East Harlem bakery serves up special pastries

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- Local bakeries and shops in New York City specialize in treats for special occasions and an everyday meal.

The holidays bring out the best in baked goods, and a new shop in East Harlem is making a name for itself.

Atla's Conchas on East 109th Street at First Avenue specializes in pastries made with full-inclusion flour. It's milled in the location by hand using a small machine.

Caroline Anders and Mauricio Lopez Martinez are partners in life and business. They have a background in bread and opened the shop during the summer.

"This is an ancient technique, using local grains, milling them and using it unsifted. It's better for people, farmers, climate and more flavorful. Full-inclusion flour will be like sourdough, which became popular again," Anders said.

It's also not a processed food and creates a special taste.

There's always something handmade daily from family recipes, including a variety of cookies and cakes. Conchas are a traditional Mexican pastry. At Atla's, they're made from a family recipe.

"In Mexico we make different kinds of conchas. These are from Oaxaca and my family tradition," said Lopez Martinez.

They've added babkas and challa to the menu.

The bakery has hours during the week and weekend and takes orders.