What inspired you to become a gluten free baker?

My Dad lived with Celiac Disease. Originally I began working on gluten free snacks to create things he would eat, in hopes of keeping him on a gluten free diet. He had a sweet tooth, and things were not as readily available then as they are now.

Then in my early forties, I received a Celiac Disease diagnosis. Therefore I started cooking and baking exclusively gluten free for my own health. As far as owning a bakery, I’ve always loved to feed other people.

Where did the name “Provisions Snack Club” come from?

My dad would say he was “going to get provisions” when he was going to the grocery store. It always sounded like a really important supply run for essentials. But what it meant was snacks. If he was going, snacks were happening.

My mom was the type of person who spread kindness like confetti. She exuded love in everything she did and always had time for silliness and/or adventure. She made sure everyone always felt loved and at home.

I like to believe that Provisions Snack Club is my homage to what these two beautiful souls taught me – snacking is a lifestyle and love makes the world go ‘round. Clean ingredients, nostalgic nods, and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from small batch, homemade treats. Welcome to the Club.” (From the business Instagram account.)

Are Your Gluten Free Baked Goods Free From Other Allergens?

Most of what I make is also vegan, with the exception of just a few things which I always clearly label. Unfortunately, my snacks are not nut free. I use Miyoko’s vegan butter, which is cashew based. In addition, I use a lot of almond flour.

Another interesting fact here at the Club – I do not use any artificial coloring in my baked goods. I get bold colors from things like hibiscus, rose and beet powders. And as always, I try to use as many organic and local ingredients as possible.

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

I use ingredients I stand behind and would only feel safe eating personally. I use all gluten free everything. While I do not call any companies, I do trust the things I have had success with.

Do You Use Oats or Oat Milk in Your Baked Goods?

I do occasionally use Bob’s Red Mill GF quick cooking oats. Sometimes I also use One Degree Sprouted Rolled Oats, which are sold at Costco.

How Have People Responded To Your New GF Microbakery?

On opening day so many people told me how great it felt to go into a place, and be able to have any of the treats. I certainly know the feeling! Therefore, it was really great to know I was providing a little bit of joy for my community.

What Would You Like People to Know about Provisions Snack Club?

My business is a labor of love and is inspired by the love I got from my parents. It’s also fueled by my passion for clean ingredients. My products are small batch on purpose, in order to put the amount of care and love into each and every item I put out.

I don’t have employees. It’s just me in that tiny kitchen, baking my heart out, trying to make things as perfect as possible. I hope everyone feels the love and feels welcome at the Club. Also, I am hoping to have baked goods available at local coffee shops in the future!

Bakery Location, Hours and Contact Information

Provisions Snack Club

2513 Niles Avenue

St Joseph MI 49085

Saturdays 9:30 am – 1 pm (or until sold out)

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Please contact via Instagram Direct Message

Provisions Snack Club 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.

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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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The History Behind Silver Beach

If the city is named St. Joseph, why name a restaurant Silver Beach Pizza? Location, location, location. In 1891, two men named Louis Wallace and Logan Drake started the Silver Beach Amusement Company. Located on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, people traveled from Michigan and Chicago to swim, play and and roller skate. It expanded in the 20’s to include a roller coaster and and thrived until the 1970’s.

The public beach in St. Joseph bears the name of that famed amusement park, as does this pizzeria. Silver Beach Pizza resides in the old Amtrak depot where out-of-towners would arrive for a day of frivolity. The train still goes by to this day, and you can watch them go by as you eat your meal, if seated downstairs. However, I was not here for the trains. I came for the pizza!

Gluten Free Pizza Prep

Like so many other restaurant finds, I learned about Silver Beach Pizza from the Find Me Gluten Free app. However, I never rely on ratings alone. I scoured through many reviews prior to deciding to eat here. I also asked our server the standard questions I ask before dining out.  She didn’t skip a beat and accommodated any special requests I had!

For reference, they prepare their gluten free pizzas on a My Bread Gluten Free Bakery crust. The waitress stated that when they first make a gluten free pizza, they change their gloves. The prepare the pizza in a separate area, in its own pan and cook it on a separate rack.  I asked our waitress to make sure mine was made with fresh toppings. When it comes out of the oven, they cut it with a freshly washed pizza cutter. She stated that their manager has a dairy allergy, so he stresses to staff how careful they need to be with allergies and cross contact.  (P.S. They also offer dairy free cheese!)

In addition to an extensive food menu, Silver Beach Pizza lists an impressive lineup of beers and ciders. Pictured above is the Ace Pear Cider. DYK that Ace Ciders bear the GFCO certification logo? Pretty impressive!

Silver Beach Pizza is famous for their schooners, which they chill at low temperatures, so your drink stays cold. (I’m a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so they gave me a smaller glass.) In fact, the schooners are so integral to their identity, they used them as the “globes” for their lighting!

Silver Beach Gluten Free Harvest Pizza

So, the moment of truth. Our pizzas came to the table and immediately I was impressed with how beautiful they looked. I ordered the Harvest Pizza. Just check out this description!  (And dare I say, it tasted amazing!)

“Oil based with light brown sugar, crispy kale, layered with bacon and butternut squash; topped with gouda and mozzarella cheese.”

My husband, who does not eat gluten free, ordered the UJ’s Sunburst pizza. A local named John Carolla created this one. They top it with fresh asparagus, yellow and green squash, mixed sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, and fresh cilantro. Truly, my picture does not do this pizza justice. Next time I travel to Silver Beach Pizza, I totally need to order this! 

The Upper Deck

Our pizza was not the only beautiful thing to note. In 2015, Silver Beach Pizza expanded and opened The Upper Deck. This 21 and over section stands practically over the railroad. It provides the most SPECTACULAR view of the Whirlpool Splashpad and Lake Michigan. I don’t think I’ve ever had more beautiful scenery for a meal. We lucked out and managed to get seated up there immediately. However, reservations are usually required for this space.

Extra close up of the splash pad and adorable kids. Because life is always better with kids. Note, floor mounted fountains flow continuously most of the day. However, at certain points of the day they stop, to the squeals of children everywhere. Why? Because that’s the signal that the big, powerful overhead fountains are about to rain down on them. (See above picture.)

So, the next time you visit Michigan’s west coast, stop in for gluten free pizza at Silver Beach Pizza. Parking can be tricky. They suggest parking in the public lots up on the bluff. I believe you can get a $5 discount if you bring in your parking stub.

Restaurant Location and Contact Information

Silver Beach Pizza

410 Vine St.

St. Joseph MI 49085

(269) 983 – 4743

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

** I was not paid or compensated in any way for our meal. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Find this restaurant and more on my list of Michigan Gluten Free Dining Recommendations. **

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