Gluten Free Philly

News & Notes: February 24, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:38:06 PST

Longtime readers know that I love baseball, so it was with great pleasure that I sopped up coverage of the start of Phillies Spring Training this week. If you're heading down to the team's preseason games in Clearwater, Florida, check out my article from a couple years back on dining options in the area (all the links are current). Tickets for the Celiac Awareness Night at the Phillies game on July 20 are now on sale, and if you purchase tickets through this link, net proceeds will go to support celiac awareness efforts. I'll be there, and I hope to see you in the stands.

The local Landmark Americana chain, which has locations in University City (3333 Market St., 215-222-4500), West Chester (158 W. Gay St., 610-701-9900) and Glassboro (1 Mullica Hill Rd., 856-863-6600) and more on the way, has a gluten-free menu highlighted by hamburgers with buns. Thanks to reader Marj M. for the heads-up and the menu.

Another reader, Miriam B., let me know about Pronto, a quick-serve Italian spot in Exton (217 Eagleview Blvd., 610-524-3278) which has penne and salads on its gluten-free menu. Through Saturday, you can purchase an AmazonLocal deal for Pronto for $5 and get $12 worth of food and drink (and $2 toward your next visit).

In Mt. Airy, Latin restaurant Avenida (7402 Germantown Ave., 267-385-6857) has a gluten-free menu. Thanks to readers Jen D. and Janet B. for the tip.

One of our faves, Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhees (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., 856-782-7430), has added breaded chicken and veal and mozzarella sticks to its already huge gluten-free menu. You can check out chef-owner Pasquale Masters preparing one of his gluten-free dishes on the Heart of Philly YouTube channel.

City Kitchen Pizzeria in Southampton, which served gluten-free pasta, has closed.

Tweason'ale is now on draft at the South Philadelphia Taproom (1509 Mifflin St., 215-271-7787)(thanks, Emily D.), Prohibition Taproom, located south of Spring Garden Street (501 N. 13th St., 215-238-1818)(thanks, Eugene V.) and The Bishop's Collar (2349 Fairmount Ave., 215-765-1616 (thanks, Sherrie S.). You can check Dogfish Head's Fish Finder page for nearby bars and beer stores that carry the brew.

Dock Street Brewing Co.'s own gluten-free beer, Sudan Grass Ale, will return to the West Philly pub in May.

The Wegmans market in King of Prussia is slated to open on May 6.

A springtime tradition, Rita's annual "First Day of Spring" Italian ice giveaway, will be held on Tuesday, March 20 from noon to 9 p.m. at all open locations. Rita's has introduced several new flavors, and the following ones are gluten free: Black Cherry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Root Beer Float cream ices and Margarita, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Sour Patch Kids and Strawberry Colada Italian ices.

Schar's gluten-free manufacturing facility in Gloucester County, New Jersey is on pace for a June opening date, according to an article at NJ.com. The plant will produce breads, rolls, baguettes and bagels.

The newest addition to the YoCrunch line of 100-calorie packs is gluten-free Fruity Pebbles vanilla fat-free yogurt.

Congrats to reader Ariel L., who won the recent giveaway from Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery. I'll have another giveaway next month to celebrate Gluten Free Philly's third birthday, featuring gift certificates from Zavino Wine Bar and Pizzeria, Sweet Freedom Bakery and others.

Shoo Mama's Farm Fresh Cafe in West Chester (66 E. Street Rd., 484-315-8431) is hosting an all-day fundraiser tomorrow for the Chester County chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group. Bring in this voucher and Shoo Mama's will donate 15% of your bill to the group.

Next Saturday, March 3, the Marlton ShopRite (307 W. Route 70, 856-983-7370) will host a gluten-free food demo sponsored by the National Gluten Free Alliance. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chef Luca D'Angio of New York's Pizza Bistro (the top-rated gluten-free restaurant on Long Island) will be preparing his homemade Italian Gluten Free Foods specialties. You'll also be able to sample breads, muffins and cakes from O'Doughs.

The Gluten Free Philly Facebook page is now more than 1,000 followers strong. Be a part of the active online gluten-free community by liking the page and by following me on Twitter.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Get Your Phil

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:18:00 PST

Spring Training is underway, which means another season of Phillies baseball will soon be upon us. Join the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 20, when the Phillies host the San Francisco Giants at 7:05 p.m. Celiac Awareness Night will feature an expanded selection of gluten-free foods. At last year's event, cheesesteaks and Seasons Pizza were among the favorites.

Seating will be located in the following areas:

Pavilion Deck (section 309) at $28 per ticket
Pavilion (sections 201-205) at $30 per ticket
Pavilion (sections 206-207) at $38 per ticket

Net proceeds from tickets sold through this offer will go to support raising celiac awareness. To order your tickets, click on this link and enter the promotion code CELIAC.

News & Notes: February 17, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:18:00 PST

The Gluten Free Philly staff made it to The Tomato Bistro in Manayunk last Sunday to check out the restaurant's homemade gluten-free pizza, and the rave reviews are indeed justified. The Fig pizza in particular was amazing. Keep reading for details on the next Gluten-Free Supper Club event at the Bistro.

Pizza is indeed plentiful this week. Zavino Wine Bar & Pizzeria (112 S. 13th St., 215-732-2400) is the newest Center City restaurant to serve gluten-free pizza. The restaurant uses a certified gluten-free crust and pulls from separate toppings and sauce.

Tosco's in Pennsburg (824 Main St., 215-679-0650) - up in northern Montgomery County - also serves gluten-free pizza.

Leo Tucci's Pizza in Cherry Hill (1400 Berlin Rd., 856-795-1223) is using Conte's gluten-free pizza shells and will use separate sauce and cheese on request.

Lara W. let me know that South Philly's Le Virtu (1927 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-5626) serves gluten-free pasta.

The original Pad Thai varieties at Manayunk's Chabaa Thai Bistro (4371 Main St., 215-483-1979) are naturally gluten free.

Pure Tacos' Center City location at 1935 Chestnut St. is shooting for a early April opening.

Chef Daniel Stern has opted to close University City restaurant MidAtlantic on February 24, but gluten-free service is available at R2L (50 S. 16th St., 215-564-5337), his eatery atop Two Liberty Place in Center City.

The Inquirer reports that the Peace A Pizza location in Wayne (522 W. Lancaster Ave.) soon will be converted to a Melt Down Grilled Cheese sandwich shop. Melt Down's original location in North Wales has gluten-free bread.

Chef Daniel Dougherty and the catering staff at the Bala Golf Club (2200 Belmont Ave., 215-878-3555) is GREAT-certified and can prepare gluten-free menus. Reader Jamie Y. recently co-hosted an all-gluten-free event there that featured pigs in blankets, sliders, crab cakes, sushi, risotto parmesan balls and an Asian station.

The new Whole Foods Market in Glen Mills (475 Wilmington-West Chester Pike) is slated to open on March 14.

The gluten-free/dairy-free granola from Metropolitan Bakery that I wrote about last month is now available in 12-ounce bags.

Woodchuck Hard Cider has expanded its Private Reserve Line with the addition of the world’s first Belgian White-style hard cider. According to the company, this limited-run Belgian White "presents a delicate aroma and taste, mirroring the Belgian tradition of a coriander and orange peel profile, laced with the complexity of apple notes and classic Belgian beer yeast." It is 5.5% alcohol by volume.

Hawthornes, a South Philly beer boutique (738 S. 11th St., 215-627-3012), carries Dogfish Head's Tweason'ale and all three New Planet beers. Thanks to Amanda M. for the tip.

Pinocchio's Restaurant in Media (131 E. Baltimore Ave., 610-566-7767) now has Tweason'ale on tap. (Thanks S.M.)

The Tomato Bistro will host the next Gluten-Free Supper Club event on Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. There will be two options (total is for two people including tax and tip; if you're flying solo, you can just pair up with another guest when ordering): $52 includes any gluten-free variety of pizza, two salads, soups or small plates, one dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks; $70 includes the same courses with four alcoholic drinks. Small plates include a Mediterranean plate, bruschetta, Aztec shrimp and mussels; salads include salmon, Waldorf, Caprese and Cobb; soups are tomato bisque and vegetarian chili; and there's a flourless chocolate torte for dessert. Tweason'ale and Doc's Framboise hard cider will be among the adult beverage options. The restaurant also has a private parking lot for up to 20 cars. To reserve a spot, email reader Daria.

You can still enter my latest Goodies Giveaway of a Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery prize pack. Just follow this link for all the details.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

Goodies Giveaway: Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery Prize Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:31:29 PST

Throughout February, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery is hosting a Gluten-Freebies Giveaway on Facebook. Fans can log onto the Rudi’s Facebook page, then “like” the brand and receive a $2-off coupon. By visiting the Giveaway tab on the Facebook page, fans can enter weekly to win prizes given away each day, like Rudi’s Gluten-Free breads and baked goods, a Cuisinart toaster, Crofter’s Organic jams, a Kodak digital camera, and gluten-free cookbooks. Rudi’s gluten-free products, including Original, Multigrain and Cinnamon Raisin Breads, Pizza Crust, Hamburger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls, are available nationally at natural foods stores and mainstream supermarkets. (A store locator link can be found on the homepage.)

Rudi's is offering one lucky Gluten Free Philly reader a prize pack consisting of a Rudi's-branded toaster, two free-product coupons, and a reusable tote bag. To enter, follow the instructions below.

Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery is offering the prize pack. Neither I am nor any immediate family member is an employee, officer, director or agent of Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery or its respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, advertising and promotional agencies. My full Disclosure Policy can be found at the blog's Disclosure page.

News & Notes: February 10, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:18:01 PST

While gluten-free-friendly chef Marc Vetri and others plan on opening higher-end restaurants at the Moorestown Mall, apparently there's still room for more humble fare. PB&U's second location opened at the mall yesterday (400 Rt. 38, 856-234-5300) and, like the original in Wayne, the new spot has gluten-free bread and uses a separate toaster, utensils and ingredients to make your sammich.

The mushroom capital of the world - Kennett Square - is home to the aptly named Portabello's (115 W. State St., 610-925-4984). The restaurant's gluten-free menu includes pasta, bread and dessert.

Vedge, a new addition to the scene in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia (1221 Locust St., 215-320-7500), can accommodate gluten-free diners.

All of the sandwiches at Center City's Pure Fare (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441) are now made with gluten-free bread from Toté Bakery. I raved about the breads and other baked goods from Toté in Tuesday's post.

Gluten-free churros at Sazon

The wonderful family-owned Venezuelan cafe Sazon in Northern Liberties (941 Spring Garden St., 215-763-2500) is now frying up gluten-free churros. Thanks to reader Heather H. for the tip and the photo.

Heather also let me know that Le Pain Quotidien's two Center City locations (801 Walnut St., 215-253-3114; 1425 Walnut St., 215-751-0570) are serving tartines on certified-gluten-free crackers.

Mt. Airy's Food For All (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) reopens today and will host a party (with DJ) tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Foodery in Center City (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111) and Northern Liberties (837 N. 2nd St., 215-238-6077) stocks Dogfish Head's new Tweason'ale. McMenamin's Tavern in Mt. Airy has all three New Planet gluten-free beers (thanks Katie F.), while Varga Bar (941 Spruce St., 215-627-5200) has carries the brewery's 3R Raspberry Ale (thanks Sherrie S.).

The lovely ladies at Philly's Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) are preparing treats for Valentine's Day, including heart-shaped cookies and donuts and red velvet cupcakes. Call by Sunday, February 12 to place holiday orders.

Cookies, muffins and cupcakes from allergen-friendly bakery Sweetness are now available at Buonissimo Market in Blue Bell (700 Dekalb Pike, 610-270-9100).

All of the meats and cheeses sold at Wegmans deli counters have no gluten ingredients, although the stores caution that there is a risk of cross-contact.

Many people who are diagnosed with celiac disease also have iron-deficiency anemia. What is less commonly known is that many of those individuals exhibit a craving for large amounts of ice or ice water. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are looking for participants for a study on this subject. More information is available here.

The newly formed Berks County Meet-Up Group (that's the Reading area) will get together at Good Eatz at 1 p.m. tomorrow, while the Chester County Gluten Intolerance Group chapter will host a free "Gluten Free 101" class at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Registration is a must for both events.

Hope that's enough to satisfy your appetite for one week. Have a great weekend!

- Michael

The Toté Package

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:18:00 PST

Toté Bakery's teff loaves just out of the oven

As I broke off yet another piece of Toté's warm, chewy baguette, I thought about the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and Elaine couldn't believe that the delicious frozen yogurt they were eating was non-fat. Could this bread really be gluten free?

The same question could be asked about the freshly baked bagels, crusty teff loaves and soft chocolate chip cookies that I picked up on a recent Sunday morning at the South Philadelphia bakery (1024 S. 9th St., 215-551-5511). Toté is operated by Omer Taffet and Eugene Torsunov, who work the ovens six days a week in the heart of the Italian Market. Indeed, all of the baked goods are gluten free - some featuring more exotic ingredients like amaranth, millet and coconut flours.

Co-owners Eugene Torsunov (left) and Omer Taffet prepare
fresh gluten-free baked goods six days a week

House staples include the baguettes (now used at Paesano's Philly Style across the street for gluten-free steak sandwiches), focaccia, and multigrain quinoa and teff breads. Also in rotation are sourdough and challah loaves, kaiser rolls and pizza crusts. If there's something in particular you're looking for, just call a day or two in advance of your visit.

Toté's bagel varieties include plain, poppy
and cinnamon raisin

The bakers have been expanding their sweet selections too. Given the location, biscotti and tiramisu are popular (could cannoli be on the horizon?), but the red velvet whoopie pie is an indulgent treat too. Poppy hamantaschen (traditional Jewish cookies for Purim), brownies, and specialties like raspberry cheesecake also are available.

A small section of the bakery is devoted to shelf-stable gluten-free groceries like BiAglut pasta, Bob's Red Mill flours and Twizzlers-like Candy Tree twists.

Toté is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is easily accessible from the Washington Avenue exit of I-95.

News & Notes: January 27, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:39:54 PST

Hooters is still looking for its proverbial 15 minutes of fame. The self-proclaimed "nearly world famous" chain, which has outposts locally in Bensalem, Glen Mills, King of Prussia, Wyomissing, Atlantic City, Lawrenceville, New Castle and Newark, now has a gluten-free menu focused on seafood and salads.

Burger.org has opened its second Philadelphia location in Center City (1901 Chestnut St., 215-569-9555). The kosher spot's gluten-free burgers (from beef to veggie) can be wrapped with lettuce and the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer.

Also in Philly, the menu at new Mexican restaurant La Calaca Feliz (2321 Fairmount Ave., 215-787-9930) - a sibling of Cantina Feliz in Fort Washington - is largely gluten free through the use of corn masa and rice flour.

After a community fundraising effort, Food For All Market in Mt. Airy (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122), which specializes in serving gluten-free customers, will not have to close after all. (You can read owner Amy Kunkle's note at the market's website.) After taking some time to restock, the market and deli will reopen on February 10.

Reader Nadina F. (you can read her posts at the NFCA's Bits and Bites blog) wrote this week that at the Suburban Square Farmers Market in Ardmore Sushi Sei (120 Coulter Ave., 267-414-6226) can prepare special orders gluten-free sushi and has gluten-free ginger dressing and soy sauce available, while the expanded Di Bruno Bros. (484-416-3311) now carries Amaranth Bakery breads.

Besides Dogfish Head Brewery's new Tweason'ale, another new arrival to the gluten-free beer scene (in these parts anyway) is Colorado's New Planet Beer. Its three gluten-free beers - Off Grid Pale Ale, Tread Lightly Ale and 3R Raspberry Ale (bronze-medal winner at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival) - are now sold in Philadelphia at the Foodery (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111 and 837 N. 2nd St., 215-238-6077). The latter two are served at Wilmington's new Ernest & Scott Taproom (902 N. Market St., 302-384-8113).

Also in Wilmington, Ulysses American Gastropub (1716 Marsh Rd., 302-691-3456) has Redbridge in bottles and Original Sin Cider on tap.

Lots of new products to mention this week, including the new gluten-free/dairy-free granola from Philly's own Metropolitan Bakery, which I wrote about on Tuesday.

The best gluten-free pretzels (in my humble opinion) now come in a new style. Snyder's of Hanover has introduced traditional twisted mini pretzels. They are making their way to stores now; I picked up a few bags at Whole Foods in Marlton.

Dietz & Watson's latest addition to its gluten-free cold cuts line is Chicken Parmigiana, coated in corn flour crumbs, parmesan cheese, italian seasonings and topped with a marinara sauce.

The ShopRite markets in Marlton and Cherry Hill/Evesham now carry Katz Gluten Free's donuts (which I reviewed earlier this month) and pies, while the sister location at Garden State Pavilion in Cherry Hill will be expanding its gluten-free product selections. Coming soon to those stores will be Schar's new deli-style bread and multigrain ciabatta rolls.

If you're looking for late-breaking gluten-free news and area restaurant recommendations, like the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page and follow @GFPhilly on Twitter.

I'll leave you this week with a video from Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione, in which he talks about Tweason'ale.

Have a great weekend everyone!

- Michael

The Metro Section

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:25:49 PST

Metropolitan Bakery's Original Granola took home top honors last summer in Epicurious.com's nationwide taste testing. Practically the same recipe - featuring a blend of dried berries, toasted nuts, seeds, spices and a touch of honey and maple syrup - has been adapted for a new gluten-free, dairy-free version.

The new granola contains certified gluten-free oats, honey, canola oil, maple syrup, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dried cranberries, pecans, almonds, dried cherries, dried blueberries, unsweetened coconut, dried strawberries, cinnamon, pure vanilla, and ground cloves.

All batches are tested for gluten levels prior to sale. The granola is sold in 24-ounce canisters ($12.95) and will soon be available in 12-ounce bags as well. It can be purchased at any of the bakery's locations around Philadelphia (Rittenhouse Square, Reading Terminal Market, Chestnut Hill, University City and the Parkway Central Library) or online.

News & Notes: January 20, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:18:00 PST

Benvenuto! Today's roundup is heavy on the garlic, so to speak, with new places to enjoy gluten-free pizza and pasta around town.

Let's start in the First State. Caffé Gelato in Newark (90 E. Main St., 302-738-5811) offers gluten-free pasta, which is cooked to order in a separate sauté pan. Most of the restaurant's gelatos are safe as well, save the cookie-flavored ones.

Still Riding's gluten-free pizza crusts are now available at - where else? - Crust in Bryn Mawr (872 W. Lancaster Ave., 610-525-7300).

Queen Village's Ulivo (521 Catharine St., 215-351-1550) offers at least one gluten-free option per course, including pasta.

Several spots mentioned before in this space have expanded their gluten-free options. The Tomato Bistro in Philadelphia's Manayunk neighborhood (102 Rector St., 215-483-2233) developed its own-recipe dough for gluten-free pizza, made with separate sauce and cheese and baked on a disposable tray. The pizza will soon be available its downstairs sibling Couch Tomato Cafe, and coming soon will be gluten-free panini.

Not only can you get pizza and pasta at Carola Family Pizzeria in Woodbury Heights (564 S. Evergreen Ave., 856-579-4844), but wings, wraps, sandwiches, steaks and hoagies also are on the gluten-free menu. A dedicated fryer is used for fried gluten-free items and separate sauce and cheese is set aside for the pizza.

Another option for University City denizens is New Delhi (4004 Chestnut St., 215-386-1941), with gluten-free items noted on the menu. Thanks to reader Tom P. for the tip.

Redstone Grill, with area locations in Plymouth Meeting (512 W. Germantown Pike, 610-941-4400) and Marlton (500 Route 73 S., 856-396-0332), has updated its gluten-free menu, adding BBQ chicken and ribs.

Also recently swapping some menu items on and off its gluten-free menu is local chophouse chain Charlie Brown's.

Chinatown's own Joseph Poon (1010 Cherry St., 215-928-9333) can once again prepare his New Year's Banquet with gluten-free selections. Guests should notify the kitchen of the request when making a reservation. The dinner is available through March 31.

Cheers to reader Pat L., who got the manager at Red Robin's Langhorne location to bring in Redbridge beer to go with the burger joint's gluten-free burger buns and fries.

If you want to know more about Dogfish Head Brewery's new gluten-free Tweason'ale, last Tuesday's Q-and-A with founder Sam Calagione has the scoop.

Next Saturday, January 28, Weaver's Way Co-op in Chestnut Hill (8424 Germantown Ave., 215-843-2350) will host a Gluten Free Day from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to product demos and samples, the hot bar and salad bar will be completely gluten free for the entire day. The event will also feature a raffle of a basket of gluten-free items, with proceeds going to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Gluten-free Warrior Genevieve Sherrow is leading several several courses next month at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree. Wednesday, February 1 is Gluten Free 101; February 15 is an intro cooking course; and February 29 is an intro baking course. Each class runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Have a great weekend -

Michael

Dishing With . . . Sam Calagione

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:18:01 PST

Delaware's Dogfish Head Brewery has long been an innovator in America's craft beer movement, so when the company announced last summer that a new certified gluten-free beer would be released in 2012, the gluten-free community took notice.

Tweason'ale - which will begin to hit shelves nationally later this month - is the brewer's first 12-ounce four-pack in nearly five years and will retail for about $9.99, comparable to the company's other four-packs.

In this "Dishing With..." segment, Dogfish Head's founder, Sam Calagione, talks about the development of Tweason'ale, its taste profile, and how to enjoy this seasonal release throughout the year.

What prompted Dogfish's development of a gluten-free beer?
The number-one request we got last year was for an off-centered gluten-free beer that didn't taste like it was a standard lager beer base ingredient approach.

Dogfish is known for its non-traditional beers. What makes Tweason'ale different from other gluten-free beers?
The recipe. I think we are the first company to combine buckwheat honey - which is super dark and malty and in that way boosts the complexity and beer-essence - strawberries, sorghum and a bit of hops.

How did you settle on Tweason'ale's profile?
We wanted to make something complex, fruity, malty (but not made with malt) and champagne-esque that also just happens to be gluten free.

How much of a learning curve was there to develop a beer that doesn't contain gluten?
A bit more elaborate than our normal R&D [research-and-development] process. We made three test batches before we did the first big production batch.

Did you speak with gluten-free beer drinkers along the way?
Just incidentally, as we did the test batches and put them on at our pub for feedback. We have never done focus groups or formalized outside tasting panels. We trust the palates of our co-workers and our regular customers more than we would a room full of MBAs.

What kind of response did you get when you had Tweason'ale at the brewpub last summer?
Really good. The first batch was a bit too bitter because we didn't expect the sorghum itself to contribute bitterness, so we dialed back the hops.

Will Tweason'ale appeal to beer drinkers that don't have to avoid gluten?
So far it does seem to appeal to a really broad range of people, both wine and beer drinkers alike. It doesn't have a lot of hop character but it has malty notes and fruity notes and great complexity. It also pairs very well with spicy foods and chocolate.

Why did Dogfish decide to pursue gluten-free certification?
It cost us many thousands of extra dollars to certify but we want customers to have confidence we did this the right way.

What's the idea behind releasing Tweason'ale at various times of the year?
It comes in four-packs and every bottle has the date it was packaged inked onto the the neck of the bottle. We believe this beer is best drunk within four months of the bottled-on date. By releasing it quarterly, people who dig it can stock up four times a year and never run out. We don't have the ability to brew it any more frequently because demand for our other beers is so much higher than our brewing capacity and our ability to supply.

How will you measure whether Tweason'ale is successful?
We encourage people to give us feedback online, when visiting at our pub [in Rehoboth Beach] and brewery [in Milton], and events throughout the country where we pour this beer. We hope people will use the Fish Finder page on our website and hunt down Tweason'ale and give it a try!

News & Notes: January 13, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:15:53 PST

The in-bin is overflowing with so much info this week that I didn't have enough time to get it all in. I have plenty to carry over to next Friday's post.

On Tuesday, I reviewed South Street's The QUICK FIXX, which served us some excellent gluten-free pasta dishes at a recent meal there.

The biggest news of the week is word that fast-fooder Chick-fil-A has added gluten-free grilled chicken nuggets to its kids' menu, although adults certainly can order them as well. The four count is 80 calories and 1 gram of fat, while the six count contains 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

The chain is enhancing its side choices as well, adding Buddy Fruits applesauce - also gluten free - as a complement to the fruit-cup option. Although not as healthy a side, the waffle fries are also safe, as they're prepared in dedicated fryers.

About 90 percent of the menu at the new Hickory Lane Bistro in Philadelphia's Fairmount section (2025 Fairmount Ave., 215-769-2420) is gluten free, according to general manager Jack Anderson, and the other items can be modified accordingly. The chef there, Matt Zagorski, was GREAT-trained when he worked at Rouge. Thanks to reader Marcella P. for the restaurant tip.

Lunch café Buds & Bowls at the Lawrenceville Inn (2691 Main St., 609-896-0569) serves a variety of gluten-free soups, quiche, salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts.

In Feasterville, Toscana 52 (4603 Street Rd., 215-942-7770) has gluten-free pasta available (prepared separately) and can modify entrees that otherwise call for flour.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill's two local outlets at the malls in King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd., 610-992-1152) and Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38, 856-665-1052) have set their Winter 2012 gluten-free menu.

Tutto Fresco in Wilmington (514 Wilmington Pike, 302-762-9094) is the new name of the former Lamberti's Italian Grill & Bar at that location. The restaurant serves gluten-free pasta.

Reader Rich S. dropped me a note about YogoMix, a fledgling fro-yo business with spots in Yardley (15 S. Main St., 215-369-YOGO) and Lawrenceville (3257 Quakerbridge Rd., 609-587-YOGO). All flavors except those with cookies are gluten free.

The official second anniversary is Sunday, January 15, but the ladies of Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) will be celebrating Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, they'll be raffling off prizes such as Sweet Freedom gift cards, T-shirts and cookie cakes as well as gift cards from other local businesses. On Sunday, customers can enjoy a free treat while supplies last, plus they'll be offering an in-store "twofer" day, with two items for the price of one (one per customer and excludes some items).

I was saddened to learn this week that Food for All Market in Mt. Airy (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122) plans to close. The store will remain open until all of the stock and equipment are sold. All grocery items are being sold for 20 percent off.

New fully-cooked gluten-free chicken tenders and nuggets from Golden Platter are on sale this month at Acme markets.

Feel Good Foods' new gluten-free egg rolls are now available at Whole Foods in Marlton (940 Route 73 N., 856-7997-1115), according to a company tweet.

If you love cars, consider going to the Philly Auto Show's Black Tie Tailgate on Friday, January 27. Proceeds benefit CHOP's Division of Gastroenterology and the food will be catered by Stephen Starr Events. Check out the gluten-free options listed on the menu, including a milkshake bar at the dessert station!

‎The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is working with St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions to study the effect on people who follow a gluten-free diet if they take medicine that contains gluten. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is funding this research study. The study has two parts. First, the NFCA will conduct this survey, and then will test some medicines to see if they contain gluten. The results of this survey will help them learn more about people’s experiences, and will help them decide which medicines to be tested for gluten. Together these findings could help the medical and scientific communities see that more research and investigation are needed. This survey will take between four and 15 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. It closes on February 28.

Jovial Foods has organized a gluten-free getaway in Lucca, Italy from May 27 to June 2. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from room sales will go to the NFCA.

And if all of that is not enough for you, I'm thrilled to be talking baseball again. The Phillies game on Friday, July 20 against the San Francisco Giants will be Celiac Awareness Night. I'll pass along ticket information as it becomes available. Hey, pitchers and catchers report in just five weeks!

Wishing you a great weekend -

Michael

In a Fixx

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:20:41 PST

With apologies to distance runners, I imagine that roaming the maze that is an IKEA showroom floor is much like doing a marathon, only more torturous. It helps to load up on carbs in both cases, which is why we stopped at The QUICK FIXX on South Street last weekend before shopping for a bunch of Swedish-designed home goods like the Klappsta, the Klippan, and the Klobo.

The QUICK FIXX (1511 South St., 267-273-1066), which opened the first week of January, serves made-to-order “chef-inspired cuisine at takeout pricing,” as proudly stated on the restaurant’s website. The concept is the brainchild of Matt Levinson, who cut his teeth in hospitality management at A.C.’s Borgata. The eatery offers neighborhood delivery and take-out, but can also seat as many as 16 diners. The attractive interior brick décor and chalkboard menu hanging behind the counter wouldn't be out of place at a restaurant in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District.

Pasta Fresca

While the menu is limited by design primarily to pastas, salads and (non-gluten-free) flatbreads, the options are not. Our older son went with the Pasta Fresca from the Chef's Signatures section of the menu ($8), opting for the gluten-free spaghetti tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with a sauteed shrimp add-on ($4 extra), and mixed with cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, fresh basil, garlic and oil.

I was intrigued by the Smoky Roman (pasta with cream sauce, smoked bacon, lemon zest and cheese) ($11), but was plenty pleased with the Build-Your-Own gluten-free penne dish ($7), cooked perfectly - not al dente, not mushy. (Gluten-free ravioli also is available.) The pasta was dressed with a tangy tomato gravy (one of many safe sauces) and grilled chicken ($3 extra).

Levinson, who has designs on other locations, is in the process of updating The QUICK FIXX’s printed menus to note every item that’s gluten free. The kitchen, with Charles Reinhardt at the helm, takes precautions in preparing the gluten-free orders separately to avoid cross-contamination.

News and Notes: January 6, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:37:42 PST

Welcome back to Gluten Free Philly for what promises to be an exciting year ahead. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and New Year's Eve celebrations.

If you're just getting back to the grind from some down time, you may have missed some recent posts. In my final one for 2011, I recapped the last year's worth of features and news as chronicled at this page. Earlier this week, I reviewed Katz's new gluten-free donuts, which include jelly- and vanilla custard-filled varieties.

One housekeeping note: By popular demand I have revived the map of gluten-free-friendly Philadelphia restaurants, the link for which is posted at the blog's Restaurants page.

Before heading to Sweet Freedom Bakery for some gluten-free sweets, you can get your main course a block away at The QUICK FIXX (1511 South St., 267-273-1066). This new restaurant, which offers take-out and sit-down service, can prepare made-to-order dishes with gluten-free ravioli, spaghetti or penne.

Rendez-vous is a crêperie in Haddon Heights (531 Station Ave., 856-546-4611) offering savory gluten-free crepes made with buckwheat flour.

Thanks to reader Debbie M. for the news that Ruby's Diner - with area spots in Ardmore (5 Coulter Ave., 610-896-7829), Glen Mills (919 Baltimore Pike, 610-358-1983) and King of Prussia (160 N. Gulph Rd., 610-337-7829) - has Udi's gluten-free buns for its beef and turkey burgers.

All menu items except for the fish tacos at Guapos Tacos, the roving Mexican food truck from Jose Garces, are gluten free. You can follow the truck on Twitter to see its daily location.

The recently opened Sang Kee Noodle Cafe in Cherry Hill (1601 N. Kings Hwy., 856-310-2388) keeps soy sauce on hand to prepare gluten-free dishes.

In addition to gluten-free pizza, Seasons Pizza's New Jersey outlets in Cherry Hill (450 Route 70, 856-428-4441) and Stratford (1014 N. White Horse Pike, 856-783-9333) now serve eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, lasagna and calzones.

Iron Hill Brewery's newest location in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia (8400 Germantown Ave., 215-948-5600) just opened, while Ted's Montana Grill's spot on Broad Street in Center City has shut its doors.

Also closed is gluten-free friendly BYO Manna, down the shore in Margate. Hat tip to Renee B. for the info.

Adriana Z. dropped me a line to let me know about two area markets stocking gluten-free groceries: Food & Friends Market near Rittenhouse Square (1933 Spruce St., 215-545-1722) - which carries Tate's gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, among other items - and Princeton's Whole Earth Center (360 Nassau St., 609-924-7429).

New at Wegmans markets are frozen sugar cookie and chocolate chip cookie dough, frosted occasion cakes, and blueberry, pumpkin and apple pies from Gillian's Foods.

Golden Platter Foods' new GFCO-certified, all-natural chicken tenders, nuggets and patties are on sale this month at Acme markets. Thanks to Lena M. for the news.

The Gluten-Free in Delaware County Meetup group will have lunch at Uno Chicago Grill in Newtown Square this Sunday at 2 p.m. You can RSVP for the event at this page.

The NJY camps are offering a Gluten-Free Family Camping Weekend June 1-3 in the Poconos, in partnership with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. It's an opportunity for a family getaway with a private cabin, including pools, lakes, ropes courses, art workshops, family entertainment, kosher gluten-free meals from a dedicated kitchen, day camp for kids, and programming for adults. It's $250 per adults, with kids under 18 free, and is open to families of all religions.

Have a great weekend!

The Katz Meow

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:18:00 PST

The universe of store-bought gluten-free donuts has been confined largely to glazed versions from Glutino and Kinnikinnick, with an occasional cameo from the latter's cinnamon-sugar treat. Katz Gluten Free has aimed to fill a hole, so to speak, with new powdered jelly- and cream-filled donuts, along with a classic confectioners' sugar variety.

Knowing that these wouldn't be in stores immediately, we ordered all three versions directly from Katz before the holidays. Compared to renditions from, say, Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme, the amount of filling in the Katz donuts is relatively spartan. Perhaps that's a casualty of the manufacturing process, but I'd prefer a more balanced distribution to the crucial per-bite filling-to-cake ratio. (Katz's filled varieties also are smaller and rounder than traditional donuts.) That aside, both are tasty enough to buy again. Long a fan of jelly donuts, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself (along with our 11-year-old) preferring the custard pastry. I particularly liked the mouthfeel of the dusty powdered sugar donut sans filling.

The jelly and custard donuts ($7.49; $5.99 introductory price) come four to a package, six for the regular powdered donuts ($7.99; $6.49 intro price). The company recommends two-day shipping since the donuts should be stored frozen; standard-shipping orders to most Delaware Valley neighborhoods - free for orders over $30 - fall within this time frame. Katz also produces breads, cookies, pies and other baked goods in a dedicated gluten-free facility. A store locator can assist in finding a local market that carries the brand.

2011 in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:42:50 PST

Each passing year brings an exponential increase in gluten-free awareness. More and more chefs annotate their bills of fare with safe items, if not create dedicated menus. New - sometimes novel - gluten-free products consistently populate supermarket shelves. Let's revisit some of the highlights from 2011, as showcased on these pages.

January brought news of gluten-free Asian dumplings from Feel Good Foods. (The company's line of egg rolls is coming early in 2012.) I also wrote about various gluten-free products that were to debut for Passover, including a new matzo that is now available year-round. Post made its Marshmallow Pebbles cereal gluten-free, while Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles were sold as marshmallow treats. In addition, Kikkoman announced a new gluten-free soy sauce.

Word came in February about several new gluten-free stores in the area: the Little Bakery in Blue Bell and the Philadelphia Gluten-Free Pasta Company in Media. New products featured that month included a gluten-free version of Kellogg's Rice Krispies, Glutenfreeda's pizza wraps, Udi's cookies, and house-brand butterfly shrimp sold at Genuardi's.

Philadelphia's own Tastykake put its gluten-free cookies on the market in March, while New Planet announced Pop Tart-like toaster pastries that are about to hit shelves next month. Udi's and Rudi's showed us their (hamburger) buns and hot dog rolls, while Annie's added to its gluten-free cookie line. Featured were local companies Wellshire Farms and Lizbeth Lane, which produces cooking sauces, as well as a review of Elevation Burger.

April showers brought reports on Tonya's Bakery's soft pretzels and Philly's own Bassett's Ice Cream. Plenty of new products were announced then, such as Organic Bistro single-serve microwaveable bowls, Amy's shortbread cookies, Moondance sweets and Herr's sesame-rice tortilla chips.

I kicked off May with a review of Center City Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chao and a post about locally brewed Revolution Cider. I also wrote about my addiction to Bachman's sweet potato tortilla chips, which I also discovered along with Joy ice cream cones and Julian's pancakes.

My "Dishing With" Q-and-A series continued in June with Flyers owner Ed Snider. We celebrated my wife's birthday with an excellent dinner at Modo Mio in Northern Liberties, which I reviewed. On the (spicy) product front was news about Guy Fieri's gluten-free barbeque sauces and salsas and Old El Paso's Tortilla Stuffers meals.

Our Memorial Day weekend trip to the nation's capital and Baltimore was the focus of a July post. I also featured locally-made Peanut Chews and even duck ravioli. Among the new products mentioned were Saffron Road's frozen chicken meals, baking mixes from Simply Organic, and Glutino's bagel chips.

I announced the winners of the first annual Readers' Choice Awards in August, and also featured El's gluten-free snack mixes. Williams-Sonoma's baking mixes and Gorton's Seafood grilled fish entrees were among the product mentioned that month.

Another Philadelphia ice cream company - Jack and Jill - garnered a September feature, as did Dogfish Head's hugely anticipated gluten-free ale and a review of the Rainforest Cafe in Atlantic City. I discovered delicious mozzarella sticks from Russo's, Mi-Del's gingerbread cookies, and Applegate Farm's corn dogs as well.

Kozy Shack's new chocolate rice pudding and refrigerated Indian meals from Cafe Spice merited mention in October.

I hope many readers had the chance to get to Wegmans in November, when the markets began selling gluten-free holidays sweets like panettone cakes and spekulaitus cookies. I reviewed the newly opened Bobby's Burger Palace at the Cherry Hill Mall and raved about Tate's chocolate chip cookies.

With December came word of a new Pure Tacos location in Center City and an excellent dinner at University City Mexican spot Distrito. Annie's announced that its gluten-free mac and cheese would be sold in microwaveable packages and Butterfly Bakery made a return to the marketplace.

Throughout the year, I also mentioned dozens of restaurants and bakeries that are able to accommodate gluten-free diets.

Of course, much of the information shared here wouldn't be possible without the growing number of Gluten Free Philly readers who let me know about the goings-on in their own neighborhoods. Thanks to everyone for reading the blog, and for following @GFPhilly on Twitter and liking the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page. I'm sure that 2012 has lots of excitement in store, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. My family and I wish you a safe and prosperous new year.

News & Notes: December 16, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:18:02 PST

First (State) things first this Friday: Two Stones Pub in Newark (2 Chesmar Plaza, 302-294-1890) notes gluten-free items on its menu and serves four different gluten-free beers. Thanks to reader Lindsey T. for the tip.

In Manayunk, the Tomato Bistro (102 Rector St., 215-483-2233) also IDs gluten-free items on its menu - primarily salads.

Carola Family Pizzeria in Woodbury Heights (564 S. Evergreen Rd., 856-579-4844) serves gluten-free pizza, pasta and other items that are prepared using dedicated cookware and utensils.

Marathon Grill's location at 10th & Walnut Streets in Center City is closing, while the spot at 13th & Chestnut Streets has already closed.

If you missed Tuesday's post, you can read my review of modern Mexican restaurant Distrito at this link.

Coming this month to Wayne is So Fun! Frozen Yogurt (315 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-707-3597), offering 60 flavors of frozen yogurt, with a rotating selection of 16 featured daily. Most flavors are gluten free. The store will regularly offer at least one no-sugar-added flavor and one flavor for the lactose intolerant customer.

The deadline for ordering gluten-free holiday treats from Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899) is December 21. Seasonal items include mint-frosted cupcakes, vanilla snowballs and holiday Magic Bars.

Readers may remember Butterfly Bakery's gluten-free cakes, muffins and cookies, which were briefly sold at Wegmans last year. Well, they're back. Made in a dedicated facility, those products - along with mini cupcakes and muffins - are sold online at Amazon.com. If your local market carries the bakery's sugar-free products, ask the store manager to order the gluten-free sweets.

DeLiteful Foods in Lawrenceville (4110 Quakerbridge Rd., 609-799-7756) will host a sampling of Italian-made Agluten pastries and shelf-stable breads tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join "Gluten-Free Warrior" Genevieve Sherrow on Saturday, January 14 at COOK (253 S. 20th St., 215-735-COOK) for a collaborative class on gluten-free baking. Genevieve will teach you how to prepare treats like Old Fashioned Gingerbread with Homemade Whipped Cream, Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies and The Warrior's Jewish Apple Cake. The class fee is $95 and online registration is available.

Have a great weekend!

Takin' It to Distrito

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:59:41 PST

Distrito's first-floor bar (Photo credit: Distrito)

Despite his growing culinary stature, Jose Garces hasn't forgotten that those with gluten intolerance enjoy dining out too. The Philly-based Iron Chef has created dedicated menus for many of his restaurants, and even those that don't have a standalone bill of fare are able to accommodate gluten-free patrons. Distrito - the chef's chic Mexican restaurant in University City (3945 Chestnut St., 215-222-1657) - rose to the occasion at our recent dinner there.

Chicken and chihuahua cheese enchilada

Distrito's glowing, pink-hued interior projected a modern feel from the moment we entered - Chi-Chi's this is not. We were originally seated in the rear of the second-floor dining room, but because it was drafty in our section, we moved downstairs to the more vibrant first floor alongside the bar.

Knowing that we were going to order a variety of dishes - most are served tapas-style that foster sharing - we passed on the guacamole and stuck to the entry-level tortilla chips and a pico de gallo salsa. Complimentary spicy peanuts also ready the palate.

Flat-iron steak tacos

With the weather on the chilly side that evening, I opted to start with the spicy chicken tortilla soup, while my wife and kids settled on the fabulous costillas, short ribs atop corn masa flatbread with a three-chili barbeque sauce.

Everyone ordered tacos of their choosing; for three of us, it was a trio of flat-iron steak tacos seasoned in a tomato-horseradish marinade with truffle potatoes. Our younger son - he of the less adventurous palate - played it safe with chicken. We also rounded out our protein quotient with a large chicken-and-chihuahua cheese enchilada and roasted pork tamales.

"El Fuerte" dessert

We just couldn't pass up dessert. Notwithstanding the name, the four of us shared the "El Fuerte for Two." The sinful flourless chocolate cake was served a la mode with espresso ice cream and vanilla mousseline.

News & Notes: December 9, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:41:48 PST

The Gluten Free Philly clan made the rounds in the last few weeks, devouring pancakes at Haddonfield's British Chip Shop, a gourmet cheesesteak at Paesano's at the Italian Market, and cinnamon crullers at Sweet Freedom Bakery - all of which were amazing.

A stop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia will soon be a part of our rotation. As I wrote earlier this week, Ocean City's all-gluten-free Pure Tacos will be setting up shop in Center City in late February or early March. There will be seating for up to 30 customers.

Family-owned T.J. Smith's in Warrington (1585 Easton Rd., 215-343-1140) has a variety of safe options, including BBQ baby back ribs, potato skins, salads, clams casino and a chocolate torte dessert. The gluten-free items are prepared with dedicated equipment.

Toté, the new gluten-free bakery and market in South Philly (1024 S. 9th St., 215-551-5511) that I wrote about last month, opens today. According to an item at City Paper's Meal Ticket blog, the shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Monday.

An update on Dogfish Head's gluten-free Tweason'ale: the Delaware brewery is hoping to have approvals to ship the beer to wholesalers this month for a January release.

Hanukkah got a bit sweeter with the arrival of Chozen's Chocolate Gelt all-natural ice cream, with chocolate coin pieces. Other gluten-free flavors include Apples & Honey, Coconut Macaroon and Coffee Talk. The dessert is sold locally at the Ravitz ShopRites in southern New Jersey.

Congrats to Jackie H., who won the recent Tate's Bake Shop gluten-free giveaway. Tate's gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are also available at Jonathan's Best in Chestnut Hill (8229 Germantown Ave., 215-248-4344) and Mount Airy's Food For All (7127 Germantown Ave., 267-297-7122).

Coincidentally, reader Karen Z. mentioned on the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page that Trader Joe's now stocks gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Although the TJ's cookies are a bit smaller than Tate's, I suspect Tate's makes them for the private-label grocer since the list and order of ingredients are nearly identical - and the taste is indistinguishable.

A quick word from a sponsor (sorta): If you're still in the midst of your online holiday shopping, show your support for Gluten Free Philly by accessing Amazon.com through this link or the retailer's ads at the blog. I get a small commission on purchases at no cost to you. Thanks to all of you who have done so in the past.

For those who have the time and money, there's a cool gluten-free tour of Italy's Tuscany region planned for May, leaving from New York. I'm requiring that any reader who goes has to write a review of the trip for this blog!

See ya next week.

Pure Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:18:00 PST

The owners of Ocean City's all-gluten-free taquería have settled on the site of their Philadelphia location. Plans are for Pure Tacos to build out the space at 1935 Chestnut Street in Center City West - the former Christian Science Reading Room - in time for a February opening.

Pure Tacos debuted on the Ocean City Boardwalk two summers ago to critical acclaim, and its urban foray is the first in a planned expansion. Unlike the original Jersey Shore location, the Philly outpost will have seating. The tacos-and-nachos menu will be brought over, but also look for a flavored guacamole concept at the new spot.

News & Notes: December 2, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:35:04 PST

There's been lots of interest in the latest Goodies Giveaway: delicious gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and brownies from Tate's Bake Shop. You can enter through Sunday - just read Tuesday's post for details.

The New Skippack Pizza (4038 Skippack Pike, 610-584-4998) has gluten-free pizza (thanks, Lisa M.), while Empire Pizza & Grill in West Chester (1316 West Chester Pike, 610-436-1234) serves pizza and pasta.

In Wilmington, Harry's Seafood Grill (101 S. Market St., 302-777-1500) now offers a gluten-free menu. Meanwhile, on the Restaurants page, I've updated the gluten-free menus for Distrito, Amada, Chifa and Tinto, four of Jose Garces' Philadelphia eateries.

Philly.com's Michael Klein reports that a new fast-casual concept with gluten-free options is coming to Center City in the spring. Honeygrow (1601 Sansom St.) will serve, among other items, stir-fry with rice noodles and housemade sauces.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill will open its third area location in March 2012 at the Providence Town Center in Collegeville. The spots in Chadds Ford and Newark have gluten-free menus.

Through the end of 2011, Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse are offering a $20 bonus card with the purchase of every $100 in gift cards. The bonus cards are valid for use from January 1 through February 10, 2012.

Water to Go in Pennsauken (3501 Haddonfield Rd., 856-910-8881) will be sampling gluten-free wares tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the items are products from the National Gluten Free Alliance, which distributes O'Doughs, GlutenOut, Agluten and Italian Gluten Free Foods.

Reader Kristen T. let me know that Wegmans markets now carry gluten-free pizzelles, made by Bella Lucia Gluten Free Cookies.

Annie's Homegrown is coming out with two new gluten-free mac & cheese varieties this winter - a white cheddar version and microwaveable yellow cheddar.

The new Wegmans Wine, Liquor and Beer - just across the parking lot from the supermarket in Cherry Hill (2100 Route 70 W., 856-488-8948) - carries Greens, Bards and Redbridge beers and a variety of ciders from Woodchuck, Original Sin and Magners.

A reminder that the Philadelphia Gluten-Free Supper Club will reconvene for dinner and a holiday cookie exchange at The Silverspoon in Wayne on Thursday, December 8. For more information, email reader Daria D.

On Sunday, December 11 from noon to 2 p.m., CHOP's Specialty Care Center in Voorhees (1012 Laurel Oak Rd.,) will host a kids' holiday gluten-free cookie exchange. RSVP by December 8 by email or call 215-590-2985 with your last name and number of children. Email your cookie recipe in advance so that it can be printed and shared with guests.

Have a great weekend!

Goodies Giveaway: Tate's Bake Shop Gluten-Free Cookies and Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:07:09 PST

The Hamptons have long been known as a summer getaway spot for New York's elite. I predict they will soon be famous for being the home of the best gluten-free chocolate chip cookies around. Based in Southampton - on New York's Long Island - Tate's Bake Shop is the vision of Kathleen King, who began baking cookies at age 11. Consumer Reports just rated Tate's chocolate chip cookies the best in a recent taste testing, noting the "big butter and chocolate flavors and smooth chocolate chips. . . . like a really good homemade cookie."

After being beseeched with customer requests, Tate's introduced gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and brownies earlier this year. The gluten eaters in our house conducted a "Pepsi Challenge" of sorts (for those of you old enough to remember that ad campaign), and actually preferred Tate's gluten-free cookies to the bakery's conventional ones. The ingredient profiles are practically identical, with semi-sweet chocolate chips leading the way in the thin, snappy cookies. (The gluten-free version contains rice flour.) The gluten-free sweets are made in a facility that processes gluten-containing foods, but are made separately from the bakery's other products.

In Philadelphia, Tate's gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are sold at Klein's Supermarket (2401 Pennsylvania Ave., 215-232-1120) and at Di Bruno Bros. (1730 Chestnut St., 215-665-9220). Young's Produce in Havertown (170 W. Eagle Rd., 610-449-2122) also carries the cookies. Both the cookies and brownies are available for online ordering directly from Tate's. Readers can save 15% on online orders through December 15 (at midnight Eastern) with discount code BLOGGER.

Tate's has offered one lucky Gluten Free Philly reader a prize pack consisting of three packages of gluten-free cookies and three gluten-free brownies. To enter, leave a comment to this post or on the Gluten Free Philly Facebook page about what other kind of gluten-free cookie you'd like to see from Tate's. Follow Tate's Bake Shop on Twitter or like the bakery's Facebook page (and mention that you've done so in your comment) and you'll get an extra entry.

Some brief guidelines: (1) please do not enter unless you or a family member is on a gluten-free diet; (2) one comment per person; (3) U.S. residents only. Most important is to make sure your comment provides a way for me to contact you, if not entering via Facebook. If your comment does not link back to an email address, blog or website through which I can get in touch with you (some past entrants have blocked their Blogger profiles), post your email address in the comment in the following format: "name[at]domain[dot]suffix."

The giveaway runs now through Sunday, December 4 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. I’ll select one winner the next day via random.org and will contact him or her by email or through Facebook, depending on method of entry. If I don’t hear back from the person with his or her mailing address by the following Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern, I’ll select another name.

Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: Tate's Bake Shop is offering the prize pack. Neither I am nor any immediate family member is an employee, officer, director or agent of Tate's Bake Shop or its respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, advertising and promotional agencies. My full Disclosure Policy can be found at the blog's Disclosure page.

News & Notes: November 18, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:58:59 PST

If you're not making your own gluten-free desserts for Thanksgiving, be sure to get out this weekend and grab your favorites before the stores sell out. Local Whole Foods Markets have a variety of pies, stuffing cubes and cornbread along with delicious pumpkin cheesecakes from Moondance Heavenly Desserts.

Staying with the turkey theme (work with me here), the new Bobby's Burger Palace in Cherry Hill, which I reviewed this week, serves up gluten-free turkey, chicken and beef burgers. We brought our own gluten-free bun to sandwich the patty, but hopefully the chain will consider having them on hand in the future.

Square 1682, the New American eatery at the Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia (121 S. 17th St., 215-563-5008), has a gluten-free dinner menu.

The area's only Roly Poly, in Mount Laurel (4070 Dearborn Circle, 856-231-0615), offers sandwiches made with La Tortilla Factory's gluten-free wraps.

Gluten-free items are noted on the menus at Doylestown's Knight House (96 W. State St., 215-489-9900). Thanks to reader Richard S. for the heads-up.

Levittown residents, Fiore's Paesano's Pizzeria (1253 Woodbourne Rd., 215-547-5353) has brought gluten-free pizza to your nabe.

Cheese ravioli and other gluten-free options are available at Romanelli's Garden Cafe in Galloway (279 S. New York Rd., 609-652-0179).

Marc Vetri's Amis trattoria in Philly's WashWest section (412 S. 13th St., 215-732-2647) now has a gluten-free menu.

In addition to pizza, the Seasons Pizza location on Route 202 in Wilmington (3901 Concord Pike, 302-478-2009) has expanded its gluten-free menu to include chicken and eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, baked ziti and cheese calzones.

Reader Dan let me know that the J.B. Dawson's location in Drexel Hill has closed.

Through the end of 2011, Sweet Christine's Gluten-Free Bakery in Kennett Square is offering free shipping on online orders of $25 or more.

Wegmans will be giving the Whole Foods in North Wales some competition for the gluten-free dollar, although it may not be until 2013. The family-owned supermarket chain plans to open at the Montgomery Mall at the site of the former Boscov's department store.

Amy's Kitchen has several new gluten-free products hitting stores next month: three vegan wraps made with rice flour and a broccoli & cheddar bake bowl.

The Philadelphia Gluten Free Pasta Ravioli Company will debut its new gnocchi mixes at Di Bruno's (1730 Chestnut St., 215-665-9220) with a sampling this Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A gnocchi shaping tool is free with purchase.

After you've finished all of the Thanksgiving dinner leftovers, head to The Bards Irish Pub on Rittenhouse Square (2013 Walnut St., 215-569-9585) on Sunday, November 27 for a gluten-free dinner event beginning at 3 p.m. Brian Kovalchuk, the president and CEO of Bard's Beer, will be on hand for a meet-and-greet.

The Philadelphia Gluten-Free Supper Club will reconvene for dinner and a holiday cookie exchange at The Silverspoon in Wayne on Thursday, December 8. For more information, email reader Daria D.

Have a great weekend and a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The Sultan of Sling

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:18:00 PST

The Cherry Hill Mall has come a long way from the days when Houlihan's was the signature restaurant. The oldest indoor shopping center east of the Mississippi River is now ringed by eateries of many stripes, from a high-end steakhouse to a faux Caribbean hideaway.

The newest addition to the mix is Bobby's Burger Palace (2000 Route 38, 856-382-7462), serving comfort food from celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The Cherry Hill location is the chain's eighth (a spot in University City opened last year) and sits alongside Seasons 52 and Bahama Breeze.

As customers snake their way through the ordering line, an oversized menu on the wall provides the list of options. Burgers, whether beef, ground turkey or chicken, can be made "topless" - without bread - and fashioned with cheese, vegetables and condiments of choice. Ordering a sandwich "crunchified" nets you kettle-cooked potato chips atop the burger.

Despite pleas from other members of our Philadelphia sports-loving family, our older son went for a medium-well Dallas Burger ($7.75), crusted with spices and crowned with coleslaw, Monterey Jack cheese, BBQ sauce and pickles. (Rest assured there is a Philadelphia Burger, made with provolone cheese, grilled onions and hot peppers.) We brought along an Udi's gluten-free burger bun, and he simply ported the ingredients onto the bread. The manager we spoke with assured us that the kitchen is familiar with gluten-free food preparation and takes care to avoid cross-contamination.

The partially open kitchen has three separate fryers, one each for the gluten-free, thin-cut french fries and sweet potato fries ($3.00) and one for onion rings. The sweet potato variety is served with a spicy honey-mustard horseradish sauce, while the old standbys come with a ramekin of creamy fry sauce.

While the Palace also serves up milkshakes to chase the burgers, they're made in the same blenders as malteds, so we stayed away from those.

Seating was at a premium when we went - less than a week after opening day - and given that the food is both tasty and relatively inexpensive, I expect that to be the case for a while. I recommend that if you're in a party of multiple people, at least one group member should stake out a table while others stay behind to place the order.

News & Notes: November 11, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:18:00 PST

To market, to market to buy a . . . gluten-free bread? The target date is December 1 for the opening of the region's newest gluten-free bakery, located at Philadelphia's venerable Italian Market. Toté (1024 S. 9th St., 215-551-5511), taking over the spot formerly occupied by Mexican luncheonette Loncheria Lupita, will focus at the outset on items like fresh breads, rolls and pizza pies. The owners also plan to offer hard-to-find packaged gluten-free products. To boot, it's a few doors down from Paesano's Philly Style, where you can grab a gluten-free sandwich.

Earlier this week, I shared the news that Wegmans markets will carry gluten-free Christmas sweets from Schar, including panettone. Several readers set me straight that spekulatius - the spiced windmill cookies also being offered by Wegmans - are Dutch, not German. The windmill part should have clued me in, but in my defense Wikipedia distinguishes between German Spekulatius and Dutch Speculaas. The German variety is made with baker's ammonia, which is used in the Schar product.

Redstone American Grill in Marlton (500 Route 73 S., 856-396-0332) and Plymouth Meeting (512 W. Germantown Pike, 610-941-4400) now has a gluten-free menu. My wife and kids ate at the Marlton spot yesterday and had a great meal there.

In West Chester, i-Pasta (134 E. Gay St., 484-887-0760) has gluten-free pasta.

Mama Palma's is the latest restaurant to bring gluten-free pizza to Center City Philadelphia (2229 Spruce St., 215-735-7357). Hat tip to reader Kathryn M. for posting the news on Facebook.

Jules Thin Crust, which makes a phenomenal gluten-free pizza in Jenkintown, Newtown and Doylestown, announced that a new location will open on the Main Line in Wayne next Spring.

Gluten-free cookies and cupcakes from allergen-friendly bakery Sweetness are now available at Christopher's in Wayne (108 N. Wayne Ave., 610-687-6558).

Princeton Soup & Sandwich Company (30 Palmer Square E., 609-497-0008) has picked up The Grain Exchange's gluten-free desserts.

InFusion Coffee & Tea in Mt. Airy (7133 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1718) has gluten-free baked goods from Main Line Baking Company and The Little Bakery. Thanks to reader Annsley K. for the tip.

Reader Shari S. let me know that gluten-free sugar cones are now at Benjamin's Best in Old City (401 Chestnut St., 215-829-9510).

Philly's own Monica Glass, the pastry chef at Center City bistro 10 Arts, is leading a gluten-free holiday cooking class at Sur La Table in King of Prussia on Monday December 5. The menu includes brown butter bourbon biscotti, chocolate crinkle cookies, shortbread thumbprints and gingersnaps. Registration is available on the store's event page.

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:18:01 PST

Now that the monthly calendar is turned to November, neighborhood jack-o'-lanterns have been replaced with signs commemorating the next major holiday . . . Election Day. I kid, I kid. (Do go vote today, though.) Soon enough, many of us will be decking the halls with boughs of holly and shopping for the perfect Christmas tree.

If you grew up celebrating Christmas with relatives from "the old country," then you probably remember homemade sweets like Italian panettone bread or German Spekulatius cookies. Wegmans markets are now exclusively featuring gluten-free versions of these and other European holiday favorites made by Schar:

Panettone (Italian Christmas Cake)
Chocolate Chip Panettone (Chocolate Chip Italian Christmas Cake)
Fantasia (Yellow Cake)
Cioccolini (Double Chocolate Cookies)
Fior di Sole (Ring Cookies)
Spekulatius (Spiced Windmill Cookies)
Lebkuchen (Chocolate Covered Gingerbread)

Customers can find them in the Nature's Marketplace section of the store while supplies last.