Best Bakery

Venues that have expanded our scene have been front of mind for me this year, and while several operations have brought rain to Orlando’s bagel desert, Jeff ’s Bagel Run is a standout. A bagelry is a bakery, folks, and Jeff and Danielle Perera, boiling and baking the chewy, crusty stuff of dreams, have grown their business from the insta-sellout cottage operation where it started into two fully-fledged storefronts.

Cold brew and houseblended cream cheeses delight many a customer, too, but for me — it’s all about the bagels.

I can’t say anything about Sister Honey’s that I and everyone else (including the James Beard Foundation, which nominated owner Evette Rahman last year) haven’t said before. From the heavenly pistachio cake to the simple cookies, Rahman’s gifts have made her the only three-time winner of the World Food Championships dessert category. Whether you need a custom cake or find yourself with a spontaneous craving, her shop is a must-do.

CM Bakari’s sourdoughs are born of love that borders on obsession. Baker Cesar Cruz also makes a pizza worthy of Foodie contention. Try both at the Audubon Market.

Critic’s Choice Winner: Jeff ’s Bagel Run (2787 Old Winter Garden Road in Ocoee or 4339 Edgewater Drive in Orlando; jeffsbagelrun.com)

Runners-up: Sister Honey’s (Orlando) and CM Bakari

(pop-up, online business)

Readers’ Choice Winner: Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery (3213 Curry Ford Road in Orlando, 407-8989561, charliesbakery.com) Runners-up: Se7enBites (Orlando) and Buttermilk Bakery (Winter Park)