Ricardo Cervantes and Alfredo Livas grew up in Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest city located in the northeastern part of the country. As kids, the two friends grew up enjoying the rich variety of bread and pastries (pan dulce), which are household staples in Mexico.

After moving to Los Angeles, both friends continued their search for a traditional Mexican pasteleria that offered not only bread, but high quality cakes, cookies and pastries. After two years, the friends opened their first La Monarca Bakery™ in the City of Huntington Park, California in March 2006. (From the official press release.)

La Monarca is having its ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening Thursday, January 24th, 4-6 p.m. at 1001 Mission Street in South Pasadena 91030.

Thursday’s menu: