Restaurant Review

Review: SouthHouse (Philadelphia, PA)

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

A Gluten-Free Friendly Stop in South Philly

⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

After picking my daughter up from the airport, we made a much-needed dinner stop at SouthHouse in Philadelphia, and I’m really glad we did.

SouthHouse describes itself as a neighborhood dive-style sports bar, and that vibe comes through right away: casual, welcoming, and perfect for comfort food after a long day. What stood out to me most, though, was how thoughtfully they accommodate gluten-free diners.

Gluten-Free Options That Matter

We ordered cheesesteaks and burgers, and I truly appreciated that SouthHouse offers:

  • Gluten-free buns for their smashburgers
  • Gluten-free hoagie rolls for cheesesteaks
  • A dedicated fryer, which is huge if you’re gluten-free

Knowing that cross-contamination was taken seriously made the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The Real Standout: Fries & Tater Tots

While the sandwiches were solid and filling, the real stars of the night were the fries and tater tots. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and fried in that dedicated fryer – they absolutely delivered. Portions were generous, too; we all ended up taking leftovers home.

If I’m being completely honest, I’d go back just for their app menu. Those fries and tots alone are worth the visit.

Service & Food Notes

Although the restaurant was not very crowded, the service was slow. We did take some time deciding what to order since we had so many gluten-free choices available – something that doesn’t happen often, but even factoring that in, the wait felt longer than expected.

The cheesesteak was a bit dry and definitely needed more Cheese Whiz. In hindsight, I should have asked for extra Whiz, as the portion provided wasn’t quite enough to balance the meat and roll.

Final Thoughts

SouthHouse earns 3 stars from me. While the sandwiches didn’t fully stand out and the service lagged, the gluten-free options, dedicated fryer, and standout fries and tater tots make this a place I’d still return to, especially for appetizers. For anyone eating gluten-free in South Philly, it remains a solid option, just not a must-visit.

SouthHouse
2535 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
📞 267-314-5937
📧 southhousephilly@gmail.com

🔗 Learn more: https://southhousephilly.com/

Restaurant Review: P.S. & Company (Philadelphia, PA)

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

While in Philadelphia, I stopped by P.S. & Co. after a recommendation from Felim (@feedmefey), specifically to try their cinnamon rolls. Since I was already in the city that morning, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see if they lived up to the hype.

They absolutely did.

P.S. & Co. is a renowned organic, vegan, and gluten-free bakery and café in Philadelphia, and the care they put into their food is immediately noticeable. The cinnamon rolls were outstanding – soft, rich, and perfectly spiced with just the right balance of sweetness. The texture was spot on and satisfying with every bite. Even without being heated at the restaurant, the flavor held beautifully, which speaks to the quality and freshness of the pastry.

Because I had a 45-minute drive back to Maryland, I chose to take them home boxed rather than warmed. Reheating them myself was simple, and they tasted just as indulgent once warmed. The cinnamon flavor came through without being overpowering, and the icing was smooth and generous without overwhelming the roll.

What made the experience even better was the personal touch. The owner, Andrea Kyan, was at the counter helping me with my order, and she was incredibly friendly and genuinely enthusiastic. Her warmth and passion for what she does made the visit feel welcoming and memorable.

These cinnamon rolls also traveled surprisingly well, something not all pastries can claim. They held their structure and flavor beautifully and made for a perfect weekend treat at home. They were a hit with my kids.

If you’re in Philadelphia and looking for a cinnamon roll that delivers on flavor, quality, and experience, especially within the organic, vegan, and gluten-free space, P.S. & Co. is absolutely worth a visit.

P.S. & Co.
1706 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

https://psandco.com/

📞 + 1.215.985.1706
✉️ info@psandco.com

Review: Seacrets: Jamaica USA – Ocean City, Maryland

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Ocean City Memories & Seacrets for Dinner

The kids and I drove two hours to Ocean City, Maryland, a beach town that holds a special place in my heart. I lived here in the late 1990s during an internship at a local advertising business, so returning felt nostalgic – it felt like I was returning home. We arrived around 3 PM on a slightly gloomy day. Since it’s off-season, the town was peaceful and uncrowded, though many shops were closed. My kids loved seeing where I used to live.

We kicked off our visit with a barefoot walk along the beach, hunting for seashells, then warmed up at Java Beach Cafe • Bakery. I enjoyed my usual hot chai latte (it’s my go-to wherever I go). The Ocean City Boardwalk is impressively long, about 30 blocks, but with night falling, we only made it to around 10th Street before turning back.

For dinner, we went to Seacrets, which I hadn’t visited in nearly three decades. The food was outstanding, and the menu clearly marked gluten-free options. Since I’m allergic to chicken, I swapped the Cobb Salad’s chicken for shrimp, and it was massive and delicious. I ate almost the entire salad, except for two halves of a hard-boiled egg that my daughter cheekily stole!

We’ll definitely return, especially since my older son wasn’t with us. He would have loved it just as much.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars for: food, quality, and service. It was a bit pricey, but the quality is well worth it.

Seacrets
117 49th St
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 524-4900
seacrets.com

Review: Steak & Main – North East, Maryland

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment
New York Strip
Filet Mignon with a
Loaded Baked Potatoe
Filet Mignon Meatloaf
Eagles Roll
Maryland Roll
Wasabi Love Roll
Philly Roll
Expresso Martini

A 5-Star Birthday Dinner at Steak & Main

For my daughter’s birthday, we headed to Steak & Main — a place we’d heard amazing things about — and the experience truly delivered. Even though the restaurant doesn’t require dressing up, we did anyway because that’s my daughter’s birthday tradition. It added a fun, elegant touch that set the tone for the night.

We had a table of six, and everyone ordered something different, which made it easy to get a feel for the menu. Three of us ordered sushi, and the plates that came out looked like something from a top-tier sushi house — fresh, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. Two of us chose steaks that were cooked perfectly, tender and full of flavor. And one person ordered the filet mignon meatloaf, which turned out to be surprisingly incredible comfort food with a fine-dining twist.

As for gluten-free options, the menu wasn’t clearly marked, but our server was extremely helpful. She walked us through the menu and let me know exactly what was safe for us to order. It made a huge difference, and everything we chose was flavorful, safely prepared, and absolutely worth it.

The service, the food, and the atmosphere all came together for a night that felt special from start to finish. Steak & Main is a definite 5-star experience, and we left already talking about what we want to try next time.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

Overall Experience: From the food to the service to the celebration vibes, Steak & Main delivered a perfect night. Truly worth every star.

Food: Every dish was incredible. The sushi was fresh, perfectly presented, and full of flavor. The steaks were tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The filet mignon meatloaf was a delightful surprise — rich, savory, and memorable.

Gluten-Free Options: The menu wasn’t clearly marked, but our server walked us through everything we could safely eat. Every gluten-free dish was thoughtfully prepared and delicious.

Service: Our server, Angelina M. was attentive, friendly, and made the experience effortless.

Atmosphere: Even without dressing up, the restaurant has a warm, inviting vibe. Dressing up for my daughter’s birthday made it feel extra special.

Steak & Main
107 S Main St
North East, MD 21901
410-287-3512
https://steakandmain.com/

Review: Jersey Mike’s – Newark, Delaware

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

As someone with a gluten allergy (and with children who are also gluten-free), finding a sandwich shop that truly understands cross-contamination precautions can be a challenge. Normally, we skip sandwich places altogether since gluten-free rolls are rarely an option, but at Jersey Mike’s, things were different.

I recently took my sons to Jersey Mike’s to try out their subs on Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread, and we were genuinely impressed. The guys behind the counter went above and beyond to make sure our order was safe. They were friendly, accommodating, and clearly knowledgeable about the steps needed to avoid cross-contamination. It immediately put us at ease and made us feel welcome, something that’s not always the case when dining out gluten-free.

At Jersey Mike’s, you can choose from two gluten-free bread sizes: Regular and Giant. We went with the Regular size this time since each of us ordered separate sandwiches. However, if we end up getting the same sandwich next time, the Giant size would be a better deal financially. It’s large enough to split in half and share, saving money without compromising flavor.

The meat and cheeses were freshly sliced right in front of us, which added to the quality and freshness of our sandwiches. The bread held up nicely (which isn’t always the case), had a good texture, and the fillings were fresh. While mine was a bit on the dry side and could’ve used a little more mayo, that was an easy fix with an extra mayo packet. Overall, it was a satisfying meal and a positive experience from start to finish.

Jersey Mike’s uses Udi’s pre-packaged gluten-free rolls, baked off-site to minimize risk, and they follow clear protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While a shared kitchen always carries some level of risk, from what I saw, they took every precaution seriously.

For anyone living gluten-free who misses a good deli-style sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is definitely worth a visit. We’ll absolutely be going back.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

  • +1 star for excellent gluten-free awareness and precautions
  • +1 star for friendly, accommodating service
  • +1 star for freshness (meats and cheeses sliced in front of you)
  • +1 star for availability of gluten-free bread in both sizes
  • –1 star for the sandwich being a bit dry and needing more mayo

Location Visited:
Jersey Mike’s Subs
1107 S. College Ave
Newark, DE 19713
📞 (302) 454-7100
🕙 Open 7 Days a Week: 10 AM – 9 PM

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

For over a year, my kids and I have been on a mission to find authentic gluten-free Pad Thai on the East Coast. We tried multiple restaurants in Newark, Delaware, and while some were good, none captured the flavors we remembered from living in Lake Tahoe, California. Gluten-free options often compromise taste, and we weren’t willing to settle for “just good enough.”

In June, we officially moved to Maryland, but we had already spent time at our new house in October and February before getting everything settled in June. We discovered Ninethai Kitchen 2 in Pennsville, NJ, just last week, and happy we stumbled across it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was a small, family-run operation. At the time of our visit, the restaurant was being run entirely by one person—hosting, serving, and cooking all at once. While this meant that getting attention could be a little slow, it also made the experience feel personal and authentic. You could see how much care and effort went into every dish.

We ordered the Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup, both gluten-free. We requested spice level 3 out of 5 for the Pad Thai, and it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavors. The Pad Thai itself was rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced, with the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors we had been longing for. The Tom Kha soup was equally delicious, creamy with just the right touch of lemongrass, coconut, and lime, which is a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

Although service was limited due to the solo operation, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The cozy atmosphere and the dedication of the chef made the experience feel unique and authentic, and it was clear that every dish was prepared with love and expertise. Sharing this meal with my kids was a joy, and we all savored each bite and appreciated the flavors that reminded us of our Lake Tahoe days.

Overall, I would give Ninethai Kitchen 2 four stars. The food is outstanding, and the flavors are truly authentic, especially for gluten-free options. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is that service can be limited when one person is running the entire operation. However, the Pad Thai, with its perfect heat, and the Tom Kha soup were so delicious that they more than made up for any wait.

If you’re in Pennsville, NJ, craving authentic Thai food with gluten-free options, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small, cozy spot with incredible flavors, and we are already planning our next trip. Whether you’re a family, a Thai food lover, or gluten-free, Ninethai Kitchen 2 delivers an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

📍 Location:
Ninethai Kitchen 2 (previously sang tong thai – Located in: Cranberry Plaza)
233 S Broadway • Pennsville, NJ 08070
📞 (856) 726-2803

You can also order online at: orderninethaikitchen.com

Review: The Salt House – New Hope, PA

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

I went to New Hope, PA, for my cousin’s birthday, and we decided to dine at the Salt House, a charming, historic restaurant nestled in the heart of the town. Built in 1751, this stone landmark exudes old-world character with its cozy, intimate interior that feels like stepping back in time.

The Salt House offers seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients, described on their website as “creative and elevated pub fare served in a 1751 stone building that feels straight out of a fairytale.” My cousin and I are both Celiac, so we asked plenty of questions and appreciated how patient and accommodating the staff were. We both ordered the Maine Salmon with Mango, Bell Pepper, and Haricot Verts green beans, but requested it without the Mango/Bell Pepper chutney since it contained bell peppers, which I have a major sensitivity to.

I have to say, kudos to the chef since I’ve never had restaurant salmon cooked so perfectly before. Crispy edges, tender center, and incredible flavor. The portion was generous, and I left completely satisfied.

I gave The Salt House 4 out of 5 stars because the gluten-free menu options were limited, but what they do offer for those with dietary restrictions delivers big, bold flavors that make it worth the visit. It was a lunch to remember, and if I ever find myself back in New Hope, the Salt House will absolutely be on my list again.

📍 Location:
Salt House
7 East Ferry Street, New Hope, PA 18938
📞 (267) 740-7908
📧 info@thesalthouse.com

Review: P.F. Chang’s – Christiana Mall, Newark, DE

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My daughter and I had a full day of errands and found ourselves near the Christiana Mall. Back when we lived in Tahoe, we had several favorite restaurants — one in particular made an amazing Gluten Free Pad Thai that became our go-to dish. Since moving to the East Coast, though, finding good gluten free Asian food has been a real challenge.

We tried a restaurant back in February that left us unimpressed — the Pad Thai was just “meh.” So the search continued… until now.

I recently discovered that P.F. Chang’s offers a dedicated gluten free menu, and to my surprise, Pad Thai was on it. That alone was enough to convince us to give it a try. From the moment we sat down, the staff was patient, kind, and knowledgeable about gluten free dining. They made sure to answer all of our questions and took great care of us throughout the meal.

The Pad Thai itself was absolutely delicious — perfectly balanced flavors and just the right texture. It was everything I’ve been searching for since leaving Tahoe. While I had originally hoped to find a small, local spot that could satisfy my craving, I’m perfectly happy knowing I can count on P.F. Chang’s whenever the craving strikes.

Menu Description:
A classic approach to rice noodles wok-tossed with egg, tofu, green onion, peanuts, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Protein options include Vegetable, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Combo.

📍 Location:
P.F. Chang’s
331 Christiana Mall
Newark, DE 19702

Review: CAVA – Newark, Delaware

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walking into CAVA instantly gave me a Chipotle vibe, but with a Mediterranean twist. The setup is similar, but the flavors are all their own. I decided to build my own Grain Bowl to keep things gluten-free and started with Saffron Basmati Rice as my base. From there, I added their Tzatziki and signature Crazy Feta® dips, chose the Grilled Steak for protein, and topped it off with Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, and Cherry Tomatoes. A drizzle of Garlic Dressing tied everything together beautifully. The flavors were aromatic, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Most of CAVA’s menu items are naturally gluten-free (with the exception of the pita bread and falafel), and they offer plenty of gluten-free sauces, dressings, and toppings to choose from. You can even check their website or ask a team member for their gluten-free list.

Overall, the food was absolutely delicious, and the experience was easy, fast, and flavorful. I’ll definitely be back to try one of their salads and probably the lamb next time.

Review: SNAP Pizza – Newark, DE

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

My daughter and I stopped into SNAP Pizza in Newark, Delaware for lunch today to give their restaurant a try. SNAP is a local mini-chain known for its customizable pizzas, with a wide selection of sauces, proteins, and veggies. Their setup feels a lot like a sandwich shop assembly line—you move down the counter choosing exactly what you want, and before you’ve even had a chance to sit, your pizza is baked and ready. The quick turnaround was impressive.

Positives: Fast service, fresh/local ingredients, flavorful sauce, good gluten-free crust option, fully customizable.

Since my family and I avoid gluten, I asked about their crust options. I was told the cauliflower crust contained cornstarch, so I opted for their regular gluten-free crust, which is also vegan. It turned out to be a great choice.

I built my own pizza, starting with a Crème Fraîche base, then added shredded mozzarella, feta cheese, sweet Italian sausage, chopped red onions, and fresh local mushrooms. Once baked, they topped it with fresh basil. The crust was thin and crisp, holding up nicely under the toppings, and the flavors came together perfectly. The Crème Fraîche sauce was light and mild, balancing everything without being overpowering.

My only minor complaint was that the pizza wasn’t sliced all the way through, so I struggled a bit cutting it with the plastic knife provided. That aside, the meal was delicious and very enjoyable.

Final Take:
SNAP Custom Pizza is a great spot if you’re looking for fresh, fast, and fully customizable pizza in Newark. Their gluten-free crust is a tasty option for those with dietary restrictions, and the variety of toppings makes it easy to create exactly what you want. Quick service, quality ingredients, and bold flavor combinations make this little pizza shop worth a visit.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Here’s why:

Negatives: Pizza not sliced properly (which impacted the eating experience), plastic knife not strong enough to compensate.

Snap Custom Pizza & Salads
44 E Main St
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 737-6766
https://www.snapcustompizza.com