News & Notes: September 20, 2019

My/Mo has launched two new limited-edition mochi ice cream flavor launches for the fall. Pumpkin Spice is made with creamy pumpkin spice ice cream infused with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove spices wrapped in a pillowy rice flour dough exterior, while Apple Pie á la Mode wraps the dough around a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream hugging a cinnamon apple center. Both varieties are available at Target, among other retailers.

RXBAR is entering the hot cereal category with the launch of new RX A.M. Oats. RX A.M. Oats are made with the same core ingredients found in RXBAR and RX Nut Butter products - egg whites, fruits and nuts - with the addition of gluten-free oats. RX A.M. Oats are available in three flavors: Maple, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate. Consumers can prepare the single-serve cups in one of three ways: with hot water, in the microwave or as overnight oats.

Simple Mills' certified gluten-free Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars will be available this fall in Dark Chocolate Almond, Chunky Peanut Butter, Nutty Banana Bread and Spiced Carrot Cake varieties. The bars have a soft-baked texture with chunks of almonds, coconuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, carrots, bananas and raisins. The line will be sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Amazon and other grocers.

Veggies Made Great by Garden Lites has added two Veggie Cakes varieties and three new Frittatas. The Superfood Veggie Cake now comes in Butternut Squash and Broccoli Cheddar, and the Frittatas in Spinach Egg White, Veggie Bacon & Potato, and Mushroom & 3 Cheese Egg White.

The primary ingredient in the new Crunchmaster Grain-Free Crackers is cassava, a root vegetable native to South America. Also known as yucca or manioc, cassava is paleo and vegan friendly as well as gluten and nut free. The line features three flavors: Lightly Salted, Mediterranean Herb, and Romano, Asiago & Cheddar.

Brewery Ommegang announced the introduction of Project Cider, a new initiative intended to explore the intersection of European and American cider traditions. The line debuts with two varieties: Dry and Rosé. The ciders will be offered year-round on draft and in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans.

News & Notes: March 29, 2019

Cascadian Farm's newest cereal is gluten free. Honey Vanilla Crunch is made with corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

Against The Grain Gourmet is coming out with its first plant-based gluten-free pizza, a cheddar-style version. The company has also announced a Veggie Vegan variety of its traditional gluten-free pizza.

Sonoma Flatbreads and Udi's Gluten Free are also getting into the plant-based pizza game. Sonoma has several new varieties, including a crust made with broccoli and cheddar and topped with Chicken & Kale, while two others use a cauliflower crust: Uncured Pepperoni and Harvest Vegy & Portobello. This summer Udi's will launch two sweet potato-based pizzas: Barbeque Chicken and Four Cheese.

Coming soon from Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream are gluten-free Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites. The combination of premium ice cream wrapped in edible cookie dough will be offered in four flavors: Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, Sugar Cookie and Birthday Cake.

New from Pop Chips is Yes Peas, a line of popped snacks made with yellow and green peas, sunflower oil and salt. Flavors include Himalayan Salt and Farmhouse Ranch.

Brazi Bites is introducing a line of gluten-free empanadas, Varieties include chicken & cheese, beef & bean, black bean & cheese and chickpea veggie. The company is also coming out with a cinnamon churro flavor Brazilian cheese bread.

Trader Joe's has several new gluten-free products in stores, including quick-cook brown rice & quinoa mini elbows and a fudgy chocolate quinoa loaf & cake mix.

Primo Hoagies recently created their own brand of gluten-free potato chips. The flavor profile uses Italian hoagie spices with notes of sesame, and Primo’s signature meats and cheeses including prosciutto, provolone cheese, hot capicola and natural casing genoa salami. The chips are now available throughout the East Coast at numerous supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores and independent liquor stores.  Locations include Acme, Shoprite, CVS, Redner’s and Rite Aid.

Aye Caramba Taco in Pottstown (300 E. High St., 484-524-8611) is the area's newest all-gluten-free restaurant. The menu includes tacos, avocado fries and churros.

The new kid-friendly Craft Hall in Northern Liberties (901 N. Delaware Ave., 267-297-2072) is an experiential dining, drinking and entertainment concept at the old home of Yards Brewing Company. Gluten-free options are noted on the menu and the kitchen has a dedicated fryer for fries and wings. (Thanks to reader Scott H. for the tip.)

District Taco's second area location is now open in Center City Philadelphia (1140 Market St., 267-861-7880). The flour tortillas are the only items on the menu that are not gluten free.

Another all-gluten-free restaurant, Gangster Vegan, is opening its third suburban Philadelphia location any day now in Media (14 W. State St.). Other outposts are in Norristown and Phoenixville. (Thanks to reader Chris B. for the tip.)

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, which has Pennsylvania locations in Center City Philadelphia and King of Prussia, has added new gluten-free items for the spring season, including pork picanha and linguica sausage, carrot & ginger soup, roasted cauliflower salad, Brazilian kale & orange salad and a creme de coconut dessert. Nearly the entire menu is gluten free, including the pão de queijo cheese rolls and fried polenta.

Around the area, The Rachel Way gluten- and dairy-free food pantry in Plymouth Meeting (500 W. Germantown Pike) is hosting a free Easter-themed kids' cooking class on Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. Registration is still open.

Beyond Celiac has two local events in the works. The 3rd Annual Research Symposium will take place on Thursday, May 30th at 6 p.m. on the Penn campus in University City. Admission is free but registration is required. The event will also be live-streamed.

The organization's second function is the inaugural Step Beyond Celiac 5K run/walk at the Philadelphia Zoo on Sunday, June 9th. Early-bird registration is still available. Join "Team Gluten Free Philly" at registration to help me raise money for Beyond Celiac.

Registration is also open for NJY Camps' annual Gluten-Free Family Camp, scheduled this year to take place from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the 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 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.

News & Notes: January 5, 2018

Happy New Year to everyone! The first News & Notes post of 2018 highlights several new gluten-free items at Trader Joe's:

The Fruit & Seed Granola is also grain free (oat free), organic and vegan and is made with sunflower seeds, coconut, sesame seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds. Each 10-oz. bag is $3.69.

The Rice & Quinoa Hot Cereal is a blend of organic whole-grain brown rice grits and organic quinoa flakes, with each serving containing 42 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving. Each 14-oz. resealable pouch sells for $3.69.

Trader Joe's also has a new gluten-free snack, Norwegian Crispbread, that's made with sunflower seeds, oats, sesame and flax and combined in a cracker-like crisp.

The My/Mo line of ice cream is adding a pint-size version with gluten-free sweet mochi rice dough bits, available in Strawberry, Mango, Green Tea, Chocolate and Salted Caramel flavors.

Birds Eye's new Veggie Made pasta line is gluten free and comes in the following varieties:

• Plain Penne Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils (Original)
• Rotini Marinara Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils
• Penne with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils
• Rotini Alfredo Pasta made with Spinach & Lentils

The line is available in the frozen vegetable aisle at retailers nationwide.

Gluten-Free Road Trip: Aruba, One Happy Island

Poolside at the Aruba Marriott

The more things change, the more they stay the same. When we honeymooned in Aruba 21 years ago, I could hardly envision that if we returned it would be with kids in tow, let alone at the same hotel. Part of the "A-B-C" island chain off the coast of Venezuela (also comprised of Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba has fabulous year-round weather and is particularly popular given its proximity outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.

We joined many Americans from the Northeast U.S. last week who fled the frigid conditions back home for some sun and relaxation on "One Happy Island," as license plates in Aruba proudly boast. Though American Airlines flies direct from Philadelphia, we left and returned out of Baltimore on Southwest, whose fares were substantially less than American's. Our base was the Aruba Marriott in the Palm Beach resort area, located on the island's northwest coast. The hotel was one of several with small in-house casinos, while water sports are plentiful along the beach and there are off-road adventure tours as well. Mainly, though, Aruba is a place to unwind, whether by sitting poolside or wading in the sea.

The gelateria at the Aruba Marriott
(Photo Credit: Aruba Marriott)

I had emailed the hotel concierge in advance of our trip to see what options were available for our son on site. He referred me to the executive chef, who told me about the gluten-free section at the breakfast buffet, complete with dedicated toaster, cereal, bagels, donuts and muffins. In addition, the Starbucks at the Marriott has gluten-free egg sandwiches and marshmallow rice crispy treats, the pool bar serves salads and burgers with gluten-free buns, and the sundry shop sells gluten-free cookies and chips. There's also an on-premises gelateria with many gluten-free gelatos and sorbets (each flavor has its own scoop).

News & Notes: April 14, 2017

Luna & Larry's new Coconut Bliss Cookie Sandwiches feature hemp seed and chocolate chip cookies sandwiched around coconut milk frozen dessert. The cookies are produced in a certified gluten-free facility and are made with organic sprouted brown rice and oat flours. The sandwiches are available in Vanilla and Dark Chocolate flavors.

Brazi Bites' newest variety of Brazilian cheese bread snacks is 3 Cheese Pizza, made with mozzarella, Cheddar and Parmesan.

Meltkraft, with Philly locations at the historic Reading Terminal Market (51 N. 12th St., 267-639-3309) and in Rittenhouse Square (46 S. 17th St., 215-687-4950), offers gluten-free bread for grilled cheese sandwiches. A shared grill is cleaned for gluten-free orders, which are prepared separately, Additionally, the staff uses clean utensils, new gloves and wraps the sandwiches (made with Taffets bread) in parchment paper to avoid cross contact.

Expo East 2016 Recap

What do functional water, cold-brewed coffee and sauerkraut have in common? Those products were among those trending at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore last week. The show features new and emerging gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

This year's show was larger than ever, with more than 1,450 exhibiting brands and more than 450 first-time vendors. In no particular order, here's my list of the top five gluten-free products I tried at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores), along with information about some other noteworthy items:

New Pop: The Original version of this skinless popcorn, one of three flavors from a New York-based upstart, reminds me of a less cloyingly sweet Sugar Smacks cereal made with corn instead of wheat. The skin on the corn kernels are peeled before being pressure popped, so there's nothing to get stuck between your teeth. A cup serving size is just 32 calories, but you'll want more - it's addicting. Each serving has 4 grams of fiber, zero grams of fat and just 3 grams of sugar. New Pop can be found at a few area markets, but mostly in the New York City area. The company also takes orders online.

Tucson Tamale: This Arizona mini-chain of restaurants has begun to expand distribution of its delicious gluten-free tamales east of the Mississippi River, though they can also be ordered online. They are super easy to make and taste great. There are several vegetarian and vegan varieties, and well as dessert and breakfast versions.

Smashmallow: The creator of Krave jerky is behind this new line of premium snackable marshmallows. The treats are made with organic sugar and all natural ingredients, and range from 70-90 calories per serving. Smashmallow bites come in seven flavors, including Cinnamon Churro, Strawberries & Cream, Espresso Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Meyer Lemon Chia Seed and Root Beer Float.

The Curious Creamery: Coming this week via Amazon is The Curious Creamery's new make-your-own ice cream - no machine is needed. The gluten-free, neutral base can be used to customize your flavor. All that's needed is a hand mixer or stand mixer, freezer, and liquid (tea, juice or milk) or fruit puree or yogurt of your choice. The prep takes less than five minutes, followed by freezing time. I sampled a yummy pumpkin flavor that's perfect for fall.

Pasta Oggi: This Montreal-based start-up got a mention in this space last year for its gluten-free ravioli, but this year its certified gluten-free pizza took center stage. The hand-tossed, stone-baked frozen pizzas have a crisp, tasty crust. Alas, these are only available in Quebec at the moment but the company is seeking U.S. distribution.

Southern Comfort

Don't let the small, whimsically decorated dining room - as in two tables small - at Waffles & Wedges deter you from savoring two of America's favorite comfort foods. This corner spot in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood (1511 Pine St., 215-309-3222), which opened in April, specializes in baked potato wedges and homemade waffles that can be topped with dozens of options.

For gluten eaters, the shop offers traditional buttermilk and Belgian-style Liege waffles, but the kitchen maintains an entirely separate waffle iron for gluten-free versions made with rice flour. Toppings run the gamut, both sweet and savory. During a recent visit, my son and I indulged in one of my childhood favorites: waffles à la mode with local favorite Bassetts ice cream. He ordered his with a scoop of vanilla and a dollop of Nutella, while mine was crowned with chocolate marshmallow ice cream. I took great pleasure in listening to him rave over his waffles and ice cream, which he had never eaten before our visit there.

All of the starches - plain potato wedges, sweet potato wedges and waffle cut fries - are gluten free and can be ordered with a variety of dipping sauces for a nominal charge. The creamy horseradish sauce were a fine complement to our order of plain potato wedges.

News & Notes: May 9, 2014

P.S. & Co. owner Andrea Kyan

P.S. & Company, Philadelphia’s first-­ever all vegan, all gluten-­free, 97% organic restaurant is opening tomorrow at 7 a.m. Located just steps away from Rittenhouse Square (1706 Locust St., 215-985-1706), the café/juice bar/takeout lunch/bakery was conceived by Andrea Kyan, owner of Pure Sweets, a gluten-free vegan bakery in East Falls. P.S. & Company will offer breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and an assortment of beverages. Menu items include house-made yogurt and sprouted muesli for breakfast; soups, salads, wraps and bowls for lunch; organic nut milkshakes, hot teas and cold-pressed juices; and cookies, bars and tarts. There will be a full schedule of nutrition and cooking classes this summer as well as activities for kids and BYO happy hours.

The Hummus Grill locations in Philadelphia's Washington Square West section (212 S. 11th St., 267-858-4634) and University City (3931 Walnut St., 215-222-5300) maintain dedicated fryers for gluten-free falafel. (Thanks to reader Carol B. for the tip.)

Champps Americana has introduced a "gluten-friendly" menu to all of its locations, which are mainly in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest U.S. In the Delaware Valley, Champps can be found in King of Prussia (330 Goddard Blvd., 610-491-8001), Collegeville (51 Town Center Dr., 610-454-1003) and Marlton (25 Rt. 73 S., 856-985-9333).

"Better burger" franchise Smashburger is now offering Udi’s gluten-free buns at all U.S. locations. Smashburger has also reformulated the seasoning that goes on its burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches to be gluten free. Some toppings available for add-ons do contain gluten, and guests should ask the manager to have their orders prepared with separate utensils.

News & Notes: November 15, 2013

The former Winberie's in Wayne has been refashioned as Black Powder Tavern (1164 Valley Forge Rd., 610-293-9333). The New American restaurant has a gluten-free menu that includes grilled pork wings, salads, vegetarian chili and protein dishes. Angry Orchard hard cider is currently on tap and Strongbow cider is served in bottles.

Reader Chris M. let me know that Crêperie Béchamel, also in Wayne (11 Louella Ct., 610-964-9700), serves gluten-free sweet and savory crepes made with buckwheat batter. The kitchen has a protocol in place for preparation of the gluten-free crepes, though there isn't a separate griddle.

Expo East Recap (Part Two)

In last Tuesday's blog post, I focused on new gluten-free pizzas and sweets that were sampled at last month's Expo East products event. This week, the spotlight turns to baked goods, ice creams and salty snacks.

Baked Goods

Olivia's Croutons owners Francie and Dave Caccavo established a dedicated facility in Middlebury, Vermont to produce its new scratch gluten-free Garlic croutons and Rosemary & Sage stuffing. The bread base for both products is made with millet, sorghum and brown rice and white rice flours. Olivia's products are available for purchase online and in stores throughout the country.

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: October 19, 2012

Finally, there's a breakthrough on gluten-free breakfast foods in the area. New Wave Cafe, a gastropub in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia (784 S. 3rd St., 215-922-8484), now offers pancakes and waffles at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. (The waffles are made in a dedicated iron.) Pizza is available daily, and the kitchen is looking to source gluten-free buns and rolls. Dogfish Head's Tweason'ale is on the beer list.

All Uncle Bill's Pancake House locations now have gluten-free pancakes. The outposts in Avalon (3189 Dune Drive, 609-967-8448), North Cape May (3820 Bayshore Rd., 609-886-0066) and at 21st Street in Ocean City (2112 Asbury Ave., 609-398-7393) are open all year. The seasonal locations are in Cape May, Ocean City (at 40th Street), Stone Harbor, Strathmere and Wildwood.

Underdogs has opened a second location, in South Philly's Italian Market (1205 S. 9th St., 215-551-8080). Gluten-free buns are available and the fries are cooked separately.

Table 31's gluten-free Spaghetti Bolognese

My son and I had a terrific dinner this week at Table 31, the Italian steakhouse inside Philadelphia's tallest building, the Comcast Center (1701 JFK Blvd.,  215-567-7111). The new gluten-free menu doesn't list them, but there are a number of pastas available daily. I recommend the spaghetti bolognese, lobster rigatoni or (if it's a special) the short ribs with creamy polenta.

Center City's Garces Trading Company (1111 Locust St., 215-574-1099) now has a formal gluten-free menu. Links to current gluten-free menus at Chef Garces' other Philadelphia restaurants (Tinto, Amada, Distrito and Chifa) are at my Restaurants page.

The Springfield location of Cocco's Pizza (35 E. Woodland Ave., 610-544-6730) has joined those in Downingtown and Primos in serving gluten-free pizza. What's more, the Downingtown spot is also selling hot pretzels from Tonya's Gluten Free.

Earlier in the week, I posted a review of another Center City Italian steakhouse, Davio's. Coincidentally, the restaurant is offering a three-course gluten-free beer dinner menu next week (October 22-28) featuring Redbridge beer and Magners cider for $50 per diner, not including tax and gratuity.

Philadelphia's first The Lite Choice, which I wrote about last month, will open for business tomorrow at 135 South Street. The chain's signature soft serve is gluten free and gluten-free cones will be available.

Congratulations to this year's winners in the Gluten-Free Beer category at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival. Rock Bottom Brewery in Arlington, Virginia took the Gold with Nikki's Gluten-Free Pale Ale, Colorado's New Planet Beer won Silver with a limited Brown Ale release, and Harvester Brewing in Portland captured the Bronze medal with its Pale Ale.

The Celiac Diagnostic Center at Atlantic Gastroenterology in Egg Harbor Township (3205 Fire Rd., 609-407-1220 x1125) is hosting a support group meeting on Tuesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. Somers Point ShopRite dietitian Amanda Fischer will be the guest speaker.

An online petition to the White House seeks to have the government finalize gluten-free food labeling, which was supposed to have been done back in 2008. If the petition garners 25,000 signatures by November 1, the government will respond. More signatures are needed, so sign it through this link.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

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