The Unique History of Salt Springs Brewery

Salt Springs Brewery, located in Saline Michigan, resides in an old church. Built in 1899 as a Saline Methodist Episcopal Church, the building maintains beautiful stained glass windows. Read more about the building’s history in this Sun Times article.

Why does Salt Springs Brewery choose to offer gluten-free options?

Our chef’s cooking style naturally aligned with gluten-free preparation, which can be described as “simple food with skillful preparation.” His diverse experience in managing various restaurants and corporate dining settings has exposed him to a wide range of cuisines and techniques. This allows him to create dishes that are both accessible and expertly crafted. The gluten-free aspect of our menu naturally complements his approach.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens?

Our menu is diverse with many options. We strive to accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergens. Our service staff can work with customers to identify safe menu options based on their specific needs.

What kind of oil do you use for frying?

We use canola oil for frying.

Do you have a separate gluten-free menu?

Our regular menu clearly indicates gluten-free options, with special markings to help customers easily identify suitable choices. We offer multiple gluten free appetizers, gluten free buns for burgers and sandwiches, and many gluten free entrees.

Do you have a separate prep area for gluten-free dishes?

Our kitchen is a mixed allergen environment. Please let us know of any allergies or restrictions so that we may take proper steps to eliminate cross contact.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact?

We implement several safety measures including:

• Staff will change gloves for gluten-free orders
• We prepare food with separate cutting boards and utensils
• We maintain dedicated fryers and cooking equipment
• Staff use clean pans for gluten free food preparation

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

Our staff undergoes comprehensive training on gluten-free food handling. This includes cross-contact prevention and food allergen awareness.

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

Our gluten-free menu items are easily identifiable as they are each unique dishes.

What’s your most popular gluten-free menu item?

By far our most popular gluten free dish is our Fish & Chips. We use Lake Superior white fish, prepared with gluten-free batter. We serve it with tartar sauce and french fries.

Don’t live near Saline? Check out my list of other Michigan restaurants offering gluten free fried fish.

Do you offer gluten-free desserts?

We offer two gluten free dessert options. Our most popular dessert is our GF Cookie Sundae. We serve this decadent dessert in a skillet, topped with Guernsey Farms vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, Heath bits, and whipped cream. !

We also offer a GF Chocolate truffle cake, served with a tart passion fruit sauce. 

Do you offer gluten-free beer/hard cider/wine?

We offer our own hard cider, a seltzer, wine, and spirits. We do not have GF beer as our brewing equipment would not allow for the appropriate cleaning procedures.

Do you have any weekly specials?

We offer rotating weekly specials. Please check our current menu or social media for the latest offerings. Also, kids eat free on Tuesdays, and we offer happy hour Tuesday through Friday, from 3-5 PM. During this time we offer 50% off drafts & $2 off appetizers.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside?

We feature the best outdoor experience in the area. We recently constructed a new pergola. It includes infrared heaters, roll-down screens, and a louvered ceiling. It has all the amenities needed for the best enjoyment of the outdoors. We do not allow dogs.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant?

We offer a 5-course pairing meal once a month on Mondays. We haven’t done a gluten-free one yet, but we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when we do! Guests can view our event calendar at this link.

Do you have parking on premises?

There is convenient city parking surrounding our building. There is a parking lot behind our building with ample parking, and a handicap accessible entrance. You can find a map on our website which denotes parking near the building.

What additional things would you like followers to know?

Keep an eye on our social media! We actively post to keep everyone updated on what we’re doing!

What Other Attractions are in Saline?

Saline is located about 20 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor, and situated on US 12. There is the most adorable candy store, Eleanor’s Sweets and Sodas, located across the street from Salt Springs Brewery. Rumor has it that Carrigan Cafe in Saline offers gluten free baked goods from Rumi’s Passion.

Per Ann Arbor.org, “special annual and seasonal events in Saline include Oktoberfest, the Saline Celtic Festival, the Summer Music Series, the Saline Summerfest, the Harvest of the Arts Oktoberfest, and the Saline Winterfest which are all held in the streets of downtown Saline.”

Saline also offers a weekly Farmers Market in the warmer months. Visit the Saline Main Street website to learn about more activities in the area.

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Salt Springs Brewery

117 S Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176

Website | Facebook | Instagram

(734) 295-9191

Hours: CLOSED Monday, Open 11:30-8 Sun, Tues & Wed, 11:30-9 Fri & Sat

Salt Springs Brewery 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!

The post Salt Springs Brewery Gluten Free 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.

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

Small businesses are truly the backbone of the gluten free industry. While there are big name companies one may find at the grocery store, it’s small independent bakers who strive to meet our various health needs. Finding gluten free products can be difficult enough in itself. Imagine adding additional allergens to the “nope” list. 

Nirit’s Bakery hopes to help everyone. In fact, their business mission is “To share amazing gluten free delicacies with everyone. Everyone who has food allergies should eat the same as people without allergies, and we make that possible!” Learn more about this small business in my interview with owner, Nirit Vaknin.

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

I am a retired scientist that always loved baking. I studied autoimmune diseases for over 20 years, especially arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). When health issues appeared at our home and no real solution from allopathic medicine improved our condition, we found that avoiding gluten really helped.

Quite often, if you have any type of food sensitivity, it’s possible you may develop additional food intolerances. Thus, it is so important to eliminate it from your diet to allow your intestines to heal and avoid using medications.

I am a true believer of the notion that we are what we eat, and food is our medicine. I have it as my main mission to spread the word and offer healthy and tasty baked goods from my kitchen to everyone in need.

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

We use high quality ingredients, which are mostly organic and non-GMO. Our baked goods include healthy vegetables and fruits, such as bananas, carrots, apples, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. For those who cannot consume eggs, we also produce a few egg-free, vegan products.

To avoid any chance of soy contamination, we buy our eggs from local farmers that do not use soy-based chicken feed. We also make our own vanilla extract. In addition, we use organic products such as superfood cocoa powder and aluminum free baking powder.

3. What steps do you take to make sure Nirit’s Bakery products are truly gluten-free? 

We are a strict gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free bakery, and have been since 2016. You’ll find no glutenous products in our home whatsoever. We use no coconut in our baked goods, either. 

Our product line includes only one item that contains oats. For that, we use Trader Joe’s gluten free oats. However, I avoid using oat flour or oat milk in most of my baked goods, to accommodate individuals with Celiac who cannot tolerate oats.

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

A 6-year-old boy that was diagnosed with celiac was referred to us by a friend. His mom felt overwhelmed with his new dietary requirements. We assured her that it is possible to live a happy life under these conditions.

In addition, we offered her a variety of products and shared many other tips. The 6-year-old boy enjoys the ability to eat everything at our booth in the farmer’s market. He’s definitely as happy as any kid in a candy store!

5. What would you like consumers to know about Nirit’s Bakery and your products?

We are a small home-based bakery with very high standards for quality of ingredients. We have been selling in farmers Markets in the Ann Arbor area for over 4 years and have many repeat customers. Every product is baked fresh, handmade with love and attention. We try to accommodate everyone’s needs in terms of their food allergies or intolerances.

Nirit’s Bakery Location & Contact Information

Nirit’s Gluten Free Bakery
Ann Arbor
Available Year Round at Ann Arbor Farmers Market, and by special order
Phone (734) 730-6826
Preferred Contact Method for Orders: Website

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Nirit’s Bakery is one of many dedicated 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. 

Originally published July 2022

The post Nirit’s Bakery- Gluten, Dairy, Soy & Nut Free 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.**

Tasty Bakery is truly a fixture of the Ann Arbor community. When I first shared the Michigan’s Best GF bakery tour idea with the Ann Arbor online support group in 2016, this bakery was immediately suggested and written in by voters. Julie and Ran Rabinovitz first opened their gluten-free business in 2009, in a stall at a local farmer’s market.

For that reason, and so much more, the Ann Arbor community has loved them back. They began a Kickstarter campaign to open a “brick and mortar” store, located on West Huron.  The support they received was tremendous. In one month, over $20,000 dollars was donated to their campaign. They opened their new store in the fall of 2015. Learn more about this gluten free bakery in Julie’s own words.

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

As most stories go, I’ve been baking since I was a kid and always loved it. My Celiac Disease diagnosis came in 2006 while I was living in Brooklyn. I dabbled a bit in gluten-free baking but wasn’t really committed to the necessary diet as I should have been. That changed when we moved to Ann Arbor in 2007.

It was then I decided to start baking gluten free more, and though I’d start a business. I knew the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market would be a great place to test the waters. Since then, due to my own extended food allergies, we’ve included using organic coconut oil and sugar, baking more vegan items, and making sure our ingredients are soy and corn free. My husband believed so much in what I was doing, he jumped on board and helped me expand the business.

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

Everything we bake is soy-free and corn-free, and almost everything we bake is vegan. We’ve kept a few original items that have grass-fed butter and free-range eggs.. We try to use low-glycemic, organic coconut sugar or nectar in most of our creations. In addition, we offer grain-free options, including bread and cookies.

We buy and use local and organic ingredients or buy from vendors who use organic practices whenever possible. We buy our chocolate from Mindo Chocolate, in Dexter. Our packaging is compostable, and our cleaning products are earth-friendly. We’re also starting to include soups, and light-meal options, such as quiche, salads and pizza to go.

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

We are a dedicated gluten-free bakery and never bring gluten into our facility. All ingredients are purchased from reputable, gluten-free sources. We also make sure our sources are corn and soy free. We use Golden Prarie Oats, which are tested and verified to contain under 10 ppm of gluten, which is lower than the FDA standard of 20 ppm.

4. Do you have any stories of customers who reported back to you how important your products have been in their life?

People tell us all the time how much they love and appreciate Tasty Bakery and our practices. We try very hard to use “clean” ingredients and believe it’s the reason our products are so good. You can read some of our reviews on our Facebook page. (And can add one as well!)

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

We want people to know that we put a lot of thought, care and love behind what we do. Even though most of what we do are desserts, we want to make sure that our benefits  you;  not only in taste & pleasure, but nutritionally as well.We make things in small batches by hand. In addition, we wrap everything by hand in compostable packaging because we care about every batch and what we put into the environment.

Plus, we want our bakery to be more than just a place to pick up cookies or bread. We have plans to use our space to teach classes and host community events. It will be a place where you can get a good cup of local coffee, sit and catch up with a friend, and just enjoy the vibe that is Ann Arbor.

6. Where Can You Find Tasty Bakery Products?

Aside from our bakery, you can find our products at both Argus Farm Stop stores (Liberty + Packard locations, A2), Zingerman’s Next Door Cafe (A2), Bearclaw Coffee Company (A2), The Produce Station (A2), Sweetwaters (Kerrytown + Ypsilanti locations), Vertex Coffee Roasters (A2), Thrive Juicery (A2), and Uptown Coffeehouse in Howell. We also ship our products, and you can order through our website. (A2 = Ann Arbor)

Also check out my post on Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options, for restaurant recommendations. 

Tasty Bakery Location, Hours and Contact Information

Tasty Bakery
416 West Huron, Suite 24
Ann Arbor MI 48103
Website / Facebook / Instagram  / Email
Open Monday thru Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday 11 am – 3 pm.
They also sell at the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
(734) 707- 1046

Tasty Bakery is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakeries across the state of Michigan. Follow this link for a compete state-wide list and interactive map! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram  for more gluten free bakery insights.

The post Tasty Bakery – Ann Arbor’s Gluten Free Bakery appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.