Who has the BEST baked (read desserts, cakes, pastries) goods within 100 miles of Boston?

Hard pressed to think of a great all-around bakery in Boston.

I have a few favorites for specific items though:

Beardpapa's in Quincy Mkt for cream puffs - exceptional.
Modern for cannoli, torrone.
Mike's for Lobster Tails
PartyFavors for cupcakes - I know the frosting isn't everyone's favorite but sometimes I just crave it.
Petsi Pies for any type of pie - just incredible and Renee is the nicest woman on the planet.
Crown Bakery in Worcester for Cardamom braids and Raspberry Jelly Rolls.

I am always looking for a great cake - haven't found it yet and since I don't drive can't attest to Kondieter Meister (sp?).

Clear Flour has the best bread and cinnamon rolls going.

On my list to try are Truly Jorg's in Kenmore and Athan's in Brookline.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Anyone been to Lumiere recently?

Thanks! I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful meal there! It's a favorite of mine and I am sending some friends there.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Anyone been to Lumiere recently?

Has anyone dined at Lumiere recently? Still as fabulous as it has been in the past?

thanks

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Cappuccino in the North End ?

Caffe Vittorio - good cappucino and great cake.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Need help with restaurant for gift certificate

Thanks for the tip on Alta Strada - it looks like a great menu and might be perfect!

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Need help with restaurant for gift certificate

hi I am new to the boards and was wondering if I could ask for fellow chowhounds help.

I need to get a gift certificate for someone who has been especially kind to me recently. Last year I sent him a gift certificate to Blue Ginger in Wellesley so that he and his wife could enjoy a evening out.

This year I would like to do something that could include his children as well (9-15 yr range) or could be suitable for him and his wife alone. I would like the food to be really good and would like to spend about $200. They live in Wellesley so anything out that way would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

For Thai to die for

Thanks Bob - Newton is a hike and a half for me and I'd rather avoid the bus experience if possible. Coolidge Corner is a favorite and I will definitely check out those thai places - love good thai food. I haven't been to Rod Dee in a long time but I am glad to see it in your list of good places.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

For Thai to die for

I used to love Coconut Cafe in Newton but haven't been in years. I also love The King and I on Charles St. for great thai food.

Thanks for reminding of an old favorite - I think a trip on the D line might be necessary.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Boston specialty treats to take home?

Sweet Sloops - you can buy them in Faneuil Hall at Kilvert & Sons (i think that's the name). Also Cranberry Bogs - you can usually find these in candy shops.

The torrone from Modern Pastry in the North End is amazing - I love the one dipped in chocolate. Marzipan from Maria's is good too.

Not for travel but great for a regional treat is the lobster tail at Mike's Pastry. I have been all over the U.S. and no one else does it like these. They are filled with a great whipped cream/custard type filling. Fabulous. Eat one before you go home.

And don't forget that Fluff is a New England thing. Fluffernutters anyone?

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area

Any Good Places for Grape Nut Ice Cream? (Besides Louie's)

Another place that sells Richardson's is Hot Diggity in Winthrop (a hot dog stand that is good but the ice cream is wonderful).

Meola's in West Boylston (if it's still there on Rt. 140) made a great Grapenut Ice Cream.

Definitely another vote also for Toscannini's.

Meg

bostonmeg in Greater Boston Area