News & Notes: August 26, 2011

With much fanfare, California Pizza Kitchen trumpeted the debut of a gluten-free pizza crust option back in June. This week - with barely a whisper - the restaurant chain has pulled it from the menu.

As I can attest first hand, CPK undertook a public-relations campaign within the gluten-free community two months ago, contacting bloggers to share news of the product and representing that the product was safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Since then, however, diners began posting their experiences online about varying preparation methods for the pizza, and CPK waited several days before acknowledging - after many inquiries on its Facebook page and Twitter feed - that the prep left open the possibility of cross-contamination. At that time, the company said it was looking to improve its procedures. More than a month went by with no word on developments, and next thing we hear is that the company stopped serving the crust. (Thanks to reader Diane M., who let me know via my Facebook page that the pizza was no longer available at CPK's Cherry Hill location.) On its Twitter feed, CPK now says that it is reviewing its preparation procedures and left open the possibility that gluten-free pizza will return to the menu.

While I applaud CPK for ultimately listening to its gluten-free customers, its "leap before you look" approach to the offering is worthy of criticism. The company's marketing of the pizza to the gluten-free community without understanding what it takes to make the product acceptable for those needing to eat gluten free was an epic fail. In the spirit of the upcoming school year, CPK gets an "A" for conception but an "F" for execution. Hopefully, after making like Bart Simpson and writing "I will not serve cross-contaminated gluten-free pizza" on the chalkboard over and over as punishment, the company will reintroduce a safe product.

If you missed Tuesday's feature, I wrote about El’s Kitchen, makers of new gluten-free bagel chips and snack mixes.

Wildwood’s new seafooder Pacific Grill (4801 Pacific Avenue, 609-523-2333), a sister restaurant of the acclaimed Union Park Dining Room in Cape May, has a dedicated gluten-free menu. According to a story in yesterday's Atlantic City Press, the list includes appetizers and entrees such as watermelon gazpacho with feta cheese, blackened scallops with roasted corn salsa, fingerling potatoes and lime cream, and marinated hanger Steak with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and haricots verts. The article notes that chef John Schatz reviews the menu items daily with the service staff so they are aware of ingredients and allergens.

Also down the shore, the Motorboat Club, located at the Whitebrier in Avalon (260 20th St., 609-967-5225), offers a gluten-free pasta primavera dinner entree served with grilled chicken.

Riviera Pizza in Roslyn (1174A Easton Rd., 215-576-6888) serves personal size gluten-free pizza using separate toppings, paddles and cutters.

Gluten-free pasta, bread and dessert is available at Nonna’s, an Italian restaurant in West Chester (116 E. Gay St., 610-430-0203). The restaurant recently hosted a gluten-free dinner for the Chester County Gluten Intolerance Group.

Homegrown Revolution Cider, which I profiled back in May, is now available at Devil’s Den in South Philadelphia (1148 S. 11th St., 215-339-0855).

While retaining the same owners, Center City Indian BYO Bindi will reconceptualize as a Spanish restaurant and wine bar known as Jamonera this fall, reports Philly.com's Michael Klein.

The Grainless Baker, a gluten-free bakery in the Poconos that sells locally, will now operate under the name Three Bakers, with new packaging for its products.

Gorton’s Seafood's line of grilled fish is now gluten free, with a variety of flavors and species including Grilled Salmon, Grilled Tilapia, All Natural Grilled Fillets made from Alaska Pollock, and Grilled Haddock. Procedures have been implemented at the production location to avoid the risk of cross-contamination, and there is ongoing monitoring and testing to ensure that the products are gluten free. Look for the "gluten free" stamp on the nutrition label. Dollar-off coupons are available for printing at the company's website.

Due to the weather, the location of Sunday's Mercer County celiac support group has been changed to Uno Chicago Grill in West Windsor beginning at 1 p.m.

And finally, CBS Philadelphia’s Most Valuable Blogger voting continues through September 9. Please support Gluten Free Philly in this endeavor; just bookmark the page accessible through this link and vote daily.

Stay safe this weekend!

Riding the El

Savory snacks come in all shapes and sizes, from corn chips to pretzels to potato chips. What if those favorites joined forces? Then you'd get something like El's Medleys.

A seasoned mix of potato chips, corn chips, pretzels and corn nuts, Medleys - and bagel chips called Bagel Snaps - are new products from El's Kitchen. Both gluten-free snacks are free of gluten, dairy, nuts, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors and cholesterol.

Eleanor "El" Smith, the owner of El's Kitchen, earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia and spent her corporate days working as a planner and consultant before embarking on a new career in the food industry. Now living in Connecticut, El sought out to create gluten-free foods after she learned a friend was diagnosed with celiac disease.

Each production run is sampled and tested to confirm gluten levels do not exceed 10 ppm.

Snaps are available in 3-oz. and 1-oz. individual bags and Medleys are available in 5-oz. and single-serve 2-oz. bags. At the moment, the closest markets to the Delaware Valley selling the snacks are in western Pennsylvania and New York City, but they are available for purchase online.

News & Notes: August 19, 2011

Unbeknownst to me, reader Donna D. nominated Gluten Free Philly in CBS Philadelphia's "Most Valuable Blogger" campaign, and this week she let me know that the site is a finalist in the Health/Fitness/Medical category. I'd very much appreciate your support by voting through this link; there's no registration required and you can vote once a day through September 9.

All of the barbecue items at Bitter Bob's in New Hope (110 S. Main St., 215-862-0262) are gluten free, as are the bean melange and cilantro slaw. (Hat tip to reader Hope D.)

In Radnor, 333 Belrose Bar and Grill (333 Belrose Lane, 610-293-1000) can accommodate gluten-free diets from its menu, which changes every six to eight weeks.

The Bards in Center City Philadelphia (2013 Walnut Street, 215-569-9585) is offering two different half-off deals for purchase through Sunday on food and non-alcoholic drinks - $30 for $15 and $50 for $25 - good through February 22, 2012. Gluten-free pizza is available there, along with an expanded menu on Sundays.

Also with a half-off Living Social offer is Silver Diner in Cherry Hill (2131 Route 38, 856-910-1240), across from the mall ($10 for $20 in food and drink). The restaurant offers several gluten-free items on its menu, including waffles. This deal also is available for purchase through Sunday and must be redeemed by November 22, 2011.

Having had success with gluten-free pizza, Grotto Pizza locations will be soon be offering gluten-free pasta to diners.

Some recent closings to report: Peace A Pizza's Montgomeryville location is no longer (thanks to reader Nancy D. for the info), while Noble American Cookery on Sansom Street in Philadelphia served its last meals this past weekend.

Based in the western Philadelphia suburbs, Brûlée Bakery (484-450-6576) offers flourless chocolate cakes, French almond macarons with a variety of fillings, and an almond elderflower cake with a lime zest glaze. Separate bakeware is used for these gluten-free items, which are made at separate times from other pastries.

Sweetness is the name of a new home-based, allergen-friendly bakery in Blue Bell (215-499-7699). Currently on the menu are cupcakes, cakes and cookies, and local delivery is available.

The next meeting of the Mercer County celiac support group will take place on August 27 at the Mercer County Park Marina in West Windsor, beginning at 1 p.m. If weather in inclement, the meeting will be at Whole Foods Market in West Windsor.

The Center City District Restaurant Week is set for September 12-16 and September 18-23, with many gluten free-friendly restaurants participating. Most establishments are offering three-course lunches for $20 and dinners for $35. Each restaurant will showcase at least one dish that uses locally available vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, seafood or herbs.

Have a great weekend!

News & Notes: August 12, 2011

The Phillies return to the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park tonight, fresh off a monster 9-1 road trip. If  you're planning to attend any home games from here on out, be sure to order Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries (Section 102), as they are prepared in a dedicated fryer. These, of course, are in addition to the other gluten-free concessions available at the South Philadelphia Market stand behind Section 128.

Earlier this week, I mentioned a free online seminar scheduled for August 25 that will provide parents of gluten-free students guidance on advocating for their children's needs at school this fall.

Amis, in Philadelphia's Wash West neighborhood (412 S. 13th St., 215-732-2647), offers many selections on its gluten-free menu. Chef Brad Spence is a two-time award NFCA "Appetite for Awareness" award winner at this trattoria, which is part of the Marc Vetri family of restaurants (Vetri, Osteria). Thanks to Caitlin C. for the tip.

In Wildwood, Groff's Restaurant (Magnolia Avenue & The Boardwalk, 609-522-5474) can accommodate gluten-free requests. Hat tip to Julie F. for the information.

Anne H. let me know about Cosmic Catering, which operates a cafe at Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row, 215-978-0900) serving gluten-free muffins at breakfast. The operators are considering adding gluten-free sandwiches and wraps to the menu.

Reader Tom P. reports that the Amish bakery at the Columbus Farmers Market (2919 Route 206 S., 609-267-0400) sells gluten-free baked goods such as breads, cakes and cookies, made in a dedicated kitchen. Selection is best on Thursday; the market is open every Thursday through Sunday.

Paoli's Redhound Grille (128 Paoli Pike, 484-318-8047) serves Redbridge beer and Woodchuck cider.

Pennsauken's Tortilla Press Cantina (7716 Maple Avenue, 856-356-2050) is offering $30 worth of food and non-alcoholic drinks for $15. The offer, through deal site Living Social, is available for purchase through Sunday and can be redeemed through December 15, 2011. The restaurant has a gluten-free menu.

Have a great weekend!

Schoolhouse Rock

As a parent of a child who must eat gluten free, I understand the importance of advocating for our son's health. I encourage readers with gluten-free school-age children to join the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness on Thursday, August 25 (9 p.m. Eastern) as Nina Spitzer, President of the Celiac Disease Foundation's Greater Phoenix Chapter, leads a free, hour-long online webinar about students' gluten-free needs in and out of the classroom.

“The Importance of School Nurse Education & How-To Strategies for Parents of Gluten-Free Kids” is sponsored by Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery. Nina will:

• Explain the 504 Plan and its impact on the child's rights in the school environment
• Advise why school nurses should be educated on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, including a review of their role in the classroom setting
• Provide a list of school support staff and their appropriate roles in accommodating a celiac child's needs
• Share strategies on how parents can maneuver the school year with their gluten-free child
• Offer tips and suggestions on how parents can create a safe and healthy gluten-free school environment, including recipes and common challenges in the classroom's social setting, such as lunch and snack time, birthday parties and field trips.

Three webinar participants will be randomly selected to win a prize pack from Rudi’s. Each winner will receive:

• 100% organic cotton t-shirt
• Large canvas grocery bag
• Kitchen items, including a refrigerator magnet and sticky note set
• $1-off coupon for a purchase of a Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery item

You can register through this link.