News & Notes: June 28, 2019

Cauliflower will soon be as plentiful as air - it's everywhere. Witness Caulipower's newest product, New Chick on the Block chicken tenders. They'll be available this fall in Original and Spicy(ish) varieties.

Healthy Choice is extending its popular Power Bowls line with new grain-free options, adding four new varieties. There are four new flavors: Spicy Beef Teriyaki, Basil Pesto Chicken, Spicy Black Bean & Chicken, and Chicken Marinara, all made with - yep - riced cauliflower.

Following the lead of Bantam Bagels, GeeFree Foods will soon launch a line of gluten-free bagel bites. These new bite-sized, cream cheese-filled snacks will come in Plain, Everything and Cinnamon Raisin varieties.

Udi's has introduced two grain-free muffins, Chocolate Zucchini and Banana Chocolate Chip. The company has also rolled out three new kinds of granola: Almond Butter, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate Coconut.

I tried the new breakfast biscuits from Goodie Girl Cookies at last year's Expo East show, and they're delicious! They come in Blueberry and Cinnamon Brown Sugar flavors. Now you can get them via Amazon. Purchase through this affiliate link (no extra cost to you) and support Gluten Free Philly.

Greens and Grains, with a location in Center City Philadelphia at the Comcast Center (1701 JFK Blvd., 267-519-8071) and down the shore in Galloway (80 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd., 609-277-7060),  Margate (7801 Ventnor Ave., 609-300-5088) and Northfield (1600 New Rd., 609-380-4337), uses Purely Elizabeth gluten-free granola for its smoothie bowls.

Sweet Aloha Bowls in Royersford (324 Main St., 484-791-3948) offers gluten-free granola by request for its smoothies and fruit bowls. (Thanks to reader Tim W.)

Longtime reader Diane M. let me know that George's Place, with locations in Cape May (301 Beach Ave., 609-884-6088) and Cape May Court House (104 N. Main St., 609-778-2650), can accommodate gluten-free guests. (I mentioned sister restaurants The Younger Brother and Shamone Bites + Wine in the last News & Notes.)

Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls, with Jersey Shore locations in Cape May (709 Beach Ave., 609-600-3571), Sea Isle City (4215 Landis Ave., 609-478-2845) and Ocean City (728 Boardwalk, 609-862-2347) can prepare lobster rolls in baby romaine lettuce leaves. The Maine lobster bisque and New England clam chowder at all locations are gluten free. (Thanks to Beth S. for the tip on Instagram; follow her at @wheatnothings for all things gluten free in Delaware.)

Tony Beef in Galloway (195 S. New York Rd., 609-377-5744) can serve its burgers on gluten-free buns.

At Tom's All American BBQ in Quakertown (85 S. West End Blvd., 227-267-3292), all rubbed and smoked meats, including ribs, are gluten free, as are all sauces. The kitchen has gluten-free flatbread and rolls, and many sides are also gluten free.

At long last, the Indian-Chinese hybrid Inchin's Bamboo Garden is set to open in Center City Philadelphia (1726 Chestnut St., 215-516-7999) on July 1. The menu notes gluten-free options

Chef Peter McAndrews is set to close his celiac-friendly Monsu in the Italian Market on Sept, 29, according to Inquirer.com. On the plus side, he plans to reopen Modo Mio in Center City. McAndrews, whose children have Celiac Disease, also operates Paesano's in Northern Liberties and La Porta in Media.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,700 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: August 17, 2018

Perdue Farms is converting its Simply Smart prepared-chicken brand to an all-organic line this fall. The revamped products will include certified gluten-free chicken tenders and nuggets.

Trader Joe's new gluten-free mac & cheese combines Cheddar, Swiss, Havarti and Gouda cheeses with a house-made gluten-free béchamel sauce. The corkscrew-shaped rotini pasta is made with a blend of corn, rice, lentil and quinoa flours.

The Girl Scouts will have a new gluten-free cookie in time for next year's cookie season. Caramel Chocolate Chip will be sold in select regions and replace Trios, while another gluten-free cookie, Toffee-tastic, will return in other markets. The new cookie features rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.

New this summer from Truly Spiked & Sparkling is Truly Rosé, a rosy-hued spiked sparkling water Truly Rosé takes its cues from rosé wine – it’s delicately sweet, a tad tart and fruity with a hint of California Chardonnay grapes.

Chick-fil-A Debuts Gluten-Free Bun Nationwide

After a successful pilot program last year in several U.S. markets, Chick-fil-A this week added a gluten-free bun option at restaurants nationwide, While individually packaged and certified free of gluten, guests will be required to assemble their own sandwiches to reduce risk of cross-contamination, as Chick-fil-A kitchens are not gluten free. The bun is served in a clear wrapper.

Chick-fil-A's new bun is made with ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth and is lightly sweetened with molasses and raisins. (The full ingredient list is not yet posted on the company website). The bun has 150 calories and costs an additional $1.15. My son tried the grilled chicken on the gluten-free bun and thought it was excellent; the soft bread didn't crumble at all. Initial reviews posted by followers of the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page are favorable as well.

Included in the fast-food chicken chain's current list of no-gluten-containing options are the grilled chicken filet, grilled nuggets, Waffle Potato Fries, Grilled Market Salad and Side Salad and most (but not all) dipping sauces and dressings. Most outlets prepare the fries in dedicated fryers, but customers should speak with a manager about food preparation and handling of all items prior to ordering.

2015 Expo East Recap

Last's year's hot food, kale, is this year's jackfruit, At least that's what I gathered from canvassing the products at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore earlier this month. The show features new and trendy gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

Fortunately I burned off as many calories as I consumed in walking the show floor. In no particular order, here are some of the notable gluten-free products I spotted at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores):

Cheeseburger bites from GeeFree Foods: These hors d'oeuvres join the company's pastry dough and other bite-size snacks like pigs in blankets. The cheeseburger bites will reach stores this fall.

Cannoli shells from Russo's Gluten Free Gourmet: The shells are made with rice flour and corn starch and have a flaky, crunchy texture. This item is currently available for online ordering through the company's website but will be reaching wider distribution.

News & Notes: September 11, 2015

Though General Mills has discontinued its Chex gluten-free oatmeal line, another food company stands ready to fill the void. Quaker Oats will have its own Select Start gluten-free oatmeal products on shelves beginning this fall. Though details have not been formally announced, customers can look for quick one-minute oats sold in canisters and at least one flavored instant oatmeal variety (Maple & Brown Sugar).

Bob's Red Mill is launching a line of gluten-free oatmeal cups. The meals feature a blend of three different oats as well as flax and chia seeds. There will b e four varieties: Apple Cinnamon, Brown Sugar & Maple, Blueberry Hazelnut and Classic.

Speaking of cups, each of Evol's new gluten-free microwaveable meal cups -12 in all - are made with antibiotic-free meats and are under 210 calories. There are Scramble, Veggie and Fajita Cups, all of which can be found at Target stores.

Look in the refrigerator case for new Hillshire Snacking grilled chicken bites. These come packaged with a variety of dipping sauces: Teriyaki, Spicy Chipotle Barbeque, Honey Mustard and Mango Habanero.

Books & Cooks

What's the newest national chain to offer gluten-free fare? It's not Wendy's (at least, not yet). The in-store cafés at Barnes & Noble bookstores have expanded their menus, which now include two gluten-free options: baked chicken tenders and rice crispy treats.

The baked Applegate gluten-free chicken tenders ($6.95) are coated with milled rice and corn and are served with sweet potato chips and a dipping sauce of either barbeque or honey mustard. Request that orders be prepared with new oven liners and clean utensils.

Reading, Pennsylvania's own Sweet Street Desserts supplies the certified-gluten-free Chewy Marshmallow Bars ($2.50), made with brown rice crispies, brown butter and sea salt.

Take note that the new Chocolate Oatmeal Chunker cookies ($2.50), the recipe for which comes from Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini's Sugar Rush cookbook, are prepared with oat flour. As of this writing, it's unclear whether gluten-free oats are used; the in-store shelf tag indicates that the cookies are "wheat free," though a banner on the B&N website states they are gluten free.

News & Notes: September 5, 2014

Grub Burger Bar is targeting the end of this month for its Philadelphia-area debut in Willow Grove (159 N. York Rd.) Look for gluten-free buns and sweet potato fries cooked in a dedicated fryer. A second Delaware Valley branch is coming to North Wales in June 2015 (230 Montgomery Mall).

The just-opened Bareburger in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia (1109 Walnut St., 215-627-2273) serves traditional and exotic proteins on gluten-free buns (baked by Free Bread) along with four salad varieties. The fries are prepped in a separate fryer and all of the shakes are gluten free. A flourless chocolate cake and a vegan carrot cake headline the dessert options. Owner Daniel Kemelman stresses that the kitchen takes every precaution to avoid cross-contamination.

News & Notes: March 14, 2014

Five years ago tomorrow, I started Gluten Free Philly with the shortest of posts and the intention of sharing my own experiences as the father of an 8-year-old boy with Celiac Disease. We were always calling food manufacturers, trying new products and dining out at restaurants anyway, so I decided to create an outlet to share this information with others who could benefit from it. Little could I have imagined that I'd be still blogging five years later amid a tremendous boom in the number and variety of gluten-free foods, accommodating restaurants and dedicated bakeries. Our school district now offers gluten-free lunches daily, gluten-free concessions are available at every major sports venue in Philadelphia, and nearly every supermarket in the Delaware Valley has at least a modest selection of gluten-free groceries. I'm extremely fortunate that so many of you have taken this journey with us and I appreciate the wonderful recommendations, comments and notes you have shared with me over the years. I take no greater pleasure in writing this blog than when a reader tells me that he or she has benefited from something they've read about here.

News & Notes: May 10, 2013

Yes, you can get grilled chicken nuggets and waffle fries on the go at Chick-Fil-A, but what about at a former KFC? Check out Farmer's Road Drive Thru in Chadds Ford (210 Wilmington Pike, 610-558-2220), in the space once occupied by the fast-food chain. In addition to the drive-through, there's  indoor and outdoor seating at this "fresh" casual restaurant. All of the breakfast and lunch/dinner sandwiches can be served on a gluten-free wrap or bread, there's gluten-free chicken fingers for the kids, and gluten-free baked goods are available. The menu also includes salads and smoothies.

Burger 21 in Voorhees (12109 Town Center Blvd., 856-528-2990) is now open, serving burgers on French Meadow gluten-free buns, fries prepared in a dedicated fryer, salads and shakes, which are made using a separate blender. For adult refreshment, there's Redbridge beer and Angry Orchard hard cider.

Quinoa coconut pancakes and French toast made with Udi's bread are among the new gluten-free items on the Spring/Summer menu at Silver Diner in Cherry Hill (2121 Rt. 38, 856-910-1240).

At Le Pain Quotidien's Center City locations (1425 Walnut St., 215-751-0570; 801 Walnut St., 215-253-3114), you'll find a gluten-free, organic Caravan Mix, a blend of nuts, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds and cacao nibs. Thanks to reader Heather H. for the tip.

I'm disheartened to report that Pure Tacos, the all-gluten-free taqueria in Center City, closed this week after less than a year in operation. The summer location on the Ocean City Boardwalk won't reopen this year either.

Trader Joe's is constantly adding new gluten-free products, and this one is of the fresh kind. Reader Gabrielle G. sent me a photo of TJ's gluten-free chocolate cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. The price is right too - just $3.99.

Over the weekend on Facebook and Twitter, I broke the news that Pillsbury will be coming out with gluten-free refrigerated pizza dough, cookie dough and pie/pastry dough. The products will be available on a limited basis beginning late May, with a larger, um, roll-out in the summertime.

Tyson Foods has matched Perdue with its own version of gluten-free breaded chicken nuggets and tenders. The breading is made with rice flour, yellow corn flour and corn starch.

Post Foods has discontinued the Cocoa Pebbles version of its gluten-free marshmallow treats but has introduced a limited-edition Fruity Pebbles Extreme cereal.

You can also get your gluten-free chocolate-flavored cereal fix from new Mom's Best's Crispy Cocoa Rice.

In celebration of Celiac Awareness Month, Amazon.com has a wide-ranging gluten-free grocery sale, ranging from up to 15% off Glutino and Pamela's products to up to 25% off Betty Crocker mixes (with a $6 instant coupon) and GoPicnic. You can save even more with the Subscribe & Save option. (I get a small commission when you purchase items through the above links.)

A celiac support group meets the third Tuesday of every month at Atlantic Gastroenterology Associates in Egg Harbor Township (3205 Fire Rd, 609-822-0190) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A different speaker is featured each month. There is no cost and it’s open to everyone. Call or email for more information.

The next GIG of Chester County meeting will be on Wed. May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Malvern Wegmans. Dietitian Nancy Patin Falini will speak about bone health and the group will tour the store's expansive gluten-free section.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Love Me Tenders

There are plenty of gluten-free breaded chicken products around, from dinosaur-shaped bites to store-brand nuggets. Yet they all share a common trait: they're frozen. Now a poultry-industry titan has raised the ante with a product you'll find elsewhere in the supermarket.

As part of its healthier Simply Smart line, Perdue has introduced refrigerated gluten-free breaded chicken breast tenders. (There is a frozen version too.) The chicken is boneless white-meat breast with rib meat and seasoned with chicken broth, vinegar, natural flavors, yeast extract, brown sugar and sea salt, while the breading ingredients are rice flour, water, yellow corn flour, yellow corn meal, rice starch, vinegar, salt, raisin juice concentrate, honey, natural flavors, soybean oil and yeast extract. The products have at least 25% fewer calories, 50% less fat, 25% more protein and less salt than breaded fried boneless chicken. The gluten-free renditions, which will be available nationwide, are also GFCO-certified.

The refrigerated tenders are sold in 11.2 oz. packages (about nine pieces per package) and retail for around $5.99 each. Currently, Perdue is offering a dollar-off coupon.

News & Notes: January 13, 2012

The in-bin is overflowing with so much info this week that I didn't have enough time to get it all in. I have plenty to carry over to next Friday's post.

On Tuesday, I reviewed South Street's The QUICK FIXX, which served us some excellent gluten-free pasta dishes at a recent meal there.

The biggest news of the week is word that fast-fooder Chick-fil-A has added gluten-free grilled chicken nuggets to its kids' menu, although adults certainly can order them as well. The four count is 80 calories and 1 gram of fat, while the six count contains 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

The chain is enhancing its side choices as well, adding Buddy Fruits applesauce - also gluten free - as a complement to the fruit-cup option. Although not as healthy a side, the waffle fries are also safe, as they're prepared in dedicated fryers.

About 90 percent of the menu at the new Hickory Lane Bistro in Philadelphia's Fairmount section (2025 Fairmount Ave., 215-769-2420) is gluten free, according to general manager Jack Anderson, and the other items can be modified accordingly. The chef there, Matt Zagorski, was GREAT-trained when he worked at Rouge. Thanks to reader Marcella P. for the restaurant tip.

Lunch café Buds & Bowls at the Lawrenceville Inn (2691 Main St., 609-896-0569) serves a variety of gluten-free soups, quiche, salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts.

In Feasterville, Toscana 52 (4603 Street Rd., 215-942-7770) has gluten-free pasta available (prepared separately) and can modify entrees that otherwise call for flour.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill's two local outlets at the malls in King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd., 610-992-1152) and Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38, 856-665-1052) have set their Winter 2012 gluten-free menu.

Tutto Fresco in Wilmington (514 Wilmington Pike, 302-762-9094) is the new name of the former Lamberti's Italian Grill & Bar at that location. The restaurant serves gluten-free pasta.

Reader Rich S. dropped me a note about YogoMix, a fledgling fro-yo business with spots in Yardley (15 S. Main St., 215-369-YOGO) and Lawrenceville (3257 Quakerbridge Rd., 609-587-YOGO). All flavors except those with cookies are gluten free.

The official second anniversary is Sunday, January 15, but the ladies of Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) will be celebrating Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, they'll be raffling off prizes such as Sweet Freedom gift cards, T-shirts and cookie cakes as well as gift cards from other local businesses. On Sunday, customers can enjoy a free treat while supplies last, plus they'll be offering an in-store "twofer" day, with two items for the price of one (one per customer and excludes some items).

I was saddened to learn this week that Food for All Market in Mt. Airy (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) plans to close. The store will remain open until all of the stock and equipment are sold. All grocery items are being sold for 20 percent off.

New fully-cooked gluten-free chicken tenders and nuggets from Golden Platter are on sale this month at Acme markets.

Feel Good Foods' new gluten-free egg rolls are now available at Whole Foods in Marlton (940 Route 73 N., 856-7997-1115), according to a company tweet.

If you love cars, consider going to the Philly Auto Show's Black Tie Tailgate on Friday, January 27. Proceeds benefit CHOP's Division of Gastroenterology and the food will be catered by Stephen Starr Events. Check out the gluten-free options listed on the menu, including a milkshake bar at the dessert station!

‎The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is working with St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions to study the effect on people who follow a gluten-free diet if they take medicine that contains gluten. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is funding this research study. The study has two parts. First, the NFCA will conduct this survey, and then will test some medicines to see if they contain gluten. The results of this survey will help them learn more about people’s experiences, and will help them decide which medicines to be tested for gluten. Together these findings could help the medical and scientific communities see that more research and investigation are needed. This survey will take between four and 15 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. It closes on February 28.

Jovial Foods has organized a gluten-free getaway in Lucca, Italy from May 27 to June 2. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from room sales will go to the NFCA.

And if all of that is not enough for you, I'm thrilled to be talking baseball again. The Phillies game on Friday, July 20 against the San Francisco Giants will be Celiac Awareness Night. I'll pass along ticket information as it becomes available. Hey, pitchers and catchers report in just five weeks!

Wishing you a great weekend -

Michael

News and Notes: January 6, 2012

Welcome back to Gluten Free Philly for what promises to be an exciting year ahead. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and New Year's Eve celebrations.

If you're just getting back to the grind from some down time, you may have missed some recent posts. In my final one for 2011, I recapped the last year's worth of features and news as chronicled at this page. Earlier this week, I reviewed Katz's new gluten-free donuts, which include jelly- and vanilla custard-filled varieties.

One housekeeping note: By popular demand I have revived the map of gluten-free-friendly Philadelphia restaurants, the link for which is posted at the blog's Restaurants page.

Before heading to Sweet Freedom Bakery for some gluten-free sweets, you can get your main course a block away at The QUICK FIXX (1511 South St., 267-273-1066). This new restaurant, which offers take-out and sit-down service, can prepare made-to-order dishes with gluten-free ravioli, spaghetti or penne.

Rendez-vous is a crêperie in Haddon Heights (531 Station Ave., 856-546-4611) offering savory gluten-free crepes made with buckwheat flour.

Thanks to reader Debbie M. for the news that Ruby's Diner - with area spots in Ardmore (5 Coulter Ave., 610-896-7829), Glen Mills (919 Baltimore Pike, 610-358-1983) and King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd., 610-337-7829) - has Udi's gluten-free buns for its beef and turkey burgers.

All menu items except for the fish tacos at Guapos Tacos, the roving Mexican food truck from Jose Garces, are gluten free. You can follow the truck on Twitter to see its daily location.

The recently opened Sang Kee Noodle Cafe in Cherry Hill (1601 N. Kings Hwy., 856-310-2388) keeps soy sauce on hand to prepare gluten-free dishes.

In addition to gluten-free pizza, Seasons Pizza's New Jersey outlets in Cherry Hill (450 Route 70, 856-428-4441) and Stratford (1014 N. White Horse Pike, 856-783-9333) now serve eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, lasagna and calzones.

Iron Hill Brewery's newest location in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia (8400 Germantown Ave., 215-948-5600) just opened, while Ted's Montana Grill's spot on Broad Street in Center City has shut its doors.

Also closed is gluten-free friendly BYO Manna, down the shore in Margate. Hat tip to Renee B. for the info.

Adriana Z. dropped me a line to let me know about two area markets stocking gluten-free groceries: Food & Friends Market near Rittenhouse Square (1933 Spruce St., 215-545-1722) - which carries Tate's gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, among other items - and Princeton's Whole Earth Center (360 Nassau St., 609-924-7429).

New at Wegmans markets are frozen sugar cookie and chocolate chip cookie dough, frosted occasion cakes, and blueberry, pumpkin and apple pies from Gillian's Foods.

Golden Platter Foods' new GFCO-certified, all-natural chicken tenders, nuggets and patties are on sale this month at Acme markets. Thanks to Lena M. for the news.

The Gluten-Free in Delaware County Meetup group will have lunch at Uno Chicago Grill in Newtown Square this Sunday at 2 p.m. You can RSVP for the event at this page.

The NJY camps are offering a Gluten-Free Family Camping Weekend June 1-3 in the Poconos, in partnership with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. It's an opportunity for a family getaway with a private cabin, including pools, lakes, ropes courses, art workshops, family entertainment, kosher gluten-free meals from a dedicated kitchen, day camp for kids, and programming for adults. It's $250 per adults, with kids under 18 free, and is open to families of all religions.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: July 29, 2011

Last Sunday's gluten-free event at The Bards in Philadelphia was an unqualified success, so much so that gluten-free pizza is now available every day. This makes it just the second restaurant in Center City (Giorgio on Pine being the other) that serves gluten-free pizza. The owners will also offer an expanded gluten-free menu every Sunday.

I gave readers something to chew on in my Tuesday post - Philadelphia's own Peanut Chews. That and other candies made by Just Born are gluten free.

All area Peace A Pizza locations - in Pennsylvania, that's Ardmore, Exton, King of Prussia, Montgomeryville, Rosemont, Springfield, Wayne, West Chester; Stone Harbor, New Jersey; and Newark, Delaware - have 12-inch gluten-free pizza crusts. The shops use different pans and utensils and take steps to avoid cross-contamination. Thanks to Dana M. and Nancy D. for letting me know about the Springfield and Montgomeryville spots.

Franco's Pizza in Collegeville (3815 Ridge Pike, 610-409-0780) offers gluten-free pizza and pasta.

Ralic's Steakhouse, a newcomer to Haddonfield (26 S. Haddon Ave., 856-616-1520), serves gluten-free-friendly appetizers, entrees and even dessert - a flourless chocolate cake with hazelnut crunch.

Reader Robin V. recommends The Mediterranean in West Chester (150 W. Gay St., 610-431-7074) for a gluten-free meal. The kitchen can prepare gluten-free desserts with several days' notice.

McCourt's, a farm-to-table concept in Hatboro that offered gluten-free dishes, recently closed.

Grocery Market in Center City (101 S. 13th St., 215-922-5252) offers gluten-free soups daily, along with other foods.

Souderton's Melodia Grill (664 E. Broad St., 215-721-4000) is offering a three-course meal for two for $45. The offer, through deal site Living Social, is available for purchase through Sunday and can be redeemed through December 1, 2011. The restaurant has a gluten-free menu.

Congratulations go out to Main Line Baking Co., named as the "Best of Philly" in the August issue of Philadelphia magazine for its gluten-free baked goods.

Coming soon to stores are bagel chips from Glutino, in Original and Parmesan & Garlic flavors.

Although not quite the level as the weighty chicken-or-egg question, I do wonder whether nuggets or tenders came first. In any event, Applegate Farms has just introduced certified-gluten-free chicken tenders, sold alongside the company's nuggets.

Presumably not wanting to be left out of that discussion, Wegmans now offers its own private-label chicken nuggets; you can print a dollar-off coupon here. (Hat tip to reader Jim.)

The Chester County chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group is holding its next meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. Speaking will be Dr. Donna Skerry, a nutritional consultant. The meeting will be held at the Fern Hill Wellness Resource Center in West Chester.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: July 22, 2011

Hello, Grilladelphia! The temperature in the Delaware Valley should dip a few degrees by Sunday, when the  Bards Irish Pub (2013 Walnut St., 215-569-9585), near Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia, holds its inaugural gluten-free event. Items from the gluten-free menu, which include fish and chips, beer-battered onion rings and pizza, will be served starting at 3 p.m. Bards beer and Magners cider will be the featured drinks, and there will even be dessert thanks to Main Line Bakery.

If you want to check out the gluten-free concession stand at Nationals Park when the Phillies are in the nation's capital, get tickets for the team's road trip to Washington on August 19-21. We caught the Phils-Nats game on Memorial Day, which I wrote about on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Staci S., whose name was randomly selected as the winner of the Gluten-Free on a Shoestring cookbook, given away in conjunction with the recent Readers' Choice Awards voting.

Philadelphia proper is center of attention in this week's restaurant roundup. Le Pain Quotidien's second outpost in the city (801 Walnut St., 215-253-3114) is now open. Reader Heather H.'s husband manages this location and has worked with the staff to educate them on cross-contamination concerns. Gluten-free items include omelets and salads.

Joe J. let me know that Girasole in Center City (440 S. Broad St., 215-732-2728) serves gluten-free pasta.

With five locations in Center City, a Marathon Grill is never too far away. Gluten-free items are now noted on the menus there.

On Maple Shade's scenic Main Street, Cafe Fontana in Maple Shade (30 E. Main St., 856-321-1301) serves gluten-free pizza.

The Avalon location of Uncle Bill's Pancake House (3189 Dune Ave., 609-967-8448) doesn't list gluten-free pancakes on the menu, but they're available upon request. Thanks to reader Larry D. for the info.

The Pop Shop in Collingswood (729 Haddon Ave., 856-869-0111) is now using gluten-free products from Lancaster's Amaranth Bakery.

Baked goods from Gluten-Free Warrior Genevieve Sherrow are available at Grindcore House (1515 S. 4th St., 215-839-333, a South Philly coffeehouse.

Dia Doce's locally made gluten-free cupcakes are available at suburban farmers' markets in Wayne, Chester Springs and Malvern, among other places. Owner Thais da Silva's gluten-free varieties are prepared separately  using dedicated pans, mixers and utensils. Weekly menus are posted on Facebook and Twitter, but any flavor can be made gluten free for larger orders.

Catering By Design, a caterer based in Philadelphia (215-866-9500), is now a member of the NFCA's GREAT Kitchens program and can provide gluten-free meals for any event.

The Bachman Company is giving away a treat to one of my Facebook followers. Like the Gluten Free Philly page and enter via this post [Facebook login required] for a chance to win four bags of the company's new Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips, which are gluten free, and coupons for other gluten-free products such as Puzzle Pretzels, tortilla chips and popcorn. The winner will be randomly selected later today.

Saffron Road's new gluten-free-certified products are now available at Whole Foods Markets. These include Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Bites, Chicken Tenders and Tandoori Seasoned Chicken Nuggets.

Costco stores now sell gluten-free ravioli from Pasta Prima, which I wrote about in this space in May. Thanks to Jaime L. for the tip.

Simply Organic is adding four new gluten-free baking mixes to its product line: Devil’s Food Cake, Golden Vanilla Cake, Spice Cookie and an herb-infused Pizza Crust.

Participating ShopRite stores are now carrying gluten-free macaroni-and-cheese, eggplant parmesan and other frozen entrees from GG's Originals.

Thanks to Jeffrey A., who let me know that Williams-Sonoma stores throughout the country, in partnership with New York City's BabyCakes bakery, will be hosting a free "technique" class on gluten-free baking on Sunday, August 28. Class times vary by store, so contact the location nearest you for more information and to reserve a spot.

Have a great weekend and stay cool!

News & Notes: May 27, 2011

Props to the folks working the concession stand at Section 128 of Citizens Bank Park. Our wait time on getting gluten-free hot dogs at a Phillies game this week was less than 30 seconds, a far cry from the early days when we had to hang out for more than 10 minutes. I hope this is the norm, rather than the exception, as a result of increased demand.

This week, I posted on the blog a review of Rudi's new gluten-free hot dog rolls and hamburger buns.

If you're a fan of his Throwdown show on the Food Network, you know that celebrity chef Bobby Flay has featured some local gluten-free-friendly eateries, including Paesano's Philly Style, run by Peter McAndrews. McAndrews has a new Sicilian BYOB in South Philadelphia called Monsù (901 Christian St., 215-440-0495), which garnered a respectable two-bell rating from Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan last Sunday. Monsù, like the chef's other sit-down restaurant Modo Mio, serves gluten-free pasta and bread and many other selections are gluten free or can be modified. McAndrews's children have celiac disease, and so he and his staff are well aware of cross-contamination concerns.

Most of the menu at the just-opened Fare (2028 Fairmount Ave., 267-639-3063), in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood, will be gluten free, including desserts, chef Tim Bellew tells me. Fare, aiming to serve healthy, organic food, will have gluten-free bread on hand for dishes. According to Bellew, wheat will be used sparingly in the kitchen, and the staff will take care in prepping the gluten-free items. Fare features a full bar, with about 40 wines by the glass.

Thanks to reader Winnie C. for letting me know that Guiseppe's Pizza in New Hope (473 Lower York Rd., 215-862-1740) now offers gluten-free pizza, pasta and desserts.

Perhaps you're heading to Cape May for Memorial Day weekend or sometime this summer. The Union Park Dining Room (727 Beach Ave., 609-884-8112), which serves dinner Thursday through Sunday, has a gluten-free menu. The nearby Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar (19 Jackson St., 609-884-5970) notes gluten-free selections on its dinner menu.

Davio's in Center City Philadelphia (111 S. 17th St., 215-563-4810) has added Redbridge to its beer list to complement the restaurant's gluten-free menu.

Simply Fondue in Mays Landing, which accommodated gluten-free diners, has closed.

Through Saturday, the Gluten Free Deals half-off site is offering a discount for online-only orders at Wynnewood's Main Line Bakery. Buyers can spend $10 to get $20 worth of gluten- and dairy-free baked goods.

Julian's Recipe, founded by the creator of Alexia Foods and Terra Chips, has rolled out a line of gluten-free microwaveable frozen pancakes - so new that the company's website hasn't yet been updated to include them. The pancakes, which are certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization, come in Buttermilk, Belgian Chocolate and Wild Blueberry varieties. I spotted these bad boys at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, where they sell for $3.99 per eight-pancake box. (Convenience has a price, you know.)

Udi's Gluten Free Foods is developing a frozen pizza to add to its growing line of gluten-free baked goods, according to a blog post by the company's CEO.

A California pasta company is bringing innovation to the refrigerated pasta section with gluten-free ravioli. Certified gluten free by the GFCO, Pasta Prima's new line, made with a blend of corn and rice flour, will launch this summer with two flavors: Gluten Free Butternut Squash, blended with parmesan cheese and sage, and Gluten Free Five Cheese, made with fresh ricotta and mozzarella mixed with imported parmesan and Romano, and aged Asiago.

Murry's new frozen boneless chicken Wing-Its, in buffalo and honey barbeque varieties, are gluten free.

Want to learn how ice cream and iced tea are made? (Better that than sausage.) Check out the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster County, set to open on June 4. Turkey Hill Dairy, of course, produces many gluten-free ice cream flavors.

There are a few gluten-free-themed events in the weeks ahead. On Thursday, June 2, Sur La Table is hosting a Gluten-Free Dinner Party class at its King of Prussia location. That same night, La Cucina at Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market will be the site of nutritionist Genevieve Sherrow's gluten-free cooking class. She will also be leading a second class there on Saturday, June 25.

Have fun and be safe this holiday weekend!

Eating Well

By the time 2012 rolls around, Gloucester County, New Jersey may be the only area in the country that can claim to source a gluten-free sandwich from top to bottom. That's when Schar expects to have up and running in Logan its first U.S. gluten-free plant, producing bread, rolls and other products. What about what goes in the sandwich? That's where Wellshire Farms comes in. The Swedesboro-based meat processor makes packaged gluten-free, preservative-free cold cuts such as turkey, ham and roast beef, not to mention chicken nuggets, sausage, bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers and even ribs.

The family-owned business dates back to 1993, and in 2001 introduced the first fully-cooked, all-natural gluten-free breaded product now known as Wellshire Kids' Dinosaur Shaped Chicken Bites. (The chicken nuggets are certified gluten-free by the GFCO.) The company's foods are also sold under the Wellshire and Lou's Famous labels, among others, and customers can check the allergen status of all products at its website.

A store-locator feature, also at the website, lists markets throughout the country carrying Wellshire-made products, including all Whole Foods locations. The foods can also be ordered online.

News & Notes: October 8, 2010

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a baseball nut, so you can imagine how stoked I was to witness Roy Halladay throw a no-hitter Wednesday night. In retrospect, I'm glad the game wasn't on television in prime time so I could watch the historic game with my boys. As I wrote earlier in the week, we went to New York last month to see the Phillies beat the Mets on the road and were able to check out the gluten-free food stand at Citi Field.

Also on the sports scene, a reminder that with the start of the new pro hockey and basketball seasons the Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia) Center has gluten-free food and drink at the "Fan Favorites" concession stand, on the concourse level at Section 122.

Congratulations to reader Jake M., whose name was selected as the winner of the Bisquick Gluten Free prize pack giveaway, and thanks to everyone who entered.

New to the restaurant list this week is Ry's Bagels Cafe in West Berlin (255 Route 73 North, 856-210-6327). The shop has Udi's bagels and uses a dedicated toaster and separate utensils. Diners can also enjoy two varieties of Conte's gluten-free pizza.

Another Seasons Pizza location has added gluten-free pizza. This one is the Elsmere location in Wilmington (1112 Kirkwood Highway, 302-994-4000).

South Philadelphia's Black N Brew (1523 East Passyunk Avenue, 267-639-6070) now offers flourless banana and blueberry pancakes with shredded coconut.

Main Line Pizza in Wayne (233 East Lancaster Avenue, 610-687-4008) has expanded its gluten-free menu beyond its namesake specialty to include pasta dishes and chicken wings, among other items. Coming soon will be homemade meatballs and chicken cutlets made with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Loads of gluten-free goodies on sale at Amazon.com this month. Add another 15% discount to all orders if you Subscribe & Save; there's free Super Saver shipping on orders of $25 or more and Subscribe & Save orders are shipped free regardless of order total. This month's offers include:

• General Mills gluten-free products such as Betty Crocker mixes, Chex cereals, Hamburger/Asian Helper, Fruit Rollups and Nature Valley Nut Crunch bars are 15% off with code GENMILGF
• Glutino and Ian's products are 10% off with code GLUTENFR
• Udi's Granola is 20% off with code UDISGFGR
• Pamela's products are 5% off with code PAMGFOCT 
• Ener-G products are 5% off with code ENERGGF2 
• thinkThin bars are 20% off with code THKTHIN6 
• Nature's Path and Envirokidz cereals and crispy rice bars are 10% off with code NATPATGF 
• Oskri bars are 20% off with code OSKRIOCT 
• Boomi and PranaBar bars are 10% off with code BOOMIGFI 
• Pure bars are 15% off with code PUREBRGF 
• Pirate's snacks are $3 off with code PIRATEGF 

Looking for healthier chicken nuggets? New to market are fully cooked Coleman Natural Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Nuggets, which are made with chickens that were fed a vegetarian diet and raised with no antibiotics, hormones or preservatives. A serving of six nuggets are 130 calories and six grams of fat (just one gram of sat fat). Readers in South Jersey can find these at ShopRite of Marlton. Fill out a product survey and get five dollar-off coupons for Coleman products. The nuggets themselves are small; we microwaved them and thought they were tasty.

First came Oreo-style gluten-free ice cream sandwiches. Now, the sequel from Julie's Organic and Glutenfreeda Foods combines lemon-flavored frozen yogurt with vanilla cookies.

Purely Elizabeth, a company started by holistic health counselor and native Philadelphian Elizabeth Stein, has debuted a line of gluten-free cookie mixes sweetened with hard-to-find organic coconut palm sugar. The new cookie line includes three inaugural varieties: chocolate chip, oatmeal cherry chocolate chip and oatmeal cinnamon raisin (the oats are certified gluten free). The cookie mixes expand the brand's established line of all-natural, organic baking mixes that are gluten free, certified vegan and free of refined sugar.

This month's Gluten Free Delaware meeting has been rescheduled for this Sunday, October 10. It'll be held this time out at the Woodlawn Free Library, located at 2020 West 9th Street in Wilmington (a few minutes from I-95 Exit 7). Those planning to attend can RSVP through this link.

The next meeting of the Greater Philadelphia Celiac Support Group will take place on Friday, October 22 at Abington Memorial Hospital (1200 Old York Road, Lenfest Building, Classrooms 1& 2). Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with a vendor fair; the meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Participating vendors include Cookies For Me, Good Eatz, The Grainless Baker, Grandma's Grotto, Main Line Baking Company, Sweet Freedom Bakery and Virago Bakery.

Enjoy the weekend and go Phils!

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!