Dune Shores Resort isn’t technically on the Pasty Trail, but it’s on the route so if you want to try something new, it’s an option. Unlike a lot of the other pasty shops on US-2, Dune Shores is right on the beach. You can eat outside and look at the water or walk across the road and eat on the beach. The owners are also probably some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
Being a resort, I didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t too excited after they had to heat up the pasty in a microwave. If you want a fresh one, maybe call ahead and make a request? While microwaving is usually a no-no, that didn’t destroy my experience, although the crust was soft and somewhat chewy.
The crust also looked a bit darker and could’ve been made with wholegrain flour. And even though the taste was lacking, it looked legit and had a professional handle.
Inside, rutabaga was abundant and more importantly, there was meat in every bite. And while the crust lacked flavor, the insides had a great ratio and was seasoned well. It tasted how a homemade pasty should taste, made by someone that didn’t make them for a living. Remember, this is a resort first.
The pasty from Dune Shores is all about relaxing. Whether you’re staying there as a guest or want to enjoy the Lake Michigan views, it’s worth a visit only about 15 minutes from Mackinac Bridge. Oh, and they have ice cream.
Taste: 4 (out of 5)
Crust: 3 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 3.5 (out of 5)
The Shop: 3 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 1 (out of 2) Maybe I’ll call ahead for a fresh pasty
Total Pasty Ranking: 14.5 (of 20 points)
(Reviewed Summer 2018)
The Yooper Pasty: It’s origin is thought to be purely Finnish but it’s actually what Finn’s acquired as they enjoyed this convenient meal here in the U.P.
Dune Shores Resort uses a pure Finlanders own recipe, acquired first hand, and refined with Hungarian roots. They are made from scratch (crust too and it is not whole grain flour) with only the best and freshest ingredients. The crust has the added Hungarian flair which gives it that darker look (secret recipe). To get a fresh made pasty you might happen upon the time they come straight from the oven as it takes 40 minutes or so just to bake. That doesn’t include making the crust, prepping and mixing ingredients etc… Nor the touch of making them look like the authentic letter “D”. So a call ahead is not what one might think typical as it takes a lot of time and work just to make one. It’s pure, old school, home made cooking. It’s pure Michigan. Thus reasoning that pasties are made in batches. That’s how it’s done more times than not anywhere a pasty seeker goes. Even for those Finlanders who have reunions and feed all those family members who return for this fine cuisine….A day is spent prepping, making, baking, cooling and freezing these fine treats. So with today’s microwave society, that’s the only way to get this more then timely snack to you to enjoy in a timely manner. It’s not what is preferred but to reheat one in the oven once it’s been frozen or even thawed takes about 45 minutes to an hour. So despite the cringe of knowing a microwave is involved, you can enjoy your pasty plain, with home made beef gravy, sour cream, ketchup or butter melting off the top. That’s how Dune Shores Resort does it. Also, since they are a seasonal resort, making them for a living only happens two maybe three months of the year. They strive to do their best to serve customers with good food and family friendly atmosphere. Very rustic since it’s been around since before US-2 was paved. And, yes, they serve Jilberts ice cream. Can’t think of a better way to top off a pasty then and ice cream cone and a walk along the beach. Thank you Pasty Guy for stopping in. The Resort appreciates your review.
Thank you for reading and thank you for the added info. We can officially call these Hungarian pasties then!
You are welcome. And great idea… We can call them Hungarian Pasties!