Tasty tarts might turn around Glassell Park's violent reputation

A reputation for gang violence has long loomed over Glassell Park, where the Avenues gang reigns and gun battles blaze on Drew Street. Residents have worked long and hard against crime and blight. But what might really change Glassell Park’s image around is some good food and drink.

The Verdugo Bar, for instance, has already been featured in the New York Times. A new artisanal brewery, which is named the Eagle Rock Brewery but is in Glassell Park, is also in the works. Meanwhile, the bright orange facade of Intelligentsia Coffee’s roasting plant on San Fernando Road might tease people into thinking they can stop off for a cup of coffee (sorry, but no). But I’m sure it has people thinking about the possibilities. Now comes word that Glassell Park is home to a new bakery and cafe, the Butter Tart, serving up tarts, of course, as well as date & manchengo pockets and cherry pistachio scones. Co owner Karena Higgins tells Food GPS that this is what the neighborhood needs now:

Photo: Butter Tart