Daren D.
Yelp
Hey folks, welcome to Puget Sound's Top 8 allergen-free foodie spot! Yes, that includes gluten, eggs and dairy.
This new Belltown spot is the brainchild of Estella, who is the longtime owner & operator of Liberated Foods (a local University District farmers market and occasional pop-up/festival vendor). I actually first met her through her time as a local private chef on the former local cooks site, Josephine, just over 2-3 years ago, where she served warm, comforting meals out of her lovely Montlake home. I won't divulge her whole business backstory here (it's really fascinating; check out her website & social media details to get the full scoop-a-doop) but once you realize what a true labor of love her work entails, you can begin to appreciate & admire (and perhaps adjust your palate) her foodie offerings.
~ Food:
Fair warning; if you have no allergies or any special dietary lifestyle changes, the unique texture may catch you by surprise. No problem! Like anything, at least you can say you've tried it and the bright side is you can always come back later to try something different that may entice you. If you can imagine those top 8 allergens removed (which are traditionally the main ingredients that often create your old favorite/nostalgic moist, fluffy, smooth & decadent classics), you gain a further understanding behind items with rather drier, lighter, and/or denser textures than you're used to. You can notice items that often use cassava flour, teff flour, tapioca starch, and the like (I became a big teff flour fan after visiting Portland's VegOut this year).
For me, given all that, my current favorites are: Coco Magic Raz Bar (mMmmm; that choco-raspberry density is right up my decadent alley), all the tea cookies (who doesn't love those light, pleasantly chewy bite-size goodies?), the ube coconut macaroon (I love any purple and orange starchy root pleasantries), [most] anything ginger, the stuffed flatbreads (sweet potato kale; cauliflower chana masala), avocado toast, and chaga chai latte (which could use a bit more spice to my taste) with Oatly oat milk. The berry bars are pretty tasty, too. Items I _want_ to like are the mini biscotti (not sure if the size affects it but just too hard, chewy & somewhat bland depending on the flavor; I prefer biscotti from Cookie Counter & Westmans but not sure if she can achieve those textures). Everything else is also super unique but I've never been a big fan of those style desserts. She also has some coffee, chai and tea options! Note: I'm a vegan of 3 years.
As you can probably imagine from someone who does this type of passionate & tedious work, she's always working on tinkering with new recipes & ideas to serve up - I'm sure with this new storefront she's got some ideas. :) She can also be an open sponge when it comes to chatting up over food and ideas (I mentioned she should try vegan dinuguan - Filipino classic spin - and she perked up).
~ Cafe:
Recently taken over from The Yellow Leaf bakery, she's gradually transitioning it to her own spot. For example, lots of unused supplies were left over that she wants to put to use before going gung-ho on the eco-friendly stock. :) The displays are pleasantly lit and clean; items wonderfully laid out. Small & cozy, yet pleasantly warm & welcoming with a few seating tables. Not sure if restroom is easy to access.
~ Staff:
Wonderful, friendly, cool & kind. Estella is often there running front & back (short filipino/asian lady). One of her daughters can be seen lurking around hanging out to helping out. Elena is sometimes up front helping out, too. Super cool chick.
~ Location:
Right in Belltown next to the big black triangle towers. Nice pleasant stroll from my office near Westlake Park.
~ Closing:
Awesome spot and I'm super happy for her and the staff under her wing. Worth a visit regardless of your foodie and dietary status. I believe all the pastries and desserts are vegan; there are a few non-vegan savory/lunch items she keeps for some reason. I believe she also still runs her Liberated Foods both at the Saturday farmers market in the U Dist. I wanted to write a few more paragraphs here but wanted to find a good stopping point for ya'll.