Susina Bakery - You Get What You Dessert
Sunday, July 13, 2008Back when I was out in the frozen tundra, I received a phone call from one of my friends in L.A. He had a food emergency. He was going to a birthday party and needed the “best cheesecake in L.A.” Without hesitation, I told him to get to Susina Bakery ASAP and purchase the orange cheesecake. Long story short, the cheesecake was the hit of the party, and all the guests at the birthday bash were impressed with my friend’s fine taste. Over the weekend, we introduced Susina to some other people. After a couple bites, they agreed that Susina is pretty special.
First of all, we were initially disappointed because their famous orange cheesecake was out. The staff did recommend the Oreo cheesecake as an alternative. They said they make it exactly the same way, just with a different filling and crust. The cheesecake was delightful. We were all impressed with how it has the same rich flavor as other cheesecakes but without the heaviness. I’m usually not a fan of an Oreo crust because I find it to be too dry for my taste, but the crust of this cheesecake was just right. We also really enjoyed the raspberry chocolate cake. We were pleasantly surprised to find actual raspberries in the cake, not raspberry filling. The raspberries were fresh and not drowned in sickening sweet syrup. This was one of the best cakes I’ve had in a while. Our last selection was the apple tart. I’ve eaten a lot of apple tarts, and the trend seems to be making apple slices as thin as possible and layering them. Susina’s apple tart, however, was topped with a generous amount of thick slices. Each bite is filled with a very strong apple presence. As we were leaving, I decided to buy something to go to give to my mother. I picked a blueberry custard tart and some Italian cookies. My mother started off intending to have just a bite, just to taste. She finished the whole thing in one sitting. She did offer me a taste, and just like the three desserts my friends and I shared, this one was absolutely wonderful. The blueberries were fresh, the custard was creamy, and the crust was crispy but not dry. The cookies were also a nice little treat. The cakes and tarts were approximately $5, while the cookies were $20 per pound. (I spent about $2 on a handful of the bite-size cookies.) We all felt that Susina’s price is very reasonable for a taste of heaven.
You can purchase whole cakes and pies and even place orders in advance. Susina is more than just sweets and pastries though. I haven’t had anything other than beverages and desserts here, but Susina also offers soups, salads, sandwiches, quiches, and lasagnas. The staff is incredibly friendly and amiable. There is parking available in the parking lot behind the building, but be careful of where you park. Not all the spaces are for Susina, and the spaces are stacked, so you may be blocked in (or be blocking someone else in).
Susina Bakery & Cafe
7122 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-7900
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm
By Pauline (see more of her posts).



On the corner of Valley and 7th in Alhambra is a restaurant that usually has a line out the door by 7pm daily. You wouldn’t know it by the name, but Jazz Cat Cafe is the place to go for some good hot pot. There is a slight twist. This is not your old-fashioned hot pot where everyone shares. Instead, each person gets a mini hot pot, and while you can still share, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
A typical plate includes your chosen meat, cabbage, cellophane noodles, bok choy, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, tofu, fish paste (which will turn into fish balls after being cooked in the soup), and an egg for you to poach. There is also a little bowl of rice, but you can substitute it for additional cellophane noodles or onigiri (rice balls wrapped with seaweed). Your order will be brought to you on a tray with the mini hot pot, and under the hot pot is a little dish filled with a flammable jelly that they will light up for you. Once your soup gets a good boil going, it’s time to start cooking the food. Something you need to be cautious about: fire burns! One of my friends is unfortunately forever teased for accidentally setting her napkin on fire at Jazz Cat Cafe. The funny thing is when she went there on another occasion, she was retelling the story when at that exact same moment, a woman at another table had her napkin catch on fire. At my first visit to Jazz Cat Cafe, I am pleased to say I did not set anything on fire, though I did burn myself a couple of times when the flames from the pot across from me leaped towards me. If you sit near the edge of a table, be aware when people walk by you, the flames will move.
No alcohol is served here, but Jazz Cat Cafe offers an assortment of beverages. In truth, I’ve only tried two - the Brown Sugar Milk Tea and the Hokkaido Milk Tea. A friend let me sample his Brown Sugar Milk Tea on my first visit, and it’s okay. Nothing to write home about. The Hokkaido Milk Tea, on the other hand, is what I order every time. Remember what I wrote above about Hokkaido milk? That sweet flavor that was overpowered in the soup is very present here. I happened to order this on my first visit, and while I know I should venture out and try some of the other drinks on the menu, I have not been able to resist the Hokkaido Milk Tea. Now, the photo is a little deceptive. The milk teas are served in carafes, but they are short, small ones. Nevertheless, one carafe is more than enough for me. The milk teas are $4.50, but you get a discount if you order food.









