"Freshly baked every day." That is the first thing you read on the El Mercado Bakehouse website, and the second is what it is baking: "South American and Spanish inspired food in the heart of Cheltenham. Artisan empanadas, medialunas, alfajores and more. Handmade, freshly baked, every day."
The Market, in Cheltenham
In Spanish, El Mercado means "the market", a place that traditionally brings together families, farmers, food stalls and fresh produce. The bakehouse says it is inspired by South American markets, full of colours, flavours and joy. Its vision is to be recognised as an institution of South American food in Australia, and to help make South American street food familiar to Australian families.
A small family business
According to the about page, El Mercado is a small family business of Cheltenham locals who are passionate about food and cooking. Marcela is the head chef; after many years as a designer, she followed her lifelong passion for cooking and successfully ran her own catering business in South America. Now, with her partner Felipe, she is bringing El Mercado to Melbourne. The bakehouse is based at 13 Follett Road, which it describes as its HQ and cafe.
HOLA values
The business's values spell out HOLA, which means hello in Spanish: Health, Optimism, Local and Artisan. The bakehouse says it loves what it does ("empanadas are a great reason to be happy!"), tries to support as many local businesses as it can, and makes everything by hand, freshly baked every day.
What is on offer
The empanadas come in nine different flavours, and the bakehouse also offers a cocktail-size range described as ideal for home celebrations. Medialunas, a buttery, soft and crunchy Argentinian pastry, are baked twice a day, and the site is quick to point out: "It's not a croissant, it's a medialuna." Add dulce de leche, it suggests, "and you are in heaven". Alfajores and other pastries, cakes and cake slices, and catering boxes round out the range.
Order online, pick up the same day
The website invites you to order online and pick up your empanadas on the same day, with one day's notice for medialunas. Hampers and catering are also available, and the business supplies cafes, bars and catering businesses across Victoria on a wholesale basis, with products packed frozen or delivered fresh depending on the order.
Who it suits
El Mercado suits anyone planning a gathering who wants something more interesting than the usual party food, locals after a South American treat, and cafes or caterers looking for a handmade wholesale supplier.
Planning your visit
El Mercado Bakehouse is at 13 Follett Road, Cheltenham. The website says it is open Tuesday to Sunday, so check the site for times. Call 03 9585 1738 or email hola@elmercado.com.au, or order online for same-day pick-up.
Visit El Mercado Bakehouse
Order a box of empanadas for the weekend, try a medialuna with dulce de leche and say hola.
Contact
El Mercado Bakehouse
13 Follett Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Phone: 03 9585 1738
Email: hola@elmercado.com.au
Website: elmercado.com.au
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday (see website for times); online orders for same-day pick-up
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