At long long last, the wait for Antigua Bread (5703 N. Figueroa St.) is over. For months the façade of the café had been finished, but renovation delays caused from bringing the building up to code pushed back the grand opening to September. I’ve spoken on numerous occasions with Miguel, one of the owners, who really has passion and a vision for the improvement of the “Paseo Figueroa” corridor. They offer a full food menu from breakfast burritos to pizza to pasta. The highlight of any visit though has to be the cachitos, Guatemalan pasteries similar to Mexican Pan Dulce except sweeter, with a slightly more crumbly texture, and a hint of cinnamon. According to Miguel, they’re an old recipe of his uncle’s, a baker, in Guatemala. They also have an impressive list of coffee drinks. My personal favorite is the Iced Cinnamon Latte but usually I just settle down with a pastry and a plain old cup o’ joe. They have free wifi and a nice patio that opens up to Figueroa, (although the traffic can sometimes be a bit noisy). The real reason I love this place is that you feel you’re getting in on the ground floor of something. Remember when Swork opened and it was the only place to get coffee other than a greasy-spoon or 7-11 in Eagle Rock? Colorado Blvd. had a few unique businesses but was still mostly a conduit to Pasadena. Figueroa, between Avenues 50 and 60, is at a similar crossroads. By spending my money here, I’m investing directly in the community. No stockholders, no distant CEO, just a family business with a lot of promise.
3 Responses to '
Taste of Guatemala Comes to Figueroa '
on October 29th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Great little blurb for Antigua, but don’t forget it’s in Cypress Park (your little neighbor to the west)though it’s a blessing for all of NELA to have it open.
on October 29th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Thanks for the compliment, but unless I’m mistaken, the corner of Avenue 57 and Figueroa is in HP. My understanding is that Cypress Park begins on the other (south) side of Mt. Washington in the northeast corner of the 110 and 5 junction. Still, I agree that regardless of the neighborhood, it’s something worth supporting.
on December 20th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I’ve only been there once but the vibe was good, the vanilla latte was tasty and everyone was totally helpful. They won me as a customer.