The Connoisseur's Guide (2000/2001)

Renowned restaurateur Michel Richard is no longer knee-deep in pastry dough alongside this French patisserie's bakers, but the quality level hasn't wavered since French owner Huguette Coffyn took over this Beverly Hills bakery.

Along with croissants, tarts, country bread rounds, and baguettes, many locals come here to have their cake and eat too – wether it's flavored with chocolate truffle and raspberry; cheese mousse; or praline chocolate, vanilla cream, and hazelnut. Outdoor cafe tables allow patrons to indulge on the premises.