Nestled in cosily on Manor Road near Yonge and Davisville, La Bamboche has all the makings of a French patisserie. It's about 7 a.m. when I meet with Stephen Nason, head pastry chef, but he's already been at the shop for hours. We sit down in the quiet of the morning before the customers bustle in to discuss how he entered the world of pastries, the difference between La Bamboche's two locations, and his Japanese-inspired French pastries.

Jean Blacklock, owner of Prairie Girl Bakery, has a good thing going. When Prairie Girl Bakery popped up in the heart of downtown Toronto's financial district a year ago, my cupcake prayers were answered. With an explosion of business and a name that has become so well-known in such a short period of time, it's no wonder Prairie Girl Bakery has many new things on the horizon. I sat down with Jean on an early Tuesday morning--flanked by her bakers busy at work--to learn if she ever expected her business to take off in this way, and what we can expect to see from Prairie Girl in the future.

In the heart of Little Portugal, on a sunny morning, I meet with Lesley Mattina, owner of OMG Baked Goodness. The bright pink OMG sign (pronounced oh-em-gee) definitely stands out along Dundas West, and I can immediately see the draw to the retail space as happy customers filter in to grab their daily treats. Among the delicious smells and sights, we discuss her career, the future of the shop, and what she most enjoys baking.