Where is Dow Diamond? Who Plays There?

My husband and I had the great opportunity to go to a Great Lakes Loons game in Midland, Michigan. If you’re unfamiliar with the Loons, they are part of the Class A baseball league. They play teams such as the Lansing Lugnuts and the West Michigan Whitecaps. The team moved to Midland in 2006 after being in Battle Creek for a decade.

Dow Diamond is Family Friendly

Like many Class A league games, the draw in attendance is more than just about baseball. These games are a great place for entertainment for every age. Admittance is incredibly reasonable, with lawn seats only costing $10. Standard Box seats are $15.

There’s pre-game entertainment most nights, as well as giveaways and fun activities during the game. The night we visited, they featured the most amazing acrobats called the Chicago Boyz. Their acrobatic skills were amazing ! You have to watch their audition from America’s Got Talent. Their abilities and their story is awe inspiring.

Of course, like all Class A games, there was a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the night.

What Gluten Free Concessions are at Dow Diamond?

What sets this ballpark apart from others are the gluten-free options that they offer. Their gluten free options amazed me. They offer individually wrapped gluten-free hamburger and hot dog buns, plus helpful signage around the park. In addition, they train their staff to prepare gluten free options, to prevent cross contact.

Here are the specific gluten free concessions at Dow Diamond:

• Cactus Carlos- super nachos and all items sold here are gluten free.
• Smoke House BBQ- the meat is gluten free and we offer gluten free buns.
• Wrap City- turn any wrap into a salad
• 1 st or 3 rd base concessions –
  • Hot dogs, we offer a gluten free bun, and the meat is gluten free
  • Cheeseburgers we offer a gluten-free bun, and the meat is gluten-free
  • Chicken Sandwich, we offer a gluten free bun, and the meat is gluten free
• Soft Serve Ice Cream is Gluten Free

Do They Take Cross Contact Seriously?

I spoke with Carlos Valles, Director of Food and Beverage for the Great Lakes Loons. He shared with me some of the steps they take to keep gluten free customers safe.

• Do staff change gloves if a customer orders a gluten free burger/ hot dog?
  • We train our staff that if someone mentions they have a gluten intolerance to change gloves
  • Gluten free buns are served in sealed packages to prevent cross contact.
• Are hot dogs/ chicken/ burgers cooked on a dedicated surface?
  • The burgers and hot dogs are cooked separately from anything else.
• Do staff toast wheat based buns on the same griddle where burgers/ hot dogs are cooked? 
  • We do not toast any buns  on any grill, we use bun warming drawers. No burgers or hot dogs come into contact with that.
• At any of the concession stations, would staff be willing to grab fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, salad fixings) from the back if a customer asked?
  • Yes, if asked our staff will be glad to do that.
• Would I be correct in assuming french fries are NOT gluten free, because they are cooked in a shared fryer?
  • Yes, french fries are cooked in a shared fryer, which is why we don’t list them as a gluten free option at Dow Diamond.

So enjoy your gluten-free peanuts and popcorn, enjoy the seventh inning stretch, and make sure to stay for a great fireworks show. This is one ball stadium that hits gluten-free dining out of the park!

Where Should I Park When Visiting Dow Diamond?

Dow Diamond offers ample parking on site. The parking lot contains almost 700 parking spots. The cost to park there on game days is $7. You can use the Clutch! App to secure parking spots ahead of the game.

Other Gluten Free Dining Options in Midland, Michigan

If you’re planning to eat outside of the ballpark, I highly recommend Brinstar. They serve gluten free burgers, fries cooked in a dedicated fryer, and they feature loads of video games. Proper Taco is another good option, as most of their menu is gluten free.

Craving something sweet? Make sure to stop at Off The Wheaten Path. Everything baked and sold here is gluten free, and they offer vegan options too.

Other Michigan Sports Venues with GF Options

Curious about other sports teams? The Detroit Tigers offer gluten free options, including hot dogs and a Breadless concession stand that’s 100% gluten free. Traveling to Lansing? Check out my blog post about Jackson Field, where the Lansing Lugnuts play. On the west side of the state, enjoy a West Michigan Whitecaps game and enjoy gluten free hot dogs AND beer while you’re there.

I’m also working on an article about Little Caesars Area and Ford Field. If you have any connections, hook a girl up!

Dow Diamond Location and Contacts

825 E Main St, Midland, MI 48640

Website | Facebook | Instagram

What other sports stadiums do a great job of accommodating Celiac Disease and other food allergy needs? What’s your favorite place to catch a game in Pure Michigan?

Originally published August 2016

The post Gluten Free Options at Midland’s Dow Diamond appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Brinstar – Video Game Arcade + Bar and Grill

I had the pleasure of chatting with Brinstar’s owner, Belle Fawcett. I asked her why she chose to open a restaurant with arcade games. She replied “My boyfriend liked beer and video games. And thought other people do too.” She was right, because they keep pretty busy. Read my blog post to learn more about what this unique eatery has to offer.

Why do you choose to offer gluten free options at Brinstar? 

I dined with friends and family who have dietary restrictions. I noticed how often gluten free and vegan options simply didn’t exist for them. At our restaurant, I wanted to make sure customers didn’t feel left out.

In addition, I realize that offering safe gluten free options isn’t just a “trend.” People rarely eat out by themselves. By offering gluten free options, we allow families and friends to enjoy each other in community, like everyone else. We’ve even been asked to provide food for local conferences, when their kitchen staff didn’t have options for guests.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens?

We offer Impossible meat for burgers and dairy free cheese for our vegan customers.

What kind of oil do you use for frying/ cooking?

We cook all our gluten free fried foods in soybean oil.

Do you have a separate gluten free menu? 

All gluten free menu items are noted on our main menu. We offer Udi’s buns for gluten free burgers. Out kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for fresh cut french fries, chicken strips and our homemade falafel. We offer gluten free gravy for our poutine. Most days we prepare at least one gluten free soup.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?

While we don’t have a separate gluten free prep space, we take pretty strict precautions. We cook gluten free orders in a separate pan instead of using the flat top. Staff know to change gloves, use separate cutting boards, and grab different utensils. We store all gluten free stuff ingredients on top shelves, to prevent cross contact with gluten from other items

What training do your staff receive on preparing GF meals safely? 

Not only do I train my staff on all the steps to safely prepare a gluten free order, I also train them on WHY it’s important. Again, we know this is not just a fad. The staff here really take it to heart, and are proud of the gluten free food we serve. You can often hear them shout out allergy orders in the kitchen, and they know the steps to take.

I also maintain separate “cheat sheets” near the kitchen. One list includes all of our gluten free options. Staff know to double check that list if they’re unsure or have questions.

Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?

We don’t currently use special plates or picks for gluten free meals. The gluten free buns look very different than standard buns.

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item?

Our gluten free chicken tenders are pretty popular with our gluten free clients. We offer some great burgers too.

Do you offer gluten free beer or hard cider?

We maintain a full bar, and offer many gluten free alcohol options. We serve Neff gluten free beer, Unity Vibration Hard Kombucha, B. Nectar Mead and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside? 

While we do have some seating outside where you can dine, we don’t take orders or serve guests outside. (It’s a licensing issue.)

In the summer, Downtown Midland blocks off a section of Main St, from Ashman to Rodd street. The Commons Pedestrian Plaza offers tables and even outdoor games for the whole family. Customers often order their meal to go and enjoy the outdoors with their family. During the summer months, one can attend many free concerns in that area.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant?

We offer Pinball tournaments on Mondays, and Trivia on Wednesdays. Brinstar offers Bingo as well. As we share on our Facebook page, “escape the insanity of the “real world” and enjoy quality time with family and friends in a fun and entertaining atmosphere.” We suggest calling to reserving a table on Trivia nights, because it’s really popular.

What add’l things would you like my followers to know about your Brinstar?

We offer what I proudly call “Kids Happy Hour.” During Spring Break and all Summer long, we offer $5 kids meals from 11 am to 4 pm. Kids meals options include your choice of choose chicken strips (gluten free), grilled cheese* or hot dog* with fries and hot chocolate, Sprite, Barq’s root beer or Coke. (*not gluten free). We sometimes offer it during other holidays as well.

Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your Brinstar? 

While customer parking is available along Main St, we suggest using public parking lots. You can find parking lots near us on the Downtown Midland Parking article. As far as traveling to our restaurant, we’re about 4 miles from US-10, and less than a mile from the Midland Loons Dow Stadium.

Other Places to Visit in Midland, Michigan

As mentioned above, we’re close to the Midland Loons Minor League Baseball Stadium. We highly recommend visiting the Midland Center of the Arts, and the canopy walk at Dow Gardens. Make sure to visit Off the Wheaten Path, Midland’s own dedicated gluten free bakery!

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Brinstar

415 E Main St

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 486-1733

Hours – Open at 11 close at 11pm except Fri and Sat open until 2

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Brinstar is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

As a reminder, no matter where you dine, make sure to ask thorough questions about gluten free food preparation.

The post Brinstar Arcade Bar & Grill Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

As so often happens, my wonderful followers introduced me to this gluten free baking business. Located in Midland, Off the Wheaten Path fills a much needed niche. To be honest, gluten free options in the Flint/ Midland / Saginaw / Bay City region are lacking. 

I first visited this business at the Midland Farmers Market in 2022. However, since then owner Kelly Carlin has opened a new storefront on Isabella Rd! Not only are the baked goods delicious , but Kelly Carlin is incredibly helpful. She offered insight on places to grab a gluten free lunch, and her favorite places for coffee. Read more about this gluten free business, in her answers below.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

I grew up in the kitchen. As soon as I was old enough, I was making my own meals and baking cookies around the clock. I enjoyed every aspect of baking – from creating to enjoying or sharing my baked goods. However, I didn’t realize during those formative years that I had undiagnosed Celiac Disease. I was miserable for so long. I received my diagnosis later in life, and I’m so glad to finally feel better. 

2. Are there other highlights of your products? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc? Local ingredients?

We offer many vegan/gf options. (Including cinnamon rolls!) I take cross contact prevention very seriously. I try to accommodate additional “free from” special orders, including dairy, egg, nut, dye, soy, and corn free. In addition, I like to use produce from local growers. One of the farmers at the market has the best carrots I’ve ever tasted, and we use them in our carrot cake. 

3. What steps do you take to make sure your products are truly gluten-free?i.e. only use certified products? call companies?

As much as possible, I use certified gluten free products, including certified gluten free oats. I check the labels on everything, even certified products. Due to my own Celiac Disease diagnosis, I keep no gluten in our kitchen. When preparing orders that are free from additional allergens, I bake them separately with cleaned, sanitized utensils. I package them immediately to avoid cross contact with other allergens. I would never take the risk of harming someone with any of my baked goods.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

There are many stories and I can’t pinpoint one. However, I am continually encouraged by those who first discovered my booth at the market. Most would do a double take, and smile with excitement when they realize they can actually purchase and eat a delicious gluten free baked good. Having Celiac Disease myself, I know just how exciting that is from my own personal experience!

5. What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?

I’m passionate and love what I get to do! In addition to the baked goods that we make, we also sell a small selection of gluten free groceries. Plus, we have fun gluten free themed t-shirts that we sell at our store.

In addition, our space is available for your special events. We’ve hosted birthday parties and even a wedding reception. We’d love to help you and your loved ones have a safe gluten free celebration.

Off the Wheaten Path Location, Hours and Contact Information

Off The Wheaten Path
579 E Isabella

Midland, MI 48640
Website | Facebook | Instagram| Email

Off the Wheaten Path 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. 

All photos provided by Off the Wheaten Path

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