Photo by Yeh Xintong on Unsplash
Have you ever wondered if you are a Paniphile? Well, if your love for warm, pillowy, delicious, hearty, and comforting bread is quite evident if you are always on the web searching for a bakery near me, or if you can’t go a day without trying out the different bakery items that Orlando’s vibrant bakery scene has to offer, you are a lover of bread or a Paniphile.
Most Orlandoans identify as Paniphiles, as the city’s bakery scene has everything to convert even the pickiest tastebud into a fan of all things bread and bakery items by bakery near me. The well-loved and thriving concept bakeries of Orlando serve up everyday decadent, authentic, and delicious baked goods, sweet treats, and freshly baked bread that pair like a match made in heaven with your morning coffee. The small family-owned establishment that was able to capture the hearts of Orlandoans and tourists alike and become a contender for the best bakery in Orlando is none other than the widely popular Mecatos Bakery and Cafe.
Mecatos Bakery and Cafe: A Blend of Culture and Pastry
Mecatos may have spread across Orlando with 6 different locations and is currently planning to open another one (Hansel Avenue); however, this concept bakery and coffee shop had a humble establishment when it opened its doors in 2016.
Now, this favorite bakery of Orlando is loved and respected by the different communities of Orlando’s bakery scene. The cultural significance of this bakery in the local community has opened doors for celebrating diversity while serving delicious baked items, cakes, hot bites, desserts, and bread from the culinary melting pot, of Colombia. breakfast place near Metrowest is the best example.
The Rise to Prominence
The welcoming atmosphere of Mecatos is mostly due to its rich history. The founder is Edwin Lurduy. To celebrate his Colombian heritage and introduce Colombian bakery items, desserts, and coffee to the city’s vivacious and diverse bakery scene, he committed to Mecatos Bakery & Cafe with all his time and effort in 2015.
Edwin spent a year researching and curating the menu for this bakery and coffee shop. This dedication resulted in delicious outcomes every time, making this bakery a crowd-favorite as soon as it first opened in the following year. Currently, it is located in 6 different locations and is loved by both tourists and locals.
An Assortment of Baked Delights
Besides being voted as the best breakfast place near Metrowest, Mecatos baked goods and bread (both sweet and savory) are loved by all, which led to this bakery being a contender as the best bakery in Orlando. The top-selling specialty bakery items for which this bakery is known all over Orlando are the following:
Pan de Bono (Oven-baked dough mixed with cheese)
Buñuelos (Deep fried dough mixed with cheese)
Empanadas (Deep fried dough stuffed with different savory and/or sweet fillings)
The secret of their success and delicious and authentic-tasting bakery items is the use of only the best authentic ingredients to create the unique flavor of Colombia. Some other bakery items available in their bakery menu include Quesitos, Pan Coco, Roscon with different fillings, and many more.
Dessert Specialties at Mecatos
Mecatos offers a wide dessert menu which includes some crowd favorites such as Tiramisu (Coffee and mascarpone cheese layered sponge cake), Oreo cake (Chocolate and Oreo cookie cream layered cake), and Guava cheesecake (Traditional cheesecake with guava filling). Other well-loved, popular dessert items are Flan, Dulce de leche cake, etc.
Coffee Culture at Mecatos
The widespread significance of coffee in Colombian culture is because of its welcoming and bold flavors. Mecatos has brought forward the aromatic coffee magic from Colombia to Orlando with their house-blend specialty coffee. Their extensive menu can impress any coffee lover with their unique coffee preferences such as cappuccino, latte, espresso, americano, etc. Their specialty Colombian coffee pairs exquisitely well with their Colombian baked goods and breads, a delicious start to your day, right near your home.
Mecatos’ Place in the Community
By bringing in a welcoming breakfast and coffee experience with baked goods to pair with, this bakery plays a prominent role in the community as a place to gather and enjoy delicious food. desserts, and beverages. As per Samantha, their customer since 2018, “You can always find me stocking up on my weekly baked goods haul. I can’t imagine having a peaceful Sunday break without their famous and scrumptious Pan de Bono.” The bakery has been a go-to place for baked goods from Orlandoans since 2016.
Mecatos Across Orlando
When you search for “Best Bakery in Orlando” across different neighborhoods, Mecatos Bakery and Cafe will be highlighted as it spreads all across Orlando to keep up with the city’s demands. It started with 1 cafe in 2016 in Waterford Lakes and quickly grew to 3 (Lake Underhill and Downtown) in 2020. After the pandemic, as of now, it is operating in 6 locations, the remaining 3 being:
Lake Nona
West Colonial (Ocoee)
Metrowest
Conclusion
Local bakery’s contribution to Orlando’s culinary diversity brought positivity and awareness within the different communities, socially impacting the entire city. Colombian coffee baked goods and breads have changed the way Orlando has breakfast. In Orlando’s diverse and extensive bakery scene, Mecatos Bakery and Cafe is a deserving contender for the city’s best bakery crown. From deeply-rooted Colombian heritage flavors to unique and delicious bread offerings to craving-worthy desserts, this bakery is truly Orlando’s favorite for valid reasons. So, search for a bakery near me now, to find a Mecatos outlet near you!
