Gluten-free foods continue to appear in more and more places, from Italian eateries such as Pazzo Ristorante in Mt. Lebanon (where you can get gluten-free beer) to Eat'n Park, which has a gluten-free menu -- even a gluten-free bun.

Pasta Lorenzo, an Italian place with a wood-fired grill in Uniontown, is throwing a dinner to highlight its gluten-free items, including pizza and pasta. Chef Joe Carei, who also owns and operates Caileigh's there, invites guests to sample the fare at a dinner that starts at 6:30 p.m. on Weds., Jan. 27. You'll get gluten-free dessert, too, and discussions led by Chef Carei about gluten intolerance, from conditions such as celiac disease that leave many people unable to digest glutens found in wheat and other grains and used as a food additive. Dinner is $19.95; call 724-437-4440.

Mandy's Pizza, with locations in the North Side and West View, just launched "the best-tasting gluten-free/allergen-free pizza you have ever tasted." As explained on the pizzerias' Web site mandyspizza.com, owners Steven and Veronica Negri have a son with severe food and other allergies for whom they could not find an edible pizza. So he could do more than just smell pizza, they came up with their own recipe that is free of gluten, wheat, soy and milk.

You can get standard cheese pizza with your choice of marinara or garlic sauce (if you're allergic to tomatoes) for $12 (for the 12-inch). Or try spinach and feta; broccoli and feta; or a version of the white pizza.

Mr. Negri notes, "If you are allergic to cheese you can try it topped with garlic-infused olive oil and some great vegetables."

Customers also can pre-order "take-n-bake" gluten-free pizzas to bake at home, and Mr. Negri says they're working on a gluten-free bread and may offer such items at other retail locations, because "with all of the positive response we have received we believe there is an untapped local market need."

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.