Attention Gluten-Free shoppers

Photo/GlutenFreeGardenState

ShopRite of Marlton is hosting its Gluten Free Festival tomorrow, 10 a.m . to 2 p.m., with lots of food samples, health information and grocery assistance. 

According to a ShopRite spokeswoman, the event features in-store dietician Ashley Cully and pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Ritu Verma. The latter is director of the Center for Celiac Disease at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and I had the pleasure of meeting at the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo last month.

Partying for a good cause: NYC

The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center is bringing its party to New York City.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the Friends of the Center: NYC Launch Party is being held 6-9 p.m. at the EVR Lounge (54 W. 39th St.). The public is invited.

As expected, there will be gluten-free foods, including Margherita pizzas from Don Antonio by Starita and a variety of appetizers. (Some of the city's gluten-free bakeries are among those represented.) A one-hour open bar (6-7 p.m.) will be hosted by Devotion Vodka.

Tri-State answers gluten-free call

Gluten-Free Chicken Enchilada Soup

The Tri-State Food Expo wasn't supposed to be a research opportunity for this blog. It just turned out that way. 

Held last week at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, the event was intended to highlight emerging trends, the latest innovations and new products within the food industry. I was happy (but not so surprised) to learn that "gluten-free" is one of the biggest trends in the grocery and food service industries. 

Partying for a good cause: Philly

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a fund raising gala in the City of Brotherly Love.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, the anniversary celebration stars 6:30 p.m. in the Arts Ballroom at 1324 Locust Street. The party features gluten-free foods (of course), a silent auction and the recognition of 10 honorees that have contributed to the non-profit organization's mission.

According to the foundation, it has been the most prominent voice for restoring health and reclaiming lives for those with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders, since 2003. Their education efforts have facilitated a nearly 15% increase in diagnosis of the disorder. In recognizing the needs of the growing population of individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten-