"When I was a girl in Argentina, I loved the sound of the piano," said Paula as she wrapped me up an almond half-moon cookie. "I would always hear the music coming from the neighbors' living rooms, and I wanted so badly to learn to play. But we had my grandmother living with us, so I wasn't allowed."
It is to our benefit that Paula's creativity was instead focused on the art of baking. Her deceptively nondescript storefront conceals amazing stuffed breads: burecas with eggplant, cheese, potato and spinach-cheese fillings. As you buy your first box of six or twelve, she will exhort you, "Whatever you do, don't put these in the microwave!" Two or three of them make a wonderful meal, but I recommend calling ahead, as the eggplant variety sells out quickly. My favorite filling is the chopped spinach and cheese. If you prefer a flaky pastry rather than a stuffed bread, try the "bulemas," which contain the same delicious fillings within layers of paper-thin filo dough.
Paula is at work in her kitchen six days a week, baking cookies and breads for weddings. She lovingly photographs the food at every event she caters, and will gladly show you her photo album. (She will also proudly show you a picture of her son.)
When I asked if Paula's last name were "Stevens", she replied, "No, that was my late husband's name." She then mentioned that she's looking for a nice 68- or 69-yr-old man who enjoys baked goods (80 is too old). Disclaimer: Paula promised me a lifetime of free burecas if I am able to find her such a gentleman; if you know someone, please contact me!
Paula Stevens Burecas: 6379 Saunders St., Queens, NY, (718) 459-7276.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
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2 comments:
Our family has been buying her baked goods for years and no one makes them better. Paula, will you tell me how you do it? I've made burecas using a recipe from a Sephardic cookbook and they are ok but not as good as yours.....Cannot wait to order some for the holidays. Ronni
Paula is still making her famous Burekas, but not at the store anymore.
She is at the same telephone number, but now only ships the orders to you.
They come delicately packed and fresh as the day they were made. All of her specialties are still available for order, as well as some new things.
Call her and have a nice chat as your mouth waters while placing your order. UPS and FEDEX will have them to you in no time.
Cathy
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