the essentials patio The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham's The Essential + Bandit Patisserie — Can’t wait for patio weather in Birmingham. Photo via The Essential’s Facebook

Cue the delicious photos we all drool over on our Instagram feed. Local businesses and personal favorites, The Essential and Bandit Patisserie were recently featured in The Washington Post. Here’s why they were given a shout out by a national publication.

“Shorter menus, quicker meals — and ugly-delicious dishes”

146116468 744432282853056 4218355551201471808 o The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham's The Essential + Bandit Patisserie — Photo via The Essential’s Facebook

149794771 749079129055038 124395864156014689 n The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham's The Essential + Bandit Patisserie — Photo via The Essential’s Facebook

You read that right. That’s the name of the article that Birmingham businesses, The Essential and Bandit Patisserie were featured in. The article takes a deep dive into the restaurant industry and how businesses around the US are continuing to handle changes brought on by the pandemic.

Around this time last year, the world had to put things on pause with thousands of restaurants closing their doors until new methods of dining were brainstormed.

For example, Bandit Patisserie pivoted to selling pre-ordered baked goods only from their location in Founders Station. Not only does it cut down on food waste, but it ensures they don’t use more resources than necessary in a time that’s already full of obstacles.

123243086 401143534605724 3420007235828849102 o The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham's The Essential + Bandit Patisserie — Photo via Bandit’s Facebook

“Gone are the days when I baked hundreds of pastries and hope people arrive. Now they pre-order.”
Kristen Hall, pastry chef and co-owner, Bandit Patisserie + The Essential for The Washington Post

As for The Essential, like many restaurants, they’ve implemented socially-distant dining and upped their patio game. With heaters, wind-blocking curtains and some of the best brunch in town, they’ve got things figured out.

The Essential’s chef, Victor King, expressed how they had to “blow up the menu during the great pause” and pivot to “comforting things that travel well.”

For example, you wouldn’t want to order a steak to-go just to open up a soggy box 45 minutes later to eat it. So, their menu adopted more takeout inspired dishes like fried rice, pastas and sandwiches.

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StacyAllen photocredit Essential The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham's The Essential + Bandit Patisserie — Victor King and Kristen Hall a.k.a the duo that makes delicious dishes + pastries. Photo via Stacy Allen

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