The upcoming Wicked Gluten-Free Expo and Food Festival is a much-anticipated event for those with gluten sensitivities and dietary restrictions. This Saturday, over 100 vendors, purveyors, restaurants, and bakeries will gather at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, offering a wide range of celiac-safe and gluten-free options for the entire family. The event, founded by Abby Helman Kelly, has been a staple in New England since 2016 and is now making its way to Philadelphia, a city known for its vibrant gluten-free community.
What makes this expo truly special is the variety of food options available. From fried chicken to pizza, chocolate eclairs to pierogi, attendees can indulge in gluten-free rarities without any worries. And for those who want to bring the gluten-free experience home, there will be gluten-free flour and baking mixes available for purchase. Kelly mentions that some attendees even bring coolers to stock up on their favorite items.
But the expo is more than just a food festival. It's also an educational event, with chefs demonstrating different ways to make gluten-free bread and vendors offering tips, brands, and recipes. Nonprofits and community resources, such as Beyond Celiac and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Celiac Center, will be present to provide valuable information and support. Kelly encourages families to attend, especially those with young ones who may have food sensitivities.
The expo will feature both national and local brands, including well-known names like Jovial Foods and Make It GF, as well as local favorites like Skip’s Chicken, The Greater Knead, and The Happy Mixer Gluten Free Bakery. One notable business making an appearance is A&A Soft Pretzel, which has been operating since 1929 and has been making gluten-free pretzels since 2020 due to the pandemic. Owner Anthony Panara had to experiment with various recipes and even create his own gluten-free flour blend to perfect the pretzel recipe, which now doesn't contain any dairy, soy, preservatives, or wheat. The success of the gluten-free pretzels led to the opening of a gluten-free storefront in Oaklyn.
LesbiVeggies, a local vegan and gluten-free food business, will also be featured at the expo. Owner and chef Brennah Lambert, who is attending the event for the first time, is excited to showcase her inclusive menu, catering to people with dietary restrictions who often face limited options when eating out. She plans to cook her popular lemon poppy seed pancakes and Calabrian cornbread with oyster mushrooms live at the expo, offering a unique and tasty experience.
In my opinion, the Wicked Gluten-Free Expo and Food Festival is a much-needed celebration of inclusivity and culinary creativity. It provides a day of relaxation and enjoyment for those with dietary restrictions, allowing them to indulge in a variety of gluten-free options without any worries. Kelly's enthusiasm and dedication to creating a special day for the community are commendable, and the event's success in New England has undoubtedly contributed to its growing popularity in Philadelphia. This expo is a testament to the power of community and the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs.
