Eastern Manitoba has something new and tasty to brag about this week, Moon Gate’s Artisan Bakery where you can get the only wood-fired pizza in Eastern Manitoba.

We had the Eastman Tourism team stop in for a little visit so that we could share the experience with you.

The first thing you need to know is that the Artisan Bakery is only open on Friday’s from 5:00 pm to 9:00 until the end of September. Keep this in mind, because after you finish this article, you’ll want to hop in the car for a drive to Whitemouth.

The Food

Everyone knows that the secret ingredient of any good meal is love and Moon Gate Artisan Bakery has this in droves, starting with the oven itself. A labour of love, Owner, Michel Dupas, and many helping hands, built the oven with reclaimed materials found in the community.

Next up, the locally sourced ingredients that are grown, produced or raised in Manitoba. With meat from Archie’s Meats, Cheese from Bothwell Cheese, and herbs, spices, and veggies growing just outside the order window. Nothing says fresh better than being able to watch the chef handpick the herbs moments before they are added to the pizza.

There are 8 mouth-watering pizza options to choose from which are sure to delight everyone in your household. From the tradition Pepperoni, with some hot peppers added to kick it up a notch, to the Coop De Jour, topped with oven-baked chicken and seasonal veggies. Making the choice can be a little difficult, they all sound and look amazing. The pizza is incredible. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients and it just doesn’t compare to oven-baked pizza.

The Experience

What truly makes heading out to the Artisan Bakery a real treat is the experience. Located on the grounds of Moon Gate Guest House, you’ll feel the stress of your day melt away the moment you pull in the driveway. Moon Gate is known as the place where you disconnect to connect. You won’t find cell reception here, making your night out stress-free and peaceful.

Greeted by your hosts, Jenny and Michel, you’ll be guided through the ordering process and can watch as Michel cooks your pizza in the oven. Tables and chairs are set up around the yard, or you can bring a blanket and enjoy your dinner along the banks of the Whitemouth River.

Once your dinner is done, you are invited to stay and enjoy the grounds. Yard games, such as bocci ball and lawn golf, are available, or you can lounge by the river; there is no hurried waiter watching a clock urging you to leave.

The last thing you need to know about the Artisan Bakery is that, if you do it right, not only will you have great pizza, you create lasting memories. (Note to parents, bring towels). These guys spent an hour wading through the river giggling and laughing as minnows and fish swam around them and nibbled at their toes.