Meet Elizabeth Acevedo | Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Acevedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Our hardest decision came from our previous business. Beanwood originally began as a Latin Bistro in Bordentown, New Jersey. It was through this restaurant that we acquired both the skills and tempering that we use in Beanwood today. From catering countless town festival, holidays, hosting live music and enduring many a busy Saturday night, we learned above all else how to deliver delicious food and dessert while under pressure. For eight years, we became a staple in our small little town, but unfortunately in 2014 it came to an end. Our location was the problem, as people loved to stop by on the weekend, but during the work week it was a little too out of the way for the lunch and dinner crowds. With raising rent and stagnating revenue, we had to make the difficult decision to close the doors to the Bistro.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is in my baking. I spent much of my life baking for myself and my loved ones, I learned much from my mother, herself an avid chef. While most of my baking experience comes from the home, I developed a more professional edge while working in my Latin Bistro. That kitchen was my stage, where I practiced many a culinary feat; jibaritos, full pork platters, large bowls of fresh Paella, and even a 12 course Tapas menu. But it was the desserts that captivated me the most. It all started with a Tres Leche cake recipe, making the three milks from scratch, tinkering with the prefect level of moistness, finding the best whipped topping that wouldn’t overpower the cake. After many attempts, finding that perfect balance got me hooked, and from there I began to branch out. Of my repertoire, I’ve made flans, macaroons, flourless chocolate cakes, alfajores and so much more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would spend a day at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park with some friends. Another day we would have brunch by the water at at Shooters waterfront then walk around and shop in Las Olas Blvd and have lunch at El Camino. A great place for Lunch would be Louie Bossi in Las Olas Blvds and Ethos in Wilton Manors. At night we would go out to Ebar 13 or the Wharf for some drinks and fun latin music. We would also go to Wynwood Walls to look at amazing art and take some pictures with the murals and for a special treat we would go to Bachour Bakery to enjoy unique gourmet desserts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Someone I would love to Shout Out is a close friend named Tammy Wilkens. Tammy was instrumental in the opening of our original Bistro. She would often take time off her work to help us arrange meetings with investors, making connections with suppliers to find good deals, and was generally a wonderful emotional support when times got tough. Were it not for her, Beanwood might never have come to be in the first place.

Website: https://www.beanwoodcoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanwoodcoffee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beanwoodcoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beanwoodcoffee

Image Credits
C.Timothy Proctor – Tim Proctor Associates (Personal Photo) Alexa Santana – Summa Digital Agency (Food Photography)