Effusive welcomes go far with me. I entered J&M just for a look. I was full from lunch but my eyes have an insatiable appetite. I had not intended to buy unless I saw some flan, because Columbian bakeries have usually disappointed me. Somehow, the breads are usually drier than I like, as if they are perpetually stale . I went in, saw no flan, and was about to leave when the counter lady, finishing serving another customer, peered over his shoulder with a smile so genuinely warm it were as if the sun had fallen from the sky and landed in the place and asked if I needed help. She gets five stars for the greeting.
I bought a bread, and sat down by the counter by the huge window by the door so I could check my voice mail, when I espied the cake section! It was right behind me! Another reason to buy from the super sweet lady!
And what I bought were wins! The guava cheese bread was quite good, with a generous amount of filling and a texture that was soft and doughy. If you want good Columbian bread that has more taste than the norm, come here. It was still soft hours later when I ate it.The Tres Leches cake I had was excellent. The sponge was the light consistency I loved. Layered in the cake was a surprise delight, canned, sliced peaches that distinguished it from other Tres Leches in the best way. And, the entire cake was not cloyingly sweet, even with the milk soak. I had a few bites at J&M, and it was so so delicious I actually would have purchased more cake to go, but for the 4 lbs of sugar in my bag weighing me down already.
The clean place has a bright look, especially with the counter and the seating by the window that lets in plenty of light. This is no artisan bakery and doesn't need to be. It is a good, family run bakery selling delicious, fresh bread and pastries. I didn't try the empanadas because they only had chicken and beef but would definitely come back for the cake and try even the flan I saw. They also had a rice pudding that looked great. So far, this is the only Columbian bakery that has impressed me with their bread and I've tried quite a few.And if those positives don't sell you, there is of course, the short lady with the happy smile bigger than she is. read more