Hi there. My name is Camelia. Welcome to my little corner of the world wide web!
I’m a Filipina American pastry chef and am a graduate of the L'Art de la Pâtisserie program (2018) at The French Pastry School in Chicago. I was born and raised in Chicago and am the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. I grew up watching my grandmothers, mom, and aunties (all self-taught bakers) bake delicious cakes and pastries from scratch. I feel very fortunate to be able to make a career out of my passion for baking and aim to show off popular Filipino flavors (like ube, mango, and pandan).
Having a background in journalism and copywriting, I’m excited to combine my two passions through this blog. In addition to running Camelia Bakes, I have a full-time position at a bakery in the suburbs of Chicago. However, things in the food industry are a little upside down right now and I find myself with a bit more free time on my hands. Even though Chicagoland bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries are having to limit their hours or close their doors completely for an undetermined amount of time due to COVID-19, there is still a sense of joy and hope among those in the food industry. We know times are tough, and, overall confusing right now, but we know that we will all get through this; this too shall pass. At the end of the day, we are chefs and bakers who just want to make good food for the people in our communities to enjoy. And we will do whatever we can to make sure our fellow Chicagoans are fed.
If you’re living in the Chicagoloand area and wondering how you can support the food establishments that are still open, here are a few ideas:
Order take out or delivery
Buy gift cards or certificates that can be used once dine-in service is allowed again
Buy other merchandise being sold in-house
Look into fundraisers being set up by specific establishments in support of their employees
Check in with the owners and employees and offer reassuring words
T-shirts are also available for purchase from the Chicago Hospitality United with proceeds going to employees at dozens of Chicago bars and restaurants. You can also make a donation through the Chicago Hospitality United “Tip Jar” without purchasing a t-shirt.
Do what you can within your means. If all you’re able to offer is a prayer or positive thought, that’s just as good and appreciated.
Be considerate. Be safe.
We got this.
-CAMELIA
