Vegan croissants are a rare bird. Thanks to the heavy butter content, some believed that replicating the flaky texture of this beloved pastry without using animal-derived ingredients was simply impossible. But Carolina Quijada, a classically trained, European-inspired chef (who just happens to be vegan) dedicated herself to recreating cruelty-free versions of all the buttery French pastries she once adored. She spent years experimenting with different ingredients, only to perfect a recipe for the flakiest, most buttery, most mouthwatering croissant ($3.75), adored by omnivores and vegans alike across South Florida. Quijada's croissants can be found in restaurants from Midtown's Glam Vegan to Green Bar & Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, to Planta South Beach — as well as L'Artisane Creative Bakery, her intimate breakfast-and-lunch eatery in North Miami Beach. And while the classic tends to get top billing, she also bakes croissants in special flavors including cinnamon, cookies and cream, and apple pie. Bon appétit. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday