Not too far from Govinda's in Philadephia is Sweet Freedom Bakery.
A "no refined sugars, casein-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, corn-free, peanut-free, kosher, egg-free, soy-free" bakery (their words, not mine): it's worth a visit.
A couple of friends and I stopped in one day in the scorch of summer (I know) when our plans were not conducive to taking anything to-go.
The interior was pretty adorable; I especially liked the chandelier. There was what we assumed was either a new vegan or an allergy sufferer enjoying when we arrived, and her excitement made the place considerably cuter.
I didn't think there was any wow factor in the presentation of the baked goods; they were suitably displayed, but I wasn't overly impressed and therefore didn't have very high hopes for indulgence. We each chose a single treat and stayed to enjoy.
On the heels of the amazing one in London, my friend chose an oatmeal raisin cookie sandwich.
I am wholly against oatmeal raisin cookies in general and, since I'm pretty majorly obsessed with another cookie sandwich, I never would have chosen this for myself. I admit, however, that I wasn't at all prepared to like this unassuming goody as much as I did.
Another friend chose the coconut bliss cupcake.
Coconut cupcake, coconut icing, and coconut flakes: I didn't taste this one, but it was enjoyed by the other coconut lovers of the group.
Because I'd recently enjoyed salted caramel and chocolate ice cream, I couldn't resist the salted caramel cupcake.
It erred a little on the small side, but it wound up being just the right size and really delicious (I also liked their silverware).
Interior:
So, don't let the lack of pizazz fool you; there is some good stuff in the case at Sweet Freedom Bakery.
And, in case you can't make it to Philly, Sweet Freedom has opened another shop in Collingswood, NJ.
A "no refined sugars, casein-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, corn-free, peanut-free, kosher, egg-free, soy-free" bakery (their words, not mine): it's worth a visit.
A couple of friends and I stopped in one day in the scorch of summer (I know) when our plans were not conducive to taking anything to-go.
The interior was pretty adorable; I especially liked the chandelier. There was what we assumed was either a new vegan or an allergy sufferer enjoying when we arrived, and her excitement made the place considerably cuter.
I didn't think there was any wow factor in the presentation of the baked goods; they were suitably displayed, but I wasn't overly impressed and therefore didn't have very high hopes for indulgence. We each chose a single treat and stayed to enjoy.
On the heels of the amazing one in London, my friend chose an oatmeal raisin cookie sandwich.
I am wholly against oatmeal raisin cookies in general and, since I'm pretty majorly obsessed with another cookie sandwich, I never would have chosen this for myself. I admit, however, that I wasn't at all prepared to like this unassuming goody as much as I did.
Another friend chose the coconut bliss cupcake.
Coconut cupcake, coconut icing, and coconut flakes: I didn't taste this one, but it was enjoyed by the other coconut lovers of the group.
Because I'd recently enjoyed salted caramel and chocolate ice cream, I couldn't resist the salted caramel cupcake.
It erred a little on the small side, but it wound up being just the right size and really delicious (I also liked their silverware).
Interior:
So, don't let the lack of pizazz fool you; there is some good stuff in the case at Sweet Freedom Bakery.
And, in case you can't make it to Philly, Sweet Freedom has opened another shop in Collingswood, NJ.
