La Fortaleza

The legend is that La Fortaleza was first automated tortilla factory in the city. It was located on Spring street on the parking lot across from La Placita. Manuel's dad owned it, and the family lived in the rooms above the factory. Manuel was born in those rooms more than sixty years ago. La Fortaleza kept the entire extended family going during the Depression. Manuel's dad got extra flour and bean rations, as well other necessities of life during the war because he produced food for the community, and he shared with Manuel's mom's family who lived all over the city. One of Manuel's aunts, Tia Elo, lived in a house on Bunker Hill and took care of Manuel and his brothers so that his mom could work. When they were old enough to push a broom, the three brothers went to work in the factory for nosotros. When he retired, Manuel's dad sold the factory, and here it is, on north Ford street in East Los Angeles. We pass it on our way to various restaurants we frequent on the real East side of Los Angeles.

The factory had a store front that sold tamales, and other things besides tortillas. Ramon Barragan of Barragan's restaurants worked there as did the original owner of the the Nayarit, restaurant on Sunset Blvd which may or may not still exist. Manuel's brother, Justino, remodeled the Nayarit for the daughter after the founder died, and we went to the invitation only grand opening. I was pregnant with my daughter. The people recognized my husband on the street and called him Jimenez. He was the son of the great and rich Don Jimenez. The ladies on the street in Echo Park talked about how young and sweet I was, what a good couple we made. Manuel's dad terrified me, but I am easily terrified. He was delighted that we got busy right away and produced two lovely, blond, blue eyed Jimenez grandchildren.