When Mariana Cortez opened Bunnie Cakes in February, it became the first vegan bakery in Miami. But the heart-spangled café was not Cortez's debut into vegan sweets. For years, she had been selling treats -- like gluten-free guava cupcakes -- from home.
Now, six months after launching her storefront in Wynwood, she has expanded her bill of fare to include a vegan lunch. On September 8, Cortez will also be opening for brunch.
Her brother, German Cortez, is responsible for new items on the menu. "He just came to Miami from Spain to help me with the kitchen. He's the one creating all the lunch dishes. He'll be doing the brunch too," says Mariana.
Currently, the bakery offers specials such as gluten-free empanadas with Daiya cheese and asparagus ($4.50), guava and cheese empanadas, hummus vegetable wraps ($10), Mexican sandwich with black beans, avocado, and onions ($10), and soups varieties (zucchini; tomato; broccoli and cheddar; small: $4.50, large: $6.50).
Brunch will feature similar dishes, as well as additional breakfast offerings.
"We are developing a menu with vegan and gluten-free brunch items, like green pancakes with spinach, pink pancakes with beets, muffins, tofu scrambles, and granola bowls with coconut milk yogurt and gluten-free granola," says Mariana.
Bunnie Cakes's first brunch service will take place on September 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow Emily on Twitter @EmilyCodik.
Follow Short Order on Facebook, on Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.
