Porto's Bakery & Cafe:Cuban Culinary Excellance

Some of Porto's delicious desserts!

Porto's Bakery & Cafe is no secret to the citizens of Burbank and Glendale, and with a new location in Downey it is sure to be making new fans all across the Southland.  Crowds of people fight for limited parking in the lots and stand in lines that weave back on themselves three times, and every one of them feels it was worth the wait.  Porto's has a huge selection of cookies, croissants, cheesecakes, mousse cups, cakes and other pastries, as well as breads by the loaf.  There is a full assortment of specialty coffee drinks and sandwiches in the cafe, but what makes this cafe different from all the rest is the traditions of its Cuban roots, still reflected in the menu today.  Sandwiches are served with plantain chips.  Empanadas, meat pies, and  potato balls (one of my personal favorites) are available a la cart or by the dozen.  If you're just stopping in for lunch, try the cafe express line for sandwiches and the most popular bakery items, to avoid the longer lines of the full bakery selection.  Call in your large catering or cake orders for faster pickup as well.  Whether you're looking for catering and bakery items for your next event, lunch with friends, or just a quick snack, Porto's is worth the drive (and the wait!).

The Ice Cream & Soda Pop Stop



Classic Banana Split at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy.



The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been a local destination in South Pasadena since 1915.  With its delicious ice cream treats and old fashioned sodas its a little slice of the past, filled with tons of collectible items and gag gifts.  Sandwiches and salads are also served, as well as a variety of coffee drinks, if you're not jumping straight to dessert.  There is free parking around the corner, and lots of shops to browse to walk off the calories.  Great for a date, family outing or just to treat yourself, but if you're planning to order a sundae, bring a friend!  Portions are more than one person can handle!

Fill Your Cravings at Crave Cafe!

Crave Cafe in Studio City.

This is the perfect spot for you and your friends to stop by when you're wandering around the valley wondering what to do in the wee hours of the morning.  With a combination of salty and sweet treats, as well as sandwiches, salads and pizza, the Crave Cafe is a delicious place to satisfy the tastes of your whole group.  Prices are reasonable, but parking can be a trick durring peak hours.  With two locations in the valley, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, and open 24 hours most days (closed Sunday), I highly recommend stopping by for a crepe, burger, cupcake, pizza, mocha and baklavah!

Ice Cream Cookies on the Westside

Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Chip. 



One of the hot spots every student at UCLA knows about is Diddy Riese Cookies in Westwood.  Lines can stretch out the door, and around the corner, for a taste of cookie and ice cream heaven.  What makes Diddy Riese so popular?   Prices and selection.  Diddy Riese offers 10 different kinds of cookies and 12 types of ice cream to make your custom ice cream sandwich dreams come true.  There are coffee and cookie, cookie and milk or ice cream sandwich combos, each for $2 or less, making it the #1 destination for a quick study break, and a must visit for tourists.  Parking can be tricky, and its cash only, so take the family or buy in bulk to make your trip worth while.  There are dozens of restaurants and architectural wonders in the area as well, so you can justify your cookie quest to the non-believers.  Just one taste will help them see the light!