Book Launch: Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez

Join us for a delicious book launch with Paola Velez as we celebrate Bodega Bakes—a joyful baking book that will have you rushing to the oven and planning a trip to your local corner store.

For questions regarding the event and book pick-up, check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Bodega Bakes is a love letter to pastry chef and activist Paola Velez’s Dominican heritage and Bronx roots. This book contains more than 100 recipes for tortas, cookies, brownies, frozen treats, and other baked goods that burst with the flavors of her life.

The recipes in this book feature Paola’s renditions of traditional Dominican desserts such as Guava & Cheese Pastelitos and Tres Leches Cake, as well as unique twists on classic American treats such as Plantain Sticky Buns, “Everything on the Bodega Shelf” Brownies, and Paola’s viral “Thick’ems,” which combine the best of a crispy cookie and the delicious gooey parts of a soft cookie. Designed to be accessible to bakers of all levels (and those who shop at their corner store), the book also includes a “Trip to the Bodega” pantry section, along with Paola’s pro tips for success even with even the most modest equipment.

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 The 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.

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