Paola Velez is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and community organizer. In October 2024, Velez released her debut cookbook, “Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store,” and was named one of the best cookbooks of 2024 by The New York Times, Robb Report, The Washington Post, Barnes & Noble, Eater, Boston Globe, and more.
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 The Food Network, The Art of Plating, Time Out, The Today Show, Cherry Bombe, and Instyle Magazine.
Velez is now the co-owner and co-chef of Providencia, an award-winning cocktail bar and cultural gathering place in DC’s H Street Corridor. Catch her streaming on Selena + Chef and What am I eating with Zooey Deschanel on MAX, and tune into her newest digital community “Steal This Recipe” on Substack.