Opened in 2010 by Vanessa Laplaud, a native of Limoges, Bel Ami Cafe has already established itself as an Upper East Side mainstay. From buttery chocolate croissants to light lavender macaroons, they receive all of their confections daily from a variety of select local French artisan bakers. It provides the warmth and intimacy of a local cafe while offering the best of continental fare. And it's only a few blocks from the New York City Children's Chorus!