For a lot of, the vegan way of life is a selection. For Mika Altidor, it was a necessity that saved her life. Years in the past, Altidor prescribed to a really completely different way of life. She was profitable in her profession as knowledgeable stylist, however her Commonplace American Eating regimen of animal-based consolation and comfort meals wasn’t doing her any favors.
After experiencing extreme belly pains, she was identified with a number of massive 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 Properly Lakeland
Somewhat bit Haitian, just a little bit pizza
Altidor wasn’t raised as a vegan, however she defined that rising up in a Haitian family, she didn’t eat a number of meat—at the very least, not compared to the everyday American food regimen which frequently contains 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 positively 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 positively not vegan pizza.
Surgical procedure or crops
Altidor was confronted with the well being implications of her food regimen after being identified with a number of massive lots 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 crucial. She turned to a whole-food, plant-based food regimen as an alternative.
Victor and Mika’s Bakery
Over time, she healed herself and have become satisfied of the true energy of a vegan food regimen. In spite of everything, she was residing proof. She resolved that going again to her outdated means of consuming was not an choice, however she additionally craved the meals she used to like—issues like pizza, tacos, and burgers. Residing 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 determination to open a vegan bakery, it was a straightforward determination for Altidor.
“Driving an hour to a different vegan institution was getting outdated,” Altidor stated. “I knew I used to be not the one particular person in Central Florida who felt this fashion.”
Her confidence bought 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 each day,” she emphasised. Munoz ultimately took a bigger function within the enterprise, investing his financial savings and taking up as head baker. He additionally injected his Mexican tradition into the menu by veganizing his favorites resembling conchas, churros, and savory gadgets like enchiladas. At present, the menu borrows hits from quite a few world cuisines. The savory choice has expanded to incorporate Southern comforts resembling Rooster and Waffles (you could get topped with peach cobbler!) and Higher Than Meatloaf with sides starting from brussels sprouts to cornbread. Nonetheless, there’s additionally an Italian-inspired gluten-free lasagna, German-style comfortable pretzels, and Mexican empanadas.
Victor and Mika’s Bakery
The bakery part remains to be thriving as effectively. Altidor famous that the each day doughnuts and cinnamon rolls are buyer favorites, however it’s troublesome to decide on between the mouth-watering array of candy and savory items. Different delights on the excellent menu embrace cannolis, cake slices, churros, tiramisu, and an over-the-top celebration of indulgence by the use 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 throughout the peak 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 beautiful assortment of treats contains bakery hits in addition to Altidor’s favourite fudgy brownie recipe—veganized from her previous life—and her luxurious Purple Velvet Bars. When 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 right this moment, however her enthusiasm for the vegan way of life and baking fuels her work on a regular basis.
“[I think about] making a birthday cake for just a little lady 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.”
