To say that I’ve been eating heavily in the time that the world has drastically changed would be an understatement. Am I eating inside restaurants like I used to? Absolutely not. Am I discovering delicious food like I did prior to the pandemic? Absolutely yes. In the days and months where everything around us has changed, one thing I’ve found to be so refreshing is the way in which people are leaning into their talents and sharing them with others. Case in point, Matt McIvor creating South Baked in Redondo Beach.

I learned about this small business through Matt, owner and chief baking operator (not his official title). Matt has successfully worked in public relations with a specialty in the restaurant industry for years and it is through his expertise that I met him. I’ve photographed and reviewed many of his restaurants, but when I received an email where he introduced his baking business I couldn’t grab hold of my camera fast enough. Like many of us, Matt made a dramatic career shift as a result of the chaos caused by the coronavirus. Having baked for years, the transition wasn’t exactly new but it merely became something he took public for all with complete fearlessness. His shift into the baking world has become a delight for me and anyone else who has had the chance to taste any of his cookies, cakes, and breads.

A couple favorites that I’ve ordered on more than one occasion are his Stay Salty Chocolate Chip Cookies (4 for $12, 12 for $32). The thick cookies don’t shy away from being decadent. Instead, Matt parallels large chocolate chips and salt in a perfect harmony. They’re the kind of cookies that fall into perfect bites the minute you break them. Best of all, each cookie is filling and comes across big enough to feel like one will suffice. But to be honest, one never truly will. Enjoy a second cookie, indulge in a third.

If sweet and salty doesn’t pique your interest then get your hands on one of his seasonal Fruit Olive Oil Cakes ($20). Simply open the box and you’ll be greeted by the most beautiful baker’s fragrance. Slice into it and the cake will gently collapse around your knife, then hug your fork, and dance along your tastebuds. As subtle as the name alludes the cake to be, it exceeds beyond that creating an incredible flavor that you’ll get in each and every slice.

While there’s no denying that the pandemic has taken more from those around us, it has also unleashed gumption and moxie in so many of us. Seeing those qualities mobilize within Matthew allowing him to take hold and run with his business has been incredible. The fact that I get to enjoy his creations along the way is an honor.

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Social: Website and Instagram.
Email (for orders): getsouthbaked@gmail.com