Kayla Sandoval bakes with flours and starches like oat, sorghum, white rice, brown rice, tapioca and potato. She called her new bakery and café in the Village of Fairport Alter Ego Eatery because while none of her breads and baked goods contain gluten, they could pass for conventional products made with wheat.
In other words, you can enjoy them whether or not you're following a special diet. "You can't tell the difference," she said.
Sandoval also makes it a priority to welcome folks with all sorts of dietary restrictions, including vegans, vegetarians and people with allergies. "It doesn't matter if you have a special diet or not," she said. "You should be able to eat whatever."
At Alter Ego Eatery you'll find interesting and varied baked goods as well as a breakfast and lunch menu with an international flair.
Some dishes were inspired by Sandoval's time living in Spain. For breakfast, a classic Spanish potato omelet is made from potatoes and onions poached in olive oil and baked in an egg custard. A "snacky plate," offered at lunchtime, is a classic pan con tomate; a baguette is brushed with garlic and olive oil and topped with crushed fresh tomatoes. It's served with prosciutto and Manchego cheese, or a salad and fruit if you want to go meatless.
Other breakfast dishes: a classic sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and a different quiche each week. French toast is made with buckwheat bread and topped with maple apples or a berry compote. A savory vegan oatmeal is topped with charred seasonal vegetables and chile crisp.
Offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. are fancy toasts as well as a Mediterranean-inspired fougasse snack plate with housemade hummus, baba ganouj, za'atar, olives and a charred lemon wedge.
And then there are the sweets. The selection varies, but you'll find cookies, muffins, Basque-style cheesecake, tiramisu and more. Always available: a rich, decadent brownie topped with ganache and free of the top 14 allergens. Sandoval always has a full-size version on hand so people can take them to parties.
Alter Ego Eatery serves a full menu of coffee, espresso and tea beverages, as well as a variety of breads, scones and baked goods. You'll also find a robust retail selection of gluten-free foodstuffs.
The former home of Calabresella's has been completely redecorated and the feel is charming, with pastel colors and a dozen seats indoors and about 20 on its outdoor patio.
Engineered for flavor
An engineer by trade, Sandoval has a tendency to tinker. She initially started experimenting with baking gluten-free products for her husband, who has celiac disease.
That led to Biscotti Brewers, which she launched in 2021 from The Commissary, a food business incubator in Sibley Square. She sold her gluten-free biscotti, cookies, breads and more at area farmers markets and events.
All the while, she kept reworking her recipes, finding ways to improve their taste and texture. Even recently, she retooled her recipe for scones to make them lighter and flakier.
She's left behind the name Biscotti Brewers, and says her business is still a work in progress. As a result, Sandoval asks that visitors in the eatery's early weeks "walk in the door with kindness" as the business finds its footing.
If you go
Alter Ego Eatery is at 146 N. Main St. in Fairport, next to the Quicklee's gas station. It doesn't yet have a sign, but look for the bright yellow patio furniture. The space is wheelchair accessible.
It is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. and the lunch menu is served until closing. Delivery apps are not used.
The online menu provides detailed diet and allergen information. Find more information at alteregoeatery.com or call (585) 290-9142.
Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com.
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