If it seems far-fetched that a bakery can operate without butter, eggs, or sugar— think again.
Owners Renee and Don Gorman officially opened the doors to Harmony Bakery, a one-stop-shop for gluten-free goodies, on April 21. The quaint 10-seat space sits at 3446 Chestnut Avenue in Hampden.
With frequent appearances at the 32nd Street Farmers Market—and having formerly owned a health-food restaurant in Pikesville— the husband and wife team has been serving up wholesome options in the area for years. But Renee Gorman says that the gluten-free concept is specific to their new spot.
“Twenty years ago we didn’t know anything about gluten-free,” says Renee. “Over the years we’ve tried to keep up with what people are looking for, and at the farmers markets we noticed that a lot of people would ask about gluten-free options.”
In keeping with its mantra, the bakery replaces butter with various oils, uses mixed-from-scratch rice and tapioca flour, and substitutes sugar with natural sweeteners like agave nectar, dates, maple syrup, and apricots.
“If the food is good people don’t know it’s gluten-free,” says Renee.
The menu highlights locally-sourced sweet and savory options, including health bars, apple crisp, donuts, madeleine cookies, pizza, lentil and quinoa salads, and spinach and chickpea tarts. Organic coffee and herbal teas are also served.
Renee Gorman says that the Hampden community has given the bakery a warm welcome, and that locals are excited about the healthful fare.
“It’s not a trend, I just think more people are realizing they want to eat healthier food,” she says. “They’re ready to change and try new things.”
Harmony Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.