May 2022: 1 of 1
An update of sorts (Sometimes a "newsletter" isn't newsworthy)
Hello masa-friends,
I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying this transition from Spring to Summer. When summer squash and zucchini starts sneaking into the farmer’s markets, it’s time for me to get into my swim trunks.
We’ll be gone the first week of June for birthday things, but we are upping our quantities this week so you can all stock up in your salsitas, tetelas, tlacoyos, and tortillas.
The last month has been overwhelming in many ways. It feels silly to promote myself or Bolita when the world feels so heavy and dark. It’s also hard to motivate oneself to mourn, to protest, to react when we have to work so hard to maintain our lives. I took a break from writing, and was less active on the Bolita channels in general (I apologize if this “newsletter” isn’t newsworthy, it’s more of an update). I haven’t been the best about promoting or sharing all month, despite being excited about getting to cook at Tacos Oscar, appearing on the Extra Spicy podcast, and getting onto the shelves at Berkley Bowl.
I was invited to chat with Soleil Ho about masa, tortillas, why I do what I do on Extra Spicy— a food podcast from the SF Chronicle. I am an avid podcast listener, and Extra Spicy is in my rotation. I tend to listen to a ton of podcasts, mainly while grinding maíz. It makes the endless grinding feel less lonely 😂 . I was incredibly nervous during the interview/chat, and I was trying my best to convey my feelings and intentions around making masa and Bolita. I still haven’t listened to the episode myself, but, y’all should give it a listen. Or, listen to some of Soleil’s other episodes.
WHERE’S BOLITA?
Foodwise We are at the Foodwise (the organization formerly known as CUESA) Mission Mercado every Thursday throughout the Summer and Fall. This is the most consistent way of getting our goods.
Tahona Mercado My favorite specialty grocer and mezcal shop always has our goods on hand— salsas, masa, tortillas. And, Tahona has one of the most incredible mezcal selections in the country.
Berkeley Bowl West We are slowly rolling out our full line of salsas and tortillas at Berkeley Bowl West. Tortillas will be available the second week of June.
PASTEL Pastel brings together artisans and makers from all over the Bay Area, and delivers them to you. So, if you want some masa, salsas, and pan dulce from Norte 54 or a pie from Edith’s, you can do it all in one trip. Pastel brings it to you. Check them out.
Pre-Orders in Oakland We are doing Oakland pre-order pickups 1-2 times per month. The weekly situation wasn’t really working out— y’all were ordering less often and the shared space we use was getting booked. They are less consistent, but I have options for getting your good vacuum sealed because tortillas, tlacoyos, and tetelas freeze incredibly well. Get some for yourself and stock up.
Catering / Classes / Private Dinners I’m continuing to book private dinners, caterings, and private classes for late summer/early fall. Send an email or DM, hola@bolitamasa.com. I will try to get back to you within 2 days.
Pop-Up / Market Dates
WED 5/25/22 - POP-UP Market, OAKLAND. Preorder for pickups at The Alice Collective 272 14th Street Oakland, 5:30-7:00 pm. Pre-Orders are live until Tuesday 5/24 12:00pm. PRE-ORDER HERE
THU 5/26/22 - San Francisco CUESA Mission Market 3:00pm-7:00pm.
Out of Kitchen 5/30/22-6/6/2022
THU 6/9/22 - San Francisco CUESA Mission Market 3:00pm-7:00pm.
For more visual content, you can follow my Instagram @bolitamasa
Feliz cumpleaños!