Paola Velez in Conversation for Bodega Bakes
Renowned pastry chef and James Beard Award-nominee Paola Velez, cofounder of Bakers Against Racism, will engage in a lively discussion for her debut cookbook, Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store. The event will be moderated by Roxana Jullapat, an esteemed baker and co-owner of Friends & Family bakery. Following the conversation, attendees can look forward to a book signing and meet-and-greet session.
Paola Velez’s Bodega Bakes is a baking book filled with vibrant energy and nostalgia, inspired by the colorful world of bodegas that shaped her childhood in the Bronx. This collection of recipes promises to spark joy and creativity in home bakers, encouraging them to rush to their ovens and even plan a trip to their local corner store to gather ingredients.
Growing up in the Bronx, Paola found a sense of comfort and excitement in her neighborhood bodega, where shelves brimmed with diverse items ranging from candies like M&M’s to artisanal cheeses like Muenster, along with Caribbean staples such as majarete (corn pudding). Before becoming a James Beard-nominated chef, a social media sensation, and cofounder of the grassroots movement Bakers Against Racism, Paola was a kid with a sweet tooth, indulging in treats like Warheads, Hostess cupcakes, ice pops, and Malta soda.
Her debut cookbook serves as a heartfelt homage to her Dominican roots and the cultural richness of New York City. It features over 100 recipes, blending flavors that reflect her heritage with ingredients typically found at local bodegas. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, Paola’s unique combination of classical pastry techniques and self-taught skills makes her recipes approachable for all. She provides guidance on a wide range of baked goods, from ambitious creations like her Guava and Cheese Turnover to easy, set-it-and-forget-it favorites like Maria Cookie Icebox Cake.
One standout recipe in the book is her signature “Thick’ems” cookies—giant, gooey-yet-crunchy delights that skyrocketed her to internet fame. Shared for the first time in this book, they remain the most requested recipe in Paola’s collection. Readers will also find a blend of traditional Caribbean desserts, like Pineapple Empanadillas and Golden Rum Cake, alongside creative twists on American classics, such as sticky buns and brownies. With her infectious enthusiasm, Paola invites readers to recreate the magic of a bodega right in their own kitchens, urging them to bring their own sense of adventure—and maybe even their own cat.
Paola Velez, a celebrated chef and community leader, continues to make waves in the culinary world with her boundless passion and dedication. Having worked with culinary legends like Jacques Torres and Christina Tosi after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Velez has built an impressive resume. She’s received multiple prestigious honors, including “Pastry Chef of the Year” by Esquire and “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine. She has also graced the covers of Cherry Bombe and appeared in major publications such as Food Network, The Art of Plating, and Instyle Magazine. Her debut cookbook, launching in October 2024, promises to be a celebration of culture, flavor, and the joyful spirit of baking.