By Brittney Garza
One mile east of East Los Angeles College is a quaint coffee and deli shop, La Farfala, serving delicious Tortas. Upon entering the shop there are four large hanging menus advertising the foods and beverages offered.
The first menu is mainly comprised of Ricas Tortas (good sandwiches) with various types of meat ranging from $3.99 to $5.99.
The tortas are built with layers of meat, chunks of cheese, and thick sliced lettuce and tomatoes. The tortas are a fulfilling but not overwhelming in size.
The tasty tortas are a must try, and with the large amount of beverage options there is something for everyone at this shop.
Also on this menu are hot dogs and a green salad with optional meats.
The second menu is reserved for shakes and smoothies. The array of flavors range from fruit smoothies to pure chocolate shakes. Prices vary from $3.35 to $4.25 depending on the type and size.
The smoothies and shakes are made with fresh fruits and ingredients right behind the counter. For the health oriented or gym-goers, there is also an option to add “Muscle Milk” protein powder to the smoothies and shakes.
The third menu lists; Ice Blended Coffees, and Aguas Frescas (fresh waters). The ice-blended drinks have eight flavor options of coffees and teas. The Aguas Frescas, which is essentially fresh-juiced fruits come in nine flavor options that are juiced fresh in front of the customer. This is a refreshing break from similar types of drink shops that have pre filled jugs of juiced fruits.
The aguas frescas all cost $2.50 and come in a nice 20 oz. size cup. Also listed on this menu is freshly cut fruit, served with optional condensed milk cream for $4.50.
The last hanging menu is full of all the traditional coffee shop drinks such as flavored coffees, macchiato, lattes, teas, and hot chocolate costing between $1.50 and $3.50.
Outside there is somewhat of an impromptu seating area. While it is not the most visually appealing because it seems to be a shared property area with the store next door, it allows customers to sit and enjoy their food and drinks outside and away from the street.
The seating inside is small but not cramped. The seating outside is authentic Mexican stone and mosaic tile bench and table, although it could use some help in the aesthetic appeal department.
La Farfala Coffee Shop and Deli is located at 346 N Ford Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022, and is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturdays 9 am to 7:30 pm, and closed on Sundays.
