Kat's 9 Lives

First let me start off by introducing the almighty Porto's Bakery! I have always been going to the one in Glendale, but since we were in Burbank... we had to come and try it out! I have been raving about it to Ms. Lin for the longest time but we never get a chance to make our way down there. Finally I was able to show her the joys of Porto's Bakery! It's a great deal for what you get. I prefer this over most high-end bakeries that are all show. I like my food simple and simply delicious! ^_- Of course making it pretty attracts the eye, but taste matters most of all!
I started cracking up as I walked in and saw the Porto's Presidential Cookie Poll! As of September 26th it was McCain 170 and Obama 219. I am actually quite surprised that it's so close especially for California. I know I am going to get a lot of jeers and boos from you people but I was going to buy a cookie for McCain just to help bridge the gap. It's not because I am voting for him, but I am the type of person to cheer for the person or team that other people don't want or like. O=) I am a Bruin but I will cheer for a Trojan just to annoy my friends who are obsessed with school loyalty. I love yanking their chains! ^_^ Sadly, Ms. Lin forced my hand and stopped me from buying a cookie! I say give me cookie or give me death! lol It's all good though because I was just playing and it's fun to annoy Ms. Lin a little... hey that is what sisters are for! ^_~
Porto's always had pretty and reasonably priced cakes. I was very tempted to get one and Ms. Lin wanted the Alright now for the goods! The goodies of course. I tried to take as many photos of the baked good display but there were a lot of people around so it was hard to snap the photos without some behinds getting in the way. Ms. Lin promised me a cake and I couldn't decide where to get one and she set a price limit... it's too hard to find a cake in LA for that price.. maybe a slice! lol Tiramisu because it had beautiful lady fingers lined up around it. Of course it's in the photo! ^_- Then I decided against it because I was sooooo caked out. Maybe next time. I need a cake break.
My favorite cake at Porto's is the Opera Cake. I wanted to get a big cake of that but it's just a flat and unflattering cake. We both wanted something pretty despite taste. =oP So instead I picked up a slice for my tummy. Never too caked out for a tiny slice of the cake I love. Especially since their cakes are reasonably priced and sized. Not a one-bite and it's gone cake... that's for sure. They layer the chocolates perfectly with delectable cake.
They have really good Ham and Cheese Croissants so I always pick up a few to take home. I only ordered the remaining 3 they had left in the case. In retrospect, I should have ordered more! Ms. Lin seemed to enjoy the tasty baked goods. She stole so many bites! Boo! lol The croissants are huge and flaky. They definitely do not skimp on the ham and Swiss cheese inside. It's a much better deal and price than what you get at Tartine in SF. I'd take the croissants and baked goods any day over Tartine. My wallet will thank me too! ^_^ **OMG I haven't posted about Tartine!!! I need to get on that!**
Another fan favorite is the almighty Porto's Cheese Rolls! Yum YUM! The trick is to toast it lightly and let it cool so the crust can crisp. Then sink your teeth into the heavenly wonderful pastry that will have you begging for more! Be sure to toast it enough that the cheese oozing on the outside starts to crisp a little too. That way the center will be warm and moist with a flaky outer layer. The killer combo! I want one now! ^_^
Since Ms. Lin is so salty! Yes, she loves salty foods. I recommended her the Ham Croquette that is just a great mixture of diced Ham and Mashed Potatoes. It's very flavorful and on the saltier side. All batter and fried. How can you go wrong with that? It's just a simple and quick snack that I like.
While we were sitting down to chow down on some of our goods, an employee was walking around offering free samples. They were great! It's half the size of the original with all the flavor! I chose my favorite cheese roll and Ms. Lin got the Guava Roll, which is pretty good if you like guava. As for me, I am just not a fruit person but I have had this many times. If I got one, I would get the Guava CHEESE Roll! ^_- Got to have me some wonderful cream cheese inside. The guy was funny too. Apparently the staff was talking about me and the pictures I take. See the sacrifice I make for my site! lol
All in all I love this bakery. I wish there was one in OC! Even if it was 20 minutes away from my house I'd go often! For those of you who know me and know how lazy I am... that's the highest compliment! lol If you live in LA or go to LA often and have not heard or tried this place you are MISSING OUT! Where have you been hiding!! It's time you come out into the sun and see the world! Also my new favorite is the Caramel Kisses! Be sure to bake this so that the center will be warm before you bite in. It gives it that extra kick. They are shaped like a Hershey Kiss. Inside is filled with a Semi-Solid Caramel/Dulce de Leche. The cookie part is like a soft Sugar, Buttery, Shortbread like cookie. I am drooling just thinking about it! Apparently I forgot to take a picture of the awesome cookie and I have eaten it all already! Tough luck! ^_^ It's in one of the photos of the food case if you look closely. That's my Where's Waldo Challenge for you! Happy Hunting!

Porto's Bakery