In a city teeming with bakeries, it is an impressive feat to find one in particular that many New Yorkers find themselves daydreaming about. What sets Mel apart from its competitors is its emphasis on quality. The bakery, led by Nora Allen, offers a selection of bread loaves — such as its stunning marbled purple sweet potato country loaf — using artisanal grains, milled on site. Likewise, the bakery has several pastries always on offer that range from cinnamon rolls with candied citrus, pistachio-filled croissants, or rye chocolate chip cookies. Stop by in the morning before all the goodies are gone and bring them nearby to people watch in Seward Park.