Inspired by the comfort foods and homemade desserts of his Midwest childhood, owner Dan Fitzgerald opened Flourish Bakery Cafe to recreate some of those same recipes and offer them up to the neighborhood. Luckily for us, Flourish's menu is packed with spot-on sandwiches and delectable treats in a sunny atmosphere awash in pastel pink, green, blue and yellow, with vintage Sunbeam Mixmasters and old-fashioned cake stands providing a 1950s feel.

Classic sandwiches like ham and swiss line the menu, but the grilled panini and wraps are the more inventive option: The Pilgrim Turkey Wrap, made with roast turkey breast, sausage herb stuffing, cranberry and apricot chutneys and sweet potato puree, is a favorite. Salads, soups and quiche are offered along with daily dinner specials, such as macaroni and cheese or chicken pot pie. The three-salad combo plate saves the day for the indecisive (whatever you choose, don't skip the macaroni, pea and pearl onion salad).

If the cafe menu is all about comfort, the bakery menu is all about play. Fluffy vanilla cupcakes piled high with sweet pastel icing are joined by thick slices of caramelized apple upside down cake, cheesecake brownies, scotcheroos and jumbo Rice Krispie treats...and that's just scratching the surface of the goodies on display in the multiple bakery cases. For something more substantial but no less indulgent, take home a loaf of artisan bread (sourdough, semolina, banana nut, zucchini) and a cup of crowd-pleasing Metropolis coffee.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Rockwood