News & Notes: April 28, 2017

Smart Flour Foods' new gluten-free Snack Bites are made with the company’s proprietary ancient-grains flour blend of sorghum, amaranth and teff, Available in traditional pizza flavors - Three Cheese, Uncured Pepperoni and Pepperoni & Sausage Combo - the Snack Bites are filled with a hormone-free cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, along with uncured, vegetarian-fed, and antibiotic- and nitrite-free pepperoni in the meat versions. Snack Bites will be available in select retailers nationwide this summer at a suggested retail price of between $3.99 and $4.99.

Vitalicious is producing a gluten-free version of its popular VitaTops. The cakey chocolate-chip variety, which also is dairy free - is made with sorghum flour, organic sugar and natural vanilla flavor and contains 5 grams of fiber.

If you're missing the taste of churros, Frito-Lay is filling the void with limited-edition cinnamon-and-sugar sopapilla flavored chips. There are no gluten ingredients in these corn-based chips, released to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

EVOL has announced another gluten-free single-serve entree with an international flavor. The Hawaiian Style Grilled Chicken meal is made with sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce on grilled chicken with pieces of pineapple, red bell peppers, edamame and water chestnuts on a bed of white rice. It will be available in frozen food aisles at retailers nationwide next month.

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.

News & Notes: July 8, 2016

(Photo Credit: Harry's)

With the summer in full swing, we'll start this week with some shore news. At the Tropicana in Atlantic City, Broadway Burger Bar (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-317-4660) has a gluten-free menu that includes buns, while sister restaurant Gallagher's Burger Bar at Resorts (1133 Boardwalk, 609-340-6554) also offers gluten-free buns. The gluten-free menu at Harry's Oyster Bar and Seafood at Bally's (1900 Pacific Ave., 609-431-0092) includes many items from the raw bar as well as salads, fresh fish and broiled crab cakes. (Hat tip to Celtic Celiac.)

In nearby Ocean City, Cousin's (104 Asbury Ave., 609-399-9462) offers a gluten-free menu that includes chicken Parmesan over penne. The gluten-free pasta is cooked separately.

Up the coastline in southern Ocean County, Barnegat's Lefty's Tavern (547 N. Main St., 609-607-0707) notes gluten-free options on its menu, including nachos, fish tacos, chili and salads. Nearby, Captain's Inn in Forked River (304 E. Lacey Rd., 609-693-3351) serves gluten-free pasta along with several entrees.

New & Notes: April 8, 2016

National BBQ restaurant chain Dickey's Barbeque Pit, which has area locations in Philadelphia (650 South St., 267-273-0364), East Norriton (65 E. Germantown Pike, 610-292-8800), Limerick (301 N. Lewis Rd., 484-791-3452), Allentown (1042 Mill Creek Rd., 610-366-7484), Wyomissing (1153 Berkshire Blvd., 484-709-2577), Bethlehem (3221 Schoenersville Rd., 610-625-2200) and Easton (1800 Sullivan Trail, 610-810-3149) has added gluten-free pulled pork street tacos to its menu for a limited time. Guests can either order two tacos for $3 or four tacos with one side and a Big Yellow Cup for $9.95. In addition to the pulled pork, the ribs, brisket, sausages, turkey and chicken breast are gluten free, as are all sauces and many non-fried sides.

Meanwhile, Dickey's new line of gluten-free smoked sausages is now available in 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide. The Original Smoked Polish Sausage, Smoked Spicy Cheddar Sausage and Hot Links contain no MSG or nitrites and are ready to heat and serve. After the initial launch in select Walmart stores, the sausages will also be available in other grocery stores nationwide, with outlets to be announced at a future date.

The Great American Pub locations in Phoenixville (148 Bridge St., 610-917-3333) and Wayne (4 West Ave., 610-964-9535) offer gluten-free menus that include baked wings, burgers and sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes and Angry Orchard hard cider. The Phoenixville outpost also has gluten-free pizza.

2016 Expo West New Gluten-Free Products Roundup

Natural Products Expo West, the industry’s largest trade show, took place last weekend in Anaheim, California with more than 3,000 exhibiting companies and 70,000 attendees. As usual, there were plenty of new gluten-free products announced at the event.

South Jersey-based Caesar's Pasta debuted a new line of frozen entrees under the Caesar's Kitchen brand that will hit store shelves this summer. The new "Gluten-Free Gourmet" meals include Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese and 3 Cheese Herb Rigatoni & Meat Sauce.

popchips announced an entirely new product line called Ridges, after spending several years experimenting with its process of combining heat and pressure to create a ridged chip. The new Ridges line rolls out to retailers nationwide in June in four flavors: salted, tangy barbeque, cheddar & sour cream and chili cheese. Ridges will be available in both a single-serve bag and a share bag. In addition to the four new Ridges flavors, original popchips come in nine varieties: sea salt, barbeque, crazy hot, sour cream & onion, sea salt & vinegar, sweet potato, cinnamon twist sweet potato and organic kettle corn.

News & Notes: February 27, 2015

South Philadelphia's newest restaurant is Bing Bing Dim Sum (1648 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-279-7702), where gluten-free selections on the menu include two kinds of dumplings, chow fun, lamb ribs and all vegetable plates.

Roberta's Banana Butter Topped Lamb Chops
with Crushed Macadamias

Reader Murray K. emailed several photos from his recent dinner at modern American Roberta's by Joe Muldoon in Northfield (1205 Tilton Rd., 609-677-0470), one of which is posted nearby. He raved about his meal and let me know that the chef and staff are extremely knowledgeable about gluten-free meals and preparation.

The Pop Shop's second location officially opens tomorrow in Medford (1 Bank St., 609-975-6888) with the same menu as the original Collingswood spot. Gluten-free items include grilled cheese, chicken fingers, French toast, pancakes, fries and sweets.

Brick House Tavern + Tap, with local outposts in Willow Grove (2402 Easton Rd., 215-675-5767) and just-opened Princeton (3569 Rt. 1 S., 609-520-9866), has a gluten-free menu.

News & Notes: March 14, 2014

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

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.

Goodies Giveaway: Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals

One small step for Pepperidge Farm, one giant leap for gluten-free eaters. Perhaps gluten-free Goldfish crackers are on the horizon, but in the meantime Pepperidge Farm has introduced the first gluten-free addition to its Baked Naturals lineup – Simply Tortilla and Nacho Cheese tortilla chips.

The new products have less fat per serving than the average tortilla chips (4.5g-5g total fat per 28g serving (24-25 chips) compared to 8g total fat per 28g serving) and 16 to 17 grams of whole grain per serving. Most importantly, the Nacho Cheese chips won't turn your fingers bright orange.

The Baked Naturals tortilla chips are processed in a facility where a gluten-free clean is validated at every production run, every two hours, and test at less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

The ingredients for the Simply Tortilla Chips are:

Stone Ground Corn Masa Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Oils (Corn, Sunflower and/or Safflower), Whole Grain Yellow Corn Flour, Cornstarch, Millet, Toasted Corn Germ, Contains 2 Percent or Less of: Salt, Teff, Soy Lecithin, Whey (Adds a Trivial Amount of Cholesterol) (Milk) and Sesame Oil.

The ingredients for the Nacho Cheese flavor are: 

Stone Ground Corn Masa Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Oils (Corn, Sunflower and/or Safflower), Whole Grain Yellow Corn Flour, Cornstarch, Millet, Toasted Corn Germ, Contains 2 Percent or Less of: Salt, Dehydrated Whey (Adds a Trivial Amount of Cholesterol), Teff, Buttermilk Powder (Adds a Trivial Amount of Cholesterol), Cheddar Cheese (Adds a Trivial Amount of Cholesterol) (Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Spices, Sugar, Tomato Powder, Whole Milk Solids (Adds a Trivial Amount of Cholesterol), Soy Lecithin, Corn Maltodextrin, Natural Flavors, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Gum Arabic, Soybean Oil and Sesame Seed Oil.

This week, Pepperidge Farms is offering five Gluten Free Philly readers to opportunity to win one package of each tortilla chip flavor in the latest Goodies Giveaway. To enter up to three different ways, follow the instructions below. Entries are being accepted through Sunday, April 14. You must enter a valid email address so that I can contact you if you're the winner.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

News & Notes: September 7, 2012

Most items on the menu at Chestnut Hill's critically acclaimed Mica (8609 Germantown Ave., 267-335-5592) are gluten free, with none of the sauces containing flour.

Maureen from the Hold the Gluten podcast let me know that Pizza Villa in Swedesboro (700 2nd Ave., 856-467-5000) now has gluten-free pizza.

Central Michel Richard at the Revel in Atlantic City (500 Boardwalk, 855-348-0500) has a gluten-free dinner menu, while the resort's Lugo Cucina e Vino restaurant also can accommodate.

New to Center City is the Yellow Juice Bar (2046 Sansom St., 267-888-8368), serving banana smoothies and gluten-free breads and cookies from Taffets. (Hat tip to reader Sherrie S., who pens the Living Simply Gluten Free blog.)

Bob's Bake at Home Pizza in Havertown (28 W. Eagle Rd., 610-446-1995) has a dedicated prep area with separate sauce, cheese and toppings for its gluten-free crusts. The store also has Conte's ravioli, salads and chicken wings on its gluten-free to-go menu.

Haddonfield's The British Chip Shop (146 E. Kings Hwy., 856-354-0204) now has gluten-free bread for sandwiches (Thanks, Samantha M.). Similarly, The Tomato Bistro in Manayunk (102 Rector St., 215-483-2233) offers gluten-free Kobe beef, portabella and lamb sliders.

Bobby's Burger Palace opened last week at the Princeton MarketFair Mall (3535 Route 1, 609-919-0182).

The Saladworks chain has launched an interactive allergen menu, which is a unique widget that allows customers to plug in what they’re allergic or intolerant to and then see what they can still have on the menu. (Thanks Joanne R.)

Aperto, a BYOB in Narberth, has shut its doors. Sonata, an American BYOB in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, also has closed. In the same 'hood, brunch specialist Cafe Estelle is closing on September 30.

The most popular gluten-free baked goods at Be Well Bakery & Cafe in Huntingdon Valley (2651 Huntingdon Pike, 215-938-8638) are muffins, ranging from blueberry pear to chocolate banana depending on the day. The bakery also makes gluten-free vegan breakfast cookies and brownie-like tuxedo cups filled with mousse and whipped cream. Gluten-free items are baked first thing in the morning in the front of house.

Ordered a week in advance, Classic Cake Company in Cherry Hill (480 Evesham Rd., 856-751-5448) can prepare a flourless cake and a gluten-free sponge cake made with potato flour. The bakery does not have a dedicated area or equipment but takes care to avoid cross-contact. (Thanks Jared and Stephanie G.)

Katz Gluten Free has expanded its product line with Munchkin-like cinnamon and powdered donut holes. Orders over $50 include free shipping; otherwise, the flat rate is $7.99. First-time customers can use promo code FACEBOOK for 35% off their orders. (You can support Gluten Free Philly by purchasing through this link.)

You'll be able to sample PJ's Beef Steak, which I wrote about on Tuesday, at Appetite for Awareness. If you want to try sooner, the online sampler special ends today.

New from Popchips are a line of tortilla chips, including Nacho Cheese flavor. No MSG or preservatives are in these chips, which are GFCO-certified. The Ranch ones I tried were a cross between Baked Lays and Doritos.

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia is hosting a celiac support group meeting on September 19 at 5 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, call Rachel Lenhoff, RD at 215-427-6538 by September 14.

Appetite for Awareness in Philadelphia is less than three weeks away. Earlier this week, I got a sneak peek at the venue - the former Strawbridge's building at 801 Market Street - and it's shaping up nicely for the event. The building is easily accessible via SEPTA (Market East) and PATCO (8th & Market) and street and lot parking is available nearby.

A list of the more than two dozen participating restaurants and 30-plus exhibitors is now posted at the event website. (Don't even bother reading that nonsense about the honoree.) Early-bird tickets for the September 23 event are available through this link, and the purchase may be tax deductible. If you can't make it, you can still support the cause by purchasing a raffle ticket for a one-year Mercedes lease.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: May 13, 2011

Imagine dining out and being able to choose from 25 varieties of gluten-free pizza. Hold that thought until June 29. That's when the California Pizza Kitchen chain will begin offering gluten-free pizza nationwide. (Local outlets are in Philadelphia on City Line Avenue, and at the King of Prussia Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Cherry Hill Mall and Christiana Mall in Delaware.) The company has been test-marketing the new crust in Alabama, where only five pizza options aren't gluten-free because of gluten in other ingredients: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Tostada, Thai Chicken, Roasted Garlic Chicken and Artichoke & Spinach. I'm told that the gluten-free versions are made using separate ingredients and on dedicated pans to avoid cross-contamination. At least in the test-marketing phase (and hopefully for the nationwide roll-out), diners do not incur an extra charge for the gluten-free crusts. There's a email-list option on CPK's homepage that gets you a $5-off coupon.

Several Lamberti's-owned restaurants in the tri-state area have gluten-free choices. Tutti Toscani in Cherry Hill (1491 Brace Rd., 856-354-1157) serves pasta, while the menus at Lamberti's Italian Grill & Bar in north Wilmington (514 Philadelphia Pike, 302-762-9094) note acceptable options. Several readers have mentioned that Lamberti's Cucina in Feasterville (1045 Street Rd., 215-355-6266) can accommodate special dietary requests.

Christine's, an Italian BYOB in Yardley (385 Oxford Valley Rd., 215-369-2930, has gluten-free penne and fusilli pasta.

Gluten-free pasta also is available at Katie O'Donnell's in Northeast Philly (4501 Woodhaven Rd., 215-637-5151).

The gluten-free menu from The Broad Axe Tavern (901 W. Butler Pike, 215-643-6300) is now posted at the Gluten Free Philly Restaurants page.

BRE Bakery in Warminster (700 York Rd., 215-821-8462) is carrying baking mixes from recipes created by Mr. Ritt's. The mixes, which are free of gluten, dairy and egg, include Quinoa Bread and Soft Pretzel Mix, Italian Baguette/Pizza Crust Mix and Buckwheat Bread Mix.

Dock Street Brewing Company in West Philadelphia (701 S. 50th St., 215-726-2337) once again has its gluten-free Sudan Grass Ale on tap. Thank to reader Vic B. for the tip.

Campbell's Place in Chestnut Hill (8337 Germantown Ave., 215-242-1818) serves Redbridge beer and Magner's hard cider.

Kids have more gluten-free choices when visiting area museums and amusement parks. The DEcafe at the Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington (550 Justison St., 302-654-2340) serves Wellshire Farms' gluten-free chicken bites, which are baked and prepared separately.

Dorney Park in Allentown (3830 Dorney Park Rd., 610-395-3724) has posted a gluten-free food list at its website, while a customer-relations rep at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure (1 Six Flags Blvd., 732-928-1821) let me know that gluten-free food can be purchased at Carnegie Deli (chicken salad, garden salad), Best of the West (grilled chicken sandwich without the bun) and Panda Express (Smiley fries). Fresh fruit is available at Carnegie Deli, Granny’s Country Chicken, Best of the West and Yummy Yummy Café.

My latest snack-food addiction? Bachman's Toasted Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips. Go get them. Now.

Rita's newest water ice flavor is Juicy Pear Ice, and it's gluten free. I'm looking forward to trying that one.

The Gluten-Free Philadelphia Supper Club's next get-together won't be dinner, but brunch instead. Food For All Market in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia will host the group on Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. Gluten-free waffles, sandwiches, soups and salads will be available. For more information about the club or plans for the brunch, e-mail reader Adriana Z.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: April 29, 2011

While we had perfect weather last week in Florida, the meals were less so. Not that the food was bad, mind you. It's that with one exception every meal out took well over an hour. Lots of people there are in no particular hurry - not just retirees - and it seems to manifest everywhere from the roadways to sidewalks. You know you're in Florida when you go out to eat for breakfast and emerge from the restaurant at dinner time.

Thanks for indulging me while I ranted a bit there. Now, back to business. Tuesday was National Pretzel Day, and to commemorate that holiday (does Hallmark make cards for that?), I wrote about the gluten-free soft pretzels from Tonya's Gluten Free Kitchen.

New to the Main Line is Bryn Mawr's Bake 425 (1012 W. Lancaster Ave, 610-525-6425), a new organic take-and-bake pizza shop from the founders of the Peace A Pizza chain that offers gluten-free pizza. The in-store preparation for those pies is handled in a separate area to avoid cross-contamination.

Reader Allie P. let me know that Cajun restaurant Bourbon Blue in Philadelphia's Manayunk section (2 Rector St., 215-508-3360) has a gluten-free menu.

Reader Dan passed along info on two suburban restaurants that accommodate gluten-free diners. First is The BRGR Joint - across the street from Bake 425, actually - in Bryn Mawr (1011 W. Lancaster Ave., 484-380-3465). The bunless burgers and fries are gluten free. In Plymouth Meeting, Plaza Azteca (351 Plymouth Rd., 610-940-3906) can prepare and modify menu items accordingly.

Havertown's The Pig and Whistle Deli (1304 Edgewood Rd., 610-853-8399) can prepare gluten-free meals with advance notice, according to reader Jennifer K. The deli also has gluten-free rolls on occasion.

Vader's in Southampton appears to have closed, as the phone number has been disconnected and the website is gone. The restaurant offered a gluten-free menu.

Post's "new and improved" Marshmallow Pebbles cereal, which now has no gluten-containing ingredients, is now on supermarket shelves. My son, who is not a cereal junkie (unlike his old man), scarfed down three bowls in the first 24 hours of my bringing home a box. No doubt the sugar rush had something to do with that, but I was thrilled nonetheless. The older, wheat-laden version is still around, so be sure to check the packaging before purchasing. This is the first gluten-free cereal containing marshmallows on the market since General Mills discontinued the hard-to-find Kaboom last year.

Come this summer, gluten-free shortbread cookies from Amy's Kitchen will be available. The cookies are made with organic almond flour and will come in Classic, Almond and Chocolate Chip flavors. Thanks to Tiffany at Celiac-Disease.com for the heads-up.

Readers Ron G. and Toni B. mentioned at the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page that they loved the new cookies from Moondance Desserts. The new sweets come in Mexican Wedding, Chocolate Crinkle and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar varieties and can be found at Whole Foods.

Also at Whole Foods are the new classic-style (white) and whole-grain hamburger buns and classic hot dog rolls from Udi's. My son tried the classic buns and really liked them. Thanks to reader Donna D., who mentioned this on Facebook.

Local snack-food favorite Herr's has introduced Sesame-Rice Tortilla Chips. The gluten-free chips are made with crunchy sesame seeds and brown rice.

On Wednesday, May 4, The Celiac Center at Paoli Hospital presents "Exploring the World of Gluten Intolerance: Celiac Disease and Beyond." Join in person or online for the presentation and interactive Q&A with Stefano Guandalini, M.D., Chief of Gastroenterology and founder and Medical Director of the Celiac Disease Center, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. The one-hour event will begin at 2 p.m. at Paoli Hospital (255 W. Lancaster Ave.). For in-person attendance, call 1-866-CALL-MLH; online participants can register here.

Bye Bye, Gluti!, the U.S. distributor of Italy's GlutenOut products, will hosting a free sampling at the Princeton Library (65 Witherspoon St., 609-924-9529) on Tuesday, May 10 beginning at noon. Following that event, you can meet chef Nicolo Angileri of GlutenOut and enjoy a four-course dinner accompanied by regional Italian wines at Mediterra (29 Hulfish St., 609-252-9680), beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the dinner (excluding tax and gratuity) is $65 per person, and reservations are required.

A national beer producer will be conducting focus groups in the Philadelphia area on the subject of gluten-free beer. The company is seeking male participants, ages 25-45, for a 75-minute session on May 16. The stipend is $100. For more information email Nancy Ginter at the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness with your name, age and phone number.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: January 7, 2011

Happy new year to everyone. I'm kicking off 2011's first News & Notes with a proverbial bang, in what may well be my longest post to date.

On Tuesday, I wrote that legendary Chinatown chef Joe Poon is preparing gluten-free General Tso's Chicken as part of his Chinese New Year dinner menu, available now through the end of March.

Keith Taylor, late of Roxborough's since-closed Holy Smoke, plans to open a gluten-free-friendly dine-in/take-out offshoot of his Zachary's BBQ catering business next month. The restaurant will be located at 1709 Markley Street in Norristown (formerly the site of Boston Barbeque) and he'll offer many of the same meats currently available for catering. Chef Taylor underwent training with the NFCA's gluten-free food-service program.

Fuel, which serves light, healthful fare in Center City (1225 Walnut Street, 215-922-3835) and South Philly (1917 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-468-3835) can prepare gluten-free panini made with corn/flaxseed bread. I'm told that the kitchens take precautions to avoid mixing with wheat.

Reader Manisha A. was kind enough to let me know that Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon in Kennett Square (180 West State Street, 610-444-7232), which is known for its wild-game meats, serves burgers and sandwiches on gluten-free bread. The restaurant's gluten-free menu also lists beer and dessert, among other items.

Belzano Ristorante, located in West Windsor - call it Princeton - at the Shops at Windsor Greens (3495 Brunswick Pike/U.S. Route 1, 609-720-900), offers eight different pizza styles, panini, penne, appetizers and other entrees on its gluten-free menu. Separate pans and utensils are used for the gluten-free items. You can print out the take-out/delivery menu for coupons.

Tonight, I will be rooting on my Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, who are playing for the NCAA Division I Football Championship against Eastern Washington. On the UD campus in Newark, you can now get gluten-free pizza at the Main Street Seasons Pizza. In fact, all of the Seasons Pizza shops in Delaware, Pennsylvania (Malvern and Aston) and New Jersey (Cherry Hill and Stratford) now serve the pizza. Register to get 10 percent off your first online order. The full list of locations is posted on the company's website.

Not to be confused with Seasons Pizza, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill in King of Prussia and Cherry Hill recently unveiled its Winter 2011 gluten-free menu.

Musical chairs in Collingswood: Blackbird is set to move from 619 Collings Avenue to 714 Haddon Avenue by mid-February (sharing an address with West Side Gravy), while on March 1 IndeBlue will relocate across the street to take over Blackbird's current location.

Whole Foods, which previously abandoned plans to open a market in northern Delaware, is in development to set up shop in nearby Concordville. The location will be at the Glen Eagle Square shopping center, site of a former Genuardi's store, according to the Wilmington News Journal.

Exclusive to Whole Foods are Late July's new organic multigrain snack chips. The chips come in three flavors - Sea Salt by the Seashore, Mild Green Mojo and Dude Ranch - and are certified gluten free. (The Dude Ranch variety won the Best New Product award in the food category at the Natural Products Expo East 2010.) The chips will be coming to other outlets soon.

Funny that from time to time I still see the original Doritos logo plastered to the sides of Frito-Lay delivery trucks. The company has now tapped into the "throwback" craze by not only reprising that emblem, but also its most popular, most requested flavor, Doritos Taco. (The product label lists no gluten ingredients.) The limited-edition bags will only be available through the Super Bowl in early February, but plans are for the company to keep this variety around. Not all stores will carry the product; check the Frito-Lay website's "Where to Buy" feature to locate one near you.

Amy's Kitchen has introduced several new gluten-free products. The Sonoma Burger is a combination of organic quinoa, walnuts, mushrooms, veggies and spices. The burger, which is gluten, dairy and soy free, will be available in stores beginning this month. The 240-calorie Light & Lean Black Bean and Cheese Enchilada contains organic black beans, tofu, brown rice, vegetables and cheese in an organic corn tortilla with a blend of tomatillo and ranchero sauces. Also part of the Light & Lean line is the 220-calorie Light & Lean Soft Taco Fiesta, a soft corn tortilla between a layer of brown rice, shredded vegetables and sweet corn and a layer of black beans and cheese, covered with a blend of our tomatillo and ranchero sauces.

The delish soft pretzel bites from Tonya's Gluten Free Kitchen that were sampled at Appetite for Awareness are now sold at Martindale's Market in Springfield. Hat tip to reader Dana M.

Whole Foods in Marlton now carries gluten-free frozen buttermilk biscuit dough from Virginia's 3 Fellers Bakery. Also spotted in the freezer there was StarBites' Brazilian-style cheese bread.

This month's Amazon Grocery sale items are posted, and there are a few gluten-free products listed. Add an additional 15 percent savings when combining the instant rebates with a Subscribe & Save order.

• Just the Cheese low-carb snacks: Save 20% with code JTCHNYNY
• Corazonas tortilla and potato chips: Save 10% with code CORZCHIP
• Bob's Red Mill gluten-free pancake and whole grain bread mixes: Save 15% with code BOBSNYNY
• thinkThin bars: Save 15% with code THINKJAN
• Oskri bars, crunch and dried fruits: Save 15% with code OSKRIJAN
• KIND bars: Save 5% with code KINDNYNY 
• Chex cereals: Save 15% with code BIGGNYNY

Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery is working with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness on the "Spread the Bread" charitable program. For every dollar coupon downloaded, Rudi's will give a dollar, up to $20,000, to the NFCA to help in its efforts to better educate physicians in the diagnosis of celiac disease. Coupons are available on the Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery website and Facebook page through February.

On Wednesday, January 12, the Celiac Center at Paoli Hospital will host "All About Celiac," a special presentation and interactive question-and-answer session with Peter H.R. Green, M.D., director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. The one-hour event will be take place at 2 p.m. at the hospital's Potter Room (Zone B, Level 1), located at 255 West Lancaster Avenue in Paoli. Seating is limited, so you must register for live attendance. Registration for the online webinar also is available.

The Children's Celiac Support Group is sponsoring a "Supper Bowl" party on Sunday, January 23 at the Bucks Specialty Care Center in Chalfont (500 West Butler Avenue). Running time is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP at 267-426-6822 or by e-mail.

I mentioned in the last News & Notes that we savored the Orange Bundt Cake prepared from a recipe in a new dessert cookbook, The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free. Since then, my wife made the Toasted Coconut Pound Cake, Orange Cheesecake Squares, Chocolate Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and the insanely delicious Honey Bun Cake. (For the record, we shared most of these with friends over the holidays!) The book can be ordered from Amazon for under $10. On December 21, author Anne Byrn appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to showcase a couple desserts from the book, and you can view the segment below. Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: December 10, 2010

Judging from the emails I received and comments to this week's post, many readers concur with my rave review of My Dad's Cookies. For guests attending next week's Supper Club dinner at Buca di Beppo in Center City, I will have samples courtesy of the company. (Must. Resist. Temptation.)

The "Gluten-Free Holiday Giveaway Galore x10" announced last week continues through next Wednesday, December 15. As part of the giveaway, one entrant at this blog will win prizes that include a copy of Katie Chalmers' new gluten-free book for children and lots of food items. Just go to the original post and add your comment.

Thanks to reader Murray K., who emailed me about Manna, a New American BYO in Margate (8409 Ventnor Avenue, 609-822-7722). The restaurant notes gluten-free items on its menu and also has several safe dessert choices.

I've lived in the Philadelphia area all my life, but I'd never heard of Kemblesville until this week. It's in southern Chester County, and it's the home of Village Pizza and Subs (1765 New London Road, 610-255-0300), where you can get gluten-free pizza as well as linguini and ravioli. The kitchen uses separate equipment and ingredients for those items.

Also in Chester County, Anthony's Wood Oven Pizza, located in Exton (410 West Lincoln Highway, 610-524-6666), serves gluten-free pizza.

Extreme Pizza in downtown Wilmington (201 North Market Street, 302-384-8012) now offers Still Riding's gluten-free pizza. Check out the varieties there - choices like Ragin' Rooster, The Screamin' Tomato and Yard Sale! There are plenty of salads too. Big ups to reader Beth, who pens the Wheat Nothings blog, for first sharing this news.

With advance notice, The Palm in Center City can prepare gluten-free crab cakes, bread and pasta.

Le Castagne in Center City now offers brunch and early family-style dinner on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any menu item except the french toast can be made gluten free.

Butterflies Healthy Food in Skippack is now JayBee's Cafe, still serving gluten free-friendly fare.

Sweet Freedom Bakery has prepared a holiday menu that includes treats such as Mint Chocolate Cupcakes, Holiday Magic Bars and Triple Chocolate Crumb Cake. Orders are accepted through December 19.

Redbridge beer and Strongbow cider can be had at Teri's on 9th at the Italian Market (1126 South 9th Street, 267-761-9154).

Natural Harvest Market is new to Mullica Hill (45 South Main Street, 856-417-3812), and carries gluten-free products from Udi's, Mrs. Crimbles, Purely Elizabeth, Katz, Glutenfreeda, Conte's and more.

ShopRite in Cherry Hill now stocks gluten-free products from French Meadow Bakery, including the pizza crusts, tortillas, brownies and brownie bites, chocolate chip cookie dough, breads, cupcakes and cakes. All of the bakery's products are made in a gluten-free facility. You can get get a dollar-off coupon at this link.

Look for a special holiday-themed version of R.W. Garcia tortilla chips at Wegmans markets.

I hardly ever pass up an opportunity to discuss baseball, so I'm happy to pass along a "save the date" for the 2011 Celiac Awareness Night at the Phillies. It will be held on Friday, July 8, when the Phils take on the Atlanta Braves. I'll post ticket and event information when it becomes available.

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

News & Notes: March 26, 2010

I've just returned from Clearwater, Florida, where I saw some Phillies Spring Training action for the first time in person. While the weather was hit-and-miss, people certainly are stoked for the start of baseball season. Though Mets fans continue to envy the Phillies' recent success, they can boast of one advantage: access to a new, completely gluten-free concession stand at Citi Field in New York.

While I was away, I posted an item about a celiac-awareness benefit dinner in Philadelphia at Sauté scheduled for this Sunday night.

I've added two other Philadelphia restaurants to the restaurant list this week. Just-opened 500 Degrees (1504 Sansom Street, 215-568-5000), from the owners of Rouge, offers gluten-free burgers (sans bun), fries and shakes made with Bassett's ice cream.

Thanks to the tipster who mentioned that Percy Street Barbeque (900 South Street, 215-625-8510) has lots of menu items for celiacs and those with gluten intolerance. Chef Erin O'Shea says that all of the meats and sandwich fillings, including the brisket and sausage, are gluten free - just order without the bread or roll. In addition, the deviled eggs, avocado salad, "Percy" chopped salad and root beer chili appetizers are made without gluten. Safe sides are pinto beans, coleslaw, German potato salad, collard greens and black-eyed pea salad, and a root beer float is available for dessert. The chef added that the kitchen keeps separate spoon drops for each item that is being prepared to avoid cross-contamination. The restaurant recently garnered a solid two-bell review from Craig LaBan, food critic at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A "to-order" gluten-free bakery new to the South Jersey area is Medford's Tesori's Gluten Free Treats (732-337-9690). There's free local delivery for orders over $35. I'll have more on the bakery in a future post.

The website for another gluten-free bakery, My Gluten Free Baker in West Chester, has been dark of late. I haven't been able to reach the owner by e-mail or phone. If anyone has information on the company, please drop me a line.

More new products from Glutino are on the way. The company debuted chocolate-covered and yogurt-covered pretzels and vanilla and chocolate donuts at the recent Natural Products West food show. The products should hit stores in May.

R.W. Garcia has extended its gluten-free MixtBag tortilla chip line to include a Red & Yellow mix. Made from all natural, non-GMO stone-ground corn, the Red & Yellow MixtBag offers stone-ground yellow corn tortilla chips mixed with red beet tortilla chips. MixtBag tortilla chips are available locally at ShopRite.

For those of you going to tonight's Sixers game, enjoy the gluten-free festivities. Have a great weekend!

News & Notes

I was excited to announce this week the latest Goodies Giveaway - with a twist. Readers have the opportunity to earn $100 for referring a restaurant that opts to carry Still Riding Pizza. The company, which makes gluten-free pizza pies used by pizzerias and Italian eateries throughout the United States, is offering readers a monetary incentive for suggesting restaurants that decide to add Still Riding's pizza to their menus. All the details are in my Monday post. As a result of a reader referral, Genteel's Trattoria, just outside Princeton, New Jersey in the neighboring town of Skillman, has already agreed to carry the pizza. There's definitely a need for gluten-free pizza in Center City Philadelphia, so hopefully someone can get a place there on board!

On Wednesday, I wrote about Giambri’s gluten-free holiday chocolates that can be purchased at the company’s store in Clementon, New Jersey or ordered online.

The big restaurant news this week was Bertucci’s introduction of a gluten-free menu that includes appetizers, entrees and desserts, although no pizza at the moment. Bertucci’s has many locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Ooka, with Pennsylvania locations in Doylestown (110 Veteran's Lane, 215-348-8185), Montgomeryville (764 Bethlehem Pike, 215-361-1119) and Willow Grove (1109 Easton Road, 215-659-7688), can modify most menu items, including sushi, to be gluten free. The restaurants carry wheat-free soy sauce.

Reader Bethann shared information on Stephen Starr’s Parc French bistro on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia (227 S. 18th Street, 215-545-2262). She told me by email that the restaurant, which uses a separate fryer for its French fries, can accommodate gluten-free diets.

Another reader recommended Cravings Café in Lansdale, Pennsylvania (155 Pennbrook Parkway, 215-855-4500), noting that the chef was knowledgeable on the gluten-free diet and prepared a separate gluten-free sauce upon request.

A commenter wrote that Noble, a modern American restaurant in Philadelphia (2025 Sansom Street, 215-568-7000) was easily able to accommodate both gluten and dairy restrictions.

I added Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Amaranth Gluten Free Bakery (717-330-4359) to the bakery list, as its products are sold locally at Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square Farmers' Market and Weaver's Way Co-op, Whole Foods in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and Harvest Market in Hockessin, Delaware.

On the grocery shelf at a local ShopRite, I spotted R.W. Garcia tortilla chips that were boldly labeled “gluten free” on the front of the packages. All of the company's products except for the spicy multi-grain chips (oats) are gluten free.

Amy’s Kitchen has introduced organic mini gluten-free chocolate cakes. Thanks to Maureen at Hold the Gluten for the information.

Woodchuck's limited-edition Oak Aged Cider has been released for the holiday season. The beverage has hints of oak and vanilla, and is a bit lighter than the company's other ciders at 150 calories per 12-ounce bottle. The cider should be available through January 2010.

As part of our family's Thanksgiving meal, I made gluten-free biscuit mix from Duinkerken Foods, based in Prince Edward Island, Canada. (I received a sample bag at the Philadelphia Appetite for Awareness event.) The recipe required the addition of half a stick of shortening and some milk and yielded about 15 biscuits. While not flaky like glutenous ones, the biscuits were crusty on the outside and airy inside. I can’t compare these to other brands since we never made gluten-free biscuits before, but I thought these turned out well, with many gluten-consuming guests enjoying them at our holiday dinner. The mixes can be ordered through the company's online store, but shipping to the United States is pricey.

On a recent weekend morning, I made gluten-free pancakes for the family using a different mix for the first time – Betty Crocker gluten-free yellow cake mix. I used a recipe using the mix posted by a blogger for Betty Crocker and it turned out great! They turned out much better (and a bit sweeter) than any other mix I’ve used in the past, reminiscent of crepes although not as thin. The mix is available at Amazon.com (currently $23.84 for a six-pack ($20.26 with Subscribe & Save)) and in many supermarkets.

Also at Amazon, selected Bob's Red Mill products are on sale at 10 percent off when using code BOBSGLFR at checkout. If you place a Subscribe & Save order, you can save another 15 percent. You can support Gluten Free Philly when purchasing your gluten-free groceries, holiday gifts and other items at Amazon. just click through this link; it won't cost you anything extra.

Keep emailing your restaurant news, product finds and events. Have a great weekend!