Open since the end of last year, Cloud Free Agent Espresso Bar sure has an elaborate and mysterious name for a cafe. And with the former head chef of Bonjour Brioche in charge of snacks and lunches, the bright space near Queen and Ossington didn't have to work too hard to lure me in to give it a try.

Read my review of Cloud Free Agent Espresso Bar in the cafes section.

Arriving at Dorio's Italian Bakery in North York, I was reminded of how small the city is while exploring outside the downtown core. Dorio's offers quality Italian food and desserts at great value, with a comfy, personal touch. Operating out of two locations, they also feature catering and custom wedding-cake services. And they sell delicious tiramisu, cannoli, and zeppole pastries for just $1.50 each.

See my review of Dorio's Italian Bakery in the baked goods section.

Littlefish seemed like a great place to spend a rare Saturday off with close friends. After so much treading water in our usual corner, a trek into the Junction seemed like the perfect antidote to a week of sameness and pre-holiday madness.

Here, we brunched ourselves into slightly larger fish (enjoying Littlefish's traditional breakfast, huevos rancheros, strawberry-rhubarb French toast, and more).

See my review of Littlefish in the restaurant section.

Peering into Si Espresso Bar at Broadview and Danforth might spur interest and make visitors wonder why "that mob guy (from The Border)" is making espresso. No need to panic, though - barista Egidio (aka "Edge") is as soft and warm as the muffins he sells.

The coffee is strong, the conversation is awesome, and the community feel and comfort levels are so high that their bar stools may as well be beds.

See my profile of Si Espresso Bar in the cafe section.

Dough is a new bakery on the Danforth, and its simple yet provoking name fills my mind with visions of soft and chewy goodness. Inside, find oatmeal bread, Montreal style bagels, croissants and lemon squares. It's not the biggest bakery around but it's certainly a welcome addition to the neighbourhood and convenient stop for those picking up groceries at the Big Carrot.

Find out more in my review of Dough in the bakery section.

The promise of "impossibly delicious goodness made possible," is far too confident not to be met. And, sure enough, the lovely folks at OMG Baked Goodness made good on their word and then some with a few of the freshest, plushest cakes I've ever had. The vegan options are surprisingly good, too.

Read my review of OMG Baked Goodness in the bakery section.