(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
First Taste: In which we glut on gluten-free, vegan treats at the new Wholesome Bakery
13 February 2018
You've obviously been killing
The twist? Far from the usual sugar-and-butter bakeries, this spot serves up an array of yummies that are somehow gluten-, egg-, soy-, dairy-, and trans fat-free, not to mention low glycemic and vegan.
Founded in 2009 by owner Mandy Harper, the journey of Wholesome Bakery will already be familiar to local gluten-free gurus who've followed its evolution from wholesale operation selling baked goods at Rainbow Grocery and select Whole Foods to the Mission's outdoor goods shop Alite, where it had its own small counter. Wholesome caters to both the less regimented healthy eaters among us and those of you who embrace the vegan and/or gluten-free diet year-round (we applaud you). Either way, the piles of cookies, cakes, bars, and brownies here are practically passable for the real stuff and, either way, are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. More of a savory person? Check out their vegan brunch on weekends.
// 299 Divisadero St. (Lower Haight), wholesome-bakery.myshopify.com
(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
At the corner of Divisadero and Page, Wholesome Bakery makes the neighborhood an even better spot to coffee shop hop—newly opened Sightglass is just across the street.
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(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Even the interiors feel wholesome, with small plants climbing the walls and potted in rustic wooden pallets that accent the fresh, white space.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Whether you're here for a cup of coffee, a quick snack or just to catch up on some work, you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling windows that let you glimpse the passersby on Divis.
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(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Owner Mandy Harper replenishes the bakery's display case with a bounty of freshly baked treats. Get there early to grab her immensely popular brownies, which typically sell out daily.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
The day's freshest goods are listed on a chalkboard paper scroll.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
On weekends, the vegan brunch menu offers two sweet and two savory dishes, including this hearty sweet potato and garlic hash bread pudding, made with chunks of the house olive oil oat loaf.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Another savory option, the crepes are filled with organic brown beech mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a delightful cauliflower cream. Surpisingly super filling.
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(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
The seven layer bar (right) and the almond tea cake are as indulgent and delicious as any glutenous, sugary treat we've had.
(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Cupcakes for days! We're still craving the scrumptiously rich dark chocolate cake sprinkled with chocolate chips, and the banana cream cupcake hints of natural vanilla. Choose from up to five different cupcake flavors, rotating daily.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
If you're stopping in for brunch and in the mood for something refreshing, dive into the housemade strawberry basil lemonade with the perfect amount of fizz.
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(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
This cafe is the ultimate you-do-you, self care spot for good eats—it's practically like you went to the spa and the gym (wink wink).
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