Hot tomato!

Photo/Gluten Free Garden State

Pizza shop owner Giulio Padalino didn't start serving gluten-free foods to appeal to his customers or to jump on a trendy bandwagon. He was instead looking to help his son, who was diagnosed with celiac disease as a child.

That was more than 25 years ago!

Palermo's Ristorante, which has locations in Bordentown, Roebling (aka Florence) and Ewing, has catered to celiac customers longer than most.Although Padalino began stocking celiac-friendly pastas and pizza shells for the family's personal use, he recognized its appeal to some customers early on and has been expanding the menu every since.

Lunch date

Photos by Gluten Free Garden State

I loved Dante’s Italian Deli long before I “met” it.

The River Edge establishment, also known as Dante's Imports, has been supplying the GFGS family with homemade gluten-free raviolis for quite some time, despite this writer having never been there before last week. 

Sold frozen, the taste and texture rival those of leading pasta makers and may even be better.

On a recent visit to the Kinderkamack Road store, which is undergoing an expansion, I noticed the large-print signs in the window promoting its gluten-free wares. My stop yielded a box of Dante’s GF manicotti and a freshly-prepared sandwich that was especially impressive.

Just dessert

All celiacs have been disappointed when they encounter a restaurant or or office party or social gathering where there is absolutely NOTHING gluten-free to eat. On the flip side, we're also pleasantly surprised from time to time, and that's what happened this morning.

My daughter and I arrived at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia about an hour before it opened, so we went across the street to Sister Cities Park. The Milk & Honey cafe had been recommended by academy staff for grabbing a coffee (for me) and a beverage for Bel. Unbeknownst to us, there were gluten-free cheesecake brownies for sale at the counter. (Happy dance!)

All fired up

The Garden State is in full grilling mode and those backyard barbecues can be tricky for celiacs. The Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio has issued a list of tips for parents to keep safe their kids on gluten-free diets.

Photo/National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

The good advice, which is equally valuable for adults, aims to protect celiacs from cross-contamination and ingredients that might be used by hosts who are unfamiliar with the particulars of GF living. Of course, you can host your own gathering at the grill to avoid issues altogether, bring a GF bun or bread for your burger, or offer to contribute a GF dish to share, potluck-style.

Other words of wisdom from the NCH:

Gluten-free: It's what's for breakfast

I got my gluten-free breakfast fix this past weekend with a couple of bagels produced by Pennsylvania wholesaler Sweet Note Bakery. Mine were purchased at Mount Laurel Bagels & Bakery. The everything bagel with cream cheese was delicious! I also tried the plain version, which was good too. Both required toasting to soften them up a bit, which was recommended by the a staff member who lives gluten-free.

In the few days since my visit, Sweet Note announced they are now delivering to The Bagel Spot on Kings Highway in Cherry Hill. In addition to these spots and the two Bagel Talk locations previously mentioned on this blog, these gluten-free bagels are sold through The Kibitz Room in Cherry Hill, Maidenhead Bagel Co. in Lawrenceville and Blue Plate in Mullica Hill.

Where will they show up next?

Sunny days keeping hunger at bay

I fully expect to have a tough time finding suitable food options when I'm in a place like a theme park, where it's a great inconvenience to leave the premises for a meal. Therefore, it's so nice to find a family-friendly tourist attraction that caters to celiacs. On visits to Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., it certainly surprised me.

"Allergy-friendly" eateries are noted on maps of the park, which is a short drive from Trenton. In addition to gluten-free, they offer special items for visitors with peanut and dairy allergies. While the menu isn't new, it's expanding and its' good for parents with young children to know.

More, more more!

It seems more and more restaurants and mainstream grocery stores are catering to gluten-free consumers. Yay!

Read about the trend and where to dine/shop in Burlington County here: GF Menus and GF Groceries