The Maine Pie Co. Makes Holidays Taste Better

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Maine Pie Co., which has provided me with compensation. All opinions remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the sponsorship of this post. [Disclosure policy]

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays - a time to reconnect with family, take a break from the daily work routine, and eat heartily. In the years since our son was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease, we've found gluten-free replacements for everything from stuffing to gravy.

During the holidays, our go-to gluten-free desserts come from The Maine Pie Co., which we discovered two years ago at the Expo East gourmet food show and have been on our Thanksgiving dessert table ever since. Situated in rural Maine, the bakery crafts its artisanal pies and tarts in a designated gluten-free facility. All desserts test to less than 5 ppm using the ELISA method.

Founder Jill Miller has more than a decade of baking experience. She owned The Runcible Spoon in Nyack, New York and Port Bakery in Kennebunkport, Maine, where she perfected her baking skills and developed her award-winning gluten-free pie recipe.

The Maine Pie Co.'s Apple Crumb Pie is topped with
gluten-free oats, brown sugar and cinnamon

We recently savored The Maine Pie Co.'s delicious apple crumb pie, blending locally grown apples with a buttery crumb topping made with gluten-free rolled oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Preparation was a snap, following directions on the package: I baked the pie at 425°F for 20 minutes, then for another 40 minutes at 350°F. (The other pie varieties have similar baking instructions.) The crumb topping turned a golden brown and the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafted through our kitchen. I particularly liked that the pie was chock full of sliced apples, with none of the cloyingly sweet pie "goop" that's found in many traditional versions.

Among The Maine Pie Co.'s most popular pies are apple, blueberry and pumpkin. The apple pie combines cinnamon, nutmeg and clove with the flavor of fresh, locally sourced apples that are peeled, cut and made into pies the same day. For the blueberry pie, the company uses Maine wild blueberries, while the pumpkin is packed with fresh pumpkin puree and seasonal spices.

Other varieties include Pecan, Threeberry (made with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries), Strawberry Rhubarb (summer seasonal) and new Sour Cherry pies and Lemon Curd (think TastyKake Lemon Pie!) and Chocolate Tarts. Maine Pie Co. also has pie shells for do-it-yourself bakers.

The Maine Pie Co.'s pies can be shipped nationwide when ordered online through Gluten Free Mall (order by Nov. 13 for guaranteed holiday delivery) and are also available at stores throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest U.S. [store locator].

News & Notes: October 13, 2017

Choolaah's Chicken Tikka Masala Bowl

Indian food is extremely gluten-free-friendly, so it comes as no surprise that many area Indian restaurants can accommodate special diets. The fast-casual Choolaah Indian BBQ recently opened its first Pennsylvania location at King of Prussia Town Center (155 Main St., 484-674-6316). Guests can choose from dozens of gluten-, dairy- and egg-free options (sortable via the online menu), anything from BBQ bowls to dishes, salads and sides - even dessert.

Monsoon's second New Jersey location is now open in Cherry Hill (1409 Rt. 70 W., 856-528-2526) offers many gluten-free menu items. The restaurant maintains a list of gluten- and nut-free options on site.

Manam Indian Cuisine in Malvern (124 Lancaster Ave., 610-400-1133) lists gluten-free items on its menu.

Angeline's Michael Symon

In Atlantic City, Angeline - the new Italian restaurant at the Borgata from celebrity chef and "The Chew" co-host Michael Symon - has a stand-alone gluten-free menu that includes pasta dishes (1 Borgata Way, 609-317-1000). At Bally's (1900 Boardwalk, 609-340-2000), Guy Fieri's Chophouse has a number gluten-free options, noted on the menu. They also include the Black and Blue Burger and Tatted Up Turkey Burger with buns and Caesar and wedge salads without croutons.

Reader Tania F. let me know that most of the menu at New Habana in Narberth (232 Woodbine Ave., 610-660-0160) is gluten free.

News & Notes: May 12, 2017

New additions to the Philadelphia gluten-free restaurant scene include Asian fusion SuGa by Susanna Foo (1720 Sansom St., 215-717-8968), which notes gluten-free options on the lunch, dinner and brunch menus.

Thanks to reader Marissa R., who let me know that Wm. Mulherin's Sons (1355 N. Front St., 215-291-1355), an Italian restaurant in the city's Fishtown section, is able to prepare celiac-friendly meals.

The ArtBar at Center City's Sonesta hotel (1800 Market St., 215-561-7500) has gluten-free sandwiches and salads for lunch, among options on the menu.

At the Franklin Institute science museum, Franklin Foodworks (271 N. 21st St., 215-448-1200) has a gluten-free menu primarily featuring salads and bunless burgers and hot dogs.

Philly.com reports that natural and organic grocer Sprouts Farmers Market will be opening stores in South Philadelphia (Broad and Washington) and the Moorestown Mall as part of a nationwide expansion. Sprouts offers hundreds of gluten-free products.

A Shore Thing

The last time we tried to get into Izakaya, the Japanese pub at the Borgata in Atlantic City (1 Borgata Way, 609-317-1000), was at the end of the summer, when the wait was over two hours long. We ended up that night eating at the hotel at the more casual Metropolitan  - which, on account of the service, I don't recommend.

Taking advantage of the magnificent late spring-like weather this past weekend, we spent a few hours in Atlantic City to celebrate our teenage son's birthday. His restaurant of choice: Izakaya. This time, we made a reservation earlier that day and were seated without a wait.

Izakaya's executive chef, Michael Schulson, also runs Center City Philadelphia's Sampan, another gluten-free-friendly Asian spot. Like his sister restaurant, the New Jersey outpost also specializes in Asian tapas. Like many tapas-style restaurants, the plates are brought to the table as soon as they are prepared, so there's no particular order of courses.

The gluten-free menu at Izakaya is diverse, We ordered an array of small plates - from edamame to robatayaki (grilled skewers) of Wagyu beef, chicken and Maine lobster - all excellent. Our teen had to himself the freshly prepared salmon avocado roll, served with Kari-Out gluten-free soy sauce, while we shared two orders of shrimp fried rice.

Our server demonstrated familiarity with the pub's gluten-free menu and we felt comfortable with the food preparation.

While Izakaya's main options are plenty, there are no gluten-free dessert choices. We finished our culinary tour at fondue restaurant The Melting Pot (2112 Atlantic Ave., 609-441-1100). We opted for a table with double burners so that our teen could have his own dipping pot of creamy, melted milk chocolate without worrying about cross-contact. The chain no longer has gluten-free cake and brownies, but he nonetheless was able to dip marshmallows and a variety of sliced fruits. The sweet ending was a balanced complement to our savory dinner.

News & Notes: November 20, 2015

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, with area locations in King of Prussia, Cherry Hill and Princeton, has refreshed its gluten-free menu for the winter (though presumably for CYA reasons, it's a "gluten sensitive" menu) with the addition of five different flatbreads and a Middle Eastern-style lavash. They are made to order and cooked on individual slates. There are currently 42 Seasons 52 locations in 18 states.

Another chain, Carrabba's Italian Grill, now offers pasta dishes on its gluten-free menu. The restaurant recently changed its grill baste to be gluten free as well. Carrabba's has five locations in southern New Jersey and seven in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Melting Pot's new location in Maple Shade (584 Rt. 38 E., 856-793-7033) opens today. The gluten-free menu at all locations includes a variety of cheese fondues, entrees and chocolate dessert fondues.

Breaking the Ice

Philadelphians may have to think of their beloved water ice as more than just a summer treat.

For the first time, Delaware County's own Rosati Ice is offering holiday flavors. The new line, featuring pumpkin and eggnog, is now available exclusively at Acme Markets in scoopable two-quart party pails.

These flavors contain no artificial sweeteners and, like the company's other flavors, do not contain gluten or lactose.

Rosati was founded in 1912 by Sam Rosati, an Italian immigrant who made his first Italian ices cranked by hand in the basement of his West Philadelphia home.

News & Notes: May 2, 2014

Gourmet burger chains continue to invade the Philadelphia region. Opening its first location outside of New England is b.good, coming in June to Marlton's Promenade (500 Rt. 73 S.). In addition to gluten-free sandwich buns, b.good offers fries, kale & quinoa bowls, salads, smoothies and shakes.

Philly.com reports that another Boston-based chain, Wahlburgers, is looking at opening five Philly-area sites later this year. Gluten-free burger buns and salad croutons are available at Wahlburgers, run by brothers Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg.

Another import, southern California smoothie-and-juice bar Robeks, is set to open the first of more than 30 area locations in July in Philadelphia at 1035 Chestnut Street, according to Philly.com. All menu items are gluten free and can be made dairy free.

News & Notes: February 7, 2014

Although it's still winter - and the snow seems never-ending - it's not too early to think about going down the shore. At the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, the Broadway Burger Bar (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-317-4660) serves burgers on gluten-free buns, while Trop outpost of the legendary New York City family-style Italian restaurant Carmine's (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-572-9300) has a series of allergen menus that include gluten-free-friendly selections, including pasta.

In Ocean View, Cape May County, Seaville Tavern (29 New Bridge Rd., 609-624-3136) has gluten-free wings (prepared in a dedicated fryer), salads, seafood and ribs marked on the menu.

The Arlington, a new contemporary American restaurant in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island (1302 Long Beach Blvd., 609-494-8848), notes gluten-free options on its menus.

News & Notes: March 15, 2013

I can't think of any better news to share today - four years to the day I launched Gluten Free Philly - than the fact that Phillies games will be a whole lot more enjoyable this season, win or lose. Citizens Bank Park will have an all-gluten-free kiosk located on the main concourse at section 136, between third base and left field. The menu will consist of hot dogs, cheese steaks, pizza, snacks and beer, with some other items in the works.

Nectar's soy wrap roll with tuna,
striped bass, avocado and cucumber
(Photo courtesy of Nectar)

The well-regarded pan-Asian Nectar in Berwyn (1091 Lancaster Ave., 610-725-9000) has added a gluten-free menu that includes chicken, shrimp and lobster pad Thai, fried rice, a seafood hot pot with rice noodles, sushi and sashimi.

Penndel's Steak and Hoagie Factory (313 W. Lincoln Hwy., 215-741-6555) has gluten-free rolls for $2 additional. (Thanks Ina M.) A separate grill is in place for prep of the gluten-free sandwiches and the owner has plans to add other items.

Reader Jaime L. let me know that Piatto Grille in Conshohocken (410 W. Ridge Pike, 610-825-1300) can make most dishes gluten free.

P.F. Chang's new Shaking Beef dish

P.F. Chang's has two new dishes that can be made gluten free. One is Shaking Beef, a traditional Vietnamese favorite with sliced beef, broccolini and potatoes tossed together and served over a cool salad with lime vinaigrette. The other is from the limited-time "Inspired" menu: Thai Basil Sambal Noodles - rice noodles, fresh vegetables and Thai basil tossed in a spicy coconut sambal sauce

Thai Basil Sambal Noodles from P.F. Chang's

In last Tuesday's post, you can read about which local pizza chain turns out the best gluten-free pizza according to GFP contributor Jason. The post prompted a friendly debate on the GFP Facebook page.

At last week's Expo East natural-foods showcase, Uncle Wally's, a Long Island bakery founded by chocolate chip cookie entrepreneur Wally "Famous" Amos, debuted GFCO-certified gluten-free chocolate chip and blueberry muffins under the Pillsbury brand that will be available nationally.

Glutino's newest product, unveiled at Expo East, is gluten-free pretzel chips.

We haven't heard from Glutenfreeda for a while, but the company, which makes burritos, pizza wraps and ice cream sandwiches, has unveiled another niche product: all-natural "Hot Pocket"-like Pocket Sandwiches made with gluten-free whole grain bread wrapped around "delicious, gooey, savory fillings" that cook in under one minute. Varieties include nitrate-free Bacon & Fluffy Eggs with Cheddar Cheese, Savory Roast Beef with Caramelized Onions & Provolone Cheese, nitrate-free Hickory Smoked Ham with Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese and Southwest Chicken Chipotle with black beans and corn.

The company is also extending is instant-oatmeal line with Instant Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cups with resealable lids. All Glutenfreeda products are  produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility and certified gluten-free at less than 5 ppm.

GFP has been nominated in the Best Blog category in the Triumph Dining Best of Gluten-Free Awards this year. Voting is open through March 31 and you can vote once daily per computer or mobile device. If you're pressed for time, just jump ahead to the Stores and Resources voting page, where you can show your support for the blog. There's no need to enter any contact information.

Don't forget that you can follow GFP on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ and, as always, tips and comments are welcome via email.

I hope to see many of you at the CHOP celiac event on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Pop Goes the Toaster

The world is a better place now that Glutino's gluten-free Pop Tarts toaster pastries have arrived. The Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon flavored treats are sold at Whole Foods markets ($4.99 per five-pack), with wider availability come springtime.

Since I wasn't sure that the pastries would taste good right out of the foil package, I dropped one of each flavor into our toaster at the lightest setting. About 60 seconds later the tarts popped up, the centers a golden brown. My son and I had to curb our enthusiasm as we waited for them to cool down, but that beat the alternative of scalding the roofs of our mouths. The pastries were surprisingly flaky and the fruit filling runs nearly from end to end, save for a thin crust. Both were tasty, although we both preferred the strawberry one.

I imagine that for most people, the "toaster" part of toaster pastries is a mere suggestion. Thus began our next trial - could the products hold up without warming? I'm happy to report that they can. The toasting certainly brings out more flavor, but room temperature is no deterrent. Frosting would be a welcome addition to future versions, but they stand on their own just fine.

At a buck per pastry, the Glutino toaster pastries aren't cheap. (There is a link to a cents-off coupon at the Glutino homepage.) Given that these products fill a void in the gluten-free marketplace, however, it's worth a splurge for the novelty and convenience.

News & Notes: January 11, 2012

Before I get to this week's news, I have a small favor to ask of all of you. I'm thisclose to taking the lead in Epikur magazine's Writer of the Year competition, which runs through the end of this month. Please cast a vote for me (Michael) at the voting page, then come back and finish reading this column.

'Yunkers rejoice! The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant (4120 Main St., 215-482-8220) now offers a gluten-free menu that includes burgers and chicken sandwiches with buns, ribs and new desserts from "Best of Philly" winner The Little Bakery in Blue Bell - flavored mousses sandwiched between gluten-free ladyfingers-style circles. Alas, no gluten-free beer yet, but there are wines and cocktails.

Despite the similarity in name to a well-known, lasciviously-named sports bar, Racks Restaurant & Sports Bar in Atco, New Jersey (286 White Horse Pike, 856-719-1500) offers more gluten-free options. Everything from chicken tenders and wings to burgers and sandwiches are noted on the menu. Racks' weekend breakfast menu includes a gluten-free breakfast sandwich and omelets.

Most items at Ole Tapas Lounge & Restaurant in Newark, Delaware (1126 Capitol Trail, 302-224-9378) can be prepared gluten free.

PBandU has closed its original location in Wayne, but is still operating at the Moorestown Mall. The store can prepare sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Buca di Beppo's location in Wynnewood has closed; spots in Exton and Reading are the remaining area restaurants.

Earlier this week, contributing writer Jason Hewett shared his thoughts on the gluten-free burger and fries at the Red Robin chain, which is opening its newest area location at the Deptford Mall next month.

While doing some grocery shopping earlier in the week, I spotted a new flavor from Turkey Hill: baklava Greek frozen yogurt. Out of curiosity, I checked the label and the only ingredient that gave me pause was "corn cereal." I called the company's consumer relations line the next day and a rep confirmed that the dessert is gluten free. So enjoy!

Wegmans has added to its house-brand gluten-free product line with a Honey Cornbread Mix and an All Purpose Baking Mix. These, like the dessert mixes, are priced at $3.49 each.

The Little Bakery in Blue Bell (921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, 267-708-0984) is hosting a gluten-free cooking workshop on site this Tuesday at 7 p.m. Topics include flour mixes, substitutions, breakfast menus, soups, salads, dinner menus,desserts and party hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $40 and space is limited; call to RSVP. The bakery's sweets are now available at new locations, including George's Shop n Bag in Dresher and the Coventry Deli in Center City Philadelphia.

If you're a car buff, check out the 2013 Philadelphia Auto Show's Black Tie Tailgate on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, where you can dine and dance among the vehicles on display. The event will feature a top-shelf bar and cuisine by Stephen STARR Events, with gluten-free options available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which includes the Center for Celiac Disease.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Sorbet Watch

Although French chef Georges Perrier is no longer in the kitchen at Philadelphia's famed Le Bec Fin, one of the desserts served during his tenure can still be enjoyed today.

The chef's wife, Andrea Perrier, founded Pure Gourmet with two relatives in 2009 to create a retail version of the premium sorbets that were a part of the restaurant's lavish dessert menu. Today, the lineup includes Pear Ginger, Chocolate Caramel, Tropical (passion fruit, banana, mango and pineapple) and Mojito (lime and mint). The sorbets are accompanied by four varieties of gelato – Bananas Foster, Coconut Almond, Apple Pie and Hazelnut Cappuccino.

"The sorbets are made from water and fruit, allowing the fruit’s succulent flavor to dominate, and the gelatos are made with only 10% milk fat, making them one of the healthiest on the market," says Perrier, a food industry veteran of more than 20 years who was formally trained and educated at the Philadelphia Restaurant School and in France. All flavors are gluten free and kosher and contain no hormones, artificial colors and flavors, or preservatives. Most of the sorbet flavors are fat free and dairy free.

Pure Gourmet's all-natural sorbets and gelatos are available at more than 30 Giant retail locations across the Philadelphia region, more than 75 Whole Foods locations in the Eastern U.S. and a select number of independent markets in Delaware and other states.

News & Notes: June 29, 2012

The signage has gone up and the butcher paper is coming down. At long last, Ocean City's Pure Tacos is set to open its Center City Philadelphia location (1935 Chestnut St., 215-496-9393) on Monday, July 9. In addition to having seating, the shop will offer take-out and delivery options for orders placed over the phone or online. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. You can follow Pure Tacos' Twitter feed or Like on Facebook for information on an upcoming free tacos giveaway.

Lots of reader recommendations to pass along this week. Jaime L. let me know that luncheonette Hannah G's in Ventnor (7310 Ventnor Ave., 609-823-1466) has five gluten-free menu items, which are prepared on a separate grill: blueberry pancakes, roasted vegetable cheese omelet, ranchero eggs on quinoa, spinach quinoa salad and a Cajun chicken platter. The kitchen also has a dedicated toaster on hand.

Thanks to Jared G. for sharing word that Cherry Hill's The Kibitz Room (100 Springdale Rd., 856-428-7878) is now serving its oversized deli sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

The new Alfredo's Italian Pizza Kitchen in West Chester (34-38 E. Street Rd., 484-315-8685) has a dedicated oven for gluten-free pizza and separate utensils and cookware for pizza and pasta. The restaurant is running a Living Social deal right now for $10 that'll net $20 worth of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Out on Long Beach Island, North Beach Haven's The Maine Course (1301 Long Beach Blvd., 609-492-2328) has gluten-free crab cakes. (Thanks, Sophia K.)

Reader Tom P. let me know that there are gluten-free options available in West Cape May at the Cape May Organic Market (120 Park Blvd., 609-884-3200) and at Good Earth Organic Eatery (600 Park Blvd., 609-898-6161).

In more second-location news, Underdogs, the franks-and-fries joint in Center City, is planning to open at 1205 S. 9th Street in South Philly. The menu there, as at the original, will include gluten-free rolls. Expanding into Wilmington (2510 Foulk Rd.) this fall is Delaware's Two Stones Pub. The Newark spot offers four gluten-free beers.

Now that the lines have died down, Shake Shack is worth a trip for some gluten-free burgers, hot dogs, fries and custard, as I wrote in my review on Tuesday.

On the sweet side, Go Bananas Frozen Yogurt in Richboro (1057 Second St. Pike, 215-952-6083) marks its gluten-free yogurt flavors (hat tip to Jennie), as does Spoon Me in Voorhees (900 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., 856-324-3544)(thanks again to Jared G.). All of the organic frozen yogurt at Yogo Sano in Wayne (1 West Ave., 484-580-8205) is gluten free.

El Rey, Melograno, Alma de Cuba and Pasta Pomodoro are just a few of the local restaurants that will be participating in Appetite for Awareness on September 23. There'll be lots of sampling too, from the likes of Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery, Blue Diamond, Crunchmaster, Bakery on Main, The Grain Exchange, Sweet Christine's and Butterfly Bakery. The event will be held in Center City at the Strawbridge Building from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available

If you aren't already doing so, you can follow Gluten Free Philly on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Tips, comments and suggestions are always welcome by email as well.

Have a great weekend and holiday too!

- Michael

* * *

My new 'Gluten Free Philly' Delaware Dining Guide is available as an e-book download. Featured in The News Journal, the guide provides hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State, including Wilmington, Newark and the southern resort towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.

News & Notes: May 18, 2012

The Philly outpost of New York City's acclaimed Shake Shack is set to open at the corner of 20th & Sansom on June 6.

The burger stand will have a gluten-free menu featuring bunless burgers and hot dogs, fries and frozen custard. Thanks to reader Emily D., one of the managers there, for sharing more details on the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page. She wrote that the fries will be prepared in a dedicated fryer that is not connected to the same oil line as other fryers. Staff will also use a separate shake spinner and designated tins (black for malted, red for peanut butter) for shakes with allergens. Special custard flavors with cake batter (Boston cream pie, for instance) will dispense from a separate machine and designated scoopers will be used. The staff will also change gloves and use a fresh bin for toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes when a ticket is rung through with an allergy modification; just inform the cashier of the gluten-free request.

Reader Marcella P. recommends New American Honey in Doylestown (42 Shewell Ave., 215-489-4200), which has a gluten-free menu that changes seasonally. The kitchen and staff are accommodating of dietary requests.

The Di Bruno Bros. market at the Comcast Center (1701 JFK Blvd., 215-531-5666) has an expanded selection of gluten-free snacks. You can find Tate's chocolate chip cookies, Cracklebred by Natural Nectar, Lentil & Veggie crisps by Mediterranean Snacks, Danielle Fruit Chips, and locally made Metropolitan Bakery granola and macaroons from Pure Sweets.

Last week I mentioned Wegmans' new gluten-free pasta and dessert mixes, which will be located in both the Nature’s Marketplace section of the stores and in regular aisles for pasta and baking. The baking mixes include a vanilla cake mix and chocolate cake mix (each mix makes one 8-inch round cake layer and sells for $3.49), a sugar cookie mix - which sells for $3.49 and makes 22 cookies - and a double chocolate brownie mix for $3.49 that makes one 8-inch square pan of brownies. Wegmans worked for nearly a year testing and tweaking the formulation for the four mixes before releasing them.

In Tuesday's post, I wrote about the many amusement parks in this area (and a couple in Virginia) that have gluten-free concessions this season.

Finally this week, I wanted to announce that I have self-published my first e-book. It's a dining guide to Delaware, including beach towns (the listings for which aren't on the blog) and New Castle County - that's Wilmington, Newark and environs. The book contains detailed listings for restaurants, stores and attractions with gluten-free options, and includes hyperlinks to the businesses' websites and gluten-free menus where available. You can buy the book (in PDF format) for just $2.99 via PayPal and you'll get an e-mail to download the link. It's readable in the iBooks app on Apple mobile devices and on most Android devices. Feel free to pass along comments and suggestions for future versions and other editions.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: May 11, 2012

Now you can get a gluten-free bagel and a schmear at Short Hills Restaurant & Deli in Cherry Hill (486 Evesham Rd., 856-429-6900). For now, the bagels, burger buns and sandwich bread are warmed in foil in an oven, but a new dedicated toaster is coming soon.

The Good Karma Cafe location in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood (10th and Pine, 267-519-8860) sources bread from Whole Foods for gluten-free sandwiches. Thanks to reader Sherrie S. of Living Simply Gluten Free for the tip.

Center City Philadelphia's new Brodo (31 S. 18th St., 215-977-7766) has a variety of gluten-free soups daily (with appropriate signage) and salads sans croutons.

A new Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, which has a gluten-free menu, is now open in Collegeville (51 Town Center, 484-902-1850).

Also newly opened is the Wegmans market in King of Prussia is now open (1 Village Drive, 484-690-3500). It was there that reader Bill L. spotted Wegman's new gluten-free dessert baking mixes. The supermarket chain also has introduced a line of gluten-free corn pastas - elbows, fusilli, spaghetti and penne - selling for $2.49 each. Shoppers can download a dollar-off coupon for the pasta from Wegmans' website.

In addition to the news earlier this week that Domino's now has a gluten-free crust (which is not recommended for those with celiac disease and others due to cross-contamination), Chuck E. Cheese's is testing a bake-in-bag gluten-free pizza and a brownie at its Minnesota locations.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Celiac Center is conducting research that aims to better clarify men and women's experiences with fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The hope is that this study will clarify inconsistencies in the current literature, increase physician knowledge of this issue and gain awareness for the celiac community. Adults ages 18 and older are invited to take the survey, which closes on June 17, 2012.

A new cooking game show will soon be casting in Philadelphia - wouldn't it be fantastic if they accepted someone cooking gluten free? Here are the details:

GSN (Game Show Network) and the producers of THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE, are thrilled to bring you BEAT THE CHEFS, an exciting new cooking game show that celebrates REAL people who make great food! BEAT THE CHEFS gives talented home cooks the chance to go up against some of the best chefs in the business, battle it out in the kitchen, and win a BIG CASH PRIZE!

We are scouring the nation for passionate home cooks from all walks of life. Are you a great cook despite never having been formally trained? Whether you are a chili cook-off champion, the queen of the bake sale, or just a whiz in the kitchen, now is your chance to see if your signature dish has what it takes to compete with our professional chefs! Gather up two of your family members or best friends as your sous chefs and pick the dish that you know will leave the judges begging for more! 

We are looking for fun, outgoing teams of all ages. If you love to cook, have a competitive spirit, and think you have a winning dish, email us at BeatTheChefs@rrstaff.com. Please include your name, age, contact info, photo, two proposed teammates (and their photos), a description of your culinary background and your signature dish! Put the city/state where you live in the subject line for priority.

The Children's Celiac Support Group will meet on Sunday, May 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bucks Specialty Care Center in Chalfont. (It's at 500 West Butler Avenue, but for GPS purposes it's 800 Manor Drive.) Children of all ages are welcome. RSVP by May 17, 2012 by emailing the CHOP Celiac Center or calling 215-590-2985.

Have a great weekend and happy Mother's Day!

- Michael

News & Notes: March 16, 2012

The creative force behind Philadelphia's Modo Mio, Monsu and Paesano's is at it again. Gluten-free-friendly chef Peter McAndrews has just opened Popolino (501 Fairmount Ave., 215-928-0106), a Roman trattoria in Northern Liberties featuring a lavish antipasti bar. As noted on the menu, accommodations can be made for gluten-free diners. McAndrews, whose children are celiacs, raved about Toté Bakery's gluten-free bread to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which featured the bakery in the Food section of yesterday's edition.

If all goes well today during inspections, Jules Thin Crust - with its fabulous gluten-free pizza - will open its Wayne location (114 E. Lancaster Ave.) for business tomorrow at 4 p.m.

Goodies from Pure Sweets, featured here a few weeks ago, are now available at Ultimo Coffee (1900 S. 15th St., 215-339-5177) in South Philadelphia and Northern Liberties' One Shot Coffee (217 W. George St., 215-627-1620).

The all-gluten-free Little Bakery in Blue Bell (921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, 267-708-0984) now sells bake-eat-home chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie dough by the pound.

Last weekend, many companies announced new gluten-free products at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. Udi's Gluten Free Foods is launching classic French and whole-grain seeded dinner rolls and vanilla cupcakes that will debut in July. The company's previously announced frozen pizzas and muffin tops are on the way to stores now.

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery's new gluten-free tortillas are made with whole grain flours and have a soft, pliable texture. The tortillas, which will retail for $5.99 a package, are available in plain, spinach and fiesta flavors.

The Pop-Tart-like gluten-free toaster pastries from Eco-Planet should be in stores by May, reports Jennifer H., who writes a gluten-free blog out of Georgia and who attended the Expo. Eco-Planet will also have a new line of gluten-free granola bars and bites, says Jennifer.

Jennifer also provided some other info via her Twitter feed. Hain Celestial's Gluten Free Cafe line of soups has three new additions: Chicken Orzo, Beef Noodle and Vegetable Quinoa. In September Van's Natural Foods is relaunching a version of gluten-free pancakes, which will also be dairy and egg free.

The Celiac Center at Paoli Hospital is sponsoring a seminar on the neurologic manifestations of celiac disease on Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at Paoli Hospital's Potter Room (255 W. Lancaster Ave.) Call 1-866-CALL-MLH to register.

"Nourished Together" is a four-session nutrition and cooking course being held next month in University City. The course fee of $180 is inclusive of all instruction, ingredients, course materials and dinner. You can save $36 (20%) through Tuesday, March 20 by mentioning that you read about the course at Gluten Free Philly. Call 215-872-5521 for registration.

The Flavor Festival at Phoenixville will take place on Saturday, April 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Franklin Commons (400 Franklin Ave.). Most of the wineries at this food-and-drink event will have gluten-free crackers and local gluten-free-friendly vendors such as Cupcake Wars victor Dia Doce, Mompops, FreshaPeel Hummus and Chile Spot will be participating. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate.

My "Dining Out Philly" giveaway celebrating the blog's 3rd birthday runs through Sunday. (I very much appreciate all the birthday notes received this week!) Food For All in Mt. Airy has generously offered a $30 gift certificate as one of the prizes, so there will be seven winners in all. Other prizes are from Zavino, The Tomato Bistro, Pure Tacos, THE QUICK FIXX, Sweet Freedom Bakery and Toté.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Raising the Bar

"The Ladybug" Icebox Bars from Pure Sweets (Photos by Tommy Leonardi)

Gluten free? Check. Organic? Check. Vegan? Check. When Andrea Kyan founded Pure Sweets in 2008, she wanted to make sure her business model was consistent with her interests in food, wellness and animals. She set up shop in a commercial kitchen in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, developing unique recipes that incorporate her passions.

Andrea's signature Icebox Bars are a modern take on rice crispy treats, combining homemade brown rice crisp cereal bars with peanut butter, hazelnut butter or fruit preserves and topping them with dark chocolate.

Her mini macaroons are a fusion of unsweetened coconut, coconut butter and ingredients ranging from lemon and lavender ("The Poodle") to Mexican chocolate and cayenne pepper ("The Bat").

"The Ape" flourless cookies

Even the traditional cookie gets a facelift. "The Ape" combines almond meal with coconut oil, banana, walnuts and dark chocolate, while "The Frog" blends almond meal, pistachios, dark chocolate and Italian espresso.

Her other products - yep, those have names too - include trail mixes and ice cream toppings and spreads (check out "The Tasmanian" natural magic shell ice cream sauce), and other treats are in the works.

Andrea donates 5% of profits to charities dedicated to animal welfare and wildlife conservation.  

Pure Sweets' bars, macaroons and cookies are sold at the two Philadelphia Whole Foods (on Callowhill and on South Street), Natural Harvest Market in Mullica Hill, and will be coming soon to the Whole Foods on Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. (Check the Locations page at the Pure Sweets website for availability.) All products, which are made to order, can be ordered online for shipping, local delivery or pick-up at the kitchen.

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

The Toté Package

Toté Bakery's teff loaves just out of the oven

As I broke off yet another piece of Toté's warm, chewy baguette, I thought about the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and Elaine couldn't believe that the delicious frozen yogurt they were eating was non-fat. Could this bread really be gluten free?

The same question could be asked about the freshly baked bagels, crusty teff loaves and soft chocolate chip cookies that I picked up on a recent Sunday morning at the South Philadelphia bakery (1024 S. 9th St., 215-551-5511). Toté is operated by Omer Taffet and Eugene Torsunov, who work the ovens six days a week in the heart of the Italian Market. Indeed, all of the baked goods are gluten free - some featuring more exotic ingredients like amaranth, millet and coconut flours.

Co-owners Eugene Torsunov (left) and Omer Taffet prepare
fresh gluten-free baked goods six days a week

House staples include the baguettes (now used at Paesano's Philly Style across the street for gluten-free steak sandwiches), focaccia, and multigrain quinoa and teff breads. Also in rotation are sourdough and challah loaves, kaiser rolls and pizza crusts. If there's something in particular you're looking for, just call a day or two in advance of your visit.

Toté's bagel varieties include plain, poppy
and cinnamon raisin 

The bakers have been expanding their sweet selections too. Given the location, biscotti and tiramisu are popular (could cannoli be on the horizon?), but the red velvet whoopie pie is an indulgent treat too. Poppy hamantaschen (traditional Jewish cookies for Purim), brownies, and specialties like raspberry cheesecake also are available.

A small section of the bakery is devoted to shelf-stable gluten-free groceries like BiAglut pasta, Bob's Red Mill flours and Twizzlers-like Candy Tree twists.

Toté is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is easily accessible from the Washington Avenue exit of I-95.