There are plenty of cafes where you can find croissants in Jersey City, but few offer its Argentinian cousin — the medialuna. Smaller, stickier, and fluffier, the medialuna is just one of the flagship pastries at Di Blu Bakery, a locally-owned business specializing in traditional Argentinian treats. We caught up with Di Blu Bakery owner, Sofia Di Pinto, to chat about her passion for baking and opening a new business in Jersey City.
How did you first get into baking?
From my earliest memories, baking has been a cherished part of my life. It all began in my childhood when I started baking with the help of my mom. We used to bake cakes from premade mixes and sugar cookies. I loved to spend Saturday afternoons baking cookies with my mom. I developed a deep affinity for every aspect from mixing ingredients to molding and shaping dough. Even crafting pizzas from scratch with my dad became a cherished part of this culinary journey.
At what point did your love for baking go from passion to career?
Upon completing high school, I decided to pursue two degrees: one in Business Administration and another in Pastry Chef. While navigating my college degree in Business Administration, I seized the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and started my own baking business back in Argentina. This marked the moment when my love for baking seamlessly transitioned into a career.
What drew you to Jersey City and how long have you had your business here?
Our relocation from Argentina to Jersey City, driven by my husband’s job, occurred two years ago. When we first moved, I started baking medialunas, a classic Argentinian pastry, to enjoy them with my husband and friends and to feel closer to my home country. In 2023, I took a leap and started my own online baking business, Di Blu Bakery. The aim is to share these delectable treats with the entire community and provide a taste of home for Argentinians seeking a connection to their roots.
The aim is to share these delectable treats with the entire community and provide a taste of home for Argentinians.
Where do you see Di Blu Bakery 5 or 10 years from now?
Looking ahead, my dream for Di Blu Bakery involves establishing a storefront, or even multiple storefronts across the US. I envision our signature medialunas becoming a household name, not only within the local community but also reaching diverse communities throughout the country. The goal is not just to share pastries but to create a cultural bridge that brings people closer together through the love of exquisite baked goods.
Make sure to follow @DiBluBakery for the latest menu and online ordering deadlines.
