Tartine Bakery & Cafe, San Francisco

The traditional boy-meets-girl story gets a sweet twist at Tartine, where pastry chef Elisabeth Prueitt and baker Chad Robertson partner as owners, chefs and spouses. In just a decade, the San Francisco bakery has become a local institution. Its delectable wares (double pain au chocolat, frangipane tarts, buttermilk scones) would hold up to the most particular of European standards, but the easy, approachable atmosphere is entirely Californian. This commitment to authenticity has buoyed Tartine through its popularity streak, and the bakery’s acclaimed cookbooks, Tartine and Tartine Bread, have helped spread the word even further. 600 Guerrero St.; 415-487-2600; tartinebakery.com.