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The Washington Post gives a shout out to Birmingham’s The Essential + Bandit Patisserie
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”
Photo via The Essential’s Facebook 
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.
Photo via Bandit’s Facebook 
Photo via Bandit Patisserie’s website
“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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Plan your next trip to The Essential and Bandit Patisserie located at Founders Station on Morris Ave.
Bandit Patisserie: Pre-orders only | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Essential: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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