News & Notes: Hard Cider Edition

One of Germany’s best-known ciders, Bembel-With-Care has just landed in three U.S. cities, including Philadelphia. For the stateside launch, Bembel-With-Care has introduced three fizzy flavors: Apfelewein Pur, a classic all-natural dry apple cider; Apfelwein Kirsch, a tart apple-cherry all-natural cider; and Apfelwein Cola, a sweet caffeinated cider infused with cola. All are gluten free and made with 100% fruit and not-from-concentrate juice.

Bembel-With-Care can be found in Boston and New York City in addition to Philadelphia. Locally, it's available at Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South St., 267-909-8814) and at all three Tria Cafes in Philadelphia as part of their weekly Sunday School menu. The ciders will launch in additional cities and states in the coming months, including Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Ohio.

Long known for its beer scene, Philadelphia is experiencing a boom in locally crafted gluten-free hard ciders. Later this summer, Original 13 Ciderworks will set up shop in the Kensington section of Philadelphia  (1526 N. American St.) offering Sir Charles American Pub Ciders and house brand heirloom ciders as well as perries (made from fermented pears) and meads (honey wines). The tasting room will have gluten-free food offerings.

Kurant Cider, currently operating a tasting room out of Free Will Brewing Co. in Perkasie (410 E. Walnut St., 267-354-0813), has designs on opening a cidery in Fishtown (436 E. Girard Ave.) in a few months' time.

Targeting the end of 2017, the owners of Hale & True Cider Co. plan to open a cidery and tasting room in the Bella Vista section of Philadelphia (613 S. 7th St.).\

Cinder doesn't produce its own ciders, but the Rittenhouse Square bar (1500 Locust St., 267-761-5582) offers a variety of domestic and imported brands. There are several gluten-free food options as well, including mussels, salads, and charcuterie and cheese boards.

The annual Pour The Core hard cider festival returns to the  Philadelphia Navy Yard on Saturday, October 21. Expect to sample ciders from many local and regional makers in addition to national brands like Woodchuck, Strongbow and Magners. Tickets are available for online purchase.

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!

News & Notes: March 4, 2016

One of our favorite places for breakfast in Florida, First Watch, is at long last heading to the Philly area. Monday marks the grand opening of a First Watch location in Wynnewood (31 E. Wynnewood Ave., 610-649-1059). All omelets, seasoned potatoes and protein sides, among other options, are gluten free. Another area outpost is planned for Villanova early this summer.

The chef behind Philadelphia's Sampan and Izakaya in Atlantic City has added a new restaurant to his portfolio. Michael Schulson has just opened Double Knot in Midtown Village (120 S. 13th St., 215-631-3868) next to Sampan. The main level houses a cafe, while downstairs is a Japanese pub that serves dinner. In a twist, the menus list what cannot be prepared gluten free.

New to Philly's Fishtown section is Martha (2113 E. York St., 215-867-8881). Gluten-free items at this neighborhood bar are noted on the menu and there are plenty of wines and spirits, as well as Commonwealth hard cider.

The Latino-influenced BYOB Under the Moon Cafe in Bordentown (210 Farnsworth Ave., 609-291-8301) lists gluten-free tapas and other options on its in-house menus. Be advised although several fried options are noted as gluten free, the kitchen utilizes a shared fryer.

News & Notes: April 11, 2014

Taking over the former Peace A Pizza location in Ardmore is Snap Custom Pizza (4 Station Rd., 610-896-4488), a Chipotle-style quick-service restaurant where the pizzas are made in about two minutes. Chef Tim Van Winkle says that after a gluten-free pizza order is placed, a single employee will handle the preparation. using a pre-made crust, the employee will pull ingredients and toppings from the walk-in fridge and prepare the pie with separate bakeware and utensils. All pizzas with a gluten-free crust are $8.49, regardless of whether guests order a featured or custom pie with a choice of toppings. (Most toppings are gluten free, but avoid the meatballs and blue cheese salad dressing.) The shop's grand opening is tomorrow, when doors open at 11 a.m. and the first 50 guests get a free pizza. It's then $5 per pizza until 5 p.m.

Expo East Recap (Part One)

Natural Products Expo East, held in Baltimore each September, is an opportunity for both emerging and developed companies to showcase their products for retailers and distributors. Here's a look at some gluten-free products that are either on their way to market to stores or gaining wider distribution.

Pizza

A Texas pizza chain sampled retail versions of its gluten-free pizza. Russo's New York Pizza has six crispy pizza varieties, including the excellent Mulberry (Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon and hamburger), that will be making their way to markets.

Smart Flour Floods was one of many companies at the expo hailing from Austin, Texas. Smart Flour's frozen pizzas were distinctive for their ancient grains flour base. The crusts in the new Classic Cheese, Garden Margherita and Uncured Pepperoni varieties are made with a blend of tapioca, sorghum, teff and amaranth flours. These are free of soy, egg and rice. The Pepperoni pizza won the expo's "Best New Food" award.

News & Notes: August 10, 2012

Since there won't be playoff baseball in town for the first time in years, the focus this fall will be on the Eagles. The regular season kicks off September 9 with the Birds in Cleveland, with the first home game scheduled for the following Sunday. Aramark will once again have gluten-free fare at Lincoln Financial Field: hot dogs, Larabars and Redbridge beer are available at the "Philly Favorites" stands at sections 117, 205 and 219, and gluten-free Crabfries are sold at the Chickie's & Pete's locations at sections 102, 119, 229 and 241. Fans can also bring their own food to the game so long as it's wrapped in clear plastic.

Despite the Phillies' woes this season, there are other reasons to go to Citizens Bank Park. Gluten-free cheesesteaks are now available at Elfreth's Alley Grill at Section 109, and Bull's BBQ in Ashburn Alley has gluten-free rolls. This complements the pizza recently added at Season Pizza in the Alley. Kudos to Aramark for stepping up its game.

The baked chicken tenders at "healthy fast food" restaurant Bryn & Dane's in Horsham (400 Privet Rd., 215-675-1599) are gluten free, as are all salads and smoothies. (Thanks to reader Jamie L. for the heads-up.)

Old City's Panorama Ristorante, nestled in the Penn's View Hotel (Front & Market Sts., 215-922-7800), now offers gluten-free pasta. The restaurant holds the Guinness world record for the largest cruvinet, or wine preservation and dispensing system (120 bottles).

The all-vegan Vgë Café (say it "vee-gee") in Bryn Mawr (845 Lancaster Ave., 610-527-3091) has gluten-free mac & cheese, soups and salads.

In Margate, the Mediterranean restaurant Sofia (9314 Amherst Ave., 609-822-9111) notes gluten-free entrees, including crabcakes, with an asterisk on the dinner menu. Many of the appetizers and salads are also safe.

Elsewhere down the shore, the gluten-free menu at Alumni Grill in Wildwood (3316 Pacific Ave., 609-523-1111) includes burgers and sandwiches on rolls and fries.

Gone from Center City is Buca di Beppo. The Italian chain's locations in Exton, Wynnewood and Wyomissing remain open.

Every Thursday is gluten-free day at the Tortilla Press Cantina in Merchantville (7716 Maple Ave., 856-356-2050). The menu includes beer-battered fish and chips made with Bards Beer. (Thanks to reader Mark M.)

As mentioned here two weeks ago, Philadelphia Brewing Co. has released a new gluten-free hard cider. The Traditional Dry cider is now available on tap at Atlantis the Lost Bar in Kensington, McGillin's in Midtown Village and Cherry Street Tavern in Logan Square. It'll be available in bottles in the fall.

As mentioned here on Tuesday, locally made Bill's Best Organic BBQ Sauces are free of gluten (of course) as well as the dreaded high-fructose corn syrup.

The Ravitz ShopRite markets in Cherry Hill, Marlton and Mt. Laurel now stock Butterfly Bakery's gluten-free blueberry mini muffins, sliced creme cakes and other baked goods. The company's gluten-free products, made with teff flour, are produced in a separate facility.

Reader Rose B. let me know that Dogfish Head's Tweason'ale is on the current bottled beer list at Keg & Kitchen in Westmont (90 Haddon Ave., 856-833-9800).

Voting continues for "Best Local Blogger" on PHL17's Philly Hot List. Please show your support by voting for the blog at this link.

Finally this week, best wishes to hometown gluten-free chef Monica Glass, who is leaving our fair city for a executive pastry chef position in Boston.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: February 24, 2012

Longtime readers know that I love baseball, so it was with great pleasure that I sopped up coverage of the start of Phillies Spring Training this week. If you're heading down to the team's preseason games in Clearwater, Florida, check out my article from a couple years back on dining options in the area (all the links are current). Tickets for the Celiac Awareness Night at the Phillies game on July 20 are now on sale, and if you purchase tickets through this link, net proceeds will go to support celiac awareness efforts. I'll be there, and I hope to see you in the stands.

The local Landmark Americana chain, which has locations in University City (3333 Market St., 215-222-4500), West Chester (158 W. Gay St., 610-701-9900) and Glassboro (1 Mullica Hill Rd., 856-863-6600) and more on the way, has a gluten-free menu highlighted by hamburgers with buns. Thanks to reader Marj M. for the heads-up and the menu.

Another reader, Miriam B., let me know about Pronto, a quick-serve Italian spot in Exton (217 Eagleview Blvd., 610-524-3278) which has penne and salads on its gluten-free menu. Through Saturday, you can purchase an AmazonLocal deal for Pronto for $5 and get $12 worth of food and drink (and $2 toward your next visit).

In Mt. Airy, Latin restaurant Avenida (7402 Germantown Ave., 267-385-6857) has a gluten-free menu. Thanks to readers Jen D. and Janet B. for the tip.

One of our faves, Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., 856-782-7430), has added breaded chicken and veal and mozzarella sticks to its already huge gluten-free menu. You can check out chef-owner Pasquale Masters preparing one of his gluten-free dishes on the Heart of Philly YouTube channel.

City Kitchen Pizzeria in Southampton, which served gluten-free pasta, has closed.

Tweason'ale is now on draft at the South Philadelphia Taproom (1509 Mifflin St., 215-271-7787)(thanks, Emily D.), Prohibition Taproom, located south of Spring Garden Street (501 N. 13th St., 215-238-1818)(thanks, Eugene V.) and The Bishop's Collar (2349 Fairmount Ave., 215-765-1616 (thanks, Sherrie S.). You can check Dogfish Head's Fish Finder page for nearby bars and beer stores that carry the brew.

Dock Street Brewing Co.'s own gluten-free beer, Sudan Grass Ale, will return to the West Philly pub in May.

The Wegmans market in King of Prussia is slated to open on May 6.

A springtime tradition, Rita's annual "First Day of Spring" Italian ice giveaway, will be held on Tuesday, March 20 from noon to 9 p.m. at all open locations. Rita's has introduced several new flavors, and the following ones are gluten free: Black Cherry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Root Beer Float cream ices and Margarita, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Sour Patch Kids and Strawberry Colada Italian ices.

Schar's gluten-free manufacturing facility in Gloucester County, New Jersey is on pace for a June opening date, according to an article at NJ.com. The plant will produce breads, rolls, baguettes and bagels.

The newest addition to the YoCrunch line of 100-calorie packs is gluten-free Fruity Pebbles vanilla fat-free yogurt.

Congrats to reader Ariel L., who won the recent giveaway from Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery. I'll have another giveaway next month to celebrate Gluten Free Philly's third birthday, featuring gift certificates from Zavino Wine Bar and Pizzeria, Sweet Freedom Bakery and others.

Shoo Mama's Farm Fresh Cafe in West Chester (66 E. Street Rd., 484-315-8431) is hosting an all-day fundraiser tomorrow for the Chester County chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group. Bring in this voucher and Shoo Mama's will donate 15% of your bill to the group.

Next Saturday, March 3, the Marlton ShopRite (307 W. Route 70, 856-983-7370) will host a gluten-free food demo sponsored by the National Gluten Free Alliance. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chef Luca D'Angio of New York's Pizza Bistro (the top-rated gluten-free restaurant on Long Island) will be preparing his homemade Italian Gluten Free Foods specialties. You'll also be able to sample breads, muffins and cakes from O'Doughs.

The Gluten Free Philly Facebook page is now more than 1,000 followers strong. Be a part of the active online gluten-free community by liking the page and by following me on Twitter.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: February 10, 2012

While gluten-free-friendly chef Marc Vetri and others plan on opening higher-end restaurants at the Moorestown Mall, apparently there's still room for more humble fare. PB&U's second location opened at the mall yesterday (400 Rt. 38, 856-234-5300) and, like the original in Wayne, the new spot has gluten-free bread and uses a separate toaster, utensils and ingredients to make your sammich.

The mushroom capital of the world - Kennett Square - is home to the aptly named Portabello's (115 W. State St., 610-925-4984). The restaurant's gluten-free menu includes pasta, bread and dessert.

Vedge, a new addition to the scene in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia (1221 Locust St., 215-320-7500), can accommodate gluten-free diners.

All of the sandwiches at Center City's Pure Fare (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441) are now made with gluten-free bread from Toté Bakery. I raved about the breads and other baked goods from Toté in Tuesday's post.

Gluten-free churros at Sazon

The wonderful family-owned Venezuelan cafe Sazon in Northern Liberties (941 Spring Garden St., 215-763-2500) is now frying up gluten-free churros. Thanks to reader Heather H. for the tip and the photo.

Heather also let me know that Le Pain Quotidien's two Center City locations (801 Walnut St., 215-253-3114; 1425 Walnut St., 215-751-0570) are serving tartines on certified-gluten-free crackers.

Mt. Airy's Food For All (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) reopens today and will host a party (with DJ) tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Foodery in Center City (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111) and Northern Liberties (837 N. 2nd St., 215-238-6077) stocks Dogfish Head's new Tweason'ale. McMenamin's Tavern in Mt. Airy has all three New Planet gluten-free beers (thanks Katie F.), while Varga Bar (941 Spruce St., 215-627-5200) has carries the brewery's 3R Raspberry Ale (thanks Sherrie S.).

The lovely ladies at Philly's Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) are preparing treats for Valentine's Day, including heart-shaped cookies and donuts and red velvet cupcakes. Call by Sunday, February 12 to place holiday orders.

Cookies, muffins and cupcakes from allergen-friendly bakery Sweetness are now available at Buonissimo Market in Blue Bell (700 Dekalb Pike, 610-270-9100).

All of the meats and cheeses sold at Wegmans deli counters have no gluten ingredients, although the stores caution that there is a risk of cross-contact.

Many people who are diagnosed with celiac disease also have iron-deficiency anemia. What is less commonly known is that many of those individuals exhibit a craving for large amounts of ice or ice water. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are looking for participants for a study on this subject. More information is available here.

The newly formed Berks County Meet-Up Group (that's the Reading area) will get together at Good Eatz at 1 p.m. tomorrow, while the Chester County Gluten Intolerance Group chapter will host a free "Gluten Free 101" class at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Registration is a must for both events.

Hope that's enough to satisfy your appetite for one week. Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: January 27, 2012

Hooters is still looking for its proverbial 15 minutes of fame. The self-proclaimed "nearly world famous" chain, which has outposts locally in Bensalem, Glen Mills, King of Prussia, Wyomissing, Atlantic City, Lawrenceville, New Castle and Newark, now has a gluten-free menu focused on seafood and salads.

Burger.org has opened its second Philadelphia location in Center City (1901 Chestnut St., 215-569-9555). The kosher spot's gluten-free burgers (from beef to veggie) can be wrapped with lettuce and the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer.

Also in Philly, the menu at new Mexican restaurant La Calaca Feliz (2321 Fairmount Ave., 215-787-9930) - a sibling of Cantina Feliz in Fort Washington - is largely gluten free through the use of corn masa and rice flour.

After a community fundraising effort, Food For All Market in Mt. Airy (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122), which specializes in serving gluten-free customers, will not have to close after all. (You can read owner Amy Kunkle's note at the market's website.) After taking some time to restock, the market and deli will reopen on February 10.

Reader Nadina F. (you can read her posts at the NFCA's Bits and Bites blog) wrote this week that at the Suburban Square Farmers Market in Ardmore Sushi Sei (120 Coulter Ave., 267-414-6226) can prepare special orders gluten-free sushi and has gluten-free ginger dressing and soy sauce available, while the expanded Di Bruno Bros. (484-416-3311) now carries Amaranth Bakery breads.

Besides Dogfish Head Brewery's new Tweason'ale, another new arrival to the gluten-free beer scene (in these parts anyway) is Colorado's New Planet Beer. Its three gluten-free beers - Off Grid Pale Ale, Tread Lightly Ale  and 3R Raspberry Ale (bronze-medal winner at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival) - are now sold in Philadelphia at the Foodery (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111 and 837 N. 2nd St., 215-238-6077). The latter two are served at Wilmington's new Ernest & Scott Taproom (902 N. Market St., 302-384-8113).

Also in Wilmington, Ulysses American Gastropub (1716 Marsh Rd., 302-691-3456) has Redbridge in bottles and Original Sin Cider on tap.

Lots of new products to mention this week, including the new gluten-free/dairy-free granola from Philly's own Metropolitan Bakery, which I wrote about on Tuesday.

The best gluten-free pretzels (in my humble opinion) now come in a new style. Snyder's of Hanover has introduced traditional twisted mini pretzels. They are making their way to stores now; I picked up a few bags at Whole Foods in Marlton.

Dietz & Watson's latest addition to its gluten-free cold cuts line is Chicken Parmigiana, coated in corn flour crumbs, parmesan cheese, italian seasonings and topped with a marinara sauce.

The ShopRite markets in Marlton and Cherry Hill/Evesham now carry Katz Gluten Free's donuts (which I reviewed earlier this month) and pies, while the sister location at Garden State Pavilion in Cherry Hill will be expanding its gluten-free product selections. Coming soon to those stores will be Schar's new deli-style bread and multigrain ciabatta rolls.

If you're looking for late-breaking gluten-free news and area restaurant recommendations, like the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page and follow @GFPhilly on Twitter.

I'll leave you this week with a video from Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione, in which he talks about Tweason'ale.

Have a great weekend everyone!

- Michael

News & Notes: September 16, 2011

My sincere thanks go out to everyone who voted for the blog in the CBS Philadelphia Most Valuable Blogger competition. I learned on Wednesday that Gluten Free Philly won the People's Choice Award in the Health, Fitness and Medical category.

As I wrote on Tuesday, Davio's, the Northern Italian steakhouse near Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia, will be hosting a gluten-free beer dinner on Tuesday, October 11. The featured drinks on the menu are Redbridge beer and two kinds of Magners cider. The cost is $50, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are being taken at the restaurant over the phone at 215-563-4810.

We'll start in Delaware with this week's restaurant information. New reader Don L. let me know that longtime Wilmington staple Kid Shelleen's (1801 W. 14th St., 302-658-4600) offers a gluten-free menu.

Moving north to Mercer County, New Jersey, Princeton Soup & Sandwich (30 Palmer Square E., 609-497-0008) rotates a selection of more than 30 gluten-free soups, with two or three offered daily. The shop also has Boar's Head hot dogs and salads.

Falls Taproom in Philly's East Falls section (3749 Midvale Ave., 215-849-1222) is serving Revolution Cider.

Available exclusively at Whole Foods are all-natural gluten-free beef corn dogs from Applegate Farms. The batter is made of a blend of corn meal, corn flour and rice flour.

GoPicnic ready-to-eat meals are now sold at local Wegmans markets, The Fresh Market stores in Pennsylvania, and even at Philadelphia International Airport (at the CNBC and Hudson News shops). A searchable list of locations by zip code is available at the company's website.

COOK (253 S. 20th St., 215-735-COOK) is a fully-equipped, 16-seat kitchen-classroom where guests can enjoy meals made by Philadelphia-area culinary professionals. On Saturday, October 22 at noon, "Gluten-Free Warrior" Genevieve Sherrow will lead a class on creating a gluten-free brunch menu. Her class menu will include Nutty Millet Porridge with seasonal fruit, Hearty Buckwheat Waffles, Scallion, Cashew and Nori Egg Scramble. The class costs $75 and online registration is available.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: August 12, 2011

The Phillies return to the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park tonight, fresh off a monster 9-1 road trip. If  you're planning to attend any home games from here on out, be sure to order Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries (Section 102), as they are prepared in a dedicated fryer. These, of course, are in addition to the other gluten-free concessions available at the South Philadelphia Market stand behind Section 128.

Earlier this week, I mentioned a free online seminar scheduled for August 25 that will provide parents of gluten-free students guidance on advocating for their children's needs at school this fall.

Amis, in Philadelphia's Wash West neighborhood (412 S. 13th St., 215-732-2647), offers many selections on its gluten-free menu. Chef Brad Spence is a two-time award NFCA "Appetite for Awareness" award winner at this trattoria, which is part of the Marc Vetri family of restaurants (Vetri, Osteria). Thanks to Caitlin C. for the tip.

In Wildwood, Groff's Restaurant (Magnolia Avenue & The Boardwalk, 609-522-5474) can accommodate gluten-free requests. Hat tip to Julie F. for the information.

Anne H. let me know about Cosmic Catering, which operates a cafe at Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row, 215-978-0900) serving gluten-free muffins at breakfast. The operators are considering adding gluten-free sandwiches and wraps to the menu.

Reader Tom P. reports that the Amish bakery at the Columbus Farmers Market (2919 Route 206 S., 609-267-0400) sells gluten-free baked goods such as breads, cakes and cookies, made in a dedicated kitchen. Selection is best on Thursday; the market is open every Thursday through Sunday.

Paoli's Redhound Grille (128 Paoli Pike, 484-318-8047) serves Redbridge beer and Woodchuck cider.

Pennsauken's Tortilla Press Cantina (7716 Maple Avenue, 856-356-2050) is offering $30 worth of food and non-alcoholic drinks for $15. The offer, through deal site Living Social, is available for purchase through Sunday and can be redeemed through December 15, 2011. The restaurant has a gluten-free menu.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: May 13, 2011

Imagine dining out and being able to choose from 25 varieties of gluten-free pizza. Hold that thought until June 29. That's when the California Pizza Kitchen chain will begin offering gluten-free pizza nationwide. (Local outlets are in Philadelphia on City Line Avenue, and at the King of Prussia Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Cherry Hill Mall and Christiana Mall in Delaware.) The company has been test-marketing the new crust in Alabama, where only five pizza options aren't gluten-free because of gluten in other ingredients: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Tostada, Thai Chicken, Roasted Garlic Chicken and Artichoke & Spinach. I'm told that the gluten-free versions are made using separate ingredients and on dedicated pans to avoid cross-contamination. At least in the test-marketing phase (and hopefully for the nationwide roll-out), diners do not incur an extra charge for the gluten-free crusts. There's a email-list option on CPK's homepage that gets you a $5-off coupon.

Several Lamberti's-owned restaurants in the tri-state area have gluten-free choices. Tutti Toscani in Cherry Hill (1491 Brace Rd., 856-354-1157) serves pasta, while the menus at Lamberti's Italian Grill & Bar in north Wilmington (514 Philadelphia Pike, 302-762-9094) note acceptable options. Several readers have mentioned that Lamberti's Cucina in Feasterville (1045 Street Rd., 215-355-6266) can accommodate special dietary requests.

Christine's, an Italian BYOB in Yardley (385 Oxford Valley Rd., 215-369-2930, has gluten-free penne and fusilli pasta.

Gluten-free pasta also is available at Katie O'Donnell's in Northeast Philly (4501 Woodhaven Rd., 215-637-5151).

The gluten-free menu from The Broad Axe Tavern (901 W. Butler Pike, 215-643-6300) is now posted at the Gluten Free Philly Restaurants page.

BRE Bakery in Warminster (700 York Rd., 215-821-8462) is carrying baking mixes from recipes created by Mr. Ritt's. The mixes, which are free of gluten, dairy and egg, include Quinoa Bread and Soft Pretzel Mix, Italian Baguette/Pizza Crust Mix and Buckwheat Bread Mix.

Dock Street Brewing Company in West Philadelphia (701 S. 50th St., 215-726-2337) once again has its gluten-free Sudan Grass Ale on tap. Thank to reader Vic B. for the tip.

Campbell's Place in Chestnut Hill (8337 Germantown Ave., 215-242-1818) serves Redbridge beer and Magner's hard cider.

Kids have more gluten-free choices when visiting area museums and amusement parks. The DEcafe at the Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington (550 Justison St., 302-654-2340) serves Wellshire Farms' gluten-free chicken bites, which are baked and prepared separately.

Dorney Park in Allentown (3830 Dorney Park Rd., 610-395-3724) has posted a gluten-free food list at its website, while a customer-relations rep at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure (1 Six Flags Blvd., 732-928-1821) let me know that gluten-free food can be purchased at Carnegie Deli (chicken salad, garden salad), Best of the West (grilled chicken sandwich without the bun) and Panda Express (Smiley fries). Fresh fruit is available at Carnegie Deli, Granny’s Country Chicken, Best of the West and Yummy Yummy Café.

My latest snack-food addiction? Bachman's Toasted Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips. Go get them. Now.

Rita's newest water ice flavor is Juicy Pear Ice, and it's gluten free. I'm looking forward to trying that one.

The Gluten-Free Philadelphia Supper Club's next get-together won't be dinner, but brunch instead. Food For All Market in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia will host the group on Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. Gluten-free waffles, sandwiches, soups and salads will be available. For more information about the club or plans for the brunch, e-mail reader Adriana Z.

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: February 25, 2011

If you've ever been to Fogo de Chão in Center City, you're no doubt familiar with the delicious Brazilian cheese bread known as pão de queijo. (Can't say I ever used two tildes in a lead sentence before now.) At Whole Foods, you can find StarBites' version of the bread in convenient appetizer portions, as I wrote on Tuesday.

At the crossroads of 18th and Sansom streets in Center City Philadelphia, two restaurants offer gluten-free options. Stephen Starr's new English pub, The Dandelion (124 S. 18th Street, 215-558-2500), has a menu annotated with gluten-free choices, while wine-and-cheese cafe Tria (123 S. 18th Street, 215-972-TRIA; also at 1137 Spruce Street, 215-629-9200) serves its cheeses with gluten-free crackers upon request. Many salads there are gluten free, as is the flourless chocolate espresso cake for dessert.

Across the street from Christiana Hospital, Potstickers Asian Grill in Newark (1247 Churchmans Road, 302-731-0188) has added a gluten-free menu with appetizers, salads, entrees, vegetables, fried rice and noodle dishes.

McCormick & Schmick's, the national seafood chain with local spots in Philadelphia (1 S. Broad St., 215-568-6888), Cherry Hill (941 Haddonfield Rd., 856-317-1711) and Atlantic City (777 Harrah's Blvd., 609-441-5579), can accommodate gluten-free diners. Thanks to reader Alicia C. for the tip.

LongHorn Steakhouse has opened in Cherry Hill (2301 Route 38, 856-482-2393) at the site of a former Buca Di Beppo location. The chain recently revised its gluten-free menu, adding rainbow trout as a selection.

Just down the road, Elevation Burger's third area location is now open at Moorestown Mall (400 Route 38, 888-291-4620). The patties and fries are gluten free.

The Bards Irish pub in Center City (2013 Walnut Street, 215-569-9585) now serves - but, of course - Bard's beer. Fox Chase's Hop Angel Brauhaus (7880 Oxford Avenue, 215-437-1939) currently has Redbridge.

My Dad's Cookies, which I raved about in my review in December, are on sale (20 percent off) today through Sunday at BRE Bakery in Warminster.

Next month, Glutenfreeda Foods will introduce its newest product, single-serve pizza wraps, in three varieties: Three Cheese, Sausage & Cheese and Pesto Chicken. Each package will retail for between $3.39 and $3.59. In addition, the company is adding a shredded beef version to its microwaveable burrito line.

Did you know that Irish potatoes are neither Irish nor potatoes? Of course you did. But were you aware that the candy has its roots (bad pun, I know) in Philadelphia? The confections, made of a coconut cream center that's rolled in cinnamon, show up every year around this time to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. The biggest purveyor of Irish potatoes is Oh Ryan's of Boothwyn, and their version of the candy is gluten free. The treats can be found through March at area markets such as Acme, Giant, SuperFresh, Pathmark and at BJ's Wholesale stores.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Appetite

Lots of online chatter this week about Kellogg's reported plans to introduce several gluten-free cereals later this year, including Rice Krispies. The company hasn't confirmed this yet, but word is that an announcement could come in May. The Gluten Free Appetite blog first shared this news. (Hat tip to reader Bethann S. for sending me the link.)

Bethann also let me know that Sesame Day Camp in Blue Bell, for children ages 3 to 7, is able to serve campers gluten-free meal.The camp has sessions this summer running from four to eight weeks.

The Raising Our Celiac Kids Bucks/Montgomery chapter has scheduled a bowling party on Sunday, March 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at Thunderbird Lanes in Warminster (1475 West Street Road, 215-674-8250). Families should bring a gluten-free dish to contribute to the potluck lunch. (Drinks must be purchased through Thunderbird Lanes.) The cost per lane, which includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental for up to six people, is $50; parties of less than six may be able to share a lane (and the cost) with others. RSVP by Tuesday, March 1 with the number of attendees and childrens' ages by calling Holly and Steve Staugaitis at 267-664-6425.

Sunday, March 27 is the date of this year's Pediatric Celiac Disease Education Day at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CHOP's Abramson Research Building (34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard), and parking will be provided. There will be speakers (including yours truly), kids' activities, vendors and lots of gluten-free food, including lunch. Space is limited; register by calling 267-426-6822. 

Deal-a-day sites like Groupon and Living Social occasionally have discounts for meals at gluten-free-friendly restaurants. The new Gluten Free Deals site, however, focuses exclusively on offers for a gluten-free audience. Beginning next Monday, February 28, the site will officially launch with the first of five consecutive weekly deals. There's no charge to sign up, and you'll receive an email whenever a new deal is announced. If you enroll through any of the Gluten Free Deals links on this site and later buy an offer, you'll be supporting Gluten Free Philly, which receives a small portion of the purchase price.

Finally this week, you can watch Comcast SportsNet's recent interview with Phillies outfielder Raúl Ibáñez, who recently was diagnosed with a gluten (and dairy) allergy and has since switched to a gluten-free diet. Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: January 28, 2011

I've thrown in the towel and concede that winter has defeated me. Of course, no one can see the towel as it is buried somewhere under the piles of snow outside my house. On the bright side, though, Phillies pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in a mere 16 days from now.

With Spring comes Passover and, as I wrote this week, there are new gluten-free cereals, baking mixes and even matzo-style crackers that should be readily available when the holiday rolls around. Typically, Passover products begin trickling into markets about a month ahead of time, so I expect that these and other gluten-free items will first show up in mid-March.

Virtually the entire menu at Fort Washington's new Mexican restaurant Cantina Feliz (424 South Bethlehem Pike, 215-646-1320) is gluten free. In addition, the BBQ Chicken Huarache and the Cantina Wedge Salad can be made gluten free if ordered without the Cabrales blue cheese, according to executive chef Tim Spinner. The grouper used for the Baja Fish Tacos is battered with rice flour and coated with a plantain and nacho crust, and the fryer is 100 percent gluten free. For dessert, there's the Mexican Chocolate Crema (sans malted milk mousse) as well as assorted ice creams and sorbets.

Sampan, a pan-Asian restaurant in Center City (124 South 13th Street, 215-732-3501), now has a gluten-free menu. Just be sure to ask that the fries accompanying the filet mignon be pan-fried in clean cookware and not deep-fried (or request another side).

Ry's Bagels' second location in Glassboro (800 North Delsea Drive, 856-270-2575) has Udi's bagels.

I've added a link to the current gluten-free menu for Tinto in Center City on my restaurants page.

All Marathon Grill locations in Philadelphia serve Green's Discovery gluten-free beer, while Fairmount's Lucky 7 Tavern (747 North 25th Street, 215-232-7736) and Chelsea Tavern in Wilmington (821 North Market Street, 302-482-3333) have Redbridge beer.

Updating some earlier product mentions, Feel Good Foods' chicken dumplings are now sold locally at Water to Go in Pennsauken, $7.49 for a box of eight. They steamed up nicely in a skillet and tasted great. The dumplings need to be tended to in preparation so that they don't stick to the pan; just follow the directions on the package.

Ian's onion rings are now at Whole Foods, and on their way there are Kim & Scott's soft pretzels.

Look for Utz's new Rice Crisps at your local market. The brown rice tortilla chips come in three varieties: Sea Salt, Sweet Chili and Salsa Fresca.

Schar broke ground this week on its new gluten-free production facility in Gloucester County. The plant is set to be online in March 2012 and will turn out, among other items, bagels. Thanks to reader Mark M. for the heads-up.

Don't forget to join the new Gluten Free Philly Facebook page and follow my Twitter feed for late-breaking information. Have a wonderful (hopefully snow-free) weekend!

News & Notes: December 10, 2010

Judging from the emails I received and comments to this week's post, many readers concur with my rave review of My Dad's Cookies. For guests attending next week's Supper Club dinner at Buca di Beppo in Center City, I will have samples courtesy of the company. (Must. Resist. Temptation.)

The "Gluten-Free Holiday Giveaway Galore x10" announced last week continues through next Wednesday, December 15. As part of the giveaway, one entrant at this blog will win prizes that include a copy of Katie Chalmers' new gluten-free book for children and lots of food items. Just go to the original post and add your comment.

Thanks to reader Murray K., who emailed me about Manna, a New American BYO in Margate (8409 Ventnor Avenue, 609-822-7722). The restaurant notes gluten-free items on its menu and also has several safe dessert choices.

I've lived in the Philadelphia area all my life, but I'd never heard of Kemblesville until this week. It's in southern Chester County, and it's the home of Village Pizza and Subs (1765 New London Road, 610-255-0300), where you can get gluten-free pizza as well as linguini and ravioli. The kitchen uses separate equipment and ingredients for those items.

Also in Chester County, Anthony's Wood Oven Pizza, located in Exton (410 West Lincoln Highway, 610-524-6666), serves gluten-free pizza.

Extreme Pizza in downtown Wilmington (201 North Market Street, 302-384-8012) now offers Still Riding's gluten-free pizza. Check out the varieties there - choices like Ragin' Rooster, The Screamin' Tomato and Yard Sale! There are plenty of salads too. Big ups to reader Beth, who pens the Wheat Nothings blog, for first sharing this news.

With advance notice, The Palm in Center City can prepare gluten-free crab cakes, bread and pasta.

Le Castagne in Center City now offers brunch and early family-style dinner on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any menu item except the french toast can be made gluten free.

Butterflies Healthy Food in Skippack is now JayBee's Cafe, still serving gluten free-friendly fare.

Sweet Freedom Bakery has prepared a holiday menu that includes treats such as Mint Chocolate Cupcakes, Holiday Magic Bars and Triple Chocolate Crumb Cake. Orders are accepted through December 19.

Redbridge beer and Strongbow cider can be had at Teri's on 9th at the Italian Market (1126 South 9th Street, 267-761-9154).

Natural Harvest Market is new to Mullica Hill (45 South Main Street, 856-417-3812), and carries gluten-free products from Udi's, Mrs. Crimbles, Purely Elizabeth, Katz, Glutenfreeda, Conte's and more.

ShopRite in Cherry Hill now stocks gluten-free products from French Meadow Bakery, including the pizza crusts, tortillas, brownies and brownie bites, chocolate chip cookie dough, breads, cupcakes and cakes. All of the bakery's products are made in a gluten-free facility. You can get get a dollar-off coupon at this link.

Look for a special holiday-themed version of R.W. Garcia tortilla chips at Wegmans markets.

I hardly ever pass up an opportunity to discuss baseball, so I'm happy to pass along a "save the date" for the 2011 Celiac Awareness Night at the Phillies. It will be held on Friday, July 8, when the Phils take on the Atlanta Braves. I'll post ticket and event information when it becomes available.

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

News & Notes: November 12, 2010

Readers who weren't able to attend Appetite for Awareness last month can get a (virtual) taste of the event by reading my recap posted earlier this week.

Although not posted online, T.G.I. Friday's has introduced a new allergen supplement menu at participating restaurants. Using icons, the new allergen menu breaks down what food groups/categories may be found in each menu item, including eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and shellfish. I'm not prepared to add Friday's to my celiac-friendly restaurant list at the moment, given that I don't know whether the kitchens have a protocol for avoiding cross-contamination. However, I'm sharing this information because the chain might be the only potential option for diners in certain instances.

A couple of reader restaurant recommendations (say that quickly five times) this week. Richard S. has had good experiences at London Grill (2301 Fairmount Avenue, 215-978-4545). Although the New American restuarant doesn't have a gluten-free menu, "the kitchen and service staffs are informed and up to date," he writes. "Best of all, the menu items that are gluten free (or that can be prepared gluten free) are always fun and delightful."

Kirstin J. shared news that Indian restaurant Palace at the Ben in Philadelphia (834 Chestnut Street, 267-232-5600) does not use gluten-containing ingredients in any menu items except for its breads. Owner Nick Mankeshaw told me via e-mail that the entrees are freshly made to order and dietary preferences can be accommodated.

In Delaware, the Smyrna Diner (99 South Cory Lane, 302-653-9980) has gluten-free menu options and offers bread, while Blackstone's Irish Pub in Newark (401 Louviers Drive, 302-266-0880) serves gluten-free crabcakes.

The Whip Tavern in Coatesville (1383 North Chatham Road, 610-383-0600) offers Green's Dubbel gluten-free beer and four varieties of hard cider.

Reader Diane let me know that Trader Joe's is selling advent calendars filled with gluten-free chocolate. The calendars sell for the low, low price of 99 cents.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: October 22, 2010

Make sure that you come hungry to Sunday's Appetite for Awareness event at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. In addition to the dozens of area restaurants and local and national vendors sampling food, there will be cooking demonstrations from Le Bec Fin's Georges Perrier, 10 Arts' Monica Glass and cookbook author Silvana Nardone. Tickets will be available at the door, but you can save money by ordering online today or tomorrow. Even if you can't make it, you can follow the action in real time on Twitter using hashtag #A4A10.

I've posted to the restaurant list updated gluten-free menus from two Jose Garces restaurants, Chifa and Amada. His new place at Philadelphia's Cira Centre, JG Domestic (2929 Arch Street, 215-222-2363), doesn't yet have a similar menu, although requests can be accommodated.

Good Eatz Green Cafe in West Reading (701 Penn Avenue, 610-670-4885), the sister business of Rick Allebach's Good Eatz Bakery, offers plenty of gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

If you're flying in or out of Terminal E at Philadelphia International Airport, you can grab a quick bite off the gluten-free menu at Cantina Laredo in Terminal E (215-492-1160).

Connie at The Pop Shop in Collingswood let me know that the restaurant now uses bread from Miller's Gluten Free for its grilled cheese and other sandwiches. We stopped in last Saturday night, and our older son gives it a thumbs-up. The bread is now sliced thicker so that there's one large sandwich rather than two smaller ones.

Philadelphia's all-gluten-free Sweet Freedom Bakery is now taking orders for Thanksgiving goodies, including pumpkin and apple pies and pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes. Order before November 18 by calling 215-545-1899.

The Mag Bar, located at Maggio's in Southampton (400 Second Street Pike, 215-322-7272), serves New Grist beer and two varieties of Woodchuck ciders.

Acme Markets is offering customers with gluten sensitivity a tool to help them shop for gluten-free foods. The new program will begin in this month and roll out in phases during the next three months. As part of the program, select stores will have signage and special merchandising sets to help make it easier for customers to find gluten-free products. Shoppers can also stop at the customer service desk at any Acme to pick up an in-store shopping list/guide to gluten-free products. More extensive gluten-free shopping lists as well as recipes and snack and meal solutions are available at Acme's gluten-free website page.

Allergen-friendly Ian's Natural Foods keeps the new products coming, and this one looks particularly promising. Now available are gluten-free chocolate-covered wafer bites, similar to Kit Kat candy bars. The treats are available at glutenfree.com ($4.99 a bag) and will soon be in stores.

Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free Bakery has just won the Kosherfest Best New Passover Product Competition for the fourth time. The winning product this year is Yidels Mini Swiss Chocolate Rolls, which will be available in time for Passover next Spring. The bakery will be participating in A4A.

The gluten-free muffins and cakes from Butterfly Bakery, which until recently were available at Wegmans, have been discontinued.

Tomorrow at Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Mt. Airy (551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870), author Jae Steele will read from her new cookbook, Ripe From Around Here. The book, which emphasizes the importance of local, sustainable eating, has many gluten-free recipes for meals like Polenta Spice Pudding, Love Muffins and Springtime Tabouleh. The event begins at 3 p.m.

The next Chester County Gluten Intolerance Group meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 1 at Paoli Hospital, with guests Keith J. Laskin, M.D. (medical director of the hospital's Celiac Center) and dietitian Nancy Patin Falini (author of Gluten-Free Friends: An Activity Book for Kids) set to speak. The event will be at the hospital's Potter Room (Zone B, Level 1) beginning at 6:30 p.m. Register by calling 1-866-CALL-MLH.

Finally this week, here's a preview video for Appetite for Awareness featuring Sixers TV play-by-play announcer Marc Zumoff:

I hope everyone has a great weekend, particularly if you're attending A4A!

News & Notes: September 17, 2010

We're a little over a month away from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness's Appetite for Awareness event, and more vendors have signed on for the festivities. Area gluten-free bakeries Amaranth and the Grain Exchange will be there, as will perennial favorite Shabtai Gourmet and newcomers such as Plum Catering, Bye Bye Gluti and O'Doughs. The first 200 people to purchase from the NFCA store will get goody bags filled with products from companies such as Cookies For Me, Blue Diamond Nut Thins, Lucy's and Mary's Gone Crackers.

This week I chronicled our recent summer vacation to Toronto, Niagara Falls and Cooperstown. Reader Jamie Y. shared some out-of-town restaurant recommendations of her own. During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., she and her family dined at several eateries owned by Chef Jose Andres, who popularized the small-plates concept in the United States. His Jaleo (Spanish), Oyamel (Mexican) and Zaytinya (Mediterranean) restaurants all have gluten- and nut-free menus. She also suggests a stop at Red Velvet Cupcakery.

Center City Philadelphia has another spot where gluten-free diners can enjoy pasta. Le Castagne (1920 Chestnut Street, 215-751-9913) offers gluten-free gnocchi, but it's not listed on the menu so request it from your server. The kitchen can also accommodate in the preparation of other items.

Suburbanites can get gluten-free pasta at Mina Cucina Rustica in Spring House (805 North Bethlehem Pike, 215-641-1180).

In Rosemont, longtime neighborhood staple Gullifty's (1149 Lancaster Avenue, 610-525-1851) has added a gluten-free food and beverage menu.

Grab a bowling ball, bites and beer - just not all at once, please - at North Bowl in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties (909 North 2nd Street, 215-238-2695). Among the menu items are gluten-free Mac & Cheese and Cheese Burger Mac as well as Redbridge.

J.B. Dawson's first Delaware location is set to open October 13. The restaurant is at the Christiana Mall in Newark near Nordstrom, Apple and Anthropologie (315 Christiana Mall, 302-369-4000). The chain, with Pennsylvania locations in Drexel Hill, Langhorne and Lancaster (and sister restaurant Austin's in Reading) has an updated gluten-free menu that includes gluten-free pasta dishes and mac & cheese for the kids.

P.F. Chang's new dessert

Earlier this week, P.F. Chang's China Bistro officially added to its dessert menu a new gluten-free Triple Chocolate Mousse Mini, a combination of chocolate ganache, milk chocolate mousse and flourless chocolate cake. We tried this a couple weeks ago and it is sinful! The chain has local Pennsylvania outlets in Collegeville, Glen Mills, Plymouth Meeting and Warrington and in Atlantic City, Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey.

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Michael Klein reports that European bakery-cafe Le Pain Quotidien is coming to the 1400 block of Walnut Street in Center City. The chain's stateside outposts serve a Six Vegetable Quiche, made with artichokes and garden veggies on a gluten-free buckwheat crust.

Ninety Nine, a casual American restaurant chain with spots in Audubon, Northeast Philadelphia, Trevose and Warrington, Pennsylvania and Deptford, New Jersey, is supporting charitable organizations through its "Dining for a Cause" program. Apply to host a fundraiser at any location and the restaurant will donate 15% of sales from supporters back to the designated organization. The restaurant offers a varied gluten-free menu, including burgers on gluten-free buns. I'd be happy to spread the word about any local fundraisers organized by readers that support the NFCA, local hospitals' celiac disease centers or similar causes.

The Fenix Bar in Phoenixville (193 Bridge Street, 610-933-955) has Redbridge on its bottled-beer menu.

A postscript to last week's item on the limited-release pumpkin cider from Woodchuck. On its Facebook page, the company posted a list of cities where the cider will be sold. No towns in Pennsylvania or southern New Jersey are on the list. If you're in or near Delaware, though, you're in luck: package stores in New Castle, Wilmington and Newark are slated to get it.

Ian's Natural Foods has announced two new gluten-free products: chicken tenders (also free of dairy, soy, eggs and nuts) and french bread pizza with pepperoni (egg- and nut-free).

The Gluten-Free Supper Club will meet this month over dinner at Adsum, in Philadelphia's Queen Village neighborhood. The meal, on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. will feature three courses (two choices per course) for $35 per person exclusive of alcohol, tax and gratuity. For more information or to be added to the reservation, e-mail reader Adriana Z.

After a summer respite, Gluten Free Delaware resumes its support group meetings next month. The next meeting is planned for Sunday, October 3 at 3 p.m., to be held at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Room 1000.

Have a great weekend!