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The ‘Gander Holiday Food Guide

By The 'Gander Staff

December 10, 2024

Struggling to put together a spread for your holiday gatherings? We’ve got you covered.

Michigan is a state of grand fortune, with scores of local farms and farmers markets from which to source all of our necessary produce. We also have ample bake shops for pies and cookies, and, for those who aren’t up for hosting, plenty of great restaurants open on Christmas day!

The Best Holiday Bakeries in Michigan

While it is convenient to buy from Costco or Whole Foods, ordering pies and pastries from one of these Michigan businesses means supporting your local economy while ensuring higher-quality food.

Detroit: Sheila’s Bakery

Sheila’s is far more than a bakery; it’s a Detroit destination, and that’s why our readers named it the top spot in all of Michigan. The obvious starting point for a newcomer to this unassuming Mexican shop is the ever-popular tres leches cake, but don’t stop there! Be sure to try the fresh pan dulces, elephant ears, or flan while you’re at it.

Lansing: Sugar Shack

A Lansing favorite with an origin story dating back to the 1960s, Sugar Shack sets itself apart not just with its mouthwatering sweets, but with the fact that it delivers! Their choice of gourmet cupcakes can be overwhelming, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Our inclination, though, would be to opt for something on the exotic side, like Japanese fruit cake or double butterscotch coconut.

Grand Rapids: Nantucket Baking Company

A true full-service bakery, Nantucket Baking Company in Grand Rapids pairs its artisan breads and pastries with top-notch customer service. And did we mention their gorgeous tortes? For your holiday feast, consider skipping the cake and opt instead for a chocolate peanut butter torte.

The Best Premade Holiday Meals in Michigan

Maybe you don’t want to lift a finger in the kitchen. If that’s the case, we’ve found a few Michigan businesses that will do all the cooking for you.

Cornwell’s Turkey Restaurant

Marshall, MI

Cornwell’s is more than a restaurant—it’s an attraction, a campground, a full-service restaurant, a store, and even a dinner theater with tons of local classes and events. And many say that nobody does a holiday turkey better. The restaurant offers full catering for the holidays.

Scratch BBQ & Catering

Flint, MI

Opt for something a little less traditional for your holiday menu: delicious barbecue pulled pork, beef brisket, or St. Louis-style ribs. Choose-your-own-sides include cornbread, mac-and-cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad, coleslaw, or spaghetti salad. And for dessert (which is ala carte), you have your choice of strawberry shortcake, peanut butter cake, S’mores bars, and key lime or pecan pie.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Michigan

Not everyone is putting together an elaborate spread for Christmas. Some folks just want to go out for a quick bite. That’s why we compiled a list of a couple well-reviewed restaurants you can visit on Christmas Day.

Kona Grill 

30 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy

Menu items at Kona Grill include seared sea bass sliders, lemon garlic penne, surf & turf, sushi, and homemade desserts, among others. To book your table in advance, click here. You’ll need to select the Troy location from the drop down menu on the reservation page, then select the date, time, and party size from there. 

Gandy Dancer

401 Depot St, Ann Arbor

The Gandy Dancer has a holiday prix fixe menu available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $59 per person. The menu includes prime rib, salmon, lobster, and more. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made here. You’ll need to add the number of guests, date, and preferred time on the reservation page.

 

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CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK

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