Hay Comida En La Casa: A Cookbook Club For Your Señora Era

If you find yourself entering your señora era this might be the newest club to join.

Cookbooks are cultural artifacts that connect us to our heritage, preserving traditional recipes while allowing for innovation. They celebrate flavors, cooking methods, and ingredients rooted in history, serving as a bridge between generations. By exploring cookbooks we gain insight into diverse culinary traditions that shape our daily life.

This intimate event will be a platica (chat) with Chef Paola Velez of followed by a meet and greet at from 6PM to 8PM.

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.

Bodega Bakes is a love letter to pastry chef and activist Paola Velez’s Dominican heritage and NYC 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 following guest vendors will also be present, offering a taste of Domincan Republic:

?? Cafecito by Atabey Coffee Latina-founded, self-funded and 75 % operated by mujeres, Atabey is a single origin Dominican specialty coffee roaster in Los Angeles, CA.

?? Bites by Bodega Delights A blend of Dominican flavors with NYC bodega culture serving up Dominican-inspired pastelitos (empanadas), sandwiches, smoothies, and bowls with a New York twist in LA.
Limited seating. Cookbooks available for purchase. Photos encouraged. Already have your copy and want it signed by Paola? Please bring your copy! Reminder, this is a community event and celebration! ?

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Carlas Fresh Market, 248 North Avenue 50, Los Angeles, United States