There aren’t a ton of places in western Michigan selling pasties, especially in Big Rapids, which is a kind of middle-of-nowhere spot in the Lower Peninsula. In fact, there are barely any pasties available in Grand Rapids, the biggest city on the west side of Michigan.
If desperate for pasties on your travels, you can at least find them at Ala Mode Cafe.
A little ways off US-131, Ala Mode is more or less in downtown Big Rapids, just north of Ferris State University. It’s one of the bigger cities in the area, mainly because of the college.
Since it’d be close to impossible to keep open a pasty-only shop in Big Rapids, Ala Mode’s pasties are made by the owner’s best friend, Pamela. “The recipe came from Pam’s mother who is from Ironwood located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.” Open since 2001, it’s clear that having a side pasty business is good enough in Big Rapids.
If not interested in pasties, Ala Mode is a typical diner that has a little bit of everything, including a breakfast and lunch menu. While I called ahead for my pasties, they only needed a few minutes to warm them up since they’re not made by the order. I assume the owner’s friend makes them one day each week, brings them in and they have them ready to go at all times.
Like most places that do this, it’s hard to get the crust right since they’re likely par-baked and heated fully upon order. When I ordered mine to go, as I often do, I wasn’t able to eat and drive with my hands. The crust was so thin that it easily broke through on the bottom and it wasn’t possible to pick up. The crust was closer to the Finnish variety that had maybe a couple crimps on the ends and was folded over.
The most noticeable thing about the insides was the ridiculous amount of carrots, as in the most carrots I’ve seen in a pasty. I know there are people who won’t eat pasties with carrots, so that’s a definite downgrade for them. There was also a ton of rutabaga, an okay amount of meat and I believe a few pieces of celery.
Combined with a lack of salt and this pasty was heavy on carrot flavors. I think if they turned up the seasoning a little bit and reduced carrots, it’d be slightly better, but I think a mediocre crust will always prevent me from seeking out their pasty.
If you’re dying for a pasty in the northwest of the L.P., Ala Mode Cafe is an option, just prepare for the carrots.
Taste: 2.5 (out of 5)
Crust: 3 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 2 (out of 5)
The Shop: 3 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 1 (out of 2)
Total Pasty Rating: (11.5 of 20 points)
(Reviewed Summer 2024)
