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In a world of rushed coffee breaks, Two Little Red Hens is a take-your-time oasis. Each decorated cake, latticed pie, and fruit-studded tart speaks of attention to craft, and deserve slow savoring. Half a dozen varieties of chocolate cake join lemon tarts, rich brownies and seasonal confections, like Very Berry cake in summer and pear-walnut tart in the fall. The chocolate-pepper cookie—a terrific snap of a biscuit, with a zippy kick—is unbeatable with a cup of strong coffee. Delicate pies and tarts are almost too beautiful to eat—until you take a bite, and then art be damned. The shop and cafe highlights its seasonal treats, decorating the store each month for upcoming holidays, providing ample motivation not to wait until December. If it's good enough for Dean & DeLuca, one of the bakery's many wholesale clients, it'll surely rise to your next dinner party or tête-à-tête. — Helen Zelon

For birthday cakes, customers can choose from among 14 cake varieties, 19 between-layer fillings and 14 frostings. An inscription plus flowers or fresh fruit are de rigeur; the price goes up for colored frosting and edible art.