Lafayette Bakery & Café, Carmel

For pastry chef Pascal Merle and baker Jean-Bernard Vial, Lafayette Bakery & Café is a dream 35 years in the making. The pair were both born and raised in France, where they both mastered France's signature art: baking. The duo now showcase their rustic, crusty breads, fruit-started sourdough, and delicate pastries inside their shop. Every morning, they create artful tartelette pommes, meringues, baguettes, and croissants. Though the pastries stand alone as sweet snacks, the chefs also use the breads to make their signature baguette and croissant sandwiches. They pair all of these treats with gourmet coffees, espressos, and cappuccinos, as well as juices and tea.