A4A10 Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards

A4A10 Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards: Part 2

Most Awesome Journalist
Renegade Kitchen
Watch out! Renegade Kitchen is on the job! Turn around and you have a Flip camera in your face and you are being interviewed by Dan a.k.a. Renegade Kitchen. Not only is Dan an awesome interviewer, he is also the chef behind the NFCA demo cooking videos. His videos of the Appetite for Awareness day should be up on his site soon, with an impromptu interview with yours truly. Here is a picture of Renegade Kitchen interviewing cookbook author Silvana Nardone and her son Isaiah, the one and only from "Cooking With Isaiah".





Most Deserving of Cheerleaders and a Fan Club
Jill Brack of Glow Gluten Free
I have had the pleasure of attending many events with Jill since we met in September and we are quickly becoming good friends. Jill is dynamic, friendly, humble yet extremely passionate about her products with so much gluten-free love going into these gluten-free cookies. Jill really should always be followed by a band of Glow Cheerleaders!





Most Likely to Make You Cry (in a good way)
Soft Pretzels by Tonya's Gluten Free Kitchen
I never had a gluten-free soft pretzel. EVER. Tonya's Gluten Free Kitchen is the only vendor table that I went back to FOUR times to get samples. Gluten-free pretzels that are soft, warm, and covered with just he right amount of salt equals major delicious points in my book. I literally wanted to cry after trying these pretzels. They were that good.





Best Sandwiches of the Day
Rudi's Gluten Free Bakery
You all already know I am a fan from my Tuesday blog post, but Rudi's seriously made some outstanding sandwiches at the Appetite for Awareness event. They had grilled cheese in the main hall and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the Children's Pavilion. For those that did not venture to the kids section, you definitely missed out! I am not usually a PB&J fan, but these sandwiches were delicious. They also had Amie, of The Healthy Appple, at the table and her positive energy about Rudi's was contagious.




Coolest New Travel Product
Rebecca & Devyn's Gluten Free to Go
I think these are a really great idea. These "to go" packages take some of your favorite allergy-free snacks and put them into one resealable package. Some snacks include Enjoy Life cookies, Stretch Island Fruit Company fruit strips, Yummy Earth Organic Peppermints and more. They are perfect for traveling, car rides, or even trips to the park with your kids. These Gluten Free to Go packs are a quick and convenient way to grab safe and allergy-free food on the run.

Gluten Free to Go was founded as a way to live simply and safely with food allergies and still have a normal life. Whether you are a busy mom or a business professional on the go, enjoy our allergy friendly snack packs, gluten-free and available free of the top 8 allergens (wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, and soy).

A4A10 Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards

There were so many awesome gluten-free vendors and restaurants at the Appetite for Awareness event this past weekend, that I decided to give out my very first Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards. Congratulations to all of the winners!

A4A10 Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards: Part 1

Best Restaurant Plate
Braised veal cheek with marsala wine, caramelized Vidalia onion, and pancetta from Butcher & Singer
I don't usually eat veal, but this was delicious. Chef Anthony says "Veal cheeks are a great item to use in a braised dish because of their great flavor and texture. It is a cut of meat that rarely dries out. Most braised meats at some point begin to shred apart and become dry if they are cooked too long. As will cheeks, but because of the higher amount of gelatin that it naturally has it is able to maintain great texture and stay moist for a longer period of time."

Chef Anthony Goodwin attended the Philadelphia Restaurant School, where he learned the importance of proper technique and execution. Shortly after graduating, he worked as a line cook at Chef Georges Perrier’s Brasserie Perrier, and was quickly promoted to sous chef and, subsequently, executive sous chef. After almost 5 years, Goodwin desired a change and moved to the modern Italian restaurant, Avenue B, and later served as chef de cuisine at Bliss for 5 years. During his tenure, Bliss was named “Best New Restaurant of 2004” by Esquire magazine. In 2008, Goodwin joined Starr Restaurants’ Pod and in April 2010 became the executive chef of Butcher and Singer, another Starr Restaurant. Recently, Philadelphia magazine awarded Butcher and Singer the title of “Best Steakhouse of 2010.”





Best Palette Cleanser
Mojito Sorbet from Pure Gourmet
After so many plates from the Philadelphia chefs, this sorbet was a really refreshing flavor. I hope Pure Gourmet starts distribution in New York City soon.

Pure Gourmet Sorbets are bold and intense frozen specialty desserts created by international food icon, Chef Georges Perrier for the patrons of his world-famous restaurant, Le Bec Fin.





Biggest and Best Gluten-Free Product Line
Schär
I have already blogged about my love of all Schär products. I seriously never had a Schär product that I didn't like. The table was hosted by Anne Lee, Schär's Director of Nutritional Services, who is always friendly and knowledgeable.





Most "Normal" Display of The Day
Dietz & Watson/The Grainless Baker Hoagie Station
Call them hoagies, subs, grinders, sandwiches, or whatever else you want but just look at this spread!!! These sandwiches were on The Grainless Baker hoagie rolls and were stacked with Dietz & Watson cold cuts and condiments. This looks like your every day catering plate except there is one big difference, it is all gluten-free! I took one for the road and ate it while stuck in traffic. So delicious and so "normal" looking. Even your most gluten-eating friends would have enjoyed these sandwiches.





Best Way to Wash Down the Samples
Bard's Beer
A favorite of mine. I am excited about increased distribution to bars and restaurants in New York City. Bard's is a gluten-free, American Lager made from sorghum, yeast, hops and water—contains no wheat, barley, rye or oats and is naturally gluten-free. The taste is rich and refreshing.



Stay tuned for more Gluten-Free Fun Vendy Awards tomorrow!