Plant based delicacies

Looking for non-dairy cheese and dessert options? Lucky for you, there is now a delicious option, with the early December opening of Planthropie, at 135 Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham, in the former James Designs Fine Jewelry location. Owner Rua Francis said Planthropie is the first of its kind worldwide, a boutique that is “consciously-brand focused on plant-based favorites focused on cheeses and desserts. Everything is organic, all certified and made from all raw ingredients. They’re indulgent luxuries you wouldn’t even know are alternatives (to traditional desserts and cheeses).” Francis said that she began developing her unique options when she discovered her son was allergic to dairy. Planthropie first began as a popular pop-up at the Birmingham Farmers Market, then as a table at a dinner at the Detroit Foundation Hotel. Having hit on a huge demand, Planthropie will feature a cheese and dessert bar, with a small menu for people to taste. “Most people can’t even tell the difference. I was a crazy cheese connoisseur and I poured it all into it, and it works,” she said of her specialties that are “reverse-engineered.” “They have to be experienced to be enjoyed.” Business Matters for the Birmingham - Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.