Dolci e Dolcezze Sweets - Florence, Italy

Continuing on my quest to find the best sweets around the world, I have decided to add Dolci e Dolcezze, a little gem in Florence. This tiny bake shop is old fashioned elegance with sweets laid out in pristine glass cases like the jewels they are. Decorated with ornate gold mirrors, crystal chandeliers and mint green walls, Dolci's ambiance conjures a dream out of the nutcracker. Service is the most civilized with treats served on antique sterling silver trays accompanied by dainty sterling spoons. Only in Europe can you find such luxuries. A little off the beaten path, and a cornetto will cost more than at your average bakery, but Dolci and Dolcezze is worth it. Dolci e Dolcezze, Piazza Beccaria 8/r , Santa Croce Tel: 055 234  54 58

Kiss My Bundt Bakery - Los Angeles

Kiss My Bundt Bakery just opened on 3rd street in West Hollywood, and aside from having a great name, I'm happy to have a new dessert shop that's offering something other than cupcakes and yogurt.  They offer a large selection of bundt and mini bundt cakes with flavors that change daily such as: Callebaut chocolate with chocolate glaze, Red velvet with cream cheese frosting, Luscious lemon drop cake,  and Cinnamon pecan coffee cake. They also offer organic coffees and teas. 

Miette Bakery - San Francisco

The arrival of Sweetiepies  reminded me of another beautiful bakery in San Francisco: Miette. I can't wait to stop by this shop on my next trip to San Francisco. The decor of this place is perfection, from the sweet wallpaper to the gum drop topiary! Miette is everything a candy store/bakery should be. What a magically place for a child's birthday party, or -- who am I kidding -- my birthday party!

Sweetiepie - New York

Stay tuned for a new sweet shop coming soon to New York: Sweetiepie. This month's issue of Vogue has an article on the new bake shop setting up in the West Village. From the looks of things, it will be Alice in Wonderland meets Marie Antoinette which is sure to mean lots of whimsy. 

Las Paletas - Nashville

You would thing living in Los Angeles, we would have access to the best Mexican popsicles. The big shocker is that the best paletas are actually in Nashville! Las Paleta's popsicles are all hand made and come in delicious and unexpected flavors including: honeydew, chocolate banana, chai tea, coffee, hibiscus, and grapefuit. Next time you're in Nashville stop buy their shop on 12th street. It's a great way to beat that Southern humidity!

The Swell Apartment - Paris

I don't know what it is with me and "The City of Light." For the past two years, I have been fantasizing about a jaunt to Paris -- shopping the flea markets, sampling treats at Laduree.... I've been researching a possible excursion for the winter holidays, and came across this cute little apartment located in the Monmartre region of Paris. For those of you who don't know, Montmartre is home to the beautiful Sacre Coeur Church and the former haunt of artists: Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet. Teeny tiny, but perfect for a couple, this little beauty is full of feminine charms and a steal at 95 euros a night (there is a 3 night minimum.) Looks like it books up fast though, so it's best to plan ahead: www.swell-apartments.co.uk

Sowa Open Market - Boston

The next time you find yourself in Boston, stop by the Sowa Open Market. You'll find a small but tasteful selection of food and artisan vendors selling their wares every Sunday through October.

Don't miss Isabelle Abramson, a Boston artist who makes exquisite porcelain pottery. She sells her work at the market most Sundays, and a few select pieces at her etsy shop.

Kee's Chocolates - New York

My friend Maya and I share many culinary tastes, and whenever I visit her in New York, we travel the city looking for chocolate and exotic cheeses in particular. I can always trust her judgment in introducing me to some new restaurant or delight. One we discovered on a recent trip is Kee's Chocolates. Kee's small storefront is located in Soho on Thompson street, and although some of her flavor combinations sound savory, they are in fact delightfully smooth and deliciously sweet. Our favorite was the creme brulee, who's name did not disappoint in both taste and custardy texture. We made several return trips for that one in particular, but also enjoyed the sea salt, mousse, and thai chile. If you have your heart set on a particular flavor, make sure you call first, because flavors change daily and quantities are limited. We made one trek for the coveted creme brulee, only to find it was not available and we were very sad chocoholics that day. www.keeschocolates.com