Lydia Mendez
For the 103rd week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. Lydia is the owner and Pastry Chef of Little Miss Sweets NYC Gluten-Free Bakery.
4EVRGRN: Hey, Lydia! Tell us a little about yourselves.
What is your favorite dessert?
LM: My favorite dessert is ice cream, especially anything from Haggen Dazs.
What is the most popular dessert you sell?
LM: I'd have to say our most popular dessert is our NY Cheesecake. There's just nothing like it out here and people love it.
What was the biggest food culture shock you experienced moving here from NY?
LM: The biggest culture shock out here is the fact that a lot of ethnic foods are toned down to appease the masses leaving an incomplete experience of what the Cuisine really tastes like. I've gone to so many places expecting to be blown away by flavors and then get disappointed by the lack thereof. That would never fly back home. I did the same thing when I first started and found that I lost myself. Now I do what I want and as long as I love what I'm doing then others will feel it too...
Best meal (or dessert) in the PNW?
LM: My 2 favorite things here are the "Moro" (black beans & rice) at Cafe con Leche and the "Wicked's No Equal" gf pizza w/ fresh mozzarella from Wicked Pie Pizza. They both remind me of home.
What is a unique trait of PNW foodies?
LM: A unique trait of PNW foodies is their love and diehard support for local small businesses.
Are all of your sweets gluten free?
LM: We are 100% gluten free. I have Celiac Disease so everything we do be it desserts or food is gluten free.
What advice do you have for anyone who wants to bake but feels intimidated?
LM: My advice would be to swallow that fear and follow your dreams. People will tell you all sorts of crazy stuff but if you know this is what you wanna do, then do it! There's an amazingly supportive community here to help!
Follow Little Miss Sweets NYC gluten free bakery on IG @littlemisssweetsnyc and online at www.littlemisssweetsnyc.com
