For a lot of, the vegan life-style is a alternative. For Mika Altidor, it was a necessity that saved her life. Years in the past, Altidor prescribed to a really totally different life-style. She was profitable in her profession as an expert stylist, however her Commonplace American Weight-reduction plan of animal-based consolation and comfort meals wasn’t doing her any favors.
After experiencing extreme stomach pains, she was recognized with a number of giant fibroid tumors and confronted with one choice: surgical procedure. Altidor determined to decide on her personal path to keep away from present process the knife. Her instinct not solely healed her, however sparked a vegan entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside along with her companion, Victor Munoz, she launched Polk County, FL’s first and solely vegan institution—Victor and Mika’s Bakery.
The Effectively Lakeland
Just a little bit Haitian, slightly bit pizza
Altidor wasn’t raised as a vegan, however she defined that rising up in a Haitian family, she didn’t eat loads of meat—at the least, not compared to the everyday American food regimen which regularly consists of meat as a focus of each meal. “I ate conventional dishes like griot which is spicy fried pork with plantains. [We also ate] fish, rice, and rooster. And undoubtedly rice and beans!” she stated. Although she tried to chop again on some crimson meat and poultry as an grownup, she admitted to having “a weak point for consolation meals and pizza.” On the time, this was undoubtedly not vegan pizza.
Surgical procedure or vegetation
Altidor was confronted with the well being implications of her food regimen after being recognized with a number of giant plenty round her uterus. Her physician knowledgeable her {that a} hysterectomy was the one choice to banish these tumors, however she was decided to keep away from surgical procedure except completely mandatory. She turned to a whole-food, plant-based food regimen as a substitute.
Victor and Mika’s Bakery
Over time, she healed herself and have become satisfied of the true energy of a vegan food regimen. In any case, she was residing proof. She resolved that going again to her outdated approach of consuming was not an choice, however she additionally craved the meals she used to like—issues like pizza, tacos, and burgers. Dwelling in an space of Florida that was comparatively devoid of high quality plant-based choices, Altidor and her companion Munoz began experimenting in their very own kitchen.
The vegan bakery is born
When requested about her resolution to open a vegan bakery, it was a straightforward resolution for Altidor.
“Driving an hour to a different vegan institution was getting outdated,” Altidor stated. “I knew I used to be not the one individual in Central Florida who felt this fashion.”
Her confidence obtained a lift when Munoz requested that she make vegan banana nut bread to promote at his produce stand, and the baked items immediately took off. “Prospects beloved it, and it began promoting out day by day,” she emphasised. Munoz finally took a bigger function within the enterprise, investing his financial savings and taking on as head baker. He additionally injected his Mexican tradition into the menu by veganizing his favorites comparable to conchas, churros, and savory objects like enchiladas. At this time, the menu borrows hits from numerous world cuisines. The savory choice has expanded to incorporate Southern comforts comparable to Hen and Waffles (that you could get topped with peach cobbler!) and Higher Than Meatloaf with sides starting from brussels sprouts to cornbread. Nevertheless, there’s additionally an Italian-inspired gluten-free lasagna, German-style delicate pretzels, and Mexican empanadas.
Victor and Mika’s Bakery
The bakery element continues to be thriving as nicely. Altidor famous that the day by day doughnuts and cinnamon rolls are buyer favorites, but it surely’s troublesome to decide on between the mouth-watering array of candy and savory items. Different delights on the great menu embody cannolis, cake slices, churros, tiramisu, and an over-the-top celebration of indulgence by means of the gluten-free Peanut Butter Oreo Churro Cake Jar. For reference, it’s a deliciously decadent layered jar of cake, frosting, sandwich cookies, peanut butter, and a churro for garnish. It’ll make a foul day flip proper round, if just for a second.
Cookbook and past
Like all companies, Altidor struggled in the course of the top of the pandemic, however the duo survived by pivoting to native supply and single-home catering. The pair additionally created a cookbook that was launched in December 2020. Titled Chasing Vegan: Baking Vegan Enjoyable, the attractive assortment of treats consists of bakery hits in addition to Altidor’s favourite fudgy brownie recipe—veganized from her previous life—and her luxurious Pink Velvet Bars. In case you can’t make it to Central Florida any time quickly, this guide permits you to get a style of what Victor and Mika’s is all about. Insider tip: she’s popping out with a second cookbook this summer season!
Altidor overcame main obstacles to get the place she is at this time, however her enthusiasm for the vegan life-style and baking fuels her work on a regular basis.
“[I think about] making a birthday cake for slightly woman allergic to eggs, or a doughnut for an individual allergic to dairy, and being there for therefore many others,” Altidor says. “We’re the one 100-percent vegan eatery in Polk County, FL, and stunning non-vegans with how scrumptious our meals are drives me each day.”
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