Snack in the Box

The popularity of fruit-of-the-month-clubs and wine-of-the-month subscriptions has inevitably spread to the gluten-free world. There are no less than six companies now competing in that space, all offering customers a curated mix of gluten-free products that they may not otherwise have a chance to try. Here's a rundown of the options:

News & Notes: July 26, 2013

Ribs from BigBites BBQ

A new restaurant is putting the 'cue in Quakertown. BigBites BBQ (641 S. West End Blvd., 267-227-3102) is nearly 100 percent gluten free, with the only items to be avoided are wheat bread and rolls and kids' macaroni and cheese, all of which are kept in separate areas. So what's safe to eat? How about the baby back ribs, pulled pork, chicken breast, chicken quarters, meatloaf and slow-smoked brisket. How about all of the sides, from potato and cucumber salads to corn bread (made with rice flour). Three members of the owners' family have celiac disease, so keeping the food preparation safe for those eating gluten free is a priority. There's no airborne flour, and when someone requests a sandwich on an Udi's gluten-free roll, the item is prepared by one employee from start to finish using fresh gloves and utensils. For now, BigBites is open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Reader Kristin R. let me know via the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page that longtime Avalon Mexican spot Tortilla Flats (2540 Dune Drive, 609-967-5658) has a gluten-free menu that includes tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, chili, nachos and salads.

Dearly Beloved

By Dori Molozanov

For Anna Hitchens, creating Cambodian desserts for her South Philadelphia-based bakery, Koliyan, is more than just a fledgling business. It's a way of preserving a personal history that was lost in the years after her parents fled Cambodia during the 1970s civil war and genocide. Hitchens and her husband, Tim, visited the southeast Asian kingdom last year on their honeymoon, and the trip opened her eyes to a culture that she had known so little about.

News & Notes: July 19, 2013

With all of the pizza and pasta mentions in this post, I'm renaming this Friday roundup compendio di venerdi.

Opening Monday in South Philadelphia is Kermit's Bake Shoppe (2204 Washington Ave., 267-639-4267), a take-out/delivery-only pizza shop and bakery. Taffets gluten-free baguettes will be sold there, as well as pizzas made separately with Taffets 12" shells.

Also in Philly, South Street's Bianca Pizza and Trattoria (514 South St., 215-629-9232) has gluten-free pizza prepped with dedicated ingredients and utensils. (Thanks Gabriella I.)

A Festivus for the Rest of Us

Philadelphia has had many a beer festival over the years, but they haven't embraced gluten-free brews. This September, though, there'll be an event much more welcoming. Pour the Core: A Hard Cider Festival will be held on Sat., September 28 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

These days, hard ciders are enjoying popularity that's driven by both breweries and wineries taking advantage of the fast-growing interest and appeal, particularly among the gluten-free community. Philly’s very first hard cider festival will showcase the finest U.S.-produced and internationally-sourced ciders - more than 30 in all. Among the featured brands at the festival will be hard ciders from Virtue Cider, Strongbow, Stella Artois, Vermont Hard Cider Co., McKenzie’s Hard Cider, Blackthorn Cider, Original Sin, Ace Cider, Doc’s Draft Hard Ciders, Spire Mountain Draft Cider and Anthem Cider. Woodchuck is the tasting glass sponsor and Strongbow will be hosting a special mixology tent for demos and instruction.

The event will take place outdoors, under tents, on the Parade Grounds in the Philadelphia Navy Yard (4747 S. Broad St.) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Food, including gluten-free options, will be available for sale from select members of the Philadelphia Mobile Food Association. There will also be music and special seminars about cider, the making of cider, and the enjoyment of cider.

Tickets are $40 each when purchased in advance or $65 at the door on event day (if the event is not sold out). Tickets include admission to the festival, participation in special programming, a 5 oz. souvenir tasting glass, and the freedom to enjoy samples from participating exhibitors. Designated driver tickets are also available online for $10. No one under 21, including designated drivers, will be admitted and photo ID is required for entry. As always, enjoy responsibly.