• 5
• A most-anticipated delight

I'd been visiting the Harmony Bakery owners' stand at the Waverly Farmer's Market for years and so was thrilled to hear from them that they were opening a storefront. I've now visited the shop quite a few times since it opened and I can say without reservation that it exceeds my expectations. In addition to their regular market standards, the offerings at the bakery expand into other food territory, such as homemade soups, cold salads, and delicious teas and coffee. In the bakery case, you can find a mix of sweet and savory treats, all gluten-free and vegan. Highlights include their baked donuts, chocolate cake, cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and cashew cheese pizzas. (But it's all delicious!) Many of the pastries are sweetened only with fruit such as dates, apricots, or berries, or at the most, agave or maple syrup. Everything is also now gluten-free. While I'm not gluten-free I can appreciate this because I eat enough wheat as it is, and the food is so amazing here that it doesn't change the quality at all. It has even inspired me to experiment with my own gluten-free baking at home. The space itself is primarily designed to be a carry-out operation, with only a few tables inside and two small counters. But there are also tables outside during the good weather, and sitting along Chestnut Street is a nice respite from the chaos of the Avenue. Some people might consider the prices here to be on the high side, but as someone who bakes a lot with similar ingredients at home, I can say that the prices are reasonable. Ingredients like dates, agave, maple syrup, raw nuts, and coconut oil are expensive (but worth it). With options to purchase vegan baked goods increasing at a surprisingly rapid pace across the urban landscape here in Baltimore, it's so refreshing to see a place that is focused on the healthier side of vegan baking. Updated from previous review on 2015-06-12