Between 2007 and 2008, I worked in the Burbank area for that ‘well-paying’ finance job I’ve mentioned. One of the benefits of working in the team there was that long hours meant ordering food. And over the years, these guys had built up a list of great restaurants in the area. One of the best places that I was introduced to was Porto’s Bakery (http://www.portosbakery.com/). 
Porto’s is one of those places that you go to once and the next time you’ll fly across the country just to go again. It’s a Cuban bakery that started out small and was forced to grow into larger facilities. When you walk into this place, the line is often to the door. But it moves fast because most people know what they want when they come in. The smell is just heavenly as you get a wiff of the freshly baked bread and pastries or the empanadas and croquettes.
Below are a few pictures for your enjoyment. And may I suggest that you make the trek up to Burbank the next time you’re in the LA area because you will not be disappointed. In fact, schedule your flight so you leave from Burbank airport!
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A view of the beautiful sweet treats that tease you as you wait in line. Thank goodness I do not have a sweet tooth (at least not a bad one), although I’m not sure that eating three croquettes is better than having a couple cupcakes!
Mmm now this is more like it for me. The empanadas with beef or chicken, the ham and cheese croquettes and the meat-filled potato balls. Mmm looks like heaven to me!
An upclose shot of my snacks for the drive back to Phoenix. Don’t worry I only ate one croquette and a bite of the empanada.
The Refugiado™ – guava and cheese pastry. Wow. Jo – you asked me to search for the best pudding? Well, this might just have to top the list. Creamy ricotta cheese and sweet guava jam. That pastry seriously melts in your mouth. I’m going to attempt to make this one day… Will keep you posted on the results.
