When Ella Woodward was diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in September 2011, her blog, Deliciously Ella, became her means of working through the diagnosis and how it would change the course of her life. The disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is caused by a group of disorders and is a condition where an “excessively reduced volume of blood returns to the heart after an individual stands up from a lying-down position.” For Woodward, the diagnosis meant that she “literally couldn’t walk down the street, slept for 16 hours a day, had never-ending heart palpitations, was in chronic pain, had unbearable stomach issues, and constant headaches,” among other things. When conventional medicine didn’t work, Woodward turned toward a holistic approach: eating whole-food plant-based diet free of refined, processed foods, and wheat, dairy, and refined sugars

In the four years since her diagnosis, Woodward has authored two best-selling cookbooks (Deliciously Ella and Deliciously Ella Every Day), launched her namesake Deliciously Ella app for both iTunes and Android, and co-founded The Mae Deli with her fiancé. The deli, opened in Marylebone, features all the beloved touches that have made Deliciously Ella and its founder a staple in so many people’s lives. Serving a plant-based menu, Ella and her partner, Matthew, have put a heavy focus on natural foods in an effort to create “beautiful, inventive dishes using simple ingredients. Though the menu changes weekly, guests can build their own “mae bowls,” or order off the menu. Breakfast is served daily until 11 a.m. during the week and until 12 p.m. on weekends. Shakshuka is served Friday through Sunday and boasts a tomato and pepper recipe topped with Coyo Labne.

In addition to the standard breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner fare, The Mae Deli also serves a plethora of homemade energy balls (which look like they’ll also be a product for sale through Deliciously Ella’s website) and several delicious smoothies.

The Mae Deli is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

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