PAN DULCE
Exploring Latino Sweets
WRITTEN BY RACHAEL SCALA
PHOTOS BY CANDICE NYANDO
“¿Te gustaría algo diferente?”
T he Reno-Tahoe region possesses a variety of underexplored Mexican sweets. Particularly during the holidays, comforting novelties abound within our panaderías. Picture upbeat bakeries bursting with vibrant, slightly sweet pan dulce, meaning sweet bread or pastry. Here are a few noteworthy stops to inspire you. Al gusto!
| Hector Cruz, owner of El Torito Super Mercado, exhibits Rosca de Reyes (King’s Ring) bread inside the Carson City store and Gilberto Acosta bakes King’s Ring at El Torito in Carson City |
KING’S RING
El Torito has served the Carson City area since 1997. This establishment, which is a butcher, grocery, and bakery, offers delectable Mexico City-style pastries. Hector Cruz and his family maintain high-quality recipes that lie in longstanding customs. Upon entering the store, prepare to be beckoned by a decadent array of treats. Buñuelos, crispy flour tortillas rolled in sugar and cinnamon, fly off shelves by the dozens. Come Jan. 6, a line spills out the door – as they do each year – for the treat Rosca de Reyes (King’s Ring), which celebrates the Catholic Ascension. El Torito prepares this ring-shaped dessert with homemade fruit preserves and specially milled flour only during this time of year.
El Torito Super Mercado
308 E. Winnie Lane, Carson City
775-884-4294
Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
LUCIOUS DELICACIES
Maria and Merced Perez acquired Panadería Las Palomas in 2008 after 20 years of baking and cake decorating in Reno’s casinos. Their love of the trade sparked the desire to operate a central venue serving traditional Mexican goodies, but also focusing on novel items such as red velvet cake and custom wedding cakes. The quality is evident in Las Palomas’ dense and luscious delicacies, made with recipes synthesizing experience and innovation. Maria is attentive to her clients’ sensitivities to unfamiliar treats. So she makes it a point to offer generous samples to customers.
Panadería Las Palomas
814 S. Wells Ave., Reno
775-323-1881
Open 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
AUTHENTIC CAKES
Opened in 2007, La Promesa serves decadent cakes, pastries, and sumptuous Mexican fare in the South Lake Tahoe area. Owner Jose Granillo says most of his customers come upon the restaurant through word of mouth. He remarks that his loyal clientele has kept the place thriving, despite the economic downturn.
“Try it for yourself,” he says. “The freshness and authenticity will bring you back, without a doubt.”
Overall, La Promesa’s cakes literally take the cake. Try one of their best sellers — Torta de Mil Hojas (several crêpe-like layers of cake with dulce de leche, or caramel, in between) and Tres Leches (fluffy sponge cake soaked in various types of milk) — after a riveting day on the slopes.
La Promesa Bakery
3447 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
530-541-2019
Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun.
These panaderías distinguish their creations with heartfelt care originating in age-old traditions and provincial styles. We are fortunate to be surrounded by such a variety of specialty Latino indulgences, all of which are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Rachael Scala is a freelance writer who advocates wholesome, local, and responsibly cultivated foods. Her travel, study, and volunteer experiences have exposed her to many facets of modern food systems. If she’s not out enjoying the Sierra Nevada, you may find her experimenting with her latest batch of kombucha tea.
