Margot Patisserie, New York

History repeats itself each day in the Upper West Side, and it's delicious. By 5:30 a.m., bakers arrive at Ansonia: a haven for artists and musicians, and also the home of Margot Patisserie. Here, the bakers fire up their ovens, assemble fresh ingredients, and start to bake cakes, croissants, and pastries using recipes passed down through generations.

By the time customers arrive, the shop smells like a cafe and patisserie straight out of France. The scents of espresso and pastries fill the space, where patrons chat over cranberry scones, pound cakes, and french macaroons. For heartier meals, Margot Patisserie's cooks dream up soups of the day and construct tuna salads and french baguette sandwiches, including a curry chicken sandwich served with curry and house spices.