Schooled at the Alumni Grill

The Alumni Grill is my new go-to place for quick, summer eats in Wildwood.

Located on Pacific Avenue, just a couple of blocks from Mariner's Landing on the boardwalk, the Alumni offers a decent gluten-free menu in a fun, school-themed atmosphere. For gluten-free foods, it relies on a dedicated fryer from April 1 to Sept. 28. (It has only limited hours during the off-season, during which the dedicated fryer is not used.)

A Pizza Hut take-out

Photo/GFGardenState

Pizza Hut launched its gluten-free initiative earlier this week, and days later, I had my first opportunity try a pie.

My experience was pleasantly surprising, yet not over-the-moon satisfying. Quite frankly, I had low expectations going in. Having not eaten at Pizza Hut in many years, I was happy to discover a decent product that was better than a typical pizza chain of the corporate kind.

Smashburger joins growing market 'trend'

Image/Udi's Gluten Free

The fast-casual restaurant chain Smashburger has added gluten-free burgers (and buns) to its menu, thanks to a partnership with Udi’s Gluten Free and a reformulation of its meat seasonings.

In a formal announcement made last month, Smashburger spokesmen said Udi’s gluten-free buns will be available at all U.S. locations, which includes 20 in New Jersey. 

Smashburger’s founder and chief concept officer Tom Ryan cited the gluten-free lifestyle as an “emerging consumer trend” in the food service industry, and a desire to meet the demands of those potential customers. According to the company, the gluten-free market has grown more than 200 percent since 2010.