Michigan Face-to-Face Gluten Free Support Groups

Kalamazoo Area Support Group –

Monthly support group meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm
They meet at The Cellar at 328 which is the Jaqua Realtors Building.

The address is 328 West Milham Ave, Portage MI 49024.

Find more information at their website. https://www.glutenfreekzoo.org

Jackson Area Support Group

Meets last Monday of the month. They meet from 12-1 pm at the The Arbor Church. The address is 120 E Main St, Spring Arbor MI 49283. Find more information about the South Central Michigan Support Group on the National Celiac Association website. 

Muskegon Support Group
They usually meet the 4th Tuesday of the month, May through August. The May meeting is a Central Park in Grand Haven. Other meetings are usually at Pomona Park in Fruitport, MI.
Meetings are outdoors, so bring a chair. They meet from 6:30- 8 pm.
You can contact them via email for more information.  glutenfree_muskegonarea@yahoo.com

Michigan Based Online Gluten Free Support Groups

• Greater Lansing area Online Support Group
• Greater Grand Rapids Gluten Free Support Group (Lots of great restaurant recommendations!)
• Gluten Free in Metro Detroit FB group
• Celiac Disease in Southeast Michigan
• Gluten Free Ann Arbor Group
• Gluten Free Moms  in O-Town FB Group
• Traverse City Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group
• Gluten Free in Northern Michigan
• Muskegon Area Celiac Support Group
• Kalamazoo Area Celiac Support Group
• Gluten Free Michigan
• Living Gluten Free in Michigan

United States Gluten Free Facebook Groups

• Gluten Free Living and Recipe Share FB Group (United States FB group)
• Gluten Free Recipe Sharing (US Group)
• Gluten Free Aldi US Finds (US Group)
• Gluten Free Costco Finds (US Group)
• Parents of Gluten Free & Celiac Kids (US Group)
• Gluten Free on the Road – Great for travel dining recommendations (US Group)

In-Person Gluten Free Events – US and Canada

• New England Gluten Free Expos –
  • Connecticut, Philadelphia, Massachusetts, New Jersey
  • February, July, September, November (respectively)
• G Free Fest – Rhode Island (March)
• Mai Fest – Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (May)
• Mad Fest – Madison, Wisconsin (June)
• Gluten Free Farmers Market – Denver (Multiple Summer Dates)
  • 2nd Saturday of the Month June – October
• Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp – August
• My Gluten Free World Expo – Sandy, Utah
• Gluten Never Ever Expo – Merrimack, NH
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital Celiac Disease Center Conference 
  • Annually in late October or November
  • While this conference is geared towards parents of children with Celiac Disease, there are very informative presentations.
• National Celiac Association Events Calendar
• Beyond Celiac Events Calendar

Canadian Events

• Gluten Free Garage – Toronto, Canada (May)
• Gluten Free Expo – Vancouver & Calgary, Canada (September) (Calgary in March 2027)
• Gluten Free Goodness Expo – Ancaster, Canada (November)

National & International Celiac Disease Resources and Organizations

• National Celiac Association They offer a free monthly online newsletter. Paid members receive a magazine every quarter. They also hold conferences on the east coast.
• Beyond Celiac is another Celiac Disease advocacy group. They also offer a free newsletter. They were previously called the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
• Gluten Intolerance Group – The Gluten Intolerance Group has a free membership and sends an online magazine. They have support groups in some states, but nothing here in Michigan. This organization operates the GFCO gluten-free certification logo. (The GF inside a circle.) They perform research, publish articles and are a force of advocacy in our community.
• The Celiac Disease Foundation shares research on their website and through their free newsletter. They have a conference in California every year as well.
• Canadian Celiac Association – The main organization offering Celiac Disease resources in Canada.
• Coeliac UK – The main Celiac Disease organization for the United Kingdom.

Doctors and Dietitians I Trust

• Dr Ritu Verma and Staff at Univesity of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. 
• Dr Joseph Murray at Mayo Clinic
• Dr Alessio Fasano at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Boston
• Maureen Leonard at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Boston
• Gluten Free Watchdog
  • Follow her for latest research and updates on gluten-free product labeling. She is not tied to any organization, but is an independent advocate. She truly has the best interest of this community at heart.
• Lori Welstead, R.D. at University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
• Melinda Dennis, R.D, dietitian connected with the National Celiac Association
• Amy Keller R.D.

Phone Apps

• Find Me Gluten Free– The website and phone app is a lifesaver when you are traveling. On their website, you can plug in the zip code of a city that you are visiting and see a display of gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and stores in the area. When you are on your cell phone, the app uses your GPS location to show locations nearest you.
  • A WORD OF CAUTION. This app is meant to be a “starting off” point. Use it for recommendations, but always ask questions about ingredients and food preperation before dining.
  • Traveling and looking for a local resource? Check out my Gluten Free Bloggers of the United States post. 

A Word Of Caution on Grocery Store Scanner Apps

In general, I do not advise relying on them. Product labels and ingredients often change. Those apps rely on input by a few persons, and mistakes can be made. Too often in Facebook groups I see people ask why the scanner marked something unsafe, when it is in fact gluten free. You are better off doing your research and being an informed shopper.

Warning About “Explore Michigan”

I have seen an influx of posts about gluten free options in Michigan on the Explore Michigan page. THIS IS AN AI WEBSITE. It’s a scam. The owners are based in Bosnia, not the US. Their articles are full of incorrect restaurant information and wrong photos. I daresay their list of writers is also made up. See my Facebook post to learn more.

Be Careful Where You Get Your Information

I try to keep things positive, and rarely try to say where NOT to get your information from. However, there is plenty of misinformation on the internet, and it leads to confusion and anxiety. There are a few things I want to make sure you’re aware of.

1. A “health coach” is not the same thing as a registered dietitian. Even those who use the term “nutritionist” are not necessarily a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian has gone through many years of college, training, and independent cerification to show they know important material.
2. See a board certified gastroenterologist. See the person who has studied and specialized in the disease you are trying to alleviate. I wouldn’t go to an eye doctor to perform a hysterecomy. So please get your information from those who have spent the extra years of work studying it.
3. Go for information, not manipulation. Be careful of headlines or articles that seem too good to be true. In addition, be cautious of sites that play on your emotions and lead you to feel fearful or consisently angry. Be wary of sites that use scare tactics such as “Click here for information others aren’t telling you.”
4. Please stay away from Gluten Free Society. Org. It is run by “Dr. Osborne,” but his personal website specifically states (in the small print) “Dr. Osborne is not a medical doctor. He does not treat or diagnose disease. Dr. Osborne is licensed with the Pastoral Medical Association.” (Read this NPR article which explains the concerns around the Pastoral Medical Association.) Mr. Osborne also falsely states on his website that corn, rice teff, milllet and buckwheat are not gluten free.
5. For more on avoiding misinformation, see my post on how to Navigate the Gluten Free Internet.

To make a long story short, you are NOT ALONE on this journey! We are all here to help. What other Celiac Disease resources do you rely on? Please mention them in the comments below, and I may end up adding them to my post!

Originally Published Nov 2012

The post Celiac Disease Resources in Michigan and Beyond appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor is a huge tourist destination in Michigan. Being the home of one of Michigan’s two Big Ten athletic teams, that brings a lot of visitors. In fact, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates 5.6 million people visited there in 2014.

If we figure that 1% of the population has Celiac Disease, we could estimate that 50,000 people are in need of gluten-free dining options while in the area. So to help make your trip a little bit easier, here are my list of top Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions. (Plus two dedicated gluten free bakeries!)

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

My first mention in my Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions is Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Why? Because Zingerman’s is synonymous with the name Ann Arbor. The level of care that they take with their food prep is PHENOMENAL.

With dedicated fryers, toasters and waffle irons, it gives peace of mind while you’re enjoying your meal. I mean, look at those Bits & Grits Waffles?! I wish I had a plate of them right now. Or their a gluten-free fried chicken. Fried Chicken folks! While you’re in the area, make a pit stop at Plum Market across the street for Ethel’s Baking Company treats and other gluten-free goods.

Frita Batidos

I think I’m in love with Frita Batidos. Even though their “fritas” are served bunless for us gluten-free eaters, it may be the most delicious beef patty I’ve ever tasted. Did I mention that their beef is locally sourced?  Their signature fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer. That’s a huge thing for those of us with Celiac Disease.

Their batido milkshakes are wonderful. I could eat my weight in their cajeta, which is made-in-house salted goat’s milk caramel. Cover one of their sweet deep-fried plantains in the stuff and you’ll never want to leave. Add rum to their batidos and it truly is a happy hour. 

Condado Tacos

I’ve visited three different Condado Taco locations, and have had amazing meals every time. The majority of their menu is gluten free, and they have great protocols in place for dietary restrictions. Plus they’re a peanut free and nut free restaurant. Read my review. 

Juicy Kitchen

Ann Arbor is a place with many eclectic flavors and attention to healthy eats. Juicy Kitchen focuses fresh, local food with options for all kinds of eaters. Gluten-free? Check. Vegetarian? Check. Vegan? Yep, that’s covered too.

This delicious gluten-free stuffed French toast is cooked on a dedicated griddle with clean utensils and bowls. Cooks never share the egg wash from the regular French Toast. I highly suggest taking a bite with a bit of strawberry. 

Core Life Eatery

The Core Life Eatery chain recently opened a new location in Ann Arbor. Apart from the bread made off site, everything at Core Life contains no gluten ingredients. You can create your own bowl, or order one of their popular entrees. They also feature some pretty amazing beverages, including hot bone broth.

Anna’s House

This chain of restaurants originally started in Grand Rapids, and opened the Ann Arbor Anna’s House location in 2019. Gluten free meals are prepared in a dedicated prep space with dedicated utensils. While any meal here is stellar, their gluten free breakfast options are phenomenal. Pictured above is their breakfast lasagna.

Buddy’s Pizza

Buddy’s Pizza has many locations across Michigan, including one on Ann Arbor- Saline Rd. Read more about this business in my review.

Tasty Bakery

This 100% gluten free bakery serves up treats at their storefront, and at the Kerrytown Market. Customers also enjoy their treats at local Sweetwater coffee shop locations. To learn more about this unique confectionery, read my interview with Tasty Bakery.

Nirit’s Bakery

This Cottage Law business, Nirit’s Bakery, sells at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Everything they make is gluten, dairy, soy and nut free. 

Blank Slate Creamery

Blank Slate Creamery is an ice cream icon in Ann Arbor. They make all of their own ice cream, and many flavors are gluten free. Gluten Free flavors are clearly labeled. 

Blom Meadworks

Blom Meadworks sells naturally gluten free, alcoholic mead. They often have gluten free snack options, too. 

Other Ann Arbor Gluten-Free Restaurant Suggestions

1. Paesano’s
I’ve heard lots of great things about Paesano’s over the years. A friend recently had dinner there, and enjoyed gluten free pasta and even tiramisu! They even serve gluten free bread. I need to return to Ann Arbor just to visit this restaurant. 

2. Pilar’s Tamales
Pilar’s Tamales is a small Salvadoran restaurant on Liberty St. Corn flour comprises the base of almost every item on the menu. They do make a few non gluten-free desserts. I highly suggest the pupusas stuffed with cheese and loroco flower.

3.  Miki Japanese Restaurant
My friend Jen Burch, from Blue Bear Aware, highly recommended this Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant option to me. The biggest issue for any Asian restaurant is the presence of wheat in soy sauce. She reports that Miki offers gluten-free soy sauce for their dishes. If you get a chance to eat there safely, report back so I know!

4. Totoro

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Totoro has many gluten free sushi options. Gluten free options notated on menu.

5. Stadium Market
Stadium Market isn’t really a restaurant. It’s a party store with a functional kitchen, selling gluten-free pizza and breakfast sandwiches Again, Find Me Gluten-Free has many reviews about this place. I sought the advice of Valarie Mates, the moderator of the online Gluten-Free Ann Arbor Yahoo Group.

She said that it’s “awesome.” Stadium Market reportedly has many gluten-free beers, and sells a selection of Udi’s products. If you can attest to their steps for preventing cross-contact, please let me know!

6. Salt Springs Brewery

Salt Springs Brewery is located in Saline, which is just outside of Ann Arbor. While I have not personally eaten there, I’ve been told they have a dedicated gluten free fryer for fried fish. However, I would check with wait staff before ordering, just to make sure. 

Final Reminders about Eating Gluten Free in Ann Arbor

As always, I suggest calling restaurants prior to dining to ask about gluten free food preparation practices. This allows you to get the best information without staff being distracted during a food rush. Luckily, Ann Arbor is a forward thinking city and there are plenty of options. You can even eat safely at University of Michigan dining commons! And last I knew, there’s a gluten free stand at the football field. 

Where do you look to eat in Ann Arbor? Leave me a note and I’ll be sure to check them out!

**In full disclosure, I was provided free meals at some of these establishments, but that does change my views or my comments.**

The post Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Why I Write Gluten Free Dining Reviews

If there’s one question I get asked more than any other, it’s “I’m going to {city}, where is a good place to eat?” I’m actually honored by that. It means my readers and friends on social media feel I’m a source of accurate information. That’s my goal in all this, and I rely on suggestions from you as well.

Gluten Free in Traverse City, MI

A friend recommended Mama Lu’s in Traverse City to me in the fall of 2016. Therefore, I emailed the owner and had a great conversation about their menu. At that time, they had a dedicated gluten-free fryer and the majority of their menu was gluten-free. They also had excellent reviews on Find Me Gluten Free.

Fast forward to Memorial Day, 2017. One of my good friends was running in the Bayshore Marathon, her first marathon ever. We planned a trip to Traverse City to support. While there, we planned a stop at Mama Lu’s for lunch, which they offered on the house.

The owner was gracious in accommodating the fact that we needed to change our reservations. The hostess was gracious by accommodating my request for a different table, closer to the window. (Think my pictures are great? Natural lighting is totally the key.) In addition, our waitress was gracious in answering our questions.

Practices Can Change- Always Ask About Food Prep

And this is where the reminders and the lesson come in to play. I was sure to double check with our waitress that they still had a dedicated fryer and that majority of Mama Lu’s menu was gluten-free. Glad I asked, because this was no longer true.

Sometime between fall of last year and May of 2017, they changed their menu. Business had been going so well that they could no longer keep a dedicated gluten-free fryer. I failed to double check with the owner before coming, so that’s on me. However, our waitress at Mama Lu’s didn’t miss a beat. She explained what they could do for me differently.

Instead of the fried chicken for their pollo taco, they coated chicken in crushed tortilla chips and baked the chicken. (The chips are prepared off premises and are gluten-free.) It was delicious! My husband said he preferred it to regular fried chicken. Our waitress made sure other fried toppings remained off of our tacos.

Mama Lu’s Street Corn is AMAZING

There are still items on the Mama Lu’s menu that are naturally gluten-free. For example, their street corn. Mama Lu’s rolls their Street Corn in cotija cheese and tops them with lime mayo. These things are addictive.

Mama Lu’s also makes their house guacamole from scratch, made to order. The guacamole had a little more lime in it than I would prefer, but my husband loved every bite. We also enjoyed their agua frescas. My husband had the pineapple and I ordered the strawberry agua fresca. It reminded me of a virgin strawberry daiquiri, and I loved every drop.

Is Mama Lu’s Expensive?

Mama Lu’s prices their tacos individually so you can mix and match. In addition to the pollo taco (which was topped with watermelon and chipotle BBQ), we also ordered the carnita taco and the steak taco.

The steak taco pictured above is topped with corn relish and fresh radish, served on house made corn tortillas. I didn’t get a good picture of the carnita taco, because I devoured it so quickly. (*Note- They served the carnita taco without the crispy garlic. This is because they fry the crispy garlic in the same oil as gluten-containing items.)

Questions to Ask About Gluten Free Food Prep

In conclusion, we had an enjoyable meal at Mama Lu’s. The situation with the menu change is a good reminder to me, and all of us. We must always ask important questions about food safety. Ask if things are made in a dedicated fryer, or if meat is marinated in gluten-containing sauces. Ask if they use a separate cutting board to prepare your gluten-free meal.  

Always read the comments on Find Me Gluten Free, as menus and owners may change. We must always remember that we are responsible for keeping ourselves healthy. If that means choosing to leave someplace if they can’t answer your questions, that’s okay too. (And if you feel comfortable with the answers, but still get sick, try to handle it with grace.)

Be Gracious as Much as Possible

Which leads me to one last important point. I want to be your trusted resource. That being said, I make mistakes too. My reviews are meant to be a guide. Please be sure to verify ingredients and practices on everything you eat.

And can you do me a favor? If I make a mistake, graciously point it out to me, in private where we can have an honest conversation? Click the “Contact” button on the top of the page or send me a direct message through my Facebook page. Let’s agree to help each other out.

Restaurant Location and Contact Information

Mama Lu’s
149 E Front St
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 943-2793
Hours Tuesday-Saturday 12-9 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Have you eaten at Mama Lu’s? What other Mexican restaurants do you love?

Mama Lu’s did not charge us for our meal. However all of my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mama Lu’s is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can view a list of them on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

The post Mama Lu’s – Tacos in Traverse City, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

While dining at restaurants is relaxing for many, doing so with dietary restrictions can be daunting. When you live in a household with multiple food intolerances, it requires a long list of questions. Sometimes it feels like you’re interrogating someone! However, don’t let these concerns stop you from eating outside the comfort of your home.

Tips on Eating Gluten Free at Restaurants

Let’s face it.There are times that the last thing you want to do is cook. You long for the days of picking up a Hot-N-Ready pizza from Little Casear’s and no dirty dishes in the sink. (Or is that just me?) Unfortunately your genetic makeup has decided that isn’t possible. We need to not only stay away from foods that contain gluten, but also be wary of how things are prepared. Here are my tips for a successful dining out experience.

1. Timing Is Everything

It’s always best to call a restaurant before eating out. Don’t call 5 minutes before you walk out the door. Call during their slowest time, usually between 2 and 4 pm. Ask to speak with the head chef or whoever is primarily in charge of the kitchen. Ask if they have a gluten free menu, and how they handle gluten free orders.

Also ask how they prevent cross-contact. Cross-contact, as it pertains to food allergies, happens when one food protein comes in contact with another. For example, when your gluten-free pizza crust gets prepared on top of regular wheat-based flour, it has now been cross-contacted and that pizza is no longer Celiac-safe. Here are some questions to ask your server.

2. Specific Questions to Ask

First, always remember that kindness goes a long way. So often it can feel like an act of interrogation when asking about food prep. The goal is to be Verbal Kint, not Keyser Söze. Meanwhile, there are so many places where gluten can sneak into a dinner. Here are just a few of my top questions.

• Do that have a dedicated space where they prepare all gluten-free food?
• Do they have a dedicated fryer?
• Do they prepare their gluten-free pasta with fresh water and in a completely clean pot?
• Do they have a dedicated griddle for their pancakes, or waffle iron?

This short list is just a beginning. Follow this link for a list of dining questions to ask, broken down by menu type.

3. Walk Away

And remember, if you feel unsafe eating at a restaurant, you have every right to walk out. I’ve had to do it once myself, after they managed to mess up not only my meal, but my husband’s as well. You are the consumer and your health is in your hands.

4. Resources for Finding Gluten Free Restaurants

Restaurant Phone Apps

My favorite gluten-free dining website and smartphone app is Find Me Gluten Free.  The app uses the GPS location on your smartphone and alerts you to restaurants in the area that (may) have safe gluten free options. (You can also search by address.) There are designations for dedicated gluten free restaurant and bakeries, as well.

This is a user supported system, meaning that restaurant listings and reviews are placed on the site by consumers. I tell people to ALWAYS read reviews of any restaurant that you are considering. There might be issues listed in the comments. This app should be a starting spot for research. You must still follow up with food prep questions.

You can also check out my list of Michigan Gluten Free Dining Options. I wrote a Chicago list, too!

Gluten Free Kitchen Training

Some organizations work to make this situation easier. MenuTrinfo and Gluten Intolerance Group both implement restaurant training programs. Seeing their certification seals and logos is a huge help. The Melting Pot is one such restaurant that has gone thru training.

Some hospitals undergo training, which is absolutely necessary. Believe it or not, I feel that hospitals are the worst in accommodating Celiac Disease. Therefore, I ALWAYS recommend you always have another person present to speak up for your food needs. Also see this post from Amy Keller, RD about eating gluten free in the hospital.

Eating Out at Someone Else’s House

What about dining in someone else’s home? All the same cross-contact issues still apply. Always graciously talk to the hostess ahead of time and explain your needs. Grilling out? Ask if your burger can be cooked on tinfoil. Offer to bring dishes. Even offer to prep food at their home. Always remember BYOB- Bring Your Own Bun.

If you feel unsure about dining any place outside of your home, we have a mantra – “When In Doubt, Go Without.” Bring snacks in your purse or briefcase, or eat prior to going. Stay a limited amount of time and pick up something on the way out. While not being able to eat with others can be stressful, it’s helpful to try to find ways to focus on who you’re with instead of what you’re (not) eating.

Children Eating Gluten Free Outside of the Home

A word about kiddos and being gluten-free at school. Helping a child remain gluten-free during the school day involves so much more than just lunch. There are snack times, classroom parties, crafts (did you know that Playdough contains wheat?) and so much more.

It’s important to have a good conversation, every year, with your child’s teacher and school principal. I HIGHLY suggest that each child has a 504 plan in place. Read more about dealing with this issue on Beyond Celiac’s site. You can find other school related resources on the Celiac Mama website, especially at Back to School time.

Other Gluten Free and Celiac Disease Resources

With Celiac Disease, we never stop learning. New research is always out there, new books are always written and companies are always innovating. Whether you’re new to Celiac Disease or you’re a veteran like me, there are always new helps along the way. Here are links to some of my favorites.

• Books for Adults to Read – This is my list of 5 educational books adults should read
• Books for Children to Read – These 10 books are written for children who live gluten free
• Cookbooks to Buy – Get started cooking gluten free, and other food allergies as well
• Phone Apps – Three phone apps I recommend, and the one (type) I don’t.
• National Research & Support Organizations – We have lots of people advocating for us!

Gluten Free Bloggers

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my fellow bloggers. As a reminder, the majority of us are not medical professionals. However, we share our experiences in hopes that we can make your journey easier. Some bloggers only focus on food. Other share about travel, or up to date gluten free news. Find an extensive list, by state, in my USA GF Bloggers post.

Even though not solely focused on gluten-free eating, I rely on the websites The Kitchn and All Recipes.com. The Kitchen (notice there’s no “e” in the title) has many great posts about basic cooking skills. All Recipes allows you to search for recipes by excluding ingredients that you don’t want in your meal.

What other resources do you use for eating out? What “helps” have made your gluten free journey easier? Leave me a note in the comments below!

This post is fourth in a series for those newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease. My first, Why Celiac Disease Makes Food Your Enemy, explains what Celiac Disease is and isn’t. The second, “Gluten Free Defined,” explains what foods do and do not contain gluten. The third installment, Follow Up Care, reviews annual exams that should be perfroemd to keep your health in check. I hope you find them helpful!

The post Eating Out, Gluten Free: Restaurants and More appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.