A Long History of Feeding Others

Owning a restaurant is not an easy thing. It involves lots of hsours of work, every day. When you’ve been doing it for 40 years across the country, it has to be from a deep love of service. When Sammy and Hiyam Bajalieh bought Mr. Mike’s Grill in October of 2014, they did so with family in mind.

However, Hiyam also wanted to start feeding another part of her “family”. Those with Celiac Disease.

They wanted to include their children in their legacy of serving the community. Their daughter Angie is an integral part of the restaurant. While her parents are creating home-cooked meals in the kitchen, Angie helps out with the business side. She’s tending to customer service needs, both in store and on social media.

Celiac Owned and Operated

Hiyam, owner of Mr. Mike’s Grill,  has lived with Celiac Disease for years. She knows first-hand the frustration of not having gluten-free food available. Not just gluten-free, but prepared in a facility that’s safe and free of cross-contact. Hiyam was proud to show me the dedicated prep space in their kitchen. Here’s more of her story in her own words.

1. What inspired you to offer a gluten-free menu at Mr. Mike’s Grill?

I know the frustration when trying got eat out in social situations. Finding a “safe” eating location is difficult, and the selection on a menu is often lacking. I’ve personally experienced this myself many times on a night our with friends.

After 40 years in the industry, I wanted to own a restaurant and craft a menu that I personally would want to eat from. After working at it for over 11 months, I’m proud to say we have one of the largest gluten-free menus in the area. Our menu is reasonably priced, with prices ranging from $6-$10.

2. Are there other highlights of Mr. Mike’s Grill gluten-free menu?

Almost  100% of our menu is homemade. Our locally sourced corned beef is slow cooked in house for hours. Our burger patties are made fresh in house, never frozen. The meat sauce for our spaghetti is always made from scratch.

3. What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

Mr. Mike’s Grill has a two-part kitchen. All of our gluten-free items are made in a separate part of the kitchen. Our staff have been trained to ask questions to make sure orders are taken and prepared carefully. They always know to ask me or my husband about any concerns about a customer’s order. We even have a dedicated fryer for fries!

4.  Can you share any reviews from grateful customers?

A member of the Tri-County Celiac Support Group drove here after reading a review in group’s newsletter. She really loved the food and said she’d gladly share the word. We have lots of regulars that come back frequently, including Deb from Gluten Free Foodie MI. She’s tried shared lots of pictures of our menu items on her Instagram feed.

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

We use all the freshest ingredients, source our food locally and are constantly striving to improve our gluten-free menu. Our gluten free buns are provided by local Rumi’s Passion, and Old World Gluten Free makes the pierogi we serve.

Locations, Hours and Contact Information

Mr. Mike’s Grill
6047 N Wayne Rd
Westland MI 48185 (Located just off 275. Take the Ford Rd. exit.)
(734) 729-6453
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Hours – Sun thru Tues 8 am to 3 pm, Wed thru Sat 8 am to 8 pm

What dish would you like Mr. Mike’s Grill to safely make gluten-free for you? What’s your favorite Metro Detroit restaurant to frequent?

Mr. Mike’s Grill 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.

** My husband and I were given a free meal, but we were not paid for this review. However, my opinions and thoughts are my own. **

The post Mr. Mike’s Grill – Gluten Free in Westland, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Old World, Made in Michigan

I keep my eyes peeled and ears perked for all things gluten-free. Old World Gluten Free came to my attention after  their attendance at the “Making It In Michigan” Conference.

Not only did Old World Gluten Free attend this conference, they won a Product Placement Award! Not a “gluten-free” award, but a general award that covered all food products!

What Are Pierogi?

Pierogi are versatile in the dumpling world. While other countries usually only focus on savory filled-dough delicacies, pierogi can be made savory OR sweet. And true to form, Old World Gluten Free offers both!

I had a friend purchase a bag of them for me while they were at the Tri-County Celiac Support Group’s food fair. I received pierogi stuffed with Farmer’s Cheese and Green Onions. (Click here for a list of their flavors, and their ingredients.) The first thing I noticed is that they are not some itsy-bitsy two bite dumplings. These are HUGE!

So How Do These Gluten Free Pierogi Taste?

These are also DELICIOUS! Seriously, what’s there not to like about hot cheesy goodness?

What’s that you say? You’re vegan and don’t eat cheese? Old World Gluten Free makes VEGAN pierogi as well!

Where Can I Buy Old World Gluten Free Pierogi?

Dedicated gluten free bakeries Rumi’s Passion, and No More Belly Aching in Brighton stock them. Also many metro Detroit stores sell Old World Gluten Free Pierogi. Click the “Find Our Pierogi” link on their website for a complete list of store locations.

Does Old World Gluten Free Ship Their Gluten Free Pierogi?

Don’t live in Michigan? No problem! You can now order their pierogi ONLINE and sent right to your door through the Polana website. It’s like Polish Christmas, all year long!

Gluten Free Pierogi Recipes

Want to make your own? Find Gluten Free Pierogi recipes from GF Jules, Officially Gluten Free, and Faithfully Gluten Free. Looking for Farmer Cheese? Lifeway Kefir Farmer Cheese is certified gluten free. Use their store locator to find it near you. 

Old World Gluten Free
27203 Harper Ave. 
St. Clair Shores MI 48081
586-873-0354

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Are you a fan of pierogi? What’s your favorite side dish to enjoy with it? Leave me a note below!

Originally Published July 2014

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