Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Few know pastry like Claire Damon, and, despite her aloof public persona, her skills have made Des Gâteaux et du Pain famous for her seasonal tarts (but don’t shy away from her cakes, either), the most famous of which is Le Lipstick, with its almond flour crust enveloping vibrant, seasonal fruits. With its sleek interiors and long, glass-encased counters, you may feel as though you’re shopping for rare jewels here, and you nearly are . . . precious gems, at the least.