100% Completely, Absolutely Gluten Free

Follow a gluten free diet? You can eat everything on the menu at Papa Chops Eatery. Owner Aaron Muller, lives with Celiac Disease. After struggling to find safe dining options for himself, he decided to roll up his sleeves and create a restaurant without wheat, rye or barley.

However, Muller’s background was in printing and commercial real estate. Therefore, he decided to attend culinary school at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Studies at Grand Rapids Community College. There he met Thaddeus Whorley, who functions as the restaurant’s executive chef. Together, they created the menu for which they’re famous.

Learn more about the background of the restaurant in interviews with Wood TV 8, ABC 13, and the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

What’s On the Gluten Free Menu at Papa Chops Eatery?

Papa Chops Eatery is your typical burger joint, just free from gluten. Muller wanted to offer all the things he missed when he was diagnosed. This includes simple burgers, French fries, and classic American fare. The menu also offers pizza, salads, even a Bluegill sandwich! Soon, they plan to offer wraps, and continue to experiment with menu items.

When I visited with my husband and my niece, we all intentionally ordered different items to try. My (non gf) husband ordered the fried bluegill sandwich, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich, with onion rings. My (non gf) niece ordered the BLT, and we all shared an order of fried pickles. 

Does Papa Chops Offer Gluten Free Desserts? 

When we visited, baked goods from both Kind Crumbs and Bliss Bakery (a grain & sugar free business) were both available for purchase. I asked Aaron Muller about this business partnership, and he stated he hopes to rotate between some of the local bakeries. In the future he hopes to showcase products from Rise Authentic Baking to showcase some of the amazing products local kitchens are making.

Does Papa Chops Accommodate Additional Allergens? Which Oil Do They Use for Frying? 

Delicious gluten free options is Muller’s primary goal. However, in the future he hopes to make his restaurant as food allergy conscious as possible. For instance, no peanuts are used in his kitchen, and he has attempted to minimize corn and dairy. Currently, the restaurant uses canola oil in their fryers. 

Does Papa Chops Allow Outside Food in Their Restaurant? 

Absolutely not. Muller desires to create a 100% safe gluten free atmosphere for his customers. Staff cannot bring gluten containing items in the kitchen, either. Furthermore, vendors and delivery drivers must wash their hands before entering his establishing. Muller takes the risk of cross contact very seriously. Outside seating is available.

Does Papa Chops Eatery Have a Liquor License? 

At this time, they do not. While Aaron Muller would like to pursue one in the future, it’s not currently an expense he wants to take on. That being said, he’s also not sure how the presence of alcohol will impact the atmosphere of his restaurant. In the meantime, Grand Rapids is home to Michigan’s first dedicated gluten free brewery, Brewery Nyx. Visit them at their taproom, and find their beer in cans at several Grand Rapids grocery stores. 

Does Papa Chops Eatery Deliver?

Great question. First, Papa Chops does offer online ordering. However, delivery is a bit tricky. He feels the large delivery companies (Uber Eats, Door Dash, GrubHub) don’t take care to prevent cross contact with orders from other businesses. That concerns Muller, and he’s looking into other, safer options. 

What’s Next for Papa Chops Eatery? 

I asked owner Aaron Muller what new things he hopes to add to the menu. “I plan on exploring all kinds of food options, from different walks of life and bringing them to Grand Rapids. Our wraps are the next menu item we will be releasing. Finding a good gluten free tortilla wrap is harder than it might seem. Many have a “gummy” aftertaste, or are too brittle to actually wrap anything in. But I’ve found a winner and I’m excited to introduce it soon!”

More Grand Rapids Dining Options and Attractions

Grand Rapids is a magical city if you don’t eat gluten. Visit my article about Grand Rapids Gluten Free Dining Options to find more places to dine. This post also includes over a dozen ideas for activities and sights to see while you’re in town. Visiting during the Art Prize in the fall is still on my bucket list of things to do. 

Other Dedicated Gluten Free Eateries In Michigan

You can find a list of other 100% gluten free restaurants in my Michigan Gluten Free Dining Guide. While many are familiar with Tru Pizza (formerly Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria), there are more than a dozen lesser known Gluten Free restaurants. That includes Little Mustard Seed Cafe, Outside the Box, The Rage, Nourish Juicery Kitchen, and more.

Location, Hours and Contact Information

Papa Chops Eatery
2222 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 284-8800
Tuesday – Friday 11 am – 8 pm, Saturday 11:30-8 pm. Closed Sunday & Monday
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

**I was given a small discount for our meal. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

The post Papa Chops Eatery- 100% GF in Grand Rapids, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Twigs Tavern and Grille?

Twigs Tavern and Grille is located in Rochester, Minnesota. Located about 1 mile from Mayo Clinic, it is THE best place to eat in town, if you have Celiac Disease. It is located inside the Centerstone Plaza Hotel.

So how does a Michigan girl end up in a Minnesota restaurant? Rochester was one of the stops on our epic road trip from the Great Lakes State to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As we planned our route, a lady in a gluten-free Facebook group mentioned the awesomeness that is Twigs Tavern and Grille. So I sent the staff an email inquiring about visiting their restaurant, wanting to know more about their gluten-free story.

Why Did Twigs Tavern and Grille Set Up a Separate Gluten Free Kitchen?

What a story it is! Imagine that you are the lead recipe developer for a restaurant. Then imagine that you receive a Celiac Disease diagnosis. This is exactly what happened to the owner of  Twigs Tavern and Grille, Michelle Salz, in 2010. Not only did it turn her own life upside down, it presented a problem for her business.

However, she turned adversity into ingenuity. The restaurant reinvented their cooking procedures. They created a separate gluten-free kitchen, complete with refrigerator, prep area, utensils, cookware and appliances. Gluten-Free guests even get fresh salt and pepper shakers.

What Gluten Free Options Does Twigs Offer?

Four pages. The gluten-free menu at Twigs Tavern and Grille is FOUR PAGES long! Living on a medically required diet usually comes with restrictions. However, at Twigs Tavern and Grille in Rochester, Minnesota, one can experience amazing culinary freedom. How is this possible? This restaurant boasts the only separate, dedicated gluten-free kitchen in the city!

How are Twigs Staff Trained about Dietary Restrictions? 

Michelle completely retrained her staff in the proper use of cooking and handling foods for those with special diets. Front of house staff now automatically ask incoming guests if they needed a gluten-free menu. Gluten-free guests receive menus that look different from regular menus, which immediately alerts the server to the dietary needs of the diner. Gluten-free meals are served with picks that denote that it is a gluten-free dish.

What Did You Order?

And what an amazing variety of meals they offer! After we were seated, it literally took me forever to figure out what to order. Our waitress highly recommended the onion ring frittis, so we started with those as an appetizer. They had everything from steak cooked on a hot rock, to fish tacos to shrimp on zucchini noodles.

I debated between getting their award winning Parmesan Polenta, the Applewood Smoked Meatloaf, and even the Tomato Trio with Crispy Risotto Cake. Finally, my curry loving self settled on the Country Captain Chicken. My husband ordered the Old English Fish and Chips, and we also ordered a small plate of the Twigs Tavern and Grille award winning gluten-free butternut squash ravioli.

The Best Gluten Free Ravioli I’ve Ever Eaten

What a treat! First off, let me wax poetic about their ravioli. The pasts is tender and pillowy, not tough like some gluten-free pastas. The butternut squash filling was beyond stellar. It was adorned with a sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce so good I wanted to lick the plate. (As this is a finer dining restaurant, I restrained myself.) Seriously, the ravioli left me speechless. One can order this ravioli as a small plate, or as a full dinner entree.

Does Twigs Tavern and Grille Offer Gluten Free Beer?

Since I stuffed myself with the majority of the ravioli, my husband enjoyed the onion ring frittis. In addition to the appetizer, he also ordered a Burning Brothers “Roasted” Coffee Ale. Like Alt Brew, Burning Brothers is a 100% gluten-free brewery. Burning Brother Brewing is located in St. Paul, about an hour and a half north of Twigs Tavern and Grille.

My husband commented that it was the second best coffee beer he’s ever tasted. Not just second best gluten-free beer. My husband, who doesn’t have to eat gluten-free, rated this higher than some regular gluten containing beers. That’s quite a compliment! It paired well with the onion ring frittis and his fish and chips. His exact review of the fish was one word – “awesome.”

Do They Offer Gluten Free Dessert? Do They Have Vegan Options?

While the Country Captain Chicken stated it came in a curry sauce, it tasted more like a paella to me. Which I LOVE! This dish comes adorned with pan seared chicken, and loaded with a great assortment of roasted vegetables. What really makes the dish pop is the currants and toasted almonds, making a great balance of savory and sweet. As full as I was from the onion ring frittis and the ravioli, I wanted to eat every last bite of that dish.

Finally, our waitress came by with the dessert tray. Out the six desserts they offered that night, FIVE of them were gluten-free! Have you ever heard of such a thing?! Due to our full bellies, we regretfully passed on dessert. (Kicking myself. I should have asked to take one to go!) What even impressed me more is that they attempting to make vegan gluten-free desserts as well. I love that this restaurant is so accommodating to those with multiple food restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If I had any complaints about our time at Twigs Tavern and Grille, it would be that the fried food seemed a tad soggy. Maybe they simply need to up the temperature on the fryer. In addition, please make sure when ordering the Burning Brothers Coffee Ale that you know it comes in tall cans.

Our waitress accidentally brought us a non-gf beer at first. I immediately noticed the difference as the beer she first brought came in a regular sized can. Mistakes happen even in the best of places during a busy dinner service. Overall, we had a great dinner and the staff provided excellent service. In conclusion, I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone!

Twigs Location and Contact Information

Twigs Tavern and Grille
401 6th Street, Southwest
Rochester, Minnesota 55902
(inside the Centerstone Plaza Hotel)
507-288-02026
Webpage | Facebook | Instagram

Have you dined at Twigs? What is your favorite dish? Are there other locations visitors should check out while in Rochester? We had a great cup of coffee at Cafe Steam!

Twigs Tavern and Grills is one of many restaurants I’ve visited. Find more dining suggesions in my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this meal.

Twigs Tavern and Grille graciously offered my husband and I both a free meal in return for an honest review. (We did pay for the alcohol and remembered to tip well!) All of my thoughts and opinions are completely my own, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone!

Originally Published November 2017

The post Twigs Tavern and Grille – Gluten-Free in Rochester, Minnesota appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.