Merengue Bakery and Cafe

Overview:  Merengue Bakery and Cafe serves Cuban sandwiches, cakes and other fare at affordable prices in Old Town Monrovia. Their celebrity clientèle has included Paris Hilton, who received a 7,000 lb cupcake from the bakery, and Erik Estrada, who is also a regular. On Tuesday, March 29, Merengue Bakery and Cafe will donate 20% of your check to Monrovia's Relay For Life.

Décor:  The simple, relaxing interior features a combination of brick walls and pale yellow, blue and beige colors. High ceilings with fans create a spacious feeling. The walls are decorated with big screen TVs, pictures of food and photographs of celebrity clients. The atmosphere is both friendly and informal. You can order at the counter. Patio seating is also available.

Drinks:  Coffee Bar drinks run from $1.60-$3.75 and include Espresso, Cortadito (Cuban Espresso with evaporated milk), Cafe Con Leche, Cappuccino, Mocha Latte, Dulce De Leche Latte, Chai Latte, Caramel Machiatto, Hot Tea and Hot Cocoa. Mango, Pina Colada, Banana, Strawberry, Ice Cream, Guava and Passion Fruit Smoothies are $3.75-$4.25. Fresh Orange Juice, Lemonade and Limeade are available for $3.50. Specialty and Domestic Beers run from $3.50-$4.25; Red and White Sangria is $5.50/glass or $20/pitcher.

Breakfast:  Merengue's breakfast choices include a Cuban Omelette with chorizo or the Burrito de Chorizo y Huevo ($4.99) .  If you're in the mood for a scramblrer choose from the Merengue Scrambler with bacon, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar and avocado or the Healthy Scrambler with egg whites, bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms ($5.99). Other items include the Light Starter with granola, pecans, raisins, dried cherries, plums, walnuts, yogurt and a fruit garnish, George’s Bread Pudding, Bacon & Cheddar Panini and Chris's Macademia Nut Pancakes, for $4.99.

Appetizers:  Cheese or Beef Potato Balls ($1.15) and Mariquitas, or plantain chips ($2.75), are extremely popular. Other “finger foods” include the Argentinian Empanada with marinated ground beef, olives, hardboiled eggs and seasonings ($2.75), the Pastel De Carne ($1.15) Croqueta De Jamon with seasoned ground ham that's lightly breaded ($.99), Chicken Empanada ($1.75), Cuban Tamale with pork ($1.95), and Sweet Potato Fry Cup ($3.95).

Entrees:  The cafe's signature sandwiches are The Cuban ($6.99), with honey cured ham, slow roasted pork, Swiss cheese, homemade pickles, and butter on freshly baked Cuban bread and the Pan Can Bistec ($7.99), with tender steak marinated in lime juice and garlic and light mayo on Cuban bread. Cafe Sandwiches and Cuban Sandwiches, which are served with mariquitas, sweet potatoes fries or fresh fruit, are very popular. Cafe Sandwiches include Steak Chimichurri ($7.99) with steak marinated in chimichurri pesto, the California Healthy ($6.99) with grilled portabello mushrooms and roasted vegetables with oil and vinegar on a whole grain baguette and The Caprese ($7.25) with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, chicken, and mozzarella on Foccacia bread. You can also choose from tuna, grilled chicken or turkey sandwich on a croissant for $6.99.

Cuban Sandwiches include Mike’s Medianoche ($6.99), with roasted pork, honey cured ham, and Swiss on a sweet medianoche roll; Pan Con Lechon ($6.99) with roasted pork marinated in garlic oil sauce and grilled onions on fresh Cuban bread; Papa Preparada ($6.99) with potato, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mustard and light mayo on Cuban bread; The Cuban Philly ($7.99) with marinated pulled pork, provolone cheese, grilled onions & green bell peppers grilled on Cuban bread. Hot Paninis for $6.99 include Chicken Bacon Dijon, Spicy Cheese, and Chipotle Chicken, and a Turkey Avocado Panini for $7.99.

Salads include Merengue Chicken ($6.99), the Cuban Cobb ($7.99), Grilled Chicken Caesar ($7.99), Salmon Salad with mixed greens and apples ($10.99), and a Tropical Fruit Salad ($6.99).

Desserts:  In the dessert case, assorted pastries under $2 include Empanadas (pineapple, mango, apple, pumpkin), Refugees (Cuban pastry filled with guava and cream cheese), and Mini Cannolis. Desserts and cakes in the $2-$3 range from Cuban Cakes filled with pineapple and vanilla custard or guava and cream cheese to Red Velvet Cake, Kahlua Cake and Tres Leches. Fruit Tarts ($3.25) are also popular. Whole cakes in assorted flavors and fillings can also be ordered at the bakery, including wedding cakes and themed 3D cakes.

Service:  Casual, self-seating.

Signature Dishes:  Potato Balls, Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban Cakes.

1110 E Colorado Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016

(626) 358-5650

Chef:  Edgar Soria