Located almost exclusively in New York, these smart shops brim with the promise of the season. The owners of the Upper West Side's petite Levain Bakery have opened a branch in Wainscott, where their dense, oversize cookies may very well sabotage a summer diet regime or two. And weekends only, the Long Island Levain introduces a new line of seasonal deep-dish pies incorporating locally grown fruit, strawberry first. The most remarkable resource is its baking - executed by Connie McDonald. Her breads are phenomenal, and heavy demand has spurred a retail cottage industry.
Patrons now buy breads for home consumption as well.