Edgewater Chef Makes Beach Bites To Be Enjoyed By The Water

Edgewater resident Dustin Harder launched Smash Food Lab to provide plant-based beach snacks for locals, operating from a shared kitchen. His menu, Beach Bites, includes items like piña colada bites and Tropical BBQ Tofu Sandwich, designed to be enjoyed cold and perfect for beach outings. Customers can place orders by Thursday noon for Saturday pickup at local venues. Harder sources fresh produce from farmers markets and vegan products from local businesses, promoting community support. He aims to make vegan eating accessible and appealing, hoping to attract both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Having transitioned to veganism for health and environmental reasons, Harder has a background in culinary arts and has worked as a private chef and cookbook author. He plans to develop new menus with changing seasons and currently offers a special promotion for larger orders. His initiative reflects a growing trend of plant-based eating in urban areas.