Rumi’s Passion Bakery

As I have grown older, I have acquired more and more food sensitivities and intolerances. I know I am not alone in this. Those of us in this same boat are incredibly lucky to live in southeast Michigan where there are countless restaurants ready and able to cater to our special culinary needs. When I was forced to give up wheat products, I was afraid I’d never be able to enjoy a bakery again. I needn’t have worried!

Family-owned Rumi’s Passion Bakery in Plymouth delivers on its promise of “artisan gluten-free baked goods.” Per their website, “As a dedicated gluten-free, wheat-free bakery, we specialize in wedding cakes, custom birthday cakes, and cupcakes. Everything is baked daily from scratch. We also offer bread, muffins, cookies, and much more.” With so much to choose from, it was difficult for me to decide what to buy!

I knew that I couldn’t leave without trying a childhood favorite, the blueberry muffin. I never would have guessed that it was gluten free. The taste and texture were just what I remember my mother making every summer after blueberry picking, and her muffins were definitely not gluten free. Rumi’s was a delicious muffin that happened to also be gluten free.

I also could not resist a pasty and a “pizza roll” (think calzone rather than the microwavable bite-sized snacks). The pasty’s crust was suitably flaky, and I could really sink my teeth into the pizza roll. I can’t say that I miss bread per se, but pizza rolls have always been a comfort food for me, so being able to enjoy one again was beyond satisfying, especially since it was so big. And the mini eclair I had for dessert was such a delightful treat! There are even gluten free donuts, though I was there on the wrong day to grab one. (Keep an eye on Rumi’s social media for what is available each day.)

If you are dairy, corn, soy free, or vegan, Rumi has options for you, too. There is a long list of freshly baked breads that are gluten, dairy, corn, and soy free as well as gluten and dairy free pies and cakes. (The vegan cakes are only available in chocolate.)

In addition to the impressive array of baked goods, Rumi’s also carries gluten free grocery items, such as frozen pierogi, baking mix, pasta, snacks, and more. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself as well as pad out your gluten free cupboard.

Rumi’s Passion Bakery is located at 41116 Five Mile Road in Plymouth. Find them online at rumispassion.com. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday. For more information call (734) 335-7145 or email rumisgfbakery@gmail.com.

Cravings Dessert Lounge

Opening a new business in 2020 must have been a challenge, especially here in Michigan when we didn’t know what would happen from one week to the next. Would we be moved back a step in the reopening timeline? Would we ever progress forward? These business entrepreneurs must be brave. One such new and bold business is Cravings Dessert Lounge in Ypsilanti. And has it been a welcome addition to the community!

My husband grew up near Dearborn, so normally if we wanted a tray of baklava for a party or social gathering, we would drive out there. Those days are over. When I stepped through the doors of Cravings Dessert Lounge, I gasped at the dozens upon dozens of rows of neatly packed, mouth-watering, pan-Middle Eastern sweet treats that seemed to stretch on forever. There was baklava from Greece and Turkey, ma’amoul, harissa, namoura, Turkish delight, and so many more.

I was intrigued by a dessert that seemed to take center stage on the counter and that I was not familiar with. The friendly and helpful man behind the counter told me it was the most popular dessert in the Middle East, kanafa, “warm sweet cheese, topped with a sweet semolina flour base, drizzled in warm syrup and pistachios.” (This dessert has many spellings in our Roman alphabet; this is the one used on this menu.)

Semolina is, alas, not gluten free, but I could not resist giving this treat a nibble. The cheese is mild in flavor, and overall this dish is very sweet. For an original twist, try the kanafa bowl, which is a little like a yogurt parfait but with kashta (a kind of clotted cream) in place of yogurt and topped with shredded kanafa, fresh fruit, and pistachios. My husband was a big fan!

If European style cakes are more your thing, I spied some of those on display, as well, including a beautiful multi-layered rainbow cake that I wished I could try. There is also an ice cream counter, which I intend to avail myself of often in the future. I have yet to try the kashta or mango ice cream, both of which make my mouth water at the thought.

Whether you are already a fan of Middle Eastern desserts or are just looking to try something new, Cravings Dessert Lounge is a must-visit. They are located conveniently close to the Michigan Avenue exit of I-94 as well as Eastern Michigan University.

Cravings Dessert Lounge is located at 2643 Ellsworth Road in Ypsilanti. Find them online at www.facebook.com/Cravings-Dessert-Lounge-101085064854102/. They are open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (734) 221-5658.

Chapala

As soon as I stepped through the door of Chapala, I knew I was in for a good time. I was actually there to pick up a take-out order, but I was immediately taken in by the music that set my toes tapping, the bright colors, the festive decorations, and the swings at the bar.

That’s right, mixed in with the usual bar stools one expects to find, there are swings! Of course, I had to try one out while I waited for my order to be rung up. The seat was made of wood, and it hung by two ropes from the faux roof built over the bar. It was a gentle swing, like a porch swing, not like what is found on a children’s playground.

This fun little touch made me curious to further explore the restaurant on a future visit. I learned that Chapala had already proven so popular that seating for an additional 30 people was being added in the basement.

While I waited, I also chatted about the menu with the person behind the bar. He gushed about the food, which I took as a good sign. If the employees were enthusiastic about what they served, surely there had to be something to it. And he was absolutely right! I was blown away by the wonderful flavors of the Asada Fries (waffle fries topped with grilled steak, queso, pico de gallo, jalapenos, and sour cream).

I mentioned to the bartender that they were similar to an appetizer that I had once had at another restaurant, only that restaurant used chicken rather than steak. He said that chicken could be substituted if the customer preferred. I was in love with the asada, but having also tried the Arroz Con Pollo (grilled strips of chicken over a bed of rice, topped with cheese dip, and served with lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and tomatoes), I can say that one would not go wrong with the chicken either.

The portion sizes are generous, especially for the price. In addition to deals like Taco Tuesday (when tacos are only $2.50 each), Chapala offers daily lunch specials that are perfect if you work downtown or walk over from campus. The dinner menu is fantastic, too, and more options are being added to keep things interesting. Enjoy surf, turf, and vegetarian options.

Chapala is a beautiful oasis on a less-populated part of Main Street that is totally worth the trip.

Chapala is located at 211 North Main Street in Ann Arbor and online at www.getchapala.com. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, and to phone in a pick-up order, call (734) 996-1456.