesday. Both the lunch and dinner menus list gluten-free options, including pasta,

With his roles in shot-in-Philly Invincible and Shooter, actor Mark Wahlberg has made this area a second home of sorts. Now, his family burger business, Wahlburgers, will be setting up shop at The Piazza in Northern Liberties this winter. For now, a Wahlburgers food truck will serve that same area on weekends, The menu includes gluten-free burger buns and croutons for salads.

Giorgio Pizza on Pine (1334 Pine St., 215-545-2482), the new casual offshoot of Center City fave Giorgio on Pine, is now offering gluten-free pizza and sandwiches - that includes cheesesteaks. The breads and pizza shells are sourced from Taffets in the Italian Market.

News & Notes: October 17, 2014

Grub Burger Bar has opened its first Philadelphia-area location this week in Willow Grove (159 York Rd., 215-800-0699). Gluten-free burgers are served on buns from Local Oven, and the sweet potato fries are prepped in a dedicated fryer.

Many of the menu items at Blue Bell's El Sarape (1380 Skippack Pike, 610-239-9466) are gluten-free-friendly or can be prepared accordingly.

An all-gluten-free "juice" truck is coming to Philly courtesy of The Juice. For now, owner Katie Rodger will deliver her superfood smoothies and desserts throughout the area, while juices are available for pick-up at various locations on the Main Line. Email her for ordering information.

News & Notes: October 4, 2013

Gluten-free pizza, take two. After a short-lived rollout back in 2011, California Pizza Kitchen has reintroduced gluten-free pizza to its restaurants nationwide. This time out, there are five personal-size varieties - Original BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Margherita and Untraditional Cheese - prepared under strict procedures approved by the Gluten Intolerance Group using a certified gluten-free crust and other ingredients verified by suppliers as gluten-free, according to the menu. (Though not on the printed menu, CPK's online ordering system and several employees I spoke with noted that the Untraditional Cheese, with a combination of traditional and fresh mozzarella, is an approved pizza.)

News & Notes: November 16, 2012

Not one, not two, but three Camden County Italian BYOBs are now catering to gluten-free guests. Tullia's in West Berlin (589 Rt. 73 N., 856-767-7761) has pizza and pasta and can adapt other menu items. In Voorhees, Viana's (300 White Horse Rd., 856-627-3800) offers pasta and can modify many dishes. Collingswood has yet another option in That's Amore (690 Haddon Ave., 856-869-5683), where items like risotto and polenta (which can be served with a variety of sauces) are marked on the menus. All of the kitchens are knowledgeable about safe preparation.

In nearby Haddonfield, gluten-free wraps and juices are available at Animo (113 E. Kings Hwy., 856-427-9070, a juice-and-burrito bar. (Thanks DeAnn O. and Tom P.)

Back in July, I mentioned that Burger 21 - a Florida burger-and-fries chain from the founders of The Melting Pot - is opening its first area location in Voorhees. I learned this week that it'll be joining the likes of Iron Hill Brewery and Catelli Duo on Town Center Boulevard, near what was once known as Echelon Mall, in Spring 2013. Burger 21 has an extensive gluten-free menu that includes burger buns, fries, salads and shakes.

Speaking of the mall, Deux Au Naturel, which offered gluten-free wraps in the Voorhees Town Center food court, has closed.

Reader Maori H. recommends The Mildred, a New American restaurant with a Continental influence in South Philadelphia (824 S. 8th St., 267-687-1600).

With the opening of the Wursthaus Schmitz stand, there's finally a go-to option at Philadelphia's historic Reading Terminal Market (51 N. 12th St., 215-922-2317). All of the sausages and deli meats are gluten free, as well as the potato and cucumber salads and red cabbage.

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Center City pan-Asian restaurant Aqua has a gluten-free menu. Contributing writer Alice reviewed a recent meal there in Tuesday's post.

New to Elkins Park is CreekSide Co-op (7909 High School Rd., 215-557-4480), where gluten-free products are stocked and available by special order. Non-members are welcome.

With apologies to the Eagles, the only area sports team in action these days is the Sixers. (If you don't believe me, read The Onion's funny-as-usual take.) Gluten-free items are sold at the Wells Fargo Center at the concession stand located in Section 122. Options include hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, nachos (no cheese), cookies and brownies, popcorn and peanuts, and beer and hard cider.

All of the gluten-free-friendly restaurants, markets, caterers and attractions mentioned at these pages can be found at my new "Where to Eat and Shop" tab at the blog. There, you'll be able to sort listings by state and cuisine and get full contact information and weblinks. Hope you like it.

I'm off next week but you can still keep up with Gluten Free Philly on Facebook and Twitter. Have a great weekend and wonderful holiday!

- Michael

The Hungry Games

The Spectrum was the site of many great Philadelphia sports moments. But by the turn of the century, the building had seen better days. It was torn down with great fanfare in 2010, but in its place is a complex designed to entertain the masses before, during and after sporting events in South Philly and even on non-game nights - the newly opened (if awkwardly named) XFINITY Live! Philadelphia. The best news is that all of the restaurants at the complex have gluten-free menu options.

The expansive outdoor area of the dining and entertainment district is centered around the XFINITY On Demand Theater, a 24-foot wide, LED video board, which will show both sports games and family-friendly movies. Adjacent to the theater, the NBC Sports Field, an outdoor miniature artificial turf field, will host numerous activities and free concerts.

Artist's rendering of Philly MarketPlace

The Philly MarketPlace serves as a central gathering place for groups and grants guests access to each of the venues. The MarketPlace will showcase many local institutions including Goodnoe Ice Cream.

Created in the essence of the Spectrum itself, the Spectrum Grill features prime steaks, chops, and seafood, and will host cocktail parties nightly. A gluten-free menu is available on request.

In partnership with Philadelphia’s Victory Brewing Company, the Victory Beer Hall features elongated, beer hall-style tables, a stage for live indoor entertainment, and a 2,000-square-foot patio complete with a fire pit and a unique panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline. Gluten-free options noted on the menu include poached pear salad, brat bites and sausages.

The NBC Sports Arena offers fans a one-of-a-kind sports viewing experience, featuring a 32-foot diagonal, 6mm Sony LED HD television and high impact LED Rings displaying the NBC Sports Ticker. The menu features gluten-free choices such as salads and chicken wings.

PBR Bar & Grill (that's Professional Bull Riders, not Pabst Blue Ribbon) serves Tex-Mex cuisine and hosts a country and southern rock party at night featuring a mechanical bull. You'll find gluten-free ribs and chicken on the menu there.

Broad Street Bullies Pub features authentic memorabilia from the legendary Flyers teams of the 1970s. The pub will serve lunch and dinner and often feature live acoustic entertainment at night. Wings and chicken are notable gluten-free choices on the pub menu.

Get Your Phil

Spring Training is underway, which means another season of Phillies baseball will soon be upon us. Join the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 20, when the Phillies host the San Francisco Giants at 7:05 p.m. Celiac Awareness Night will feature an expanded selection of gluten-free foods. At last year's event, cheesesteaks and Seasons Pizza were among the favorites.

Seating will be located in the following areas:

• Pavilion Deck (section 309) at $28 per ticket
• Pavilion (sections 201-205) at $30 per ticket
• Pavilion (sections 206-207) at $38 per ticket

Net proceeds from tickets sold through this offer will go to support raising celiac awareness. To order your tickets, click on this link and enter the promotion code CELIAC.

News & Notes: September 23, 2011

As many of you know, the area's premier gluten-free event, Appetite for Awareness, has been a fall affair in years past. However, due to venue and scheduling considerations, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is considering holding Appetite in Spring 2012. In the meantime, the NFCA is hosting a major donor event at a private home on Tuesday, October 18 honoring Dr. Ritu Verma of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a familiar name to the Philadelphia gluten-free community. Chef Marc Vetri (Vetri, Osteria, Amis) will be the special guest, with chef demos by Brad Spence (Amis) and pastry chef Monica Glass (10 Arts Bistro & Lounge) and gluten-free fare by Wolfgang Puck Catering accompanied by a wine tasting. If you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor or purchasing a ticket, please contact the NFCA's Nancy Ginter.

Earlier this week, I wrote about Dogfish Head's new gluten-free beer that will be available in bottles by the end of the year.

All menu items at Cantina Diablos Mexican Grill in Ardmore (2330 Haverford Ave., 610-642-1370) can be made gluten free.

The area's second Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is now open in Chadds Ford, at the Garnet Valley Plaza Center (91 Wilmington West Chester Pike, 484-785-6880). The restaurant has a gluten-free menu.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill's two area locations - at the malls in King of Prussia and Cherry Hill - have set their Fall 2011 gluten-free menu.

Reader Kelly R. let me know that Fuel's Center City Philadelphia location (1225 Walnut St., 215-922-FUEL) is serving gluten-free chocolate fudge cake in addition to panini.

Some recent restaurant closings: Philadelphia's Adsum and Ry's Bagels in Berlin, New Jersey.

Deliteful Foods' new location is in the Quakerbridge Village Commons in Lawrenceville (4110 Quakerbridge Rd., 609-799-7756)

Sweet Christine's gluten-free baked goods will be available at Eagles home games this season. They can be found at the concession stand behind Section 117 at Lincoln Financial Field with other gluten-free fare.

Now at Whole Foods stores are Annie's new Organic Orchard Fruit Bites. Available in grape, strawberry, apple and cherry, the Fruit Bites contain one serving of fruit in each pouch. The fruit snacks are naturally gluten and gelatin free, are vegan, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

JD's Best Pizza is now available at Martindale's Natural Market in Springfield. Thanks to reader Dana M. for the tip.

Food for All Market in Mt. Airy will have Feel Good Foods' gluten-free dumplings available for sampling on Sunday, September 25 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: August 5, 2011

The coveted(?) Gluten Free Philly Readers Choice Awards were announced this week, with P.F. Chang's and Outback Steakhouse, The Pop Shop and Main Line Baking Company leading the way with multiple nods. Thanks again to everyone who voted, and be sure to nominate your favorites next year.

Tex Mex Connection in North Wales (201 E. Walnut St., 215-699-9552) notes many gluten-free items on its menus. (Hat tip to to Abby S.)

In Cape May Court House, Molino's (219 S. Main St., 609-465-0200) has gluten-free pizza, pasta and bread, prepared separately.

Reader Kristen T. let me know that many of the entrees at the Marshalton Inn and Four Dogs Tavern in West Chester (1300 W. Strasburg Rd., 610-692-4367) can be made gluten free. At the tavern, she enjoyed crab nachos on corn tortillas, cajun tuna, and a side of polenta, along with a Woodchuck cider.

Joe's Crab Shack, with a number of gluten-free options, is coming to the former Houlihan's on City Avenue in Bala Cynywd.

Wayne's PBandU, featuring gluten-free bread for sandwiches, will open a second location at the Moorestown Mall in October. Owner Mercury Amodio tells me she plans to utilize a separate toaster, utensils and toppings upon request for patrons there as well.

PPL Park in Chester, home of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union, has raised the bar for gluten-free fare at local stadiums and arenas. Currently available are hot dogs at Hot Dog Nation (Sections 104 and 125), hamburgers at Black Angus Grill (Sections 101 and 122), pizza at Seasons Pizza (Sections 109 and 127), and Redbridge beer will soon be served at Snake & Shield (Sections 103 and 114).

Williams-Sonoma has taken the wraps off its new gluten-free baking mixes and flour, developed by Chef Thomas Keller. The Bouchon Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix ($19.95), Ad Hoc Gluten-Free Brownie Mix ($18.95) and Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour ($19.95) are available in stores and online. Those prices - per item - are not typos.

Planning to make a purchase at Amazon.com? Support Gluten Free Philly by using this link or those below. It costs you nothing but earns us a small commission. Amazon Grocery has the following gluten-free items on sale this month (combine with a Subscribe & Save order for an additional 15% off):

• Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water: 15% off with code RIHANNA3
• Annie's Fruit Snacks: 10% off with code Y7RBIXY3
• Peeled Snacks: 10% off with code ZDILFYRD
• Sahale Snacks: save 10% with code SUEZHB2
• Lucy's Cookies: save 15% with code DRLUCYO8
• KIND bars: save 10% with code KINDBTSI
• Erewhon cereals (selected varieties are gluten-free): save 10% with code ATTUNBTS
• Oskri bars: save 15% with code OSKRIBTS
• Pure bars: save 10% with code PUREAUGI

Have a great weekend!

Gluten Free Road Trip: The Nationals Pastime

Poker and blackjack players know the value of holding aces. So do the Phillies. As the 2011 baseball season rolls along, All-Star hurlers Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels have proven to be the catalysts for the team's success this year. As was evident during our Memorial Day weekend trip to the Washington, D.C. area, the success had led fans to travel to see the team away from home, making away games feel like those in South Philadelphia.

We spent most of the weekend south of the Mason-Dixon line, spending some quality time with my brother and his family in Maryland. Our first "pit stop" on the trip was in Newark, Delaware, where we ordered lunch at Grotto Pizza on Main Street. Grotto, a fixture throughout the First State, recently added gluten-free pizza from Still Riding to its menu (and beer at bar locations). Our son loved the taste of the pie, made with Grotto's trademark alternating rings of sauce and cheese.

For dinner we ventured over to the Rio entertainment complex in Gaithersburg, Maryland. California Pizza Kitchen had not yet begun serving gluten-free pizza, so we opted to eat at Copper Canyon Grill. On its gluten-free menu, the restaurant offers several salads and a handful of meat and chicken entrees. The meaty half-rack of ranch-house BBQ ribs and grilled chicken my son tackled were served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

The next evening, we met up with friends at burger-and-fries chain Red Robin in Gaithersburg. The restaurant uses a dedicated fryer for its bottomless french fries, and we brought along a gluten-free bun to sandwich our son's burger.

The highlight of the weekend (besides hanging with my kid brother, of course) was our trip to Nationals Park in southeast Washington, D.C. for a Memorial Day matinee between the Phils and Nationals. The thousands of Phillies fans that trekked to the game from the Philadelphia area overwhelmed the ballpark, creating a "red sea" in the stands and even heckling ex-Phil Jayson Werth in his own house.

Perhaps it's a hometown bias, but I found the stadium, in its fourth year of existence, has none of the charm of Citizens Bank Park, Baltimore's Camden Yards, or even Citi Field in New York. It also has none of the parking; my brother paid $25 in advance to secure us a spot in a remote lot 15 minutes away on foot.  What is does have, though, is a dedicated gluten-free concession stand (Section 136) that serves hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy and beer. Dutch Country's gluten-free soft pretzels are available elsewhere, at Sections 105 and 319.

Halladay was the starting pitcher that afternoon, and he didn't have one of his better outings despite earning the win. He gave up 10 hits in the 5-4 victory, including three solo home runs, as the lead see-sawed before the Phillies went ahead for good in the seventh inning on RBIs by Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez. The throng of Phillies faithful in attendance got their money's worth.

While we had to return home to resume our work-and-school routine the next day, there was time for one more excursion. On the drive back, we exited in Baltimore and strolled around Inner Harbor. Nearby, we dined at Kona Grill, a pan-Asian restaurant with a gluten-free menu. We began the meal sharing lettuce wraps and the salty edamame. As is his wont, our son ordered a top-shelf entree - a savory pan-seared ahi tuna dish served with bok choy.

After now seeing the Phillies play in New York (the Yankees in 2009; the Mets in 2010) and Washington, I think it's about time to think about a baseball road trip for next year. Warm weather? check. Newer stadium? check. We could do worse than Miami, San Diego or Arizona.

News & Notes: April 8, 2011

A big welcome this week to the new readers who learned of Gluten Free Philly at the recent CHOP celiac conference. I want to especially thank Alice Bast, the president and founder of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, for inviting me to speak alongside her about gluten-free dining and allowing me to share suggestions of kid-friendly restaurants with the audience.

What food could be more kid-friendly than ice cream? This week, I wrote about Philadelphia's own Bassetts, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The company makes more than 25 gluten-free flavors available in pints and at parlors throughout the Delaware Valley.

More gluten-free pizza options in the Philadelphia suburbs, all of which I'm told take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. In Pennsylvania, Boston Style Pizza's Bala Cynwyd location (298 Levering Mill Rd., 610-668-2310) now carries pizza from Still Riding, as does Caruso Brick Oven in Souderton (424 N. Main St., 215-799-1312). Caruso's also has pasta in addition to a full-fledged gluten-free menu. Reader Dana M. tipped that Johnny's Pizza in Prospect Park (547 Chester Pike, 610-461-8600) serves pizza and ravioli.

In New Jersey, Sal's in Mantua (222 Bridgeton Pike, 856-468-2226) has pizza. (Thanks to Sue R.)

Two area contemporary American restaurants note gluten-free items on their menus: Salt Creek Grille in Princeton's Forrestal Village (1 Rockingham Row, 609-419-4200) and the just-opened Gunners Run, in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia (1001 N. 2nd St., 215-923-4600).

One of our favorite restaurants, The Pop Shop in Collingswood (729 Haddon Ave., 856-869-0111), now serves chicken tenders "breaded" with gluten-free corn flake crumbs. Be sure to ask that the dish be baked, not fried.

The Phillies are off to a solid start in the first week of the 2011 campaign. In addition to hot dogs, Sweet Christine's sweets, beer and hard cider available at Citizens Bank Park (at the concession stand behind Section 128), frozen yogurt makes its debut there this season. The Yogen Früz kiosks behind Sections 127 and 315 serve gluten-free low-fat vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt and fat-free sorbet that's blended with a choice of frozen fruit. Each serving costs $6.50.

Nature's Path gluten-free cereals are on sale this month at Amazon.com. Save 10% using code NATPATH5 at checkout, and save an additional 15% with a Subscribe & Save order.

Bethann S. emailed me this photo of Italian-made Bi Alimenta corn-and-rice pasta, sold locally at Carlino's in Ardmore (2616 E. County Line Rd., 610-649-4046).

My Dad's Cookies are now being sold at Martindale's Natural Market in Springfield (1172 Baltimore Pike, 610-543-6811). Thanks to Marilyn for the good word.

Gluten-free Passover pizza and pizza bagels, cakes and other products are now available in supermarkets such as ShopRite and Wegmans. Look for sweets from Shabtai Gourmet, Reisman's, Oberlander and Schick's.

Organic Bistro is launching a new line of gluten-free single-serve bowl entrees. The new line is available in four varieties: Sesame Ginger Wild Salmon (made with sustainably caught seafood), Asian Style Coconut Lemongrass (made with organic quinoa, brown rice and vegetables), Thai Style Red Curry with Beef and Thai Style Yellow Curry with Chicken (both made with organic brown basmati rice and vegetables). Each 10 oz. package has a suggested retail price of $4.99.

Members of the gluten-free community will gather in Washington, D.C. on May 4 to bake the world’s largest gluten-free cake. The "1in133" event - named for the fact that one in every 133 people in the U.S. suffers from celiac disease or gluten intolerance - is part of an effort to draw attention to the Food and Drug Administration’s delay in finalizing standards for gluten-free food labeling. You can make a donation and sign a petition advocating for the FDA to take action on determining a gluten-free food-labeling standard. The event is the idea of gluten-free author and baking expert Jules Shepard and South Jersey's own John Forberger, a gluten-free triathlete.

That's all for this week. Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: March 18, 2011

This week was a busy one, what with the changeover to daylight savings time, St. Patrick's Day, the start of March Madness - all unmistakable signs that Spring is nearly here.

This week was also busy in the local gluten-free world, from cooking classes to support group meetings. On Tuesday, I featured locally made gluten-free cooking sauces from Lizbeth Lane Gourmet Cuisine.

The big restaurant news was that Grotto Pizza has added Still Riding's gluten-free pizza to its menus at nearly all Delaware locations. The chain has locations closer to Philly (in Wilmington, Newark and Bear) as well as shore points in Rehoboth Beach (on the Boardwalk!), Bethany Beach and Lewes. Only the Tanger Outlets spot in Rehoboth Beach doesn't have it at the moment. You can sign up for the company's newsletter (at its home page) and $3 off any pizza.

Out in Delaware County, Springfield's Bagel Bin (467 Baltimore Pike, 610-544-7600) has gluten-free bread for sandwiches, in addition to muffins, cookies, cupcakes and brownies all made in a dedicated environment. Hat tip to reader Dana M., who mentioned this at the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page.

The Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon (120 W. Merchant St., 856-547-3270) offers gluten-free muffins, cakes and other baked goods. Thanks to reader Katey B. for the tip.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, with mall locations in King of Prussia and Cherry Hill, rolled out its Spring 2011 gluten-free menu this week.

Now through Sunday, deal-a-day site Living Social is offering 50% savings on lunch or dinner at Collingswood's Latin-themed Casona, which has an expansive gluten-free menu.

Reader Kirstin J. let me know that Center City's Stir Lounge (1705 Chancellor St., 215-732-2700) offers New Grist beer.

Why am I mentioning on a Philly-centric website that the New York Mets are having a Celiac Awareness Night on Friday, May 27? Because: (1) they're playing the Phillies that night; and (2) the Mets' owners need all the money they can get. Not a bad out-of-town ballgame to go to, since it falls on the start of Memorial Day weekend. The Mets' stadium, Citi Field, has a dedicated gluten-free concession stand. Single-game tickets for the game are now on sale.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: November 5, 2010

Located within shouting distance of Pennsylvania Dutch country, the Delaware Valley is none too far from the home of many snack-food companies. Following the lead of Snyder's of Hanover, regional purveyor Bachman has intro'd a gluten-free pretzel, the proceeds for which will support autism research. As I wrote this week, the company's gluten-free Puzzle Pretzels are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Congratulations to reader Martha L., the winner of the last week's Live Gluten Freely giveaway. Readers suggested a bunch of different restaurants as their favorites - check out the comments to see if yours made it.

In restaurant news, The Capital Grille in King of Prussia (236 Mall Boulevard, 610-265-1415) will open for business on Monday, November 8. The steakhouse has other area locations in Center City and Cherry Hill.

The Bottle Shop, a new craft beer store in South Philadelphia (1837 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-551-5551) has Woodchuck cider and beers such as Estrella Damm Daura and New Grist.

The new Philadelphia Gluten Free Ravioli Pasta Company has begun taking orders on its website. The company's gnocchi and cheese, spinach, mini and rice-breaded raviolis will also be available soon at their storefront in Media. The pasta is certified gluten free by the Celiac Sprue Association.

Jason's Deli in Willow Grove, which offered Udi's gluten-free bread for sandwiches, has closed.

Sports fans interested in catching a Nets or Devils game up the road at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey can now eat gluten free there. The concessionaire, Centerplate, now offers gluten-free sausages and hot dogs served on The Grainless Baker's buns, garden and Caesar salads, packaged gluten-free snacks, and Redbridge beer. The gluten-free location is situated on the main concourse between Sections 5 and 6.

The research-and-development team at Ian's Natural Foods apparently has been working overtime. The company will be launching onion rings that are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and nuts.  They will be available in January 2011, and have already been picked up nationally by Whole Foods.

The new (4th) edition of Triumph Dining's Gluten-Free Grocery Guide ($21.95) has been released, listing over 30,000 brand-name and store-brand gluten-free products at grocery stores across the United States. Through December 7, Triumph is offering free standard shipping on all of its products, which include the Grocery Guide, Restaurant Guide and Dining Cards. Use code SB868N at checkout.

This month's Amazon Grocery sale items are posted, and there are a few gluten-free products listed. Add an additional 15% savings when combining the instant rebates with a Subscribe & Save order.

• Pamela's baking mixes: Save 5% with code PAMMIXES
• Bob's Red Mill baking supplies: Save 15% with code BOBS2OIO 
• Mrs. Leeper's pasta products: Save 25% with code LEEPEDD5 
• ThinkThin bar variety packs: Save 20% with code THNKNOVE 
• GlutenOut products: Free shipping with orders of $50 or more and free 2-pack of pizza with orders of $100 or more (Subscribe & Save not available)

Thanks to those readers who have supported Gluten Free Philly through Amazon.com purchases that originate from my blog.

Have a great weekend!

CORRECTED: The original version of this post incorrectly noted that The Capital Grille won the "People's Choice" award at the recent Appetite for Awareness event. It was The Palm for its gluten-free crab cakes.

Gluten Free Road Trip: The Diamond of Queens

An outbreak of Phillies fever hit the Gluten Free Philly household a couple weeks ago, and we had to drive to New York to get some medicine. To help celebrate our younger son's seventh birthday, my wife and I surprised him with tickets to see the Phils play the Mets during their recent series at Citi Field in Queens.

Knowing that Mutts fans had abandoned their team earlier in the season, I figured it would be a cinch to get last-minute tickets via StubHub. I managed to snag four $30 seats for $10 each online the day before the game.

Bracing for the New York traffic we usually encounter, we left a few hours before game time. While traffic was unexpectedly light, the weather put the trip in jeopardy. The rain was coming down so hard during our drive north on the New Jersey Turnpike, I exited at one point to turn around, figuring the game would be postponed. Convinced the skies would clear, my wife talked me into resuming the drive. Sure enough, the storm passed and, while the sun never peaked out from the clouds that day, the weather was good enough to get the ballgame in.

Before heading to our seats, we stopped to get lunch. Concessionaire Aramark added added a dedicated gluten-free food stand at two-year old Citi Field this season. (Hello Aramark? Citizens Bank Park needs one too!) The stand offers hot dogs, sausages, burgers and Redbridge beer, along with puddings and gels from sponsor Kozy Shack. The meats are served on rolls supplied by The Grainless Baker. My older son was impressed with the foot-long hot dog, which he topped with mustard and onions.

The view from the nosebleed section wasn't bad at all, and we ended up sitting in the upper level with many other Phillies fans who also made the trip. We watched Roy Oswalt throw a complete-game shutout as the Fightins won 3-0.

We had planned to stop at the Chimney Rock Inn in Bridgewater, New Jersey for dinner, but thanks to my unreliable GPS (and my failure to trust my instincts), we ended up stuck in a traffic jam in Manhattan. I reversed course and eventually righted the ship. With the visit to the Inn no longer feasible, we opted to eat at an old favorite just off of Exit 10 on the Turnpike - Harold's New York Deli in Edison. While the restaurant doesn't have safe bread, it does offer a gluten-free menu with traditional deli and diner favorites like chicken soup, pastrami and corned beef (served on a bed of lettuce), steak fries cooked in a dedicated fryer, and a huge pickle bar. And the portions - oy! Our leftovers needed a seat of their own in the minivan.

News & Notes: August 13, 2010

Who said August is a slow month? I have a jam-packed edition of News & Notes this week. We just returned from a week-long family vacation to Cooperstown, Niagara Falls and Toronto, and I'm working on another "Road Trip" posting chronicling our holiday.

August is nearly halfway through, and the return to school for the kids is nigh. For parents who have children with celiac disease, feel free to download and modify the handout my wife created a few years ago that's given to our son's teachers.

Since my last News & Notes post, I wrote about the return of Dock Street Brewery's Sudan Grass Ale - coming in September - and reviewed West Philly's Rx restaurant.

To the restaurant news we go. Reader Matthew F. tells me that Mumbai Bistro, the new Indian restaurant in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood (930 Locust Street, 215-418-0444), labels its menu items gluten free, lactose free and vegan as appropriate.

Thanks to reader Anne R. for sharing word that Paradiso, a South Philly Italian (1627 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-271-2066) was able to accommodate her husband's gluten-free meal.

Philadelphia's Pumpkin Cafe (1609 South Street, 215-545-1173) and Pumpkin Restaurant (1713 South Street, 215-545-4448) are gluten-free friendly.

The Atlantic City location of Carmine's (2801 Pacific Avenue, 609-572-9300), the famous family-style Italian restaurant in Manhattan, serves gluten-free corn spaghetti.

Also down the shore, Green Cuisine in Stone Harbor (302 96th Street, 609-368-1616) offers Food For Life brown rice tortillas for wraps. Props to reader Amanda T. for the find.

Collingswood Indian IndeBlue has updated its menus to specifically call out gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Chef Rakesh Ramola has added safe options by using chickpea flour in more recipes.

Cape May's Lucky Bones Backwater Grille has added a solid gluten-free menu that lists, among other items, pizza, crab cakes, sandwich rolls, pasta, kids' macaroni and cheese, as well as Redbridge Beer and Woodchuck cider.

The next Philadelphia Gluten-Free Supper Club dinner will be at Sazon in Northern Liberties on Tuesday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the club and to be added to this month's reservation, e-mail reader Adriana Z.

Monica Glass, the pastry chef at Center City's 10 Arts restaurant who was featured in this space a few weeks ago, wrote an article for the Philadelphia Inquirer this week elaborating on how she has embraced her celiac disease diagnosis and her career. Great pictures and recipes too!

In addition to its sister eateries mentioned earlier in this post, Pumpkin Market in Philadelphia (1610 South Street, 215-545-3924) carries gluten-free products from Amaranth Bakery and Greenwood Kitchen, among others.

Healthy Bites To-Go in South Philly (2521 Christian Street, 215-259-8646) has many gluten-free foods to choose from. Thanks to Adriana Z. for the tip.

A new beer arrival at South Philly's Hawthornes (738 South 11th Street, 215-627-3012) is Sprecher Brewery's Mbege, with hints of banana.

Lincoln Financial Field will against have gluten-free food available at Eagles home games this season. Choices include hot dogs, Froose fruit snacks and juice and trail mix (all available at the Section 117 "Philly Favorites" stand) and Redbridge beer (at the "Liberty Bell Tap Room" at Section 118). Thanks to reader Ashley B. for the deets.

New at Wegmans are gluten-free muffins, cakes and cookies from northern New Jersey's Butterfly Bakery. My better half spotted the Wild Blueberry and Lemon Citrus Poppy Muffins and a Vanilla Loaf Cake (made with teff flour) and Chocolate Chip Cookies (teff and amaranth flours). Hard to believe, but an entire generous-sized lemon muffin is just 110 calories and 2 grams of fat. Each package is priced at $5.99. 

Have you shied away from the new Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets Cream Ice at Rita's? Dive in, because it's gluten free.

Just hitting supermarket shelves now from Amy's Kitchen: Gluten-free Bean & Cheese Burritos and gluten-free/dairy-free Bean & Rice Burritos, made with organic gluten-free tortillas wrapped around organic pinto beans, rice and vegetables in a mild Mexican sauce. Each burrito, with a suggested retail price of $3.19, has less than 300 calories, less than 8 grams of fat and up to 9 grams of protein.

Schar recently introduced several new products, including Cheez-It-style crackers. The company's Cheese Bites and par-baked Baguettes and Sub Sandwich Rolls are available - and on sale right now at 20% off - at The Gluten-Free Mall.

Reader Katey B. recently found Goldbaum's ice cream cones and gluten-free cookies and crackers at the Christmas Tree Shop location on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. She tells me that the chain's inventory changes often, so finding these products may be hit-or-miss.

Glenny's is offering Gluten Free Philly readers 15% off all Soy Crisps using code GFPHILLY at checkout through this link. All varieties except Multigrain are gluten free.

If you've been thinking about purchasing Triumph Dining's restaurant cards (they come in 10 languages), now's as good a time as any. The publisher is offering free shipping on all products - the cards and its grocery and restaurant guides - through August 25 using code MK958. Triumph has just released the latest (5th) edition of its national gluten-free restaurant guide with a money-back guarantee. You can order through this link.

Get dollar-off coupons from Udi's Gluten Free Foods by submitting your name, e-mail address and ZIP code at this page on the company's website. The coupon can be printed twice.

Amazon.com's Back-To-School grocery deals run through September 11. Add an additional 15% off of each product with a Subscribe & Save order (includes free shipping). Gluten-free products on sale include:

• Betty Crocker Cookie, Brownie and Cake Mixes: 15% off with code GMBOXTOP
• Nature's Path and EnviroKidz cereals and bars: 10% off with code NATPBTS3 
• Erewhon cereals: 10% off with code ATTNBTS4
• Kind bars: 5% off with code BTSKINDI 
• Pamela's Cookies: 10% off with code PAMGFBTS
• Annie's Mac and Cheddar - powdered or cheese sauce: 15% off with code ANNIES55
• Oskri Bars and Crunch: 20% off with code OSKRBTSI

Nicole M. Seitz is a gluten-intolerant psychotherapist specializing in helping people adjust to the emotional aspect of living with celiac disease. In September, she will be launching a special therapeutic group, meeting every other week in the Chestnut Hill /Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, for people with celiac disease, gluten-intolerance and food sensitivities. She intends for the group to be a benefit for people who may be wrestling with adjusting to the diagnosis. For more information about starting dates, fees, and to reserve, contact Nicole at 267-971-5729.

Have a great weekend!

Reading Phillies Celiac Awareness Day on August 29

Scout major-leaguers of the future and enjoy gluten-free ballpark food on Sunday, August 29, when the Reading Phillies sponsor Celiac Awareness Day at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies will host a 2 1/2-hour, all-you-can-eat gluten-free buffet prior to and during that day's game against the Binghamton Mets. In addition, the first 2,000 kids will receive a Team Baseball Card Set and all fans can run the bases after the game.

Seating will be in the Fairground Square Mall Third Base Picnic Area. Tickets are $27 per person and groups that book 20 or more tickets will receive the group discount of $26 per person. The ticket price includes table seating in the picnic area and the buffet. Chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, cookies, lemonade, iced tea and Pepsi products will be available. The buffet will be open from noon to 2:30 p.m.; game time is 1:05 p.m. Among the vendors providing food for the event are Sweet Christine's, Mi-Del, Cookies ... For Me and Kinnikinnick Foods.

Tickets can be purchased directly through the team by calling 610-375-8469.

News & Notes: July 2, 2010

I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate Celiac Awareness night next Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park, as the Phillies take on the first-place Atlanta Braves. Discounted tickets are still available using code CELIAC. There'll be a special gluten-free concession stand at the “Break“ area on the 200 Level in addition to the gluten-free items available at concession stands located throughout the stadium: hot dogs, beer and snacks at the South Philadelphia Market behind Section 128, and Redbridge beer behind Sections 139, 204, 323 and in the Brewerytown stand in Ashburn Alley. Given the Phils' spate of injuries lately, you may even get a chance to play in the game!

A new gluten-free friendly market will be opening in September in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, as I wrote this week. The Food For All Market will have prepared foods and locally made baked goods for sale.

Thanks to the folks at the Gluten Free Delaware support group for welcoming me to their recent meeting. Cupcake Heaven in Wilmington (2117 Concord Pike, 302-426-0270) graciously supplied the group with two trays of fabulous vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. Owner Drew Hurst also sells gluten-free vanilla and chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookie and brownie mixes. He is mindful of cross-contamination concerns.

Home Grown Cafe in Newark (126 East Main Street, 302-266-6993) offers a gluten-free menu.

There are several restaurants in the First State serving gluten-free beer. Wilmington's Domaine Hudson (1314 North Washington Street, 302-655-9463) has St. Peter's Sorghum Beer, while the BBC Tavern & Grille in Greenville (4019 Kennett Pike, 302-655-3785) carries bottles of Green's Discovery Amber Ale.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks, Single-A affiliate of baseball's Kansas City Royals, have a gluten-free menu posted at its website. At Frawley Stadium, fans can order rice crispy treats, a hot dog plate (hot dog, salad, chips) and Redbridge beer.

Elsewhere, Copper Fish in West Cape May (416 Broadway, 609-898-1555) has gluten-free pasta.

Is it odd that there's no fish on the Feeding Frenzy Café menu at Camden's Adventure Aquarium? There are, though, several gluten-free options: grilled chicken made to order, baked potato with assorted toppings, chili (seasonal), and fresh fruit cup, apple slices and veggie sticks (celery and carrots).

Sauté, in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia, has closed, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. The restaurant hosted a celiac awareness dinner back in March.

In Wayne, Christopher's now offers gluten-free rolls, flatbread and hot dog buns.

Through the end of July, P.F. Changs is offering free lettuce wraps with an entree purchase. Submit your e-mail address at the restaurant's promotion page for a coupon.

The Handcrafted Cookie Company in Phoenixville (24 South Main Street, 484-921-4934) makes both gluten-free and gluten/dairy/nut/egg-free chocolate chip cookies, sold on location and online. The bakery takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination.

If you haven't been by Sweet Freedom Bakery lately, you must try their new donut varieties. Call ahead for availability. We ate them too fast to take a picture!

And now a word from our sponsors. It's time to announce the monthly Amazon.com gluten-free specials, all of which are "free standard shipping" offers on orders over $50.

• Caesar's Lasagna, Gnocchi, Manicotti and Stuffed Shells (made locally in Blackwood, New Jersey)
  
• GlutenOut Pizza, Gnocchi, Focaccia, Cakes and Panini (imported from Italy)
• Clean Cravings Pizza and Crusts (from L.A.)
  
• Lillian's Healthy Gourmet Tilapia Meals (from the sea, of course!)
  

Get free shipping on all orders over $30 from Glenny's with coupon code SHIP30 through July 31. Glenny's gluten-free products include Organic Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Fruit & Nut Energy Bars, low-fat Soy Crisps (except multigrain) and Spud Delites potato crisps.

GF Meals is offering 10 percent off for first orders with code CELIAC. The company offers items such as Chicken Tenders, Turkey Burger Macaroni, Home-Run Slider Burgers, Meatballs, Crusty French Rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate and Vanilla Frosted Cupcakes.

I'll leave you this week with a picture of a sign I saw in the window of a resale shop in Center City. With school out, it must be a summer clearance!

Have a great holiday weekend!

News & Notes: April 9, 2010

The Phillies began their quest for a third straight pennant this week, and the home opener next week surely will be exciting. We went to one of the exhibition games last week and learned that the gluten-free offerings at Citizens Bank Park have been expanded a bit. Chocolate-chip cookies from Good Eatz are now at the concession stand behind Section 128. Redbridge beer and Woodchuck cider are also available at the same location - a welcome change from having to buy gluten-free food at one stand and drinks at another. You might have to squint, though, to spot the gluten-free menu there.

I wrote this week about some Pennsylvania snack food companies that offer factory tours to visitors. Reader Sue mentioned in an e-mail that Dutch Country Soft Pretzels in New Holland, Pennsylvania, which makes a gluten-free twist, offers tours of its facility.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a chain with a northern Delaware location in Newark (1225 Churchman's Road, 302-366-7577), has a gluten-free menu featuring salads, steaks, ribs and sides.

At the Echelon Mall food court in Voorhees, Deux Au Naturel (1565 Voorhees Town Center, 856-772-2008) can prepare a variety of wraps with gluten-free ivory teff tortillas.

Lotus Garden, serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine in Newtown (2106 South Eagle Road, 215-860-0310) has gluten-free noodle dishes and other items. Reader Aileen, who told me about the place, posted a review on Chowhound.

Reader Elle shared news about two Philadelphia restaurants. She wrote to tell me she ordered crustless mahi-mahi over rice at Bridget Foy's (200 South Street, 215-922-1813), which was able to accommodate her request for gluten-free dining. At Jose Garces's Latin tapas bar Tinto, she ordered from the chef's tasting menu. Tinto also has a separate gluten-free menu.

Philadelphia's Little Fish, the sister restaurant of Fish, closed last week due to structural issues with the building, according to the Inquirer's Michael Klein. Owner Mike Stollenwerk may relocate the seafood restaurant and open elsewhere in town.

It's about time one of those mall-based cookie shops had a gluten-free selection. Great American Cookies offers a gluten-free version of its Chewy Chocolate Supreme cookie. The only store in the area - at the aforementioned Echelon Mall - currently doesn't offer it but store owners company-wide have the option of carrying the gluten-free cookie, and may do so if customers request it. A company rep told me that the gluten-free cookies are made before the wheat-containing ones on clean equipment.

Last week, I mentioned that Snyder's of Hanover is planning to bring certified-gluten-free pretzel sticks to market. The pretzels, also free of dairy, casein and egg, will be available nationally in July, although a few markets may have them before then. The product will be sold in 8-ounce bags for between $3-$4 each. One serving contains 1.5 grams of fat, less than the comparable Glutino pretzel sticks. The equipment at Snyder's undergoes a GFCO sterilization process before the pretzel sticks are produced to ensure they meet the GFCO standard of less than 10 parts per million of gluten.

Bob's Red Mill has - ahem - rolled out gluten-free Quick Cooking Rolled Oats and Whole Grain Oat Flour.

Back in February, I wrote about Glutino's new gluten-free cereals that were in the works. The three corn-and-rice flake cereals are called "Great Beginnings" and come in Original, Frosted and Berry varieties. They should be in markets within the next few months.

Udi's new gluten-free bagels are now in area Whole Foods markets, along with cinnamon rolls and both of its bread varieties. I spotted them at the Marlton store, while reader Carol wrote in to tell me that the Wynnewood location has them. The bagels also can be ordered online direct from the company. The bagels are soft and chewy and, like the breads, don't need to be toasted first. They're my son's new favorite.

The Devon Whole Foods is hosting a gluten-free fair on Saturday, April 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The store will offer plenty of food samples and have a raffle too.

The Mercer County Celiac Support Group's April meeting will be held at the Princeton Whole Foods on Wednesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Bring copies of your favorite gluten-free recipes to share with other attendees.

I'll be out of town most of next week but there will be a News & Notes post on Friday (I'll have deets on Bobby Flay's new Philly burger joint), followed by a new giveaway announcement the following Monday. Stay tuned!