The best LI bakery (and a runner up)

I inherited my sweet tooth from my grandparents, especially my grandfather (who will turn 92 this year)! It’s unfortunate since I try to live a healthy lifestyle..this is one of the major roadblocks to doing so. However, I am somewhat discerning in the desserts I indulge in. Unlike when I was a child and any sugar would do the trick, as an adult I much prefer dark to milk chocolate, for example. There are no shortages of bakeries on Long Island, but, sadly, not all are worthy of mention. I would like to highlight two that I think are excellent (though very different). The first is called French Workshop. I believe the first location was in Queens but I first encountered it when we were living in Mineola. The new location opened in the charming village of Garden City(right next to an exercise studio I visited no less)! They serve the best pastries, cakes, cupcakes, pies, croissants, and cookies! They also have savory dishes, like sandwiches and vegetable tarts. I’m not a huge coffee drinker so I can’t really speak to that aspect, but there is not a day I don’t miss living so close to FW. They have since opened two more stores, one in Wantagh and one in Plainview. I am awaiting a Suffolk county location, but at the same time fear for my blood sugars . The other bakery I love for its simplicity, great prices, and great baked goods is called Stanley’s Bakery and it’s in East Slip. There is a bit of a sentimentality attached to this recommendation because it was my grandfather’s go to place for a long time. He specifically loved their rye bread loaf and black and white cookies. Both were often at my grandparent’s house and I loved eating both when I was there for a visit. If you are looking for a great bakery, I recommend Stanley’s (for a great quality, old school style bakery) and French Workshop for sitting down with your pastry and coffee and watching the Garden City promenade.