Best Bets: Bakeries

Photo by The Commercial Appeal file photo, The Commercial Appeal file photo

A tray of tarts and other pastries exemplify the detailed work that goes into goodies from Le Gourmet French Pastries.

Some of us are ready to pull out the cookie sheets and the cake pans and get down to holiday baking. Others of us might come out ahead if we throw a little flour on our face, like in that old Rice Krispies commercial, and let a bakery do the work instead. Here's a Best Bets of local bakeries for those of us who are, hmm, why don't we just say "too busy" to bake...

Photo by The Commercial Appeal file photo

A tray of tarts and other pastries exemplify the detailed work that goes into goodies from Le Gourmet French Pastries.

Muddy's Bake Shop (5101 Sanderlin; 683-8844) is a popular choice among Whining & Dining bloggers. Amy says, "Muddy's is the best! They have a great lunch, great cakes, cupcakes, and the best lemon pie I've ever had." Katie agrees: "Those cupcakes are amazing. And addictive."

Le Gourmet (7395 U.S. Hwy. 64; 384-3900) takes the cake, too (I'm a huge fan of their opera cake, by the way). "Once a month or so I stop by Le Gourmet up in Bartlett to pick up baguettes, croissants, and napoleons," says Benito. YHD likes it, too: "Le Gourmet is perhaps the best French bakery in town."

Let's not forget one of the old ones: Kay's (667 Avon; 767-0780) still has a loyal following for a reason. "Across the board Kay's Bakery is the best and easiest on the pocketbook," David says. Alyce Mantia: "The person who waited on me couldn't have been more helpful in describing all the various Hispanic style goodies. I'll go back any time I need sweet treats (since I'm not such a hot dessert chef!)."

Sign on whiningdining.com and search under "Best Bets" to find the other bakeries that are recommended.

--Jennifer Biggs: 529-5223

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