Illegal Bakery Pop-Up at Taperia Raca: Cutest Lunch in Town

Walking in to the Illegal Bakery pop-up at Taperia Raca is sort of like entering a time warp. Frank Sinatra croons on the stereo as an adorable couple in matching old-school soda-jerk-meets-'50s-diner garb greets you upon arrival.

The two, adorned in matching wooden bows (around neck for him, in hair for her), are real-life sweethearts and Illegal Bakery partners Mike Mayta and Keily Vazquez.

See also: Taperia Raca Offers Rich, Easy-to-Enjoy Tapas in MiMo

You might know their baked goods from farmers' markets around town. Now the duo has taken over days at the MiMo tapas restaurant to serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks at their Illegal Bakery pop-up.

Mayta tells Short Order that the pop-up came about organically. "We were looking to expand to another commissary or maybe take over a bakery when a mutual friend suggested we discuss doing a pop-up at Taperia Raca. We've known Alex [Casanova] and Giorgio [Rapicavoli] for a while now and the arrangement just felt right."

Mayta, a Johnson & Wales graduate who also works at Proper Sausages, and Vazquez met while working at Michy's, Michelle Bernstein's Upper Eastside establishment. They hit it off immediately. Soon they began baking together, selling their wares at farmers' markets throughout South Florida. "I've always felt a soft spot for baking," Mayta shares, but the couple wanted to take their business one step further without taking too much of a risk. Hence, the pop-up, which runs until at least September. "After that, we'll all sit down and talk about the next step."

Illegal Bakery at Taperia Raca is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here are some of the treats you can expect to find.

Adorable with an edge.

Quiche of the day is warm and satisfying.

Freshly made granola is a great grab-and-go snack or a satisfying breakfast when served with milk or yogurt.

A play on a traditional falafel, the faux-lafel is made with millet, beet slaw, and hummus. Other sandwiches include mole chicken and a Wagyu beef melt. All sandwiches and salads range from $9 to $12.

And here's where the "illegal" comes in. These pop-tarts are as addictive as any illicit drug. Warm, flaky, and filled with all manner of goodness like Nutella and banana or guanabana and dulce de leche, they're totally worth the calories, or the drive, or a kidnapping (just kidding).

Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier manner with these freshly baked bars. All treats cost $2 to $7.

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