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.

Zingerman’s Is a Michigan Icon

To me, the name Zingerman’s is synonymous with the word Michigan. Zingerman’s has been a fixture of the Ann Arbor community for what seems like forever. (For those keeping track, their deli opened in 1982. I would have been 4 at the time.)

For years I’ve seen their baked goods at coffee houses, eateries and health food stores. With my Celiac Disease, it was a business I never thought I’d be able to personally enjoy. Upon my visit to Zingerman’s Roadhouse, I’ve learned that I (and other’s with Celiac Disease) can also be part of the family of customers.

Researching Zingerman’s Gluten Free Options

My visit to Zingerman’s Roadhouse started, like always, with a little research. Gluten-free diners highly rated the restaurant on the Find Me Gluten Free app. I reached out to my connection at the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to see if she had an email contact. Luckily she did. (Us “Margaret”s are resourceful like that.)

The CVB connected me to the totally delightful Marcy Harris. (Later we realized we grew up in the same city and had some of the same friends. Of course!) Marcy impressed so much with her answers (which I will share below) that I eagerly made a reservation to dine there for breakfast.

Gluten Free Waffles and More

So my husband and I arrived for breakfast at 8 am, eager for breakfast and to get out of Ann Arbor traffic. We parked near the “Roadshow” which is an Airstream trailer outside of Zingerman’s Roadhouse. They serve hot beverages and baked goods. You can drive thru and they’ll serve you a warm cup of coffee and a genuine smile.

We walked into the restaurant, and were warmly greeted by the waitstaff. I mentioned my scheduled meeting with Marcy and was promptly seated. It was a busy morning of regulars like Ron, who eats breakfast there every single morning.

Zingerman’s Uses Fresh, Local Ingredients

Marcy joined our table. She was just as excited to meet me as I was to meet her! Our server got our drink orders and gave us a chance to look over the menu. I was impressed that the menus are printed daily, allowing for changes to the menu for the freshest of ingredients.

While I knew what I wanted right away, it took my husband a few moments to decide. For me, the choice was obvious. I ordered the Carolina Gold Rice Grits and Bits waffles, with a side of housemade sausage, made from pigs raised here in Michigan. My husband, who has a pork and shellfish intolerance, went with the Huevos Rancheros. For him to find vegetarian refried beans definitely made his day.

The BEST Gluten Free Waffles

In a word, the food was AMAZING. The Grits & Bits waffles are crisp on the outside and almost creamy on the inside. That probably sounds weird, but trust me, it’s like heaven. Topped with bacon and cheese AND syrup?! It’s out of this world!

And these waffles are ALWAYS gluten-free. They bake these circular waffles in a dedicated gluten-free waffle iron. (Regular waffles are rectangular.) This is intentional so that gluten-free items look different visually, adding another safeguard to the customer’s dining experience.

What Other Gluten Free Options Does Zingerman’s Offer?

They also have gluten-free fried chicken, which is cooked in a dedicated fryer and served on a plate. (The regular fried chicken is served in a basket.) They also have gluten-free bread available, made at Zingerman’s Bakehouse. This is offered as a substitution for bread on any of their sandwiches, or in a bread basket. (See the bottom of my article for prep methods on their gluten-free bread.)

Zingerman’s Roasts Their Own Coffee

My husband let me try his Huevos Rancheros. It was a bit spicy for my taste, but he adored them. He really enjoyed the coffee, which they roast at Zingerman’s Coffee Company and source from small estates that Zingerman’s personally visits. They always have their exclusively roasted Roadhouse Joe on brew, as well as a Coffee of the Month that rotates. You can purchase it in bags at the Roadhouse or visit Zingermnan’s Coffee Company. They even have a chart on the wall, displaying the best way to brew each coffee.

Who Started Zingerman’s?

While we enjoyed our meal, Marcy shared some of the company’s history and unique facts. For instance, Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw started Zingerman’s Deli for a very important reason. The quest to create an excellent Jewish Reuben sandwich. Things grew from there.

Zingerman’s now owns 13 connected businesses. This includes the restaurant, a Creamery where they make their own cheese, the Bakehouse where they make their bread, and even a Korean restaurant named Miss Kim. If they can make their Dolsot Bi Bim Bap gluten-free, I would be ecstatic. Regardless of how large they’ve grown, their mission and mindset never waivers- Great Food, Great Service and Great Finance.

The Mission Behind Everything at Zingerman’s

As impressed with I am with the food, I was just as impressed with the philosophy of the business. Zingerman’s goal is to keep things local, regional and sustainable as much as possible. They own Cornman Farms in Dexter, where they raise their own animals and grow their own produce.

They place an huge emphasis on training. Not just about how to cook and serve food, but on finance and other topics of their interest. They even encourage employees to teach classes themselves. Zingerman’s offers training to others businesses as well. Their not intimidated by competition, but want to serve their community to make it a better place for everyone.

In all honesty, I’m in love with this restaurant. From the waffles to the staff to the collection of over 3,000 salt and pepper shakers that line the dining room walls. Because when you’re here, you really do feel like family. And that’s exactly how Ari and Paul and the rest of the Zingerman’s staff want you to feel.

How Zingerman’s Roadhouse Accommodates Gluten-Free and Food Allergy Needs

“Zingerman’s Roadhouse takes food allergies, Celiac Disease and other restrictions very seriously. We take several steps to make sure we are keeping our food allergy guests safe. Our practices start with our menu and our service interaction with the guests.

Any item that is available on the menu as gluten-free is labeled with a “GF”. If an item can be made gluten-free, we add a note underneath that item indicating how it can be done. For example, we have a gluten-free fryer, so we might indicate that an item can be prepared in that fryer to make it safe. Our servers are trained to inquire about food allergies, and to ask specific questions to find out as much as we need to know about accommodating a guest’s needs.”

How Do Wait Staff Handle Gluten Free Orders?

When a guest tells their server they have a gluten sensitivity, or any allergy for that matter, the server rings in the item with specific instructions detailing how it should be prepared. There are buttons in our Point of Sales system that denotes an allergy, what the allergy is, and the severity of the allergy. So for an individual who has Celiac Disease, we would use the buttons that say “Gluten Allergy, Allergy Severe”. This information is sent to the kitchen, who then prepares the meal using safe handling.

How Do Kitchen Staff Handle Gluten Free Orders?

For any allergy, that means changing gloves, using a separate cutting board, knife, bowl, utensils, pan, waffle iron, toaster, or fryer. If an item cannot come into contact with the grill, for example, we prepare it in a fresh, separate sauté pan. Three pairs of eyes read the ticket with the allergy note : the person preparing the food, the chef running the line, and the manager expediting the food. This way, three people are responsible for keeping each other in check for making sure the food is safe.

Does Zingerman’s Have a Separate Fryer?

If we are preparing gluten-free bread for a bread basket, or for a person’s toast in the morning, the bread is toasted in a toaster specifically for gluten-free bread. We do have rice flour available for our gluten-free waffle and gluten-free fried chicken, so it is imperative that we make sure to prepare these items in the gluten-free waffle iron or fryer. There are ways for us to distinguish these items from the others so that there is no mistake of mixing them up.

Other Ways Zingerman’s Take Care of Customers

If a guest comes in regularly, we do take down their name and allergy information and enter it into our reservation system. This way we can print a ticket from the reservation computer and give a copy to the server and to the kitchen.

I am actually in the process of updating an allergy “cheat sheet” that a manager created for our servers a couple of years ago. The laminated card is the perfect size to fit in the servers’ order-taking books. The card categorizes different allergies and lists additional information about our menu items for each category that is critically important for the server to know.

What About Their Gluten Free Bread?

At Zingerman’s we bake our own gluten-free bread, which is prepared in a shared bakery. (Zingerman’s Bakehouse would like to emphasize that it is not a dedicated gluten-free bakery. They make the gluten-free bread as a service to the Roadhouse and the Deli only.) We prepare it during specific production days and times when NO other breads are being made. Zingerman’s gluten-free breads are prepared in separate pans.

Prior to production, we sanitize all utensils and ovens, OR use separate tools used designated only for gluten-free production. Because wheat particles can be present in the air, we send it to a third party lab for testing. Our test results came well within the government guidelines for parts per million of gluten. We do share this information with those that have a serious intolerance like Celiac, so that customers can determine whether this bread is the right fit for them.

Have you eat at Zingerman’s Roadhouse or any of the other Zingerman’s businesses? What’s your favorite meal? Leave me a note below so I know what to get the next time I go back!

Restaurant Location and Contact Information

Zingerman’s Roadhouse
2501 Jackson Ave
Ann Arbor MI 48103
(734) 663.3663
Website | Facebook | Instagram

**We were not charged for our meal. However, all of my thoughts and opinions are my own. And you better believe I’m going back for that fried chicken!**

Zingerman’s Roadhouse 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. In the mood for something different, check out my list of Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Recommendations.

Originally Published February 2017

The post Zingerman’s Roadhouse Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Mason Jar Cafe?

This past summer, we visited Michigan’s west coastlines. We explored St. Joseph, South Haven, and New Buffalo. Coastal towns that draw people vacationing from Chicago and others across the state. However, just a jaunt from the coastline lies Benton Harbor. This small town, the headquarters of Whirlpool appliances, presents its own unique finds. Enter, The Mason Jar Cafe.

How Long Have They Been in Business?

I forget when I learned of The Mason Jar Cafe. Sometime shortly after this eatery opened in May of 2014. Therefore, when I found ourselves in their neck of the woods, almost 3 hours from my home, it was time for a visit. Reviewers on Find Me Gluten Free leave great reviews about it. Indeed, it ended up being the perfect ending to our 15th anniversary vacation. I mean, how can one go wrong with gluten free zucchini bread waffles?! This MLive article states these are the best waffles EVER.

What Gluten Free Options are Available?

I mean, this is a thing of beauty, is it not? The Mason Jar Cafe prides itself on using the freshest, and most local, ingredients that they can. They proudly list on their menu all the farms and businesses from which they procure ingredients.

Before ordering, I verified with our server that they take precautions for those with Celiac Disease. Indeed, they prepare these gorgeous waffles in a dedicated waffle maker. In fact, i believe it is the ONLY waffle on their entire menu. The whipped butter tied it all together.

I LOVE grits. Like, I seriously could eat them every day and not grow tired. However, add goat cheese to them and fry them and top them with an egg? Oooh dang. The Mason Jar Cafe speaks my love language, y’all. However, this plate belonged to my husband. My wonderful husband who intentionally ordered it gluten free and let me try some! The awesomeness doesn’t stop there.

Does the Mason Jar Cafe Serve Lunch?

They serve more than just breakfast. The boast a complete brunch menu. (They close at 3 pm daily, so get there or be square.) Do you SEE what’s on this menu? Crab Cakes. Gluten Free Crab Cakes. I regretted not ordering any.

However, my stomach felt so full, I couldn’t squeeze anymore in my tummy. (And the hubs has a severe intolerance to shellfish. Doctors say it’s not a allergy, but we don’t take chances.) Just means I need to return on a girl trip and eat ALL the crab cakes.

Great Food + Art Gallery

The Mason Jar Cafe offers more than just food. You’ll find this unique eatery inside an art gallery. Sculptures greet you as you enter the courtyard. While waiting for your table (and expect a wait!), you can stroll inside and find art from various types of artists. Glass, paintings and sculptures keep you company while you smell all the aromas of the food they cook there. The surrounding neighborhood flourishes with local art as well. Make sure to not miss it!

So the next time you find yourself near Michigan’s west waterways, make the drive to Benton Harbor. Walk its streets and taste the eats at The Mason Jar Cafe. Do me a favor? Order those crab cakes and tell me how amazing they are!

Restaurant Location and Contact Information

Mason Jar Cafe
210 Water St
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Website | Facebook | Phone

Have you visited The Mason Jar Cafe? What did you order? Have you found other restaurants on Michigan’s west coast? If not, check out Silver Beach Pizza. Otherwise, please drop a comment of where I should stop when I venture there again! Find this listing and more on my Michigan Gluten Free Dining Recommendations. 

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