Holiday Market's Frequently Asked Questions

YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.

BAKERY

How late is the Bakery open?
Our Bakery is open while Holiday Market is open. Normal hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Normal hours Wednesday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Does the bakery make its own bread?
We make a full line of artisan bread from scratch in a hearth oven right here in the Holiday Market Bakery. Come check out the newest edition to the bakery and indulge in the expansive selection of breads and rolls.
Why can't I get my favorite flavor of bread every day?
Our artisan and classic breads are available every day but some of our sweet and savory flavored breads rotate with the seasons.
Why are Holiday Market pies more expensive than vendor pies?
We make all of our fillings from scratch as well as our all butter crust and streusel topping. We fill our pies to the top with our tasty filling and hand lattice or streusel each pie ourselves.
What kind of selection do you have of gluten free or sugar free?
We carry a full line of gluten free baked goods from a company located in a completely gluten free facility as well as carrying a couple gluten free options in our bakery case. We also have a line of frozen sugar free items alongside lesser sugar Holiday bakery products.
How do you handle allergies (i.e. peanut, gluten, dairy)?
We have options that do not contain certain allergy prone ingredients and can make specific recipes for special orders but we always inform customers that we are not an allergy friendly facility…meaning we do not specifically wash bowls away from certain products and the products are in the bakery itself so there could be airborne cross contamination.
What other company’s bread do you carry other than your own?
In the bakery we carry artisan bread from Zingerman’s, organic breads from Avalon, challah from Dakota and other varieties from Cantoro’s, Superior, Dinkerbrot, Miami and Bread-Smith.
What kind of buttercream do you make?
We make our buttercream from scratch the same way we have been for 15 years with quality simple ingredients like Madagascar vanilla, finely sifted powdered sugar and rich European butter. It’s the ideal balance of fluffy, not too sweet heaven.
How far in advance do I need to order a cake or special order baked good?
We require 48 hours notice on simple design birthday cakes. Specialty artwork orders require a minimum 1 week notice but may require longer depending on how detailed and intricate the request. Baked goods and breads require 48 hours notice for items we stock and 1 week for special requests.
Why do you need so much notice on specialty ordered cakes?
Our talented cake artists take their time hand piping every detail on your cake to make sure it is perfect. We wouldn’t want to compromise that quality for quantity.
Do you make wedding cakes?
Yes!! We do! We have won awards from the Knot and Hour magazine for Best Wedding Cakes for numerous years in a row. We produce one of kind masterpieces that will make anybody’s big day just that much more perfect. To learn more check out our Wedding Cakes page or call Holiday Market and ask to speak with our wedding consultant Leanne.
Why can’t I get the same flavor individual dessert or cheesecake today that I did last week?
We rotate our flavors and items out daily according to season and demand in order to keep things fresh and interesting. There is no exact menu or schedule of flavors or specific items but if you are looking for something specific please call ahead and we would be more than happy to let you know your options for the day.

BEER

How do I find out about beer releases?
Please follow our Facebook Page Holiday Market Beer for updates. If you do not have Facebook, you may still view the page without joining.
How do you handle limited beer releases?
The beers are posted to our Facebook page, then sold on a first come, first serve basis according to any limits based on allocation.
When would I typically look for Michigan beer release information?
We will typically post on Wednesdays and Fridays for given beer releases in Michigan.
Will you hold beers for customers to pick up at a later date?
We will hold any beer excluding limited releases for anyone who wants for a specified amount of time.
How much of any limited beer do you receive?
That varies greatly from beer to beer, we do not know how much of anything we will receive usually until the week of the release, maybe even until it shows up on our receiving dock.
Do you carry/sell kegs?
We sell kegs on a preorder basis so that any keg you receive will be as fresh as possible. We can just about order anything available in bottles on our shelves given a 4-7 days window from order to pickup. Prices and sizes will be different for almost any beer, so call for a quote and barrel size.
If I want something you don’t carry, will you order it?
Yes, we will order anything that is available to us for an order. If it is something we do not normally carry/have discontinued, we would order the case just for you.
Do you sell singles of the beer that comes in 6-packs?
Yes, we do, and will single just about any new beer that comes through the door.

CATERING

What type of events do you cater?
We are a full service catering operation equipped to customize an event to suit your needs. Our event consultants can help arrange anything from a simple pick-up, or drop-off, up to a full-service event with staff on-site. We cater all types of events: birthday parties, graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, weddings, corporate events and more. However, we also have terrific options for a simple pick-up or drop-off for smaller gatherings—easy yet elegant platters, fun BBQ and taco party packages, and DIY options for those who love to grill, but don’t love the prep. Contact us today at 248.543.4390 or email us holidaycatering@holiday-market.com to plan your catering event.
Do you have grab ’n go catering items?
For smaller events (fewer than 10 guests), our Du Jour case is an excellent resource. It is always fully stocked with heat-and-serve items, side dishes, ready-to-bake pizzas and quiches, sushi selections and pre-made or custom-made salads. If you combine these options with small vegetable trays and fruit bowls from our Produce department, and grab ‘n go items from our Deli—you can throw an impromptu party that will look like you spent weeks planning! Our larger signature platters are not available pre-made, but we do our best to take care of last-minute orders.
Do you have waitstaff and bartenders?
We do offer full service catering that includes chefs, servers, bartenders, and busers on-site. Check out our delivery and staffing pricing guide here.
Do you have rentals?
We work closely with our trusted vendors to provide everything from tents, tables, chairs, linens and china for all events.
Do you cook from scratch?
Yes! Our kitchen is made up of a large and experienced team of chefs that makes everything fresh in-house.
Can I customize my catering menu or do you have pre-selected menus if I don’t want to create my own?
Yes, we do offer customized menus for all of our events. We also offer several pre-set packages to choose from (but this is just a small representation of what we can do). Feel free to challenge us with a theme or a favorite dish! Click below to view a sampling of our diverse catering menus: Full Catering Menu The Smokehouse BBQ Menu Pan-Asian Menu Fiesta Menu Gourmet Grilled Pizza Menu Quiche Menu Tea Party Menu Hors d’ouvres Menu Beverage Menu Interactive Party Menu DIY Party Menu
Do you have menus for corporate events?
Yes, check out our options below: Rise & Dine Breakfast Menu Boxed Lunches Menu Oh-So-Easy Lunch Buffet Menu BYO Lunch Buffet Menu Exceptional Lunch Entrees Menu Exceptional Dinner Entrees Menu Satisfying Snacks Menu
How do I get a hold of an event coordinator?
You can reach Holiday Catering by phone at 248-543-4390 or by email at holidaycatering@holiday-market.com.
How far in advance do I need to book catering?
We require a minimum of 72 hours notice, but in peak season (June-September, December) we often reach our order capacity far in advance, so please provide as much notice as possible. We regret that it is sometimes necessary to decline orders after we reach capacity to ensure that our quality level is maintained. If you have unexpected guests, call us to find out if we can help—we’ll do our best to help you out, even on short notice.
Do you do high-end weddings?
We do elegant and customized events of all types—weddings, corporate events, gala fundraisers, etc. Our creative culinary team and professional waitstaff can serve a multi-course plated dinner in just about any venue—even your backyard!
Are you an approved caterer for any venues?
Yes we are proud to be an approved vendor for several popular venues in southeast Michigan. Each venue is unique, and has specific requirements/assets/limitations, and our experienced planning team can guide you through those options. Click here to see our approved venue list.
Do you have kid-friendly items?
We make several kid-friendly menu items from chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and petite sandwiches to appease all ages. Like adult menus, a plated meal or separate buffet station for the younger set can be completely customized to include your picky eater or petit gourmand’s favorites.

CHEESE

How many countries are represented in the Gourmet Cheese Shoppe?
We represent 24 countries in our Gourmet Cheese Shoppe.
What does "Raw Milk" mean?
“Raw milk” is milk from cows, sheep or goat that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.
How many types of milk are used for making cheese?
We have 4 types of milk that our cheese is made from: Cow, Goat, Sheep and Buffalo milk.
What makes one cheese sharper than another?
The aging process—the more aged the sharper the taste will be.
What does "cave-aged mean”?
“Cave-aged” is a process in which the temperature is in a controlled environment.
What is the rind on brie?
The rind on brie is generally edible. The rinds are simply dried, hardened outer layers of cheese that have come in contact with mold.
Is there a type of milk that is better for people with sensitive stomachs?
Generally sheep’s milk is the easiest on the stomach, followed by goat and cow.
How do I arrange a nice cheese platter?
Start out with three cheeses to not overwhelm your guests with too many choices. Even though it may seem intimidating, just remember there are no “wrongs” when it comes to cheese! Cheese served before dinner should be light; cheese after dinner either a soft triple-crème cheese, or go full flavored. Pick your cheeses according to what your guests will like, either use different milk types, or go for the color palette on your plate. Either way, just experiment and you will find out what your guests like or dislike.
What is Rennet or vegetarian Rennet?
Rennet contains enzymes that cause milk to become cheese by separating it into the solid curds and the liquid whey. Vegetable Rennet is made from certain vegetables that have coagulation properties as well.
What is Annatto?
Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the Achiote Tree.

DU JOUR

What are your soups for the day?
Check out our soups being offered this month. We are constantly changing them, so be sure to check back frequently.
Do we offer Vegan or Vegetarian options in your department?
Yes! We offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. We prepare all types of dinners in our grab-and-go section. Also, we have vegetarian and vegan entrees and sides in our Gourmet Chef Case.
How often do we change up our selection in our case?
We change it on a daily basis, always rotating the items. We also have several seasonal and holiday changes.
Do you offer meal deals?
Yes! We offer many different varieties starting at $8.99 each. You get one protein, and two sides (this includes any vegetable or any starch).
What brand of coffee are you sampling?
We always sample Schuil Coffee Co. 100% Colombian Supremo in regular and de-caffeinated. We sell this over in the bulk coffee bins in front of the cheese island.
Is our Salmon “wild caught”?
Yes! We only serve wild caught salmon in the Du Jour department.
Is our chicken “all natural”?
Yes! All our chickens are free range, all-natural, antibiotic-free and GMO-free.
How do we price our salads on the salad bar?
We start with a base price for a large salad: $7.50; a small salad: $7.50 and then it’s $1.00 for each topping. We also offer 5 house salads that are already priced for your convenience.
What kind of salad dressings do you offer?
We offer the classics: Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard, Catalina and Caesar. In addition, we also offer some in-house specialties, such as: Sweet Celery, Cider Vinaigrette, Lemon Vinaigrette, Jalapeno Ranch, Asian Soy and Red Wine Vinegar.

GROCERY, DAIRY & FROZEN

When do eggs usually expire?
Eggs can be refrigerated for up to a month, but the best flavor and best quality for cooking is within the first week of purchasing them.
Why does some cream naturally rise to the top?
That’s a loaded question but if you’re wondering about our Calder Brothers Creamline Milk (glass bottle with a white cap), it’s because it’s unhomogenized so the cream naturally rises to the top.
What’s the deal with Kale?
It provides ample amounts of vitamins like folic acid, calcium and iron. And it happens to be a member of the cabbage family (not the dolls).
Greek yogurt is having a moment, but why?
It’s got a thicker and creamier texture than regular yogurt and it packs 2 times the protein.
What’s Quinoa and how do you say it?
It’s a “super grain” and much like super heroes, it contains much more protein than any other grain (hero). Also, it’s pronounced “keen-wah”!

LIQUOR

What should I know about buying scotch as a gift?
Do they drink Highland, which is a more floral and has caramel characteristics? OR do they drink Islay (eye-lee) which is smoky and peaty with notes of iodine?
What are the most popular vodkas in the shop?
Titos and Valentine.
Tequila, what’s the deal?
Blanco is for mixing, Reposado is for shots and Anejo is for sipping.

MEAT

What is Holiday Premium Beef?
Holiday Premium Beef is a program developed by Holiday Market that incorporates several key points to ensure a very tender, juicy steak, time after time. To start, our Premium Beef does not operate entirely separate from the USDA grading system, rather instead, uses only the top 3rd percentage of “Choice” cuts. Within that top 3rd, we choose products that have a moderate to abundant marbling to ensure a fantastic flavor. Second, we choose a product that is processing at an “A” maturity rating to ensure tenderness. Third is being breed-specific, only choosing cattle that have a hump never to exceed two inches which can lead to a tougher product. In the final step, all of our products complete a 45-day wet aging process to produce a juicy and flavorful product before it reaches the plate.
Does your sausage contain gluten?
We are very proud to announce that none of our sausage contains gluten. We use natural meats and fresh spices to produce our line of pork and chicken sausage.
Where is your Lamb from?
Holiday Meat Shop carries North American Spring Lamb, a tender and very flavorful product.
Do you really make your own sausage?
Yes we do! We stock 23 different chicken and pork varieties on a daily basis. We offer everything from a regular Sweet & Mild, to a Hot, or Polish, and our unique sausages such as Chicken, Spinach & Feta, and Roasted Bell Pepper & Basil sausages. Our pork Wine & Cheese, Potato & Cheddar, and Jalapeno Popper sausages are also excellent choices. We will even make a custom recipe at your request!
What kind of ground meats do you carry?
Our Ground Meat selection includes: Pork Veal Lamb Chicken Breast Turkey (breast and mixed) Chuck Round Sirloin All Natural Creek Stone Sirloin Organic Piedmontese Sirloin And, our very own flavorful, Ultimate Blend And our very flavorful, Ultimate Blend
Do you carry pre-made burger patties?
Why, yes we do! We have regular, unseasoned Beef Round, Chuck and Sirloin patties. Also, we have Turkey Breast, Buffalo Patties and to top it off, our own signature custom-made patties: Bacon & Cheddar, All American, Black & Blue Sirloin and Mediterranean Chicken patties.
Is it true that you carry fresh - never frozen meat?
Yes! We believe in delivering the freshest product possible and you can’t get that out of the freezer. We have strict ordering standards and amazing relationships with our vendors to offer fresh beef, pork, lamb, veal, buffalo and poultry to our customers.
Can I get a custom cut any time of the day?
Yes! With our team of seven butchers we can offer, to your specifications, a custom cut from open to close.
What kind of bacon do you carry?
We feature our own line of premium Bacons: Maple, Cajun, Peppered, and Jalapeño. In addition we offer Nueske Premiums Bacons, 2 types of Hickory Smoked, Regular Slab Bacon, Boar’s Head #1 Thick Cut Bacon, Applewood and Cherrywood, plus Uncured No-Nitrate Bacon.
What type of Poultry items do you carry?
We have a full line of Miller Farms Amish All-Natural poultry. Whole roasters, fryers, drums, wings, thighs, bone-in split breasts, boneless skinless breasts and leg quarters – we have it all! We also have Bell and Evans boneless breasts and organic whole fryers, split breasts, and boneless breasts. Plus, our signature Holiday Market extra trimmed breast, kabob meat, and stir fry meats.

MIREPOIX

When do you have Uncorked, your wine tasting event?
The 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month! Check out our calendar and register here.
Can you book a private event at Mirepoix?
Yes, we’ve had every event from a rehearsal dinner to team building events like an Iron Chef Cook-off Challenge. Call Catering today to book your event at 248.543.4390.
What types of cooking classes do you offer?
Pasta Making, Sushi Date Night, Holiday Themed, Seasonal and so much more.
Will I actually get to cook?
Yes! We have plenty of burners, ovens and cooking utensils so you can get right into the action.
How do I sign up for an event or class?
Go to our Mirepoix site, create an account and register for the event or class here.

PRODUCE

What’s in season in Michigan?
Winter: Christmas Trees Spring: Asparagus, Lettuce, Herbs Summer: Beans, Berries, Peppers, Melons, Tomatoes Fall: Potatoes, Pumpkins, Squash, Cabbage
Which apples make a good apple pie?
A mix of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious provide the best blend of sweet and sour flavor.
Are navel oranges good juicing oranges?
Yes, but they’re even better to eat!
What is a good, sweet onion?
Vidalia Onions from Georgia or Texas Sweet Onions are great choices.
Do you buy or sell local vegetables?
Yes! When they are in season.
How can I keep my avocado longer?
Let them ripen on the table, then place them in the refrigerator.
Can I sample the produce?
Yes! Just ask us!
Can you help me pick the best peach?
Of course! We can show you how to pick the best one and you can taste it before you buy it, too.

SEAFOOD

How many varieties of fish do you carry?
We stock from 20 to 30 species of fish every day. Usually we have a few more species at the beginning of the weekend.
Do you skin fish fillets?
Yes, we not only skin fish, but cut and prepare your fish however you like it.
Do you special order fish?
We carry one of the largest selections of fresh fish in Michigan. But, if we don’t have the type you are looking for, we will make every attempt to special order it for you. In most cases, if the fish is available, we can have it for you the next day. Usually, there is no minimum order required. This is on a fish-by-fish basis.
Do you carry wild caught shrimp?
Yes, we carry a large variety of raw wild shrimp as well as farm raised shrimp. We also have our signature cooked wild Campeche Shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, that we prepare in-house.
Do you stock whole fish?
On occasion we do have some whole fish, but we do not stock whole fish on a regular basis. However, we can special order any whole fish that is available and have it for you the next day.
What is the difference in flavor between all the different Salmon you carry?
The wild caught Salmons (King, Keta, Coho, and Sockeye) have a richer, more robust flavor and are also full of healthy Omega 3’s. The King Salmon is the mildest of the wild Salmons and has the healthiest fats. It is considered the best eating of all the wild Salmons, followed by the Sockeye (Rich flavor, leaner than other Salmons, bright red color), Coho and Keta. The farm raised Atlantic Salmons have a milder flavor, are moist and high in healthy Omega 3’s. We carry two farm raised Atlantic Salmons (Canadian and Faroe Island). These two Salmons taste fairly similar, although the Faroe is raised with a higher grade of feed which gives it even more healthy fats and a moister texture. The Faroe Salmon is a very high-end Atlantic salmon with no hormones and no antibiotics.
When are the wild Salmons available fresh?
These delicious fish are in season fresh for only a few months. • Sockeye Salmon season: mid-to-late May to mid-September • Coho Salmon season: late-June to late-October • King Salmon season: May to October is the peak season, but it is available year round Wild caught Salmon is available all year because after the season is over we still carry Sockeye and sometimes Cohos that were previously frozen. The farm raised Salmons are available fresh year round.
Do your Scallops contain any water or preservatives?
No! We carry only dry packed Scallops. Dry packed means no added water and no added preservatives. We believe that The Dry packed Scallops taste much better and that’s why we only carry dry scallops. Most Scallops are treated with a water and sodium solution that preserves the scallops longer but this means it can absorb up to 25% of its weight in water. Thus “wet” scallops will be much cheaper as they are filled with extra water weight. This water dilutes the flavor and leaks out when cooking.
I have heard that farm raised fish are bad for you. Is this true?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about fish. Although there are some farms with lower standards, in reality, there are many farms with extremely high standards that produce high quality, sustainable and healthy fish. In fact, in many cases, the farm raised fish are better than their wild counterparts. For example, wild Catfish are bottom eaters that eat just about anything. They also thrive in polluted areas. But, farm raised Catfish are raised in cleaner water, with selective floating feed. Here at Holiday, we are very careful to avoid farmed fish from the “bad farms”. For example, 70-80% of the Tilapia consumed in the USA is farmed in China. We do not carry any farmed raised fish from China. There have been many negative reports about farmed Tilapia from China. Although all farms in China are not bad, we avoid fish from China to ensure our catch is of the highest quality. Our Tilapia comes from one of the most respected farms in the industry (Rainforest Farm is Costa Rica).
How long will our fish last in the refrigerator?
Some fish and seafood may last longer, but we guarantee the items in our counter for 3 days. In general, a fish can keep up to two weeks from the day it’s caught if properly refrigerated below 38 degrees for the entire time. Here at Holiday Market, we never keep fish that long. We sell a lot of fish, and get several deliveries 6 days a week, we guarantee our fish and seafood for 3 days (including the day of purchase). We go over our stock daily to make sure we have the freshest fish possible and discard any fish that we think won’t last 3 days. So if you buy a fish Monday morning it will be guaranteed fresh until Wednesday evening.

THE SMOKEHOUSE

What is the difference between St. Louis ribs and Baby back ribs?
Baby backs are usually meatier and leaner. St. Louis style ribs are fattier, so they are more flavorful and tender.
Why do smoked meats have a pink color, making them look under cooked?
All of our meats and poultry are cooked thoroughly. That being said, there’s a chemical reaction that occurs between the smoke and the meat that causes it to take on a pinkish hue. In BBQ terms, we call that the “smoke ring.” It’s not only normal, but one of the things we strive for. It happens in everything from chicken to brisket to pork, and it’s an indication of the smoky goodness.
Do you have your smoked meats every day?
Yes, we do. Every day you can buy our sliced or chopped brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sliced smoked turkey breast, whole and half smoked chickens and ribs.
Do you have any catering packages?
Yes we do, just call us at 248.541.1414 and ask for Catering. You can check out The Smokehouse menu and packages here.
What are some of your top selling items?
Our smoked chicken wings and burnt ends are most loved by our customers.
Do you have any gluten-free selections?
Yes! Most of what we offer is gluten-free & paleo-friendly. Except, our famous mac-n-cheese, which of course has pasta in it.
I’m throwing a party and would like some BBQ food. Do you offer your food in larger amounts?
Of course! We actually have many value packages we offer, perfect for picnics, birthday parties, graduation open houses & tailgate parties. Call 248-543-4390 for details. Check out The Smokehouse menu here too!
What kind of wood do you use?
We use a seasoned blend of cherry wood and apple wood from a local Michigan source.
How much does a half pan of The Smokehouse meats or sides feed?
A half pan, which is around 6-8 lbs. (depending on what items are in the half pans) feeds approximately 15-20 people.
What is beef brisket? What part of the cow does it come from?
Beef brisket comes from a cow. Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of the beef. The beef brisket is one of the nine primal cuts.

WINE

Do you have to pair white wine with fish?
Not necessarily. While lighter fish like Cod need a dry white wine, oilier fish like Salmon benefit from the firmer structure of a light red like Pinot Noir.
How many wines do you have in the aisles?
Around 3,500 different labels.
What are the most popular reds?
The king of red is still Cabernet Sauvignon with Pinot Noir, Red Zinfandel and Malbec closely following.
What are the most popular whites?
Queen Chardonnay is backed up by Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
What is a meritage?
Rhyming with Heritage, Red Meritage is an American blend of two or more of the red “noble” Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and the rarer St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. If the blend includes any other grape variety, it is, by definition, not a Meritage.
What temperature should red wine be at? What about white?
Light dry white wines, rosés, sparkling wines: Serve at 40° to 50°; Full-bodied white wines and light, fruity reds: Serve at 50° to 60° F; Full-bodied red wines and Port: Serve at 60° to 65° F.
How long does opened wine last?
Most wines need to be drunk the same day it is opened for optimal freshness. With a vacuum sealer, it can be kept up to a week. With exceptions to the rule being big tannin bombs like Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon or Petite Sirah.
How long can you store wine?
98% of wine vinted is meant to be drank that year. The rest are meant to be aged with rule of thumb being on average 10-12 years.