Cordon Bleu-trained chef to open healthy takeaway and juice bar Maple & Fitz
Canadian-born Wu, who also completed a course in nutrition, has ploughed her life-savings into launching Maple & Fitz, a food business that will serve salads, grain bowls, cold-pressed juices and ‘guilt-free treats’ when it opens in March.
The venue will mainly offer takeaway of dishes such as Lady Pom salad, a mixture of whole grains, pomegranate, toasted walnuts, tarragon and shredded cucumber and Samurai Slaw, a mixture of soba noodles, shredded cabbage and carrots, mint, coriander, sesame, spring onion and a miso sesame soy dressing, but diners can choose to eat-in downstairs where there is seating for up to 15.
Wu said ‘the days of choosing between health and taste are over'.
“Since training at Le Cordon Bleu and subsequently studying nutrition I have fallen in love with combining simple wholesome ingredients to create delicious food that your body craves," she said. "“I want to make honest great tasting food that leaves you feeling energised and which is accessible to busy Londoners who don’t always have the time to make meals from scratch."
Dishes will be priced at £6.50 and can be a mix of up to three salads or grain bowls with the option of added protein – chicken, salmon, tofu, tempeh, avocado or egg.
Location, location
Wu said she had looked at more than 30 locations before she ‘fell in love with Fitzrovia’.
“Just a few minutes from Oxford Street, it's so central but the area very much has its own distinct personality. Fitzrovia has seen so much change but has retained a strong sense of community and still has a very bohemian and creative vibe. I like that the area has such an interesting mix of residents and workers in industries ranging from food, art, media and fashion to education and architecture."
Wu, who ploughed her life savings into the business and gained funding from friends and family, said there were no plans for expansion.
"Currently, I have no plans to launch more and am very much focused on Maple & Fitz," she said. "It's so exciting to see the plans turning into a reality and to become a part of the incredible community in Fitzrovia."
