Delightful Bakeries In Town

We managed to try some bakeries in town to tick off the food list:

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse - Highland Park
Natas Pastries - Sherman Oaks Village
Porto's Bakery & Cafe - Glendale. Multiple locations.

MR. HOLMES BAKEHOUSE

We are a big fan of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse since we last tried it in San Francisco so here we are again. The branch in Highland Park have an indoor and outdoor seating area however they have ceased operations for this location.

NATAS PASTRIES

A popular Portuguese bakery and cafe tucked in Sherman Oaks Village run by owner/ chef Fatima Marques from Lisbon, Portugal. Originally started as a bakery in 2005, the cafe has expanded their menu offering Portugese style breakfast, lunch and dinner in 2010.

The place is charming as it is inspired by Portuguese style design using blue and white tiles, a splash of red and dark wood furniture reminiscent of Old Europe.

We ordered both Nata and Specialty Nata which is the best seller in store. The Portuguese "pasties de nata" are filled with custard creme brulee in puff pastry, it could be better if it is reheated. The Specialty Nata filled with almond paste drizzled with chocolate was just alright for us.

PORTO'S BAKERY & CAFE

Porto's Bakery & Cafe is one of the most legendary Cuban bakeries in LA since1976. Rosa Porto first started selling bakeries from home and today she have five locations across Southern California. Some of the popular menu here are:

Tres Leches Cake - A light and delicate sponge cake soaked with Porto's signature tres leches (house blend of condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream & a touch of brandy) finished with whipped cream.

Potato balls (Papa Rellena) - Porto's classic mashed potato ball filled with picadillo (ground beef, onions, peppers & Spanish seasonings) coated in panko bread crumbs and fried to perfection.