October 22, 6:00 P.M. Books & Bites: Bodega Bakes with Paola Velez
October 22, 2024 06:00 PM
A Conversation and Tasting with the James Beard Award–Nominated Pastry Chef, Cookbook Author, and Founder of Bakers Against Racism
25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Born and raised in the Bronx to a Dominican mother, James Beard Award nominee® Paola Velez’s new cookbook, Bodega Bakes, is a love letter to the omnipresent corner stores she spent countless hours in growing up. It’s also a celebration of her Dominican heritage and a bold collection of original recipes that truly exemplify who she is: an activist, a proud Hispanic woman, and a remarkable pastry chef with a distinct point of view.
To celebrate the publication of Bodega Bakes, Paola will be in conversation with Abi Balingit, a fellow pastry chef and winner of the 2024 James Beard Book Award for Emerging Voice. Both authors created their own initiatives during the pandemic and have successfully staked their claims within the pastry industry—a space that can be historically difficult to navigate for first-generation women and people of color. Join Paola and Abi for a discussion of these topics and much more. Treats from Bodega Bakes will be served.
Copies of Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez are available for purchase with tickets or at the event from our partners at Kitchen Arts & Letters.
General Admission: $45/ $75 with a copy of Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez
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The Lemon Cookie
Black Pepper Espresso Dulce de Leche Shortbread Cookies
Monogram Franciacorta Blanc de Blanc NV
About Paola Velez:
Paola Velez, an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and community activist, is set to release her debut cookbook, Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, in October 2024. Raised in the Bronx and the Dominican Republic, Velez draws inspiration from her Afro-Latina culinary heritage. She has received numerous accolades and nominations, including being recognized as "Pastry Chef of the Year" by Esquire and "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine. Velez was also nominated as Rising Star Chef of Tte Year by the James Beard Foundation. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Velez gained experience working under culinary icons such as Jacques Torres and Christina Tosi. In addition, she has presented at prestigious events and has been featured in publications like Food Network, The Art of Plating, Time Out,Cherry Bombe, and Instyle Magazine.
About Abi Balingit:
Abi Balingit is a baker and author based in Brooklyn. Her debut cookbook, Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed won the 2024 James Beard Emerging Voice Award in Books. When she’s not working full-time at a live music company, she's running a baking blog called The Dusky Kitchen.
Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.
James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.