Ka-Chang!

P.F. Chang's new Caramel Mango Chicken
(Photos courtesy of P.F. Chang's)

P.F. Chang's has long been a safe haven for diners with a yen for gluten-free Asian fusion cuisine. For example, all gluten-free items are served on special plates emblazoned with the restaurant logo and take-out orders are clearly labeled.

Two years ago, P.F.Chang's added entrees that included a gluten-free version of its Mongolian Beef. Come Monday, the menu will grow even larger. The restaurants will add seven gluten-free choices, for a total of 25 items. In addition to current favorites like the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Singapore Street Noodles and Mongolian Beef, you'll find these new items available:

• Vietnamese Crab Salad - Lump crab meat tossed with green papaya, mango, apple, fresh vegetables and herbs in a zesty Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dressing
• Crab Fried Rice - Wok-fried rice with lump crab meat, shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, egg, smoky bacon, zesty lemon and Sriracha
• Caramel Mango Chicken - Tender chicken caramelized in a Southeast Asian glaze with mango, tomatoes, Fresno chiles and Thai basil
• Asian Tomato-Cucumber Salad
• Lemon Scented Brussels Sprouts - Thinly shaved, wok-charred with ginger, garlic, Thai basil and fresh lemon zest

Crab Fried Rice, new at P.F. Chang's

Back by popular demand are two classic entrees - the spicy Dali Chicken with sliced potatoes and our longtime favorite, Philip’s Better Lemon Chicken, served with broccoli in a citrus sauce.

Of course, the sinful Flourless Chocolate Dome is still available for dessert.

P.F. Chang's has local outposts in Collegeville (10 Town Center Dr., 610-489-0110), Glen Mills (983 Baltimore Pike, 610-545-3030), Plymouth Meeting (519 Germantown Pike, 610-567-0226), Warrington (721 Easton Rd., 215-918-3340) Atlantic City (2801 Pacific Ave., 609-348-4600), Princeton (3545 Rt. 1, 609-799-5163) and Marlton (500 Rt. 73 S., 856-396-0818).

Not Just Peanuts and Cracker Jack

April is the best month in sports. A college basketball champion is crowned. The pro hockey and basketball regular-season games take on more importance. And hope begins anew for the 30 Major League Baseball teams. After the two-game Opening Series between the Mariners and Athletics in Tokyo that begins tomorrow, the rest of the 2012 season starts on Wednesday, April 4 with the Miami Marlins hosting the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.

More baseball stadiums than ever have dedicated gluten-free concession stands and carts, including new ones at Pittsburgh's PNC Park and Marlins Park in Miami. Ballparks in Toronto and Houston have added gluten-free fare this season. Many offer more than just bunless franks and burgers; there's everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to fish and chips.  Here's where you can find gluten-free concessions at each of the 30 MLB ballparks:

NL East:

Kozy Shack gluten-free stand at Citi Field

• Atlanta Braves (Turner Field) - Hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, popcorn, brownies, cookies and Redbridge beer at gluten-free cart (Aisle 106)
• Miami Marlins (Marlins Park) - Hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches, apple chips, muffins and Redbridge beer at gluten-free cart (Section 2); Greek and Caesar salads, buffalo wings, popcorn and caramel apples at the Clevelander
• New York Mets (Citi Field) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, puddings and beer at Kozy Shack Stand at World's Fare Market (Section 104)
• Philadelphia Phillies (Citizens Bank Park) - Hot dogs, snacks, Redbridge beer and Woodchuck hard cider at South Philadelphia Market stand (Section 128); Hot dogs, salads and Redbridge beer at Market Express (Section 321); cheesesteaks at Elfreth's Alley Grill (Section 109) and Germantown Grill (Section 126); pizza at Seasons Pizza stand (Ashburn Alley); Redbridge beer at Brewerytown stands (Ashburn Alley and Sections 139, 204 and 323); Woodchuck hard cider at Brewerytown stand (Section 108); all meat products, rolls, barbeque sauce, cole slaw and beans at Bull's BBQ (Ashburn Alley); Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries and cheese sauce (Section 102)
• Washington Nationals (Nationals Park) - Hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, nachos, loaded nachos, popcorn, potato chips and Redbridge beer at gluten-free cart (Section 136); soft pretzels and Redbridge beer at Curly W pretzel stands (Sections 105 and 319)

NL Central:

• Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and Redbridge beer at Sheffield Grill (Section 140); Redbridge beer at various beer stands; Lifeway frozen kefir at Starfruit Café (next to main entrance)
• Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ball Park) - Bunless hot dogs, wursts, sausages, brat burgers and soft-serve ice cream at various stands; sushi, fruit and salads at United Dairy Farmers Market stands (Sections 125 and 522); Skyline chili (Sections 103, 114, 130, 519 and 534)
• Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park) - Hot dogs and beer at Goya Latin Café (Section 119); made-to-order salads (Section 116); baked potatoes at Spuds Crossing stands (Sections 125 and 409)
• Milwaukee Brewers (Miller Park) - Turkey sandwiches, chocolate tortes, brownies and chips at Grab & Go stand (Section 123); bunless hot dogs, bratwursts and sausages, chicken taco salads, chicken nachos, cheese fries in a helmet, popcorn, kettle corn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, cotton candy, Minute Maid frozen treats and soft-serve custard at various stands; New Grist beer (Sections 110, 126, 212 and 224)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (PNC Park) - Kosher hot dogs, panini sandwiches, nachos and salsa, salads, sweet potato chips, fruit and Redbridge beer at Just4U stand (Section 128); Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries and cheese sauce (Section 132); Rita's Italian Ices (Section 103/105)
• St. Louis Cardinals (Busch Stadium) - Chicken and beef bowls at Asian Cafe (Gate 1); sandwiches, chef salads and Redbridge beer at Farmer's Market (Section 136); bunless hamburgers at Hardee's (Sections 135 and 358); salads at Red Bird Club; bratwurst, hot dogs, grilled chicken, sausage, hamburgers, beef brisket and pulled pork (all without bun or sauce) vended throughout stadium

NL West:

• Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field) - Hot dogs, nachos, snacks and Redbridge beer at gluten-free cart (Section 106)
• Colorado Rockies (Coors Field) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies, brownies and Redbridge beer at gluten-free stand (Section 147)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodger Stadium) - Snacks and Redbridge beer at Healthy Plate carts (Sections 7 and 12)
• San Diego Padres (PETCO Park) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, hummus and vegetables, salads and beer at gluten-free stand (Section 104)
• San Francisco Giants (AT&T Park) - Hot dogs, chips and Redbridge beer at Budweiser Brew Pub (Promenade Section 112)

AL East:

• Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards) - Beef, pork and turkey sandwiches at Boog's BBQ (Eutaw Street); cheese pizza at Seasons Pizza (Sections 33, 220 and 372)
• Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park) - Hot dogs, pizza, beer and snacks at gluten-free stand (Big Concourse)
• New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium) - Nathan's hot dogs and Premio sausages on Udi's buns, Kozy Shack pudding and Redbridge beer at gluten-free stand (Great Hall - Gates 4-6); pizza at Famous Famiglia (Section 125); Nathan's hot dogs, Premio sausages and Boar's Head deli meats (without buns or bread) elsewhere throughout stadium; Kozy Shack pudding at Highlanders (Sections 110, 232, 305, 318, 321, 324 and at the Bleachers); Carvel soft-serve ice cream (Sections 112, 125, 207, 232, 307, 318, 324 and at the Bleachers); vegetable and fruit salads at Melissa's Farmers Market (Gate 4); Redbridge beer at Beers of the World (Sections 110, 205, 224, 312 and 321)
• Tampa Bay Rays (Tropicana Field) -  Hot dogs, pretzels and beer at GF! stand (Center Field Street)
• Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre) - Sandwiches (Barq's BBQ beef brisket, Big Smoke jerk chicken, T.O. chopped pork and Market Burger), traditional butter chicken with fresh greens, three-bean chili and fruit at Muddy York Market (Section 109); beer at King Club (Level 100)

AL Central:

• Chicago White Sox (U.S. Cellular Field) - Sandwiches and cookies at Triple Play Carvery (Section 110) and at All-Star Stand (Section 522); hot dogs at Comiskey Dog (Sections 105 and 544); nachos and toppings at TexMex (Sections 122, 152 and 523); nachos at portable locations located around the ballpark on the 100 and 500 levels; soft-serve ice cream at Winning Ugly is Sweet (Section 144) and at All-Star Stand (Section 538); Lakefront beer and Crispin cider at Midwest Brews (Sections 108 and 530)
• Cleveland Indians (Progressive Field) - Hot dogs, sausages, veggie burgers, cookies, snacks and beer at Spuds and Suds (Sections 163 and 541)
• Detroit Tigers (Comerica Park) -  Turkey legs, fruit platters and hummus plates at Brushfire Grill (Section 131); hummus plates at Labatt Blue Light Jungle (Gate B); bunless hot dogs, sausages and grilled chicken, french fries, peanuts, popcorn, nachos without cheese and frozen Minute Maid treats throughout stadium; Redbridge beer at Beer Hall (Section 131)
• Kansas City Royals (Kauffman Stadium) - Bunless hot dogs and sausages, popcorn and Cracker Jack throughout stadium; barbequed meats, house-made BBQ sauce and potato salad at Royals All-Star Barbeque (Outfield Experience and Sections 219 and 423); Redbridge beer at Pine Tar Pub (Sections 210 and 245)
• Minnesota Twins (Target Field) - Shrimp skewers, veggie kabobs, turkey legs and pork chops on a stick (Section 133); turkey legs (Section 311); fruits, vegetables and snacks at Farmers Market (Section 141); bunless hot dogs and grilled chicken, Angie's Kettle Corn, Rachel's Kettle Chips, Fruichi smoothies, nachos and cheese, Cracker Jack, Land O'Lakes soft-serve ice cream, Push Up Fruit Bars, cotton candy, popcorn and Killebrew Root Beer vended throughout stadium; Talenti Gelato (Sections 141 and 302); Redbridge beer (Sections 116, 124 and 325)  

AL West:

• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Angel Stadium of Anaheim) - Veggie dogs, black bean burgers, sweet potato fries, salads and hummus at Melissa's Fresh For You stand (First Base and Third Base food courts); beer throughout stadium; pizza on suite menus
• Oakland Athletics (The Coliseum) -  Special dietary needs accommodated upon request
• Seattle Mariners (Safeco Field) - Hot dogs, sandwiches, soups, snacks and Redbridge beer at The Natural (Section 132); halibut and chips and Redbridge beer at Sound Seafood (Section 248); beer at Good Hops (Section 330)
• Texas Rangers (Rangers Ballpark) - Hot dogs, cookies, pretzels, chips, salads, fruit and Redbridge beer at Centerfield Market (Section 50)

In addition, several teams are sponsoring Celiac Awareness Nights this season. They include the New York Mets (May 4), Arizona Diamondbacks (May 25), Colorado Rockies (June 9), Seattle Mariners (June 15), Philadelphia Phillies (July 20), San Diego Padres (July 21) and Los Angeles Dodgers (August 25).

Play ball!

News & Notes: March 23, 2012

As much as I think Philadelphia is the friendliest gluten-free city in the country, I must acknowledge that New York City has its fair share of excellent gluten-free restaurants. Last week I met my old friend Brian (whose wife Nicole, coincidentally, is a gluten-free cookbook author and blogs at Gluten Free on a Shoestring) at Mozzarelli's on 23rd Street in Manhattan. It's a restaurant in name only - the place is really a gourmet pizza parlor. And that's just fine. You want a slice of gluten-free barbeque chicken pizza? No problem. How about Margherita? You got it. The varieties rotate daily, but there's always several choices available. (They're kept on the top shelf of the counter and the staff is aware of proper prep.) The proprietors of Mozzarelli's also created My Dad's Cookies, which can be purchased at the shop. There's freshly made gluten-free cheesecakes and specialty cakes sold by the slice too.

Back home, everything on the menu at the new juice-and-raw cafe Jar Bar (113 S. 12th St., 215-923-1600) is gluten-free. Thanks to reader Adriana Z. for the tip.

At Velvet Sky Bakery in Jenkintown (307 Leedom St., 215-884-0254), all cakes, cupcakes and cookies can be made without gluten. The bakery offers gluten-free cupcakes in the store every Wednesday and Thursday, frosted to order, and takes special orders for other days. The gluten-free products are made separately after the kitchen and bakeware are cleaned. A tip of the hat to reader Rachel S. for the heads-up.

The Big Fish Grill in Glen Mills (981 Baltimore Pike, 484-842-1757) offers a gluten-free menu.

St. Joseph's University on the Main Line now has a dedicated gluten-free section at its Campion Dining Hall, complete with separate toasters and a microwave oven, according to The Hawk student newspaper.

I picked up Schar's new Bonta d'Italia ("The Goodness of Italy") gluten-free frozen cheese pizza at Whole Foods in Marlton for $7.99. The thin-crust brick-oven pizza also comes in a pepperoni version. Our son thought this was among the best home-baked pies he's had.

Amazon is stocking a new cereal line - well, new to the United States anyway. Australia's Freedom Foods produces several gluten-free cereals, including Fruit Loop-like Tropico's (with natural colors and flavors), Ultra Maple Rice Crunch and Rice Flakes. The cost of a pack of five boxes comes to about $4 a box, a bit less if you order via Amazon's Subscribe & Save option.

As a reminder, you can help support the blog by making Amazon purchases through the links above or the banner at Gluten Free Philly. If you like what you get here, you can also contribute to the "tip jar."

As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, on Sunday, April 22, Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd.) will be host a gluten-free dinner event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.The restaurant's extensive gluten-free menu will be available. Reservations can be made for seating anytime from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call chef-owner Pasquale Masters at 856-296-1268 or email him with the time and number of your party.

Sur La Table will be presenting gluten- and lactose-free baking classes at many locations next month, including King of Prussia (April 23) and Marlton (April 25). The fee is $69 per person.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

April Flours

On April 22, diners at Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd.) will be able to support the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness just by enjoying a fabulous gluten-free meal. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that evening, the BYOB restaurant will be hosting a gluten-free dinner event and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the NFCA. Diners will be able to choose from Pasta Pomodoro's extensive gluten-free menu in its entirety - from garlic bread to pizza, from mozzarella sticks to tempting dessert selections. Reservations are a must, though, so call chef-owner Pasquale Masters at 856-296-1268 or email him with the time and number of your party.

It's not the reunited Van Halen, but another tour will hit the Philadelphia area less than a week after the Pasta Pomodoro dinner. The Celiac Awareness Tour is a series of national events dedicated to providing education and entertainment for those on a gluten-free diet. On April 28, the Tour will be at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia (260 Mall Blvd.) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Full disclosure: The Celiac Awareness Tour is an advertiser at the Gluten Free Philly blog.) Besides meeting medical experts, you can watch live cooking demonstrations on the Rudi's Gluten Free Bakery Stage and enjoy gluten-free food samples from dozens of local and national companies, including French Meadow Bakery, Nature's Path, Kinnikinnick, Food For Life, Glutino and Udi's Gluten Free Foods. Presenters include NFCA founder Alice Bast and local health coach Jennifer Fugo, and there will be raffles and prizes. I will be at the NFCA booth from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Through April 14, early-bird tickets can be purchased for $9 per person online; thereafter and at the door, it's $10. Kids under 12 are admitted free.

I hope to see you at both events!

News & Notes: March 16, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend!

- Michael