taste
BY MALLORY ARN O LD P ho t o s c o u r t e sy o f J i m ena G r im a ld o
A Sweet Piece of Home Vainilla y Chocolate brings culture and sweet bread all the way from Mexico Jimena and Oscar Grimaldo
Jimena Grimaldo is originally from Queretaro, Mexico, but moved to Dublin five years ago with her husband, Oscar. “We love Ohio, specifically here in Dublin,” Grimaldo says. “The people are friendly, there is so much nature and a lot of open spaces to explore and exercise. There is always something to do and it’s a nice place for children to grow.” It seems Grimaldo was destined to live in Dublin. Back in Mexico, she practiced Irish Dance, but she never imagined a she’d live in a community with a major Irish festival. She and Oscar never miss the event, and run the Emerald City Half Marathon every year. In addition to dance, she also bakes. In the beginning, baking was just a hobby for Grimaldo and her family; a way to remember home. “We really missed the flavor of Mexican pan dulce (sweet bread) and delicious pastries, fresh and out of the oven,” she says.
Pan de muerto 32 • August/September 2020
At first, Grimaldo and Oscar were just selling pastries to their friends who also missed the flavors of home. But soon, people from all over started to hear about the home bakery. Even if customers haven’t grown up with the flavor of Vainilla y Chocolate’s signature sweet bread, they still love it. But it’s not just about the success. These recipes mean much more to Grimaldo’s family. “Of course, it means a lot,” Grimaldo says. “It means to be — for just a few minutes — back home. At least, just the time a sweet bun and cup of coffee lasts!” It’s also an opportunity for Grimaldo and her family to share their traditions with the world. Many of their pastries are recipes Americans have never tasted before. Conchas, named for the shape of a shell, are the most popular pastry sold in www.dublinlifemagazine.com
