News & Notes: January 17, 2020

Pepperidge Farms has introduced its first gluten-free cookies in the brand's 75-year history. The thin-and-crispy Butter Crisp and Milk Chocolate Chip varieties will be sold beginning this month at Target, among other outlets, retailing for $3.89 per package.

Whole Foods is closing its gluten-free bakehouse in North Carolina as of early March. If you like the market's gluten-free breads, pies, cakes and other baked goods, be sure to stock up before supplies run out.

Armageddon Brewing's cider and mead tasting room is opening in Somerdale, New Jersey (900 Chestnut Ave., Building J) on January 31. All of the craft brewer's beverages are gluten free.

Dim Sum Mania in Media (17-19 E. State St., 610-557-8757) notes gluten-free options on its on-premises menu.

Down the street, Noodii Thai Chef (42 E. State St., 610-892-8710) can make a number of dishes gluten free, as listed on its lunch and dinner menus.

Arepas are among the many fried gluten-free options at Que Ricas

Que Ricas, which opened last month in Westmont (46 A Haddon Ave., 856-858-8500), has a dedicated fryer for gluten-free options such as empanadas, plantains and yuca fries. The arepas are gluten free as well.

The menus at the new Stove & Tap in Malvern (245 Lancaster Ave., 484-450-8890) list gluten-free choices and the kitchen has a dedicated fryer.

Malvern is the home of the area's first Bomba Taco + Bar (30 Liberty Blvd., 610-727-5253). Bomba, which is a sister restaurant to King of Prussia's Paladar Latin Kitchen, has a gluten-free menu, though there is a shared fryer. A second Pennsylvania location is opening this summer at The Village at Newtown.

In Atlantic City, all of the meats at Bourré Cajun BBQ (201 S. New York Ave., 609-246-6670) are gluten free, as are several "bayou plates." Note, however, that there is no dedicated fryer for fries and wings.

Avocado toast at GET Cafe (PC: GET Cafe/Instagram)

GET Cafe, a community coffee shop in Narberth (246 Haverford Ave.), has a gluten-free toaster and panini press.

In Medford Lakes, smoothie and juice bar The Honey Post (20 Trading Post Way, 609-451-5156) has gluten-free granola for its fruit bowls and smoothies and gluten-free cones for frozen yogurt.

2nd Street Tavern in Lewes, Delaware (102 2nd St., 302-645-7755) has a gluten-free menu that includes appetizers, salads and entrees.

In Souderton, the menus at Northbound (2 W. Broad St., 267-203-8076) note gluten-free options.

Diana's Cafe in Center Valley (4907 Rt. 309, 610-797-2525) can prepare gluten-free pancakes and toast separately.

Davio's in King of Prussia offers gluten-free pizza

Davio's in King of Prussia (200 Main St., 610-337-4810) serves gluten-free pizza at lunch and brunch. The pizza is prepared in a dedicated area and cooked in a separate oven.

KQ Burger's Wynnewood location at Whole Foods (15 E. Wynnewood Rd., 610-896-3737) has a dedicated fryer for fried chicken, fries and tater tots, though no gluten-free buns.

Inquirer.com reports that Peter McAndrews is reopening his popular Modo Mio in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia (705 5th St.) soon, while relocating his Paesano's Philly Style sandwich shop to Fishtown (1429 Marlborough St.). McAndrews has long accommodated gluten-free guests at his restaurants, as members of his family have celiac disease.

Sprouts Farmers Market is opening at the Concord Mall in Wilmington (4801 Concord Pike) on March 11.

Recent area closings of note include Morton's The Steakhouse and Sweet Freedom Bakery in Center City Philadelphia, Oink and Moo BBQ in Voorhees, and the Bryn & Dane's locations in Malvern and Center City Philadelphia.

CHOP's Celiac Support Group will have its next meeting at the Bucks Specialty Care Center in Chalfont (500 W. Butler Ave.) on Sunday, January 26 from noon to 2 p.m. Parents should bring Super Bowl snacks to share. RSVP to the Celiac Center with the number of people attending.

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: November 8, 2019

Late July Snacks recently launched a Korean Barbecue flavor in its Clásico line of tortilla chips. The chips are made with organic yellow corn, and seasoned with a blend of brown sugar, onion, garlic, ginger, chili pepper and smoky flavoring.

Enjoy Life introduced soft-baked holiday cookies, in apple cider donut and peppermint bark flavors.

Mi/Mo Mochi has released a cool peppermint flavor in time for winter.

Boston Beer has reformulated all Truly hard seltzer flavors and plans to launch a line of lemonade seltzers next year.

It's not beer, but AB InBev is putting the Bud Light moniker on a new line of gluten-free hard seltzers. The seltzers will be released in early 2020 in Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry and Mango flavors.

Locally, Haddonfield's dedicated Bleu Bear Bakery is expanding to Marlton (27 N. Maple Ave.) early next year with a combination market and bakery. The market will have prepared foods, sandwiches, a salad bar and more.

(Photo: Elikqitie/Travel Gluten Free)

Philly native Elikqitie of the Travel Gluten Free podcast let me know that the Mary Cassatt Tea Room at the Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-546-9000) offers afternoon tea with gluten-free sandwiches and sweets. I'll be on her podcast in the coming weeks.

Lovebird is opening a third Pennsylvania location early next year, this one in Newtown (247 N. Sycamore St.). All of the fried chicken at Lovebird is gluten free, as is the macaroni and cheese and fries.

Liquid Eatery in West Chester (18 N. High St., 610-709-6911) is an all-gluten-free vegan restaurant serving flatbreads, tater tots, smoothies and more.

In the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (1901 Callowhill St., 267-603-9482) offers gluten-free marinades and sauces upon request.

The newly opened Emmy Squared Pizza in Queen Village (632 S. 5th St., 267-551-3669) serves gluten-free pizza - Detroit style. The gluten-free dough is prepared separately, baked in dedicated pans and is cut with a designated cutter.

Luke's Lobster in Rittenhouse Square (130 S. 17th St., 215-564-1415) offers lobster rolls on gluten-free buns.

In Wilmington, the Washington Street Ale House offers a gluten-free menu. The Ale House is affiliated with Delaware's gluten-free-friendly Big Fish Restaurant Group.

The area's newest Yard House is scheduled to open on Dec. 2 in Willow Grove (2500 W. Moreland Rd., 215-830-9310). Gluten-free options are listed on the menu.

Luxe steakhouse chain Steak 48 is coming to Philadelphia next year to the Avenue of the Arts (260 S. Broad St., 215-552-4848). The menu notes gluten-free choices.

Trader Joe's is adding another Center City Philadelphia location. The new market will be opening in 2020 at 1324 Arch Street.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Gluten Intolerance Group of Chester County will be hosting a gluten-free Cupcakes & Wine event at Stone Barn Cellars in Spring City (3050 Pottstown Pike) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available through Eventbrite.

CHOP's next children's support group meeting will be a holiday cookie exchange. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Voorhees Specialty Care Center (1012 Laurel Oak Rd.) from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring two dozen gluten-free cookies for sharing. RSVP via email with the number of children and caregivers attending.

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: 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: May 10, 2019

Spring has sprung lots of new gluten-free products upon us. Annie's has added to its gluten-free line with a white cheddar version of its popular Bunny Tails crackers.

Look for another variety of Mission Foods' gluten-free tortilla wraps, this one a spinach herb flavor.

Rather than break apart two sandwich creme cookies to make your own double-stuffed version, Glutino has saved you the trouble with its new Super Stuffed Chocolate Vanilla Creme cookies.

As part of Celiac Awareness Month, Aldi has brought back some annual favorites like gluten-free cheesecake, while adding new products such as chocolate frosted and glazed donuts.

Woodchuck Hard Cider has released its newest variety, Sangria. Inspired by the traditional Spanish drink, Sangria is a semi-sweet cider, showcasing balanced notes of red wine, bright acidity, and berry. Available now with a full national roll out by July, Sangria (5.5% ABV) will retail for $9.99/12oz. 6-pack can.

The Philadelphia area has several new all-gluten-free establishments. Sciascia Confections produces truffles, macarons, cookies and other sweets and sells them at New Hope's Ferry Market (32 S. Main St., 215-996-0606) and across the Delaware at the Stockton Market near Lambertville (19 Bridge St., 215-996-0606).

At the Trenton Farmers Market is 100%-gluten free and vegan Lady and the Shallot (960 Spruce St., 609-955-1120). The menu features tacos, salads, panini and other fare.

The Colony Meadery in Allentown (905 Harrison St., 855-632-3669) produces all-gluten-free meads available on draft and in bottles. Colony will be one of the dozens of vendors at next Saturday's Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo.

Lovebird's second location is now open in Bryn Mawr (484-222-6554). Both the new spot and the original location in Doylestown serve gluten-free fried chicken and mac & cheese.

Crepes and Crazes in Fenwick Island, Delaware (1204 Coastal Hwy., 302-537-1313) has a separate griddle for gluten-free crepes and also offers sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Elsewhere in the First State, Newark's Olive Tree Cafe (13 Chestnut Hill Plaza, 302-266-4598) notes gluten-free options on its menu. The fries and falafel are prepared in a dedicated fryer.

In nearby Middletown, all of the grilled options at Empire Mongolian Grill (749 N. Broad St., 302-376-1089) are gluten free.

Eggspectation is "egg-spected" to make its Delaware debut in Stanton (501 Stanton Christiana Rd.) in July. Gluten-free options are noted throughout the menu.

In Easthampton, New Jersey, Russo's Pub (1302 Monmouth Rd., 609-261-3277) has a gluten-free menu that includes separately prepared pizza and pasta.

Down in Wildwood, Mud Hen Brewing Co. (127 W. Rio Grande Ave., 609-846-7918) offers a gluten-free menu featuring tacos, salads and entrees. Sister restaurant Dogtooth Bar (100 E. Taylor Ave., 609-522-8383) also has a gluten-free menu, though it does not have a designated fryer for potato skins and fries. The bar does stock several hard ciders and hard seltzers.

Ghostfish Brewing Company's award-winning gluten-free beers have finally arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania. Several varieties are available at Bella Vista Beverage in Philadelphia (755 S. 11th St.) as well as at some suburban outlets in Folsom, Media, Norristown, Swarthmore and Wayne. Ghostfish can also be found at several locations in the Lehigh Valley.

Join Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for a gluten-free cooking class on Tuesday, May 21st in collaboration with Vetri Community Partnership. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the CHOP Teaching Kitchen in Philadelphia (3550 Market St.). Children (grades 4 and up) and caregivers will have the opportunity to make a gluten-free dinner to share. Dr. Singh from the CHOP Celiac Center will also be there to cook and chat with attendees. RSVP is required for this event. Email integrativehealth@email.chop.edu or call 215-590-5043.

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!

What's New For Passover 2019

While the Jewish holiday of Passover has not lost its religious meaning, it has in recent years become an unofficial gluten-free holiday. This year, Passover begins the evening of Friday, April 19 and ends the evening of Saturday, April 27. It's a time when many more gluten-free products are available at supermarkets. This grew out of the observance of certain segments of the Jewish population refraining from eating any wheat products during Passover. The packaging of many gluten-free products is expressly labeled as such, while others have a "non-gebrokts" notation. (As always, read the ingredient label before buying and consuming a particular item.)

I've been chronicling new gluten-free Passover items for many years (you can read prior posts here), and this year brings many additions to the Seder table. Locally, many of these products can be found at ShopRite markets, particularly the one on Route 70 in Cherry Hill (Garden State Pavilions) and Wegmans stores.

Kosher food manufacturer Kayco will be introducing new gluten-free products under various brand names (you can find all of Kayco's gluten-free products here.) The best-selling gluten-free matzo brand, Yehuda, returns with Original, Everything, Egg, Onion, Unsalted and Fiber Enriched varieties. Yehuda also has gluten-free matzo meal, cake meal and crackers.

New from Kayco's Gefen brand are soft baked cookies in three varieties (double chocolate chip, chocolate chip, and vanilla with colored sprinkles) and sandwich creme cookies in two versions (vanilla and vanilla & chocolate).

Under its Heaven & Earth label, Kayco is introducing veggie croutons made with plantains.

This year, Manischewitz has refreshed its packaging but continues to produce a variety of gluten-free matzos and cake mixes. For 2019, the company has converted its entire line of biscotti-like mandel bread and egg kichel cookies to be gluten free. Each of the cookies come in three varieties (marble, chocolate chip nut and plain for the mandel cuts; sweet, jumbo and sugar free for the egg kichel).

Manischewitz is also adding a new birthday cake-flavored macaroon flavor this season. A new line of Passover Collection cookies (above) includes Milano-like ladyfinger, almond meltaway, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip and sandwich creme varieties.

Like Manischewitz, Streit's has made its mandel bread and kichel gluten free, but also its soup nuts, or "mandlen."

Lieber Foods is expanding their Passover baked-goods line with several kinds of cookies, including frosted animal crackers and "Aleph-Bet" cookies.

Also check the frozen-food section of your local market for gluten-free Passover pizzas and pizza bagels, blintzes, knishes and other items.

About a week or two before the start of Passover, supermarkets receive their shipments of fresh gluten-free cakes and cookies from New York bakeries such as Oberlander's, Lilly's Bake Shoppe and Schick's. Look for sandwich, black-and-white and rainbow cookies, cake rolls, decorative and layer cakes.

If you want to try "Mexican Coke" (made with sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup), Passover Coca-Cola will be available in the Philadelphia area and other regions. Look for bottles with distinctive yellow caps.

Prices of some Passover foods tend to be higher than their non-holiday counterparts, so I suggest buying one of a particular item to see if you like it before stocking up. Keep an eye on Passover sections after the second night of the holiday, when markets tend to cut prices on whatever products are left.

News & Notes: March 1, 2019

Annie's Homegrown has added to its line of organic gluten-free crispy rice bars with a peanut butter variety.

Crepini has introduced a gluten-free ingredient version of its Egg White Thins, a low-carb, high-protein wrap that’s made with about 90% egg whites, flax meal, non-GMO canola oil, salt and pepper. The wraps are sold in Costco stores and about 2,200 Walmart stores nationwide.

Pamela's Products has announced several new gluten-free products that will hit stores this year. The company's line of gluten-free ramen comes in three flavors - Spicy Beef + Veggie, Savory Chicken + Veggie, and Vegan Very Veggie - and will be available in August with a suggested retail price of $3.39 per pack.

New to the pasta meals line are two new Mac N’ Cheese products: Vegan Mac and White Cheddar. These new varieties will be available starting in May with a suggested retail price of $3.79 for a 5 oz. box. The Vegan Mac N’ Cheese will also be available in a family-size 10 oz. box, with a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Pamela’s Grahams will be available in July in a new chocolate chip flavor, with a suggested retail price of $4.99. All of the new products will be available on Amazon.com and at participating retailers.

Saffron Road unveiled their latest gluten-free additions to its globally-inspired frozen entrée product line: Thai-Style Green Curry with Chicken, Coconut Curry Chicken, Vegetable Biryani and Madras Curry with Chicken Meatballs. The new dishes will be available beginning in June for the suggested retail price of $4.99 per package.

Gluten-free snack purveyor From the Ground Up is expanding its product line later this year with cauliflower-based stars, stalks and tortilla chips as well as new butternut squash pretzel sticks and twists.

From Lakefront Brewery, which crafted the very first gluten-free beer granted label approval in the United States, comes another certified gluten-free brew. New Grist Gose-style with lime is 5.1 ABV and is crafted using rice, sorghum, lime and sea salt. It features Zeus and Willamette hops with an IBU rating of 15. Its release date is set for April 15.

News & Notes: November 2, 2018

Green Giant Fresh has expanded its fresh vegetable offerings with its new gluten-free Vegetable Meal Bowls, available in the refrigerated produce section at grocers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $3.99 per bowl. Each bowl includes a 100% fresh vegetable base with sauces and seasoning packets, The line includes six varieties:

• Buddha Bowl: featuring crumbled sweet potato, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, roasted chickpeas and tahini sauce
• Burrito Bowl: containing crumbled cauliflower and ancho-chipotle pepper black bean sauce
• "Fried Rice" Bowl: featuring crumbled cauliflower, carrots, onions, broccoli and teriyaki sauce
• Pad Thai Bowl: featuring carrot noodles with peanut-flavored sunflower butter sauce
• Ramen Bowl: containing butternut noodles, crumbled cauliflower, carrots, onions, broccoli, roasted edamame and ramen seasoning
• Rancheros Bowl: featuring crumbled sweet potato, cauliflower, kale and green chili sauce

California Pizza Kitchen has added two new gluten-free cauliflower thin-crust pizzas to its line of frozen pizzas. One is Artisanal Style Cheese, the other an Uncured Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage pizza. Speaking of CPK, the restaurants are phasing out the rice-flour pizza crusts but are still offering five certified gluten-free cauliflower pizzas. (Thanks to Baltimore Gluten Free for the tip.)

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

Cheesecake Factory at Home is a new line of gluten-free refrigerated puddings that will hit stores early next year. These layered puddings come in four flavor combinations:

• Vanilla Fudge Duet: creamy vanilla bean pudding over dark chocolate fudge sauce
• Chocolate Black-Out: rich Belgian chocolate pudding over dark chocolate fudge sauce
• Salted Caramel Delight: creamy salted caramel pudding over rich caramel sauce
• Cake Batter Strawberry Royale: creamy cake batter-inspired pudding over a sweet strawberry puree

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

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

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

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