A NEW vegan, gluten-free American-style diner has opened in Barry.
Jen Haste, who has been vegan for 23 years and also has celiac disease, meaning she cannot eat gluten, opened Monty and Vito’s Diner on August 1 in a bid to provide the community with fresh, tasty, handmade food.
The diner is situated at the back of The Independents Emporium on 114-116 Holton Road and is open Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm.
Jen Haste inside her diner picture: Jen Haste
Ms Haste said: “Being vegan has really inspired me, things are improving but there is a gap in the market for this sort of thing.
“I give people a variety of fresh food, a lot of food in the supermarket is not particularly healthy as there are a lot of ingredients that are not healthy.
“I try and make my bakes healthy – I bake my donuts and don’t fry them.
“There are only about four ingredients in the donuts, with no oil, everything is baked in the morning and is fresh.
“I make everything myself and can cater for allergies – a woman has asked for a birthday cake for her son who can’t have soya, so I am going to tweak some recipes for her.
“I love travelling and I particularly love America and I completely love diners.”
One of the sweet treats available picture: Jen Haste
In the future Ms Haste plans to open a full diner based on the 50s and 60s with a duke box.
The diner changes its menu every day and lists online what they are serving for the day.
Ms Haste said: “I base food on the seasons whilst trying to follow the American holidays.
“In the autumn I will do a lot of pumpkin spice and pecan pies, and at the moment I am doing paninis, pasta pots and there is always a selection of sweet and savoury foods.
“I am open to people’s suggestions, and I am very conscious of what I’m serving to my customers.
“With independent stores you get a more personal experience – I have half a dozen regular customers who I know by a first name basis.
“I really like the set up here that we are all independent companies, we’re like family all supporting each other and helping each other grow."
Ms Haste, who has two degrees, expressed that she thrives on having her own business and enjoys seeing people enjoy her food.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here