Today, I decided to write about a small, local business... Here in Belgium. Before you stop reading: this post concerns all of you, even from outside of Belgium, so don't click this page away just yet...! ;-) I'm talking about a bakery called "Bakkerij Filip"; it's located in the municipality of Kuurne. Although this is not a vegan bakery entirely, a while ago, the baker's wife (the wonderful Liraz) started introducing some delicious vegan baked goods, pastries and other desserts to the public at the store. They turned out to be a big success and now, every Saturday is basically vegan day; with an extra load of vegan yummies. On the first pic you can see a couple of their marzipan birthday cakes! You can order those a few days in advance. On the second some of their tasty desserts: blueberry muffins, chocolate/nut muffins and a nice and creamy chocolate mousse.
I believe that in five years or so, there will be several all vegan bakeries in Belgium. There are lots in other countries, so that would make total sense. But as soon as that becomes a reality, it is important to keep remembering those who started offering vegan food at their stores, long before everyone else did. The vegan pioneers, like Liraz and her husband. These people deserve some credit for this, and that's why I will probably always buy my pastries there, even when there are vegan bakeries everywhere! Being the first to do anything, is always a gamble, really. You never know what's going to happen, and you never know whether people will keep buying your products. Or, whether there's a local market for them, even. This couple took a risk, and luckily, the customers loved what they did (and they got lots of new ones, as well). What I'm trying to say here...! Support your local businesses. :-) Tell them they're doing a good job when they start something new. Tell your friends about their product range and if you like it, post pictures of your purchase online. Reward people like Bakker Filip for the great work they do: introducing people to veganism, in their own way! I'm sure lots of non-vegans enjoy the great food and started realizing maybe being vegan isn't so hard, after all. Hey, who would've thought, vegans can still eat pastries! ;-) Of course we can... Thanks to recipes online, workshops and businesses like this bakery, who's still the only bakery around that sells so many plant-based goods. Try them, if you're ever in the neighborhood! And remember to buy local, if you agree with me. Thanks for listening! Have a wonderful day. www.BakkerFilip.be