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: August 24, 2012

I'm back from a great family vacation to southern California, where among my favorite gluten-free finds were a donut shop in Los Angeles and a pan-Asian restaurant in Santa Monica serving dumplings. With a couple of exceptions (and a bit of research), it was extremely easy to find gluten-free options. I'll be writing about the trip in an future "Road Trip" post.

I attended Tuesday's Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park and got a first-hand look at the dramatic improvements that Aramark has made since the Celiac Awareness night last month. Various concession stands clearly advertise gluten-free options and there's increased signage throughout the ballpark. I sampled a terrific gluten-free cheesesteak that was at least a foot long and overflowed with meat. If all goes according to plan, there'll be a dedicated gluten-free concession stand next season.

The modern American restaurant Sbraga in Center City (440 S. Broad St., 215-735-1913), helmed by Top Chef Season 7 winner Kevin Sbraga, offers a gluten-free prix fixe menu that changes frequently. (Thanks Kristin V.)

Out in Reading, the menu at Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar Restaurant (332 Penn St., 610-376-8500) notes gluten-free and gluten-free-available options, including chicken tenders and pizza. The restaurant's new executive chef is Andrea Heinly, who appeared on Season 5 of Fox's Hell's Kitchen cooking competition show. The Berks County Gluten-Free Meetup Group is planning dinner there on Thursday, August 30.

The Cocco's Pizza locations in Primos (540 Oak Ave., 610-622-4147) and Downingtown (261 Norwood Rd., 610-873-2088) have gluten-free pizza made with separate sauce, cheese, utensils and bakeware. (Thanks to Dana M. for the tip.)

Gluten-free sandwiches at Center City's Brodo (31 S. 18th St., 215-977-7766), which is now GREAT-trained, can be made with Taffets bread. Many soups and salads are also options there. Brodo will be participating in Appetite for Awareness next month.

I posted a review of Rex 1516 on Tuesday. The South Street newcomer has house-baked gluten-free burger buns and a sinful a la mode dessert.

Fresh gluten-free bagels are no longer a dream - at least in the Delaware Valley. Michelle MacDonald's Gluten Free Bagel has plain, everything, sesame, poppy and cinnamon raisin varieties available at Redhouse Bagels in Bensalem (1542 Bristol Pike, 215-244-0776) and at all Green Line Cafe locations in West Philadelphia (4239 Baltimore Ave., 215-222-3431; 4426 Locust St., 215-222-0799; 3649 Lancaster Ave., 215-382-2143). While the bagels are made in a shared facility, MacDonald uses dedicated racks and baking sheets. The gluten-free bagels are prepped in a separate area and aren't made at the same time as wheat versions. Best bet is to call ahead to confirm availability and to place large orders.

On tap this weekend at Beer Cakes Philly (517 S. 5th St., 267-940-7264): Gluten-free strawberry cupcakes made with Dogfish Head's Tweason'ale. Owner Lexi Malmros bakes these separately from her other wares, and she's looking to expand the gluten-free line.

Ardmore's new Tired Hands Brewing Company (16 Ardmore Ave., 610-896-7621) is brewing Nuendo, a gluten-free Saison made with white sorghum and wildflower honey. Some of the gluten-free menu items include locally sourced meats and cheeses, house-made pickles and salads. (Thanks to Kristen B.)

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey (1 Six Flags Blvd., 732-928-1821) has finally made gluten-free food available at the park. Gluten-free (and also gluten-free/dairy-free) pizza, brownies and blueberry muffins are sold at the Main Street Pub, while fresh fruit can be found there and at Granny's Chicken and Ichiban's Tea House. The salads at Best of the West and Granny's Chicken are also safe. Great Adventure is open daily through September 3, then weekends in the fall.

New from Kozy Shack is a line of "Soda Shoppe" puddings. The first two flavors released are Orange Cream Pop and Root Beer Float.

If you're interested in gluten-free cooking, there are several upcoming classes in the area. Check out the Events page at the blog for more information.

I'm planning to take next week off, with posts to resume after Labor Day. I'm always active on Twitter and Facebook, though, so be sure to follow me there. Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: March 9, 2012

If Chipotle merged with Starbucks, the result might be something like Center City's Odd Fellows Cafe (1201 Spruce St., 484-897-0633). The Latin American BYOB restaurant and coffee bar has a gluten-free menu and the kitchen and service staffs are knowledgeable about safe prep and handling.

Reader Melanie H. recommends another Philly BYOB, this one in University City. At Marigold Kitchen (501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699), the chef at this contemporary American can make appropriate menu adjustments. A parade of amuse-bouche is a highlight of the meal, reports Melanie.

In Wilmington, Ulysses Gastropub (1716 Marsh Rd., 302-691-3456) offers a gluten-free menu and beer.

You can find gluten-free pasta, bread and desserts at Buonissimo in Blue Bell (700 Dekalb Pike, 610-270-9100).

On the heels of opening a location in Mt. Laurel, Miller's Ale House has received approval to proceed with another area spot in Springfield at 1618 Baltimore Pike. No word on a projected opening date.

Healthy Bites Cafe and Market, near Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, is closing on March 18, but owner Katie Cavuto-Boyle will continue offering nutrition services, meal delivery, catering and cooking classes.

Joe Palombo's Mirabella Cafe in Cherry Hill, which underwent GREAT Kitchen training from the NFCA and served gluten-free pasta, has closed, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The new Sweet T's Bakeshop in Haddonfield (7 Kings Court, 856-428-0222) offers a variety of gluten-free cupcakes. Owner Toni Walton, who appeared on Seasons 1 and 2 of TLC's Cake Boss, takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination when making gluten-free items.

Chester County cupcakery Dia Doce will appear on Food Network's Cupcake Wars this Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern. My son tried one of owner Thais da Silva's gluten-free cake pops this week (thanks Daria!) and couldn't stop raving about it.

The latest additions to the JELL-O product line are S'more and Strawberry Sundae pudding snacks. There's no gluten in either product.

New to the refrigerated section at Whole Foods is Alpina Foods' Restart yogurt packaged with Udi's gluten-free granola. It's available in strawberry, blueberry, vanilla and peach flavors.

Pamela's Products is debuting new gluten-free baking products this month: Pizza Crust Mix, Artisan Flour Blend, Biscuit & Scone Mix, Oatmeal Cookie Mix and roll-and-cut Sugar Cookie Mix.

The new microwaveable Smart Ones three cheese omelet, which comes with a side of Ore-Ida potatoes, is gluten free. Hey - it's convenient!

My annual Passover gluten-free product roundup went up at the blog on Tuesday. New items are making their way into stores now.

Upcoming events in the next week include a gluten-free/dairy-free tasting event tomorrow at Deliteful Foods in Lawrenceville (4110 Quakerbridge Rd., 609-799-7756) from noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature products from Udi's, Katz, Namaste and others. While there, look for the fabulous Tonya's gluten-free soft pretzels.

On Sunday, the Berks County Gluten-Free Meetup Group will have a potluck lunch at 1 p.m. at the New Apostolic Church in Reading.

Trader Joe's in Ardmore (112 Coulter Ave., 610-658-0645) will host a gluten-free store tour on Tuesday, March 12 at 9 a.m. Thanks to Sherrie S. for the tip.

Don't forget to visit the blog next Tuesday, when I'll be celebrating the third anniversary of Gluten Free Philly with a multi-prize giveaway for my readers and followers.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

- Michael

News & Notes: October 14, 2011

If you've ever imagined a restaurant dedicated to the humble, yet delicious, grilled cheese sandwich, your dream has come true. The former Peace A Pizza location in North Wales has been converted into Melt Down Grilled Cheese (111 Garden Golf Blvd., 215-368-1113). Gluten-free bread is available, and I'm told that gluten-free sandwiches are made separate from other items.

Several readers alerted me to some other new restaurant additions via the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page. (Come like it, won't you? It's over 700 people strong.) Lara W. let me know that the Black Salt Cafe in Ridley Park (20 E. Sellers Ave., 610-521-1162) can use gluten-free wraps for any of its sandwiches.

Bethann S. ate this week at Aperto, a American BYOB in Narberth (232 Woodbine Ave., 610-660-0160). The restaurant notes gluten-free items on its menu, including two kinds of pasta.

Elevation Burger, where the bunless burgers (or patties wrapped in lettuce) and fries are gluten free, just opened shop in Willow Grove (3900 Welsh Rd., 215-659-1008).

You can still enter my latest Goodies Giveaway through Sunday - swag from the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour that's coming to the Philadelphia Food & Wine Festival in King of Prussia next weekend. Just add a comment about your favorite variety of wine to the giveaway post or on my Facebook page.

The Greater Philadelphia Celiac Support Group's next meeting is set for Friday, October 21 at Abington Memorial Hospital. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m., with a vendor fair beginning at 5:45 p.m. Those interested in attending and joining the group can call Karen Dalrymple at 215-757-1233.

The Tortilla Press Cantina in Pennsauken is hosting a gluten-free cooking class on Thursday, October 27 starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $34.95 exclusive of beverages, sales tax and gratuity). For reservations, call Lydia at 856-979-3333.

Team Celiac is participating in an upcoming fundraising walk for juvenile diabetes. The JDRF Walk in Camden will take place on Sunday, October 23. If you're interested in supporting Team Celiac, visit their page and make a donation in the name of team captain Evey Bell.

Kozy Shack's latest sweet-tooth satisfaction: chocolate rice pudding. All of the company's flavored puddings (not the bread puddings), gelatins and flans are gluten free.

Have a great weekend everyone!

News & Notes: July 15, 2011

¡Hola, señoras y señores! I dusted off my high-school Spanish while spending some time last week in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The beach at our resort was beautiful and the water - so blue! I can't remember the last time I did so much . . . nothing. In this day and age, with e-mail, cell phones and the like, it's extremely hard to unplug and relax, but I largely succeeded.

Thanks to everyone who voted for the Readers' Choice Awards over the past two weeks. I'll announce the top choices in a post later this summer.

Ravioli - gluten-free duck ravioli, to be exact - was the subject of Tuesday's post. The new product comes from Berks County-raised ducks and is made at Conte's Pasta's gluten-free facility in Vineland, New Jersey.

Speaking of pasta, the Romano's Macaroni Grill chain of Italian restaurants now serves gluten-free penne pasta. Local spots are in Montgomeryville/North Wales (29 Airport Square, 215-368-4210), Oxford Valley/Fairless Hills (640 Commerce Blvd., 215-949-9990), Princeton/West Windsor (3569 Rte. 1, 609-520-9700) and Wilmington (4157 Concord Pike, 302-479-1800).

Gluten-free pasta is also served at Via Napoli in Northeast Philadelphia (2500 Welsh Rd., 215-934-7700) and Spampinato's in Conshohocken (16 E. 1st Ave., 610-825-3151). Thanks to reader Toni B. for the tip on Via Napoli.

Hat tip to reader Jaime L. for news that Maple Glen Pizza (641 Welsh Rd., 215-542-7720) serves gluten-free pizza.

The Institute gastropub in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia (549 N. 12th St., 267-318-7772) has gluten-free pasta, fish tacos, hard cider and other items, including an apple crumble for dessert. Co-owner Heather Derussy tells me that the kitchen takes dietary requests seriously.

Some info that is "shore" to please on Long Beach Island: Reader Susan A. let me know that Boulevard Clams in Surf City (2006 Long Beach Blvd., 609-494-9494) offers gluten-free crab cakes and other items, while Buckalew's (101 N. Bay Ave., 609-492-1065) in Beach Haven - which has offered gluten-free pasta - now has pizza as well. Calabria Ristorante in Beach Haven (1901 N. Bay Ave., 609-492-8001) also has gluten-free pizza and pasta.

In Ocean City, Bongo Cafe and Grille (1050 Bay Ave., 609-938-0680) serves sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Purely Sweet Confections is a home-based bakery out of West Chester (610-883-3997) offering baked goods free of many common allergens (gluten, dairy, soy, egg, yeast and peanuts).  Products include cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pies.

Reader Ramona A. wrote on Facebook that My Little KupKake in Collingswood (685 Haddon Ave., 856-240-1097) now has gluten-free vanilla cupcakes.

Doylestown's A Taste of Philly (8 W. State St., 215-340-1575) scoops locally-made Sweet Pea ice cream served in gluten-free sugar cones. Thanks to reader Rich S. for the tip.

Warminster's BRE Bakery, which sold gluten-free cookies and other items, recently closed.

"Chef Moni" of Center City's 10Arts tweeted that Delaware's Dogfish Head Brewery recently tapped its new gluten-free Tweason'ale, a sorghum-based beer made with fresh strawberries and honey. For now, it's available only at Dogfish's Rehoboth Beach brewpub but by year's end may be packaged for wider distribution.

Delaware's Grotto Pizza now serves gluten-free beer at its locations with a bar, including those on Main Street in Newark and on Concord Pike and Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington. As I mentioned in March, nearly all its First State locations serve gluten-free pizza.

Sesame Place in Langhorne (100 Sesame Rd., 215-752-7070) now offers three gluten-free, allergy-friendly snack packs from Rebecca & Devyn’s Gluten Free To Go. The variety packs can be found at Elmo’s Eatery in the coffee café area, the Snack Cart in front of the Dine with Me building and at the Popcorn Cart located behind Elmo’s Eatery, across from Cookie Mountain.

Kozy Shack has added several gluten-free desserts to its product line. The new Coffeehouse Blends pudding comes in three flavors: caffe latte, cappuccino and caramel macchiato. The company's SmartGels - in orange and sugar-free orange, strawberry and sugar-free strawberry, tropical and sugar-free tropical and cherry flavors - use a vegetarian-based ingredient as an alternative to gelatin-based desserts.

On Tuesday, July 19, GREAT-trained chef James Harris will lead a gluten-free cooking demonstration at the Cape May County Library in Cape May Court House (30 Mechanic St., 609-463-6350). The 1 p.m. event is open to library members.

The Bards Irish pub (2013 Walnut St., 215-569-9585) in Center City is hosting a Gluten-Free Day on Sunday, July 24 starting at 3 p.m. There will be pizza, burgers, chicken tenders and traditional Irish stew (made with Bards beer), Shepherd's pie and fish & chips. The owners are considering a permanent gluten-free menu - they're installing a dedicated fryer in time for the event - so come out and show your support.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: June 24, 2011

I invite everyone to visit Gluten Free Philly on Tuesday, when I will open the nominations for the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards. You'll be able to name your favorite area restaurants, supermarkets and more. At the end of the voting, I'll count all the entries and announce the winners. No fancy trophy or anything, but they will have bragging rights until next year. There will also be a giveaway running along with the voting.

Earlier this week, I wrote about the new gluten-free product certification coming from the NFCA. The new seal will debut on packaging later this year.

Leading off this week in restaurant news is word that Tonelli's Pizza Pub in Horsham (278 N. Easton Rd., 215-675-3220) now has gluten-free pizza and Redbridge beer, with hoagies and cheesesteaks a possibility in the future.

Thanks to reader Murray K. for letting me know that Quahog's Seafood Shack in Stone Harbor (206 97th St., 609-368-6300) has gluten-free items notated on its menu.

All but two of the composed salads served at The Zodiac, located inside King of Prussia's Neiman Marcus store (170 Gulph Rd., 610-354-0500 ext. 6220), are gluten free, as noted on the restaurant's menu.

Wayne's Main Line Pizza (233 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-687-4008) has posted a separate gluten-free menu on its website, while Max and David's in Elkins Park (8120 Old York Rd., 215-885-2400) has annotated its menus with gluten-free symbols.

Seasons 52, at the malls in King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd., 610-992-1152) and Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38, 856-665-1052), has updated its gluten-free menu for the summer.

It's been a while since I've added a dessert place to the restaurant list. All of the puddings - chocolate, vanilla, tapioca and many rice varieties - at Pudding Lane in Havertown (7 Brookline Blvd., 610-449-2772) are gluten free, as are some of the toppings.

Martindale's Natural Market in Springfield (1172 Baltimore Pike, 610-543-6811) is now carrying baked items from Main Line Baking Company in the freezer section.

Old El Paso's new Tortilla Stuffers microwaveable meals, which include rice, vegetables and a protein, are gluten free; just add corn tortillas or tacos. They come in Mesquite Chicken, Garlic  Chili Chicken and Carne Asada Steak varieties.

Have a great weekend!