For me, every day isn't always a good food day and today I didn't even want to look at or smell food, but that's just living with Crohn's. However it doesn't stop me reflecting and wanting to eat all the gorgeous food that's out there, I'll get back to it in the next few days I'm sure.
So for now, while I'm feeling sorry for myself I will remember the amazing bakery that I discovered a few years ago when I first discovered my food intolerances. A few months after the discovery in 2015, I was going on a trip to Florida, it was going to be a tough trip and I struggled badly for the first half of the holiday.
This is when I discovered an incredible place hidden down an alley in what was Downtown Disney at the time, now after it's magical makeover known as Disney Springs. What I am referring to is Erin McKenna's Bakery, a completely Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Soy Free bakery. Everything in there I could eat and genuinely it was overwhelming the first time I found it.
For me, when I went on this diet I had nowhere to go for proper cake and there was absolutely nowhere to go in the UK. I missed cake like crazy, it's very hard to go from some cake to none at all and it was a big hit for me, so finding a safe haven was very exciting. Here is my review of this amazing bakery...
Staff:
In the bakery it is a quick service counter, so this is something I will not rate. However I will say that they were always super friendly, knew exactly what was in the food and were ready with more of each item even if the cabinet had ran out.
Food:
The Bakery mainly sells Donuts, Cupcakes and Cookies with a few other treats popping up such a Cinnamon Rolls, Loaf Cakes and Bagels.
The first time I took a bite of an Erin McKenna Donut it actually brought tears to my eyes, I got very emotional and I'm not ashamed to admit that. It tasted so amazing, just like a top notch real donut with a cakey moist texture, packed full of beautifully sweet flavour and all I had was the vanilla glazed one! When I discovered all of the other donuts were to my disposal, I begged my family to go to Disney Springs every day and for sure we went there before I left so I could take some home with me.
By far, my favourite is the Cookie Crumble Donut, with the beautiful chocolate cookie pieces on top with icing. The flavour knocks you out and sent me into food heaven for sure. They also do Vegan Soft Serve which I had over one of their donuts to create a feast fit for Disney!
The cookies are pretty amazing too, a chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside texture. Not one of the best things in the bakery however a great option for something sweet when you don't want anything too big.
Their cupcakes are fluffy and moist, there aren't usually many flavours to choose from but by far they are some of the best free from cupcakes I've ever had. So wish there was one over here!
9/10
Allergies/Intolerances:
There is no competition for me here, everything in the bakery is free of the top allergens such as Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Egg and Soy which is incredible. They even make the cakes without refined sugar which is brilliant for those also needing to watch how much sugar they are consuming. They have an allergen folder available for everything they bake, whether or not it is available that day in the bakery, just shows you how much attention they pay to ensuring everyone is safe to eat there.
You can't fault them, they take allergies seriously and I take my hat off to them for making such accessible yet completely delicious food without compromise.
10/10
I am determined to get back to the States soon to experience the bakery again, either in Orlando or in one of her other branches in New York or Los Angeles. I hope anyone in America who is craving a fresh sweet dessert on a similar diet to me has tried at least one of her desserts. They deliver nationwide so even if you don't live close-by you could treat yourself every once in a while! I know I would!
Thanks Erin, you were my first experience of fresh Gluten Free Vegan cake and you will always be held in high regard.