While I no longer peruse the bakery as I did prior to August 2015 and went for a more healthier lifestyle, once maybe every 4-6 months, I will be open to having one or two delicacies.
And my sister, who has a big craving for Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, got me hooked years ago on their Refugiado TM – guava & cheese pastry and their Cheese Roll TM – cheese filled pastry.
Delicious, moist and wonderful, these affordable pastries (ranging from .55 through $1.78) are among the best I have tasted in the United States.
With stores in Burbank, Glendale and Downey, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is no doubt, one of the most popular bakeries in Southern California. And I know many family and friends who always plan a Porto’s trip before they head back home from a trip to Southern California.
But as delicious the food is, what is even more fascinating is the history behind the making of Porto’s Bakery & Cafe.
Tracing back to 1960, the Porto family left their home in Manzanillo, Cuba and emigrated to California.
With not much money, the family depended on the exceptional baking skills of matriarch, Rosa Porto.
Through hard work and growing their family business of selling Rosa’s cakes, the family would open a 300-square foot bakery in Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park (Los Angeles). It became a family affair as husband Raul Sr., their three children Betty, Raul Jr. and Margarita learned different facets of the business and as many people flocked to their restaurant wanting their Cheese Rolls, Refugiados guava and cheese strudels and their infamous Potato Balls, the family would grow and move to a facility in Glendale.
Suffice to say, the family business grew and became one of the most unique and successful family-owned businesses in Southern California.
Today, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe serves thousands of customers and employs hundreds of people in Southern California.
My family absolutely loves Porto’s Bakery & Cafe and yes, I know I am living a healthier lifestyle now, but for me, I would be willing to have that one cheat day anytime I can have a cheese roll or Refugiados guava and cheese strudel.
If you happen to be in Southern California and near Burbank, Glendale and Downey, I highly recommend visiting Porto’s Bakery & Cafe.
