If you're reading this review you are likely on the enchanted island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, or are one of my Yelp friends in the States, and occasionally read my hoped for words of wisdom. Beyond Artisan Breads is a "mom and pop" business in the truest sense of the phrase. Operated by Wanda and her husband Gustavo, Wanda is the uber creative chef behind all of the baked goods which are sold at the local farmer's market, which occurs on Tuesdays, weather, season, and depending on things happening in their life. Several stores on Vieques carry their baked goods.
If Wanda lived, let's say, in Boca Raton, or Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach, or LA, and opened a small shop near her home, she would have to close it in a few months. Why?? Because it would be a MOB SCENE and the POLICE would be called to control the crowds of people demanding, demonstrating to buy her English muffins, Or focaccia bread. Or muffins. Or coffee cakes (made from the most special coffee beans in the world), or her scones, or Italian breads, or any of the other creative made with and baked with love and talent she creates in her blessed-by-God ovens.
If you are on Vieques as a tourist and happen to be in any of the shops which sell her goods, just buy one. If you are around when the Farmer's Market is open (ask anyone when and where it is located), find your way there and get whatever hasn't been sold out....the market opens early, by 8, and Gustavo frequently sells out in an hour or so. Trust me, I tell no lies and am not her long lost relative pumping her goods (although I would love to be her grandfather and have her send me care packages every few weeks!).
Note, I first encountered Wanda's cooking when she had a restaurant on the island, and that was back in the late 1980's, I believe. It was special, and her food was beyond awesome, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, with the strong sensibilities of the island of Vieques.
Find her Facebook page to see the many photos she posts when she is baking. You may even be tempted to book a flight to Vieques just to experience the food. Or, send her a message through Messenger and plead with her to ship you baked goods Priority Express. Thats what I do!! May Wanda live a long life. read more