I had lunch last week at the always wonderful La Casita Mexicana on Gage Avenue in the town of Bell (I’ve told you about La Casita Mexicana, and I’m sure I’ll tell you more in the future)

On the way to the car, I was transported by the rich, sweet smell of fresh baked goods, and followed my nose into Panadería Los Reyes. It’s just a small, neighborhood bakery, but the neighborhood could just as easily be in Hermosillo, Zacatecas or Campeche. The carts stacked with still-warm croissants, conchas, galletas and other sweets were irresistible, and I left with a big bag of goodies that lasted an embarrassingly short time.

I stopped on the way through Huntington Park to take some photos, and stumbled on Los Alpes Nevería, just around the corner from Gage and Pacific Avenue.

Paletas are a favorite Meican ice cream treat, and I went for the “mango de leche, a refreshing creamy, fruity delicacy that was just right for a warm afternoon.

I’ll even confess that I also stopped into La Monarca bakery for a couple of their amazing guava taquitos… but I took them home – really.

A quick walk down Pacific Avenue showed me that there’s lots to explore in Huntington Park, and I know I’ll be back soon.