Still on a Sweet Note

Fresh-made bagels landed in Jersey earlier this fall. The makers, Sweet Note Bakery in Pennsylvania, have now extended their reach to two new locations.

The bakery announced today its deals to supply doughy, holey rounds of gluten-free goodness at a pair of Bagel Talk stores in Central Jersey. They're located at 8 S. Main Street in Marlboro and 3177 Route 9 in Old Bridge.

For more on Sweet Note Bakery, scroll down to my earlier post or find it here: http://gfgardenstate.blogspot.com/2012/10/beginning-on-sweet-note.html

Pop goes the gluten

A popular eatery in Collingswood has introduced its new gluten-free initiative and is holding a celiac awareness fund raiser today to kick things off.

Well known in South Jersey for its grilled cheese sandwiches, The Pop Shop on Haddon Avenue is now offering gluten-free bread for its sandwiches and French toast, as well as GF chicken fingers and fries. The family-friendly restaurant has installed a dedicated fryer for serving its customers with celiac disease and gluten-intolerance.

The Celiac Sprue Association of South Jersey had scheduled a breakfast meeting at the restaurant this morning to show their support. I have yet to sample the fare and have heard mixed reviews. Although some customers have dismissed the food as "greasy," the place has earned a legion of dedicated fans who enjoy the extensive menu of basic American fare. It includes breakfast, burgers and shakes.

The Pop Shop's grilled cheese sandwich was featured on the Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" back in 2008. The celebrity chef visited the store for the show's taping, and lost a grilled cheese challenge to the shop's cooks. That's gotta say something, right?!

Testing the medicinal waters

Here's a chance to do something for the celiac disease community that could improve the quality of life for many of us.

South Jersey Gastroenterology is seeking people diagnosed with celiac disease to participate in a clinical trial. Those who qualify will test the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication.

Researchers want people between the ages of 18 and 75 with diagnoses confirmed by biopsy and lab work more than 12 months prior to entry into the study. They must also have been on a gluten-free diet for 12 months or longer, are still experiencing symptoms when exposed to gluten and are willing to maintain the current diet for the duration of the study.

If you're interested, call 856-552-3618. The office is located on Lippincott Drive in Evesham (aka Marlton).

Helping the food allergy community recover from Sandy

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy and its devastating impact on New Jersey, the GF Garden State family is encouraging donations of allergy-friendly, non-perishable foods for those in need of safe meals. We are in the process of compiling a collection and plan to deliver it on Saturday.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, several New Jersey food allergy support groups have indicated a variety of items needed for those most affected by the storm. They include foods that are gluten-free, peanut-free, milk-free, egg-free, soy-free and/or those without tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios and pecans. Foods devoid of fish or shellfish also are being sought.

If you are able to make a donation, please send any variety of these foods in boxes labeled "Allergy Friendly" to the following food banks:

The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Inc.
3300 Route 66
Neptune, NJ 07753

The Community Food Bank of NJ
31 Evans Terminal
Hillside, NJ 07205

Thank you!