Every person should visit Marquette at least once in their life. Located in Michigan’s majestic Upper Peninsula, it’s located on the banks of Lake Superior, and home to Presque Isle Park. It’s also home to the iconic Ore Dock, which is popular with photographers.

For those with Celiac Disease, a new “must visit” is the recently opened, Honey Haven Baking Company. This dedicated gluten free bakery gets its name from its popular Honey Sourdough Sandwich Bread made with local honey.

I recently communicated with Bailey Knight, owner of this new gluten free paradise. Read below about the mission of her bakery, and where you can find her gluten free goodies.

1. What inspired you to become a dedicated gluten free baker?

I have loved baking for as long as I can remember. It is very fun to experiment and
taste test all at the same time. My focus for gluten-free is because I have Celiac
Disease.

I was diagnosed at 24 after struggling my whole life without a clue what was causing my issues. I knew our area needed more gluten-free options and that a bakery could bring so much joy to those who can’t have baked goods from non-dedicated gluten-free bakeries.

2. Are there other highlights of your baked goods? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc.?

All of our baked goods are gluten, dairy, egg, peanut, sesame, and soy free. We
do not use nuts in our baking, but do not label ourselves nut-free due to Coconut
Oil being in our buttercream and muffins. (Technically coconuts are a fruit.) We recently switched from oat milk to rice milk in our baked goods, so our baked goods would be accessible to those who are oat intolerant.

3. What steps do you take to guarantee your products are gluten-free?

We are a dedicated Gluten-Free bakery. All of our products are gluten-free,
and there is a strict no-gluten policy for all staff who work here. We only use certified gluten free flour blends, including King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour blend. We are also in the process of seeking gluten free certification for our bakery.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by Honey Haven Baking Company?

For this, I would like to share the story of my son and how I started to get back into
baking. I had given up bread and all things baked goods when I was diagnosed with
Celiac. When my youngest son was no longer able to have dairy, both of our lives
changed drastically.

My then 2-year-old is a huge chocolate lover, specifically milk chocolate. I knew I needed to come up with a solution so that he could still have the things he loves, like chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake, that I could safely bake without using regular flour. Through this journey, I created my first round of Gluten, Dairy, Egg, and Soy-Free bread and chocolate cake.

The joy on my son’s face when he got that first chocolate cupcake is something I will never forget. Now, my son will never have to miss out on a cupcake for his birthday, a slice of fresh bread at dinner, or a chocolate chip cookie as a treat.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Honey Haven Baking Company?

I would like for people to know that we are very dedicated to offering inclusive
options for those with food allergies. Our mission is to make sure that all can feel
included in any occasion. We hope to start offering shipping in the months to come.

Also, we hope to encourage local restaurants to stock our gluten free bread and buns. So far, Slap Shot Negaunee offers our gluten free bread for sandwiches. Hopefully we’ll be able to update you soon on restaurants that offer our buns for burgers!

Honey Haven Baking Company Location and Hours

603 N 3rd St. Marquette, MI, 49855
Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
906-251-8043 – (Best contact method for ordering)
Website (coming soon) | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Honey Haven Baking Company is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan.  Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map! Looking for more local eats? Check out my list of gluten free baked good options at Michigan Farmers Markets. 

The post Honey Haven Baking Co. – Gluten Free Marquette appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is the “Upper Peninsula?”

So, for my Non-Michigan friends, the Upper Peninsula is separated by the Lower Peninsula of Michigan by the Mackinac (pronounced Mack -in-aw) Straits. The two land masses are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, the third largest suspension bridge in the United States. Opened in 1957, it covers the 5 mile span of 1-75 from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace. While the west side of the peninsula borders Wisconsin by land, it is, in fact, part of Michigan.

Iron Town Pasties in Negaunee

What’s a pasty? Similar to calzone, it’s a handheld meal wrapped in dough. Unlike a calzone, it contains no sauce. Some will dip them in gravy, although some frown on that and use ketchup instead. Traditional pasties, like the one above, contain beef, potatoes, rutabaga, onion and spices.

Iron Town Pasties offers what they call “gluten friendly” pasties. Because of the large population of those with Finnish heritage (and Celiac Disease), businesses often take the term “gluten free” seriously.

Here is how they prepare and store their gluten friendly pasties. “We deep clean prior to gluten friendly work. We  stop our regular flour work at least 24 hours prior to doing our gluten friendly. (We call them gluten friendly due to us using regular flour in our facility.) As long as we have an hour notice we can get it hot for you while supplies last.”

Tino’s Bar and Pizza in Negaunee

We also ate at Tino’s in Negaunee while on our gluten free Upper Peninsula vacation. While they take precautions, they use a very small kitchen. They change gloves and preparing gf pizzas on their own pan. The cook stated she would use fresh sauce and toppings after I asked. However, they also use the term “gluten friendly” because they know the chance for cross contact is possible. They offer grain based and cauliflower gluten free crusts.

Donckers in Marquette

Downtown Marquette is such a treasure. I feel like one day is simply not enough to explore it all. Some restaurants are more knowledgeable than others. Our meal at Donckers may just be my favorite meal of the entire trip. Read my full blog post about out Donckers breakfast.

Ore Town Brewing in Marquette

For those who know me well, they know it takes less than 4 oz of any alcohol to make me tipsy. #CheapDate. During our gluten free Upper Peninsula journey, we stopped at Ore Dock Brewing so my husband could have a (non gf) beer. Imagine my surprise when I learned they make their own gluten free seltzer, named Breakwater. I drank this entire glass of Black Cherry seltzer and enjoyed every last drop.

Marquette Food Co-op

When traveling, I always recommend visiting local grocery stores. Especially the small health food stores, as sometimes you find local stuff you can’t find at home. Ironically, on our gluten free Upper Peninsula vacation, I found national brands at Marquette Food Co-Op I couldn’t find at home. This box came home with me, for sure!

Presque Isle Park, Michigan

I am so blessed to live in Michigan, surrounded by the Great Lakes. This 300+ acre park, jutting out into Michigan’s Lake Superior, personifies beauty. The water shows itself in the deepest blues and greens. While we spent an hour or so exploring, one can definitely spend hours at Presque Isle Park and not be bored.

Upper Peninsula’s Mining History

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is synonymous with mining. In fact, the western counties are nicknamed “Copper Country.” While many mines sit empty, researchers now study their potential for hydro energy storage that could not only revolutionize the area, but the country. This mural in Ishpeming serves as a reminder of the area’s history.

Buck’s Restaurant, Ishpeming

You’ll find Buck’s Restaurant just across the street from that mural. Although they don’t advertise gluten free options, locals come here for gluten free burgers and “cudighi.” They serve their gluten free burgers on Udi’s buns. However, they do not have a dedicated fryer. Therefore, no french fries as a side.

BYO Gluten Free Grahams

Of course, the safest place to eat during any vacation is your own kitchen. We stayed at a friend’s cabin on the Dead River Storage Basin. I had access to pots, pans and my own toaster that I brought. We enjoyed gluten free waffles, hot dogs, and S’mores. My recipe for homemade gluten free graham crackers is here on my blog. 

My Happy Place

I am my happiest near any body of water. During our gluten free Upper Peninsula getaway, we were blessed to stay in a house on the waterfront. Each morning, I walked out and this is what greeted me. If you have yet to visit Michigan’s UP, I strongly encourage you to do so. It’s untouched beauty is worth the drive.

Other Northern Gluten Free Dining Locations

People often ask me for restaurant recommendations for across our state. (Upper and Lower Peninsula’s, combined.) Below are restaurants others have recommended. However, I have not personally eaten at these locations, nor asked them about their food prep.

Mackinac Island – The Gate House (Part of the Grand Hotel)

Sault Ste Marie – The Wicked Sister (P.S. – Pronounced “Soo Saint Marie.”)

Have any other Upper Peninsula gluten free dining suggestions? Please leave a comment below. As always, ask your own questions about food prep at any location I (or others mention.) Posts such as these serve as education about what is available. Do you own due diligence. 

The post Gluten Free in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

How Donckers Handles Gluten Free Orders

We came up on Donckers after leaving a different restaurant. The staff at the other eatery insisted they have “special oil” that allows them to have a shared fryer that prevents cross contact. We walked out, as this is not true. (Trust me, I asked a dietitian and doctors if this is true. It’s not.) So, when we walked into Donckers, I was already on edge.

However, when I was greeted by (who I assume was) the manager, she answered all of my questions. She even understood the difference between gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease, and stated the precautions they take in food prep. New gloves, clean pans, and bread is toasted wrapped in parchment, to prevent cross contact. She explained our order may take longer, but that our safety was important to them. #swoon

The Menu

Technically, Donckers Restaurant is upstairs. (Candy and ice cream are downstairs. More on that later.) At this diner, you order at the counter. No gluten free pancakes or waffles exist on their menu. However, the breakfast menu still contains lots of options, such as omelettes, hash dishes and breakfast sandwiches.

A word about the rock. After you place your order, you receive a hand painted rock with your order number on it. Locals can join the Donckers club, and decorate their own rock for future use. Shelves line the walls of the restaurant, loaded with creatively decorated stones. I love this unique touch!

Cheese, Please

For breakfast, I ordered the Donckers Smash. This dish comes layered with corned beef, onion, mixed peppers, and hash browns. I asked for goat cheese on top, which they obliged. It’s served with two eggs and toast. I ate every last bite.

Why I Have the Best Husband

Often times when we eat out, my husband offers to order his meal gluten free, so that I can try it and report back to you. He ordered the Black Bear breakfast sandwich. It includes an organic egg, corned beef, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing, on your choice of bread. Oh, and a side of hash browns. Like a breakfast Reuben! (Maybe we need to suggest this breakfast option to Mr. Mike’s Grill!)

Donckers is Earth Conscious

Donckers takes care not only of their customers, but also the earth. I noticed this sign in the upstairs hallway, just as we were leaving. Just one more reason to love this establishment. We ate our entire meal, and had no need for straws that morning, so we did our part to help the environment too.

It All Started with Candy

If you visit their homepage, you can read the Donckers story about how they came to be. This family business has been in operation at this location since 1914. What started with chocolate, fresh fruit and popcorn now brings in people for all the sweet and savory items.

Ice Cream and More

Their Soda Fountain Menu offers phosphates made with homemade sodas. Various ice cream flavors (with gluten free flavors clearly marked!) are available, as well as uniquely named sundaes. Or, gather you friends and family for the “Badonckadonck.” With 11 scoops of ice cream, and three toppings, this is a team effort!

One last picture that made me smile. Downstairs in the ice cream shop, a sign reinforces Donckers’ stance on recycling, composting and the use of solar energy. For this and many reasons more, I can’t wait to make it back to Donckers someday soon!

Donckers Location, Hours and Contact Information

Donckers
137 W Washington St
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 226-6110
Mon – Sat 7am to 7 pm, Sun 8 am to 4 pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Donckers is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can 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 Donckers – Gluten Free Breakfast in Marquette appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.