Tony Posca, longtime former owner of Andrea's Bake Shoppe in Newtown, opened the doors to Bakes n' Cakes in Southbury in April 2014. Mr Posca is pleased to offer not just his signature baked goods there, but breakfast and lunch items, as well.A Sampling From the Menu:Pastries: Customers rave about the crisp cannoli shells, plain or dipped in chocolate, filled to order with ricotta filling, or try the éclairs, a French pastry with a cream filling made onsite, topped with chocolate.Sandwiches and Wraps: Several sandwiches are on the menu each day. The grilled cheese (with add-ons available) is served on a homemade roll; the popular Bakes n' Cakes black bean veggie burger with spicy chipotle sauce, served on a homemade roll, is a hit with non-meat eaters and meat eaters alike; or try the TLT - turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado rolled up in a sundried tomato wrap.Soups: Chilly weather calls for a hearty soup, and among those fitting that bill this winter is the beef stew, a classic combination of stewing meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a gravy broth.Cakes: Bakes n' Cakes signature chocolate mousse cake is the best seller. Seven alternating layers of chocolate cake and chocolate mousse are encased in chocolate buttercream frosting.Cookies: This bakery is known for its oversized cookies, including a chocolate chip and an M&M studded cookie.Bakes n' Cakes, 316-C Main Street South, Southbury, is open Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 6:30 am to 3 pm. CLOSED WEDNESDAY. For takeout orders or for catering information, call 203-405-6780. For more information visit bakesandcakescafe.com. Credit cards accepted. Gift certificates available.

At Bakes n' Cakes, he is promoting a European attitude toward dining. Customers are encouraged to linger, enjoying a second cup of espresso and a pastry or two - before or after lunch. Tables for two or four are positioned to take in the natural light pouring through the large front window. A cushioned window-side bay seat adds comfortable seating for larger groups and a grand view of the glass showcases filled with sweets and treats.

A small coffee bar allows patrons to customize a cup of coffee.

"It's all about the people. It's about spreading the love," said Mr Posca.

The bakery/café is best known for the old-fashioned cake doughnuts, cupcakes, poppy seed rolls, jelly rolls, scones, muffins, oversized cookies, and éclairs that come out of the Bakes n' Cakes ovens. From one-biters to party size, a variety of cakes will be found in the case each day, to enjoy in the café or carry away. Pepperoni, spinach and tomato, broccoli, and eggplant stuffed breads, all with cheddar and mozzarella, provide a savory option.

Customers have found much to love about the breakfast and lunch offerings on the menu. Breakfast, served all day, can be a hearty breakfast sandwich or wrap, or an omelet served with a side of home fries. Lunchtime diners can choose from salads, wraps, sandwiches on house made rolls (the rolls are also sold in a small slider size or regular size, by the piece or by the dozen), and daily specials. Bakes n' Cakes turns out a seasonal soup offering, as well, from September through April.

Desserts partner perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Freshly brewed coffee, espresso, and lattes are on the menu, as are Mighty Leaf teas.

Bakes n' Cakes caters parties up to 100, with menus tailored to suit the individual client. Breakfast platters, luncheon options, and dessert trays provide a range of catering options. Cannoli chips with sweet ricotta dip is a fun and unusual addition to the buffet table.

Specialty cakes are made to order, for all occasions. Tiered and sheet cakes to serve from six to 100 can be made with a variety of cake and filling options.

"Life is short - Eat Cookies," urges a small sign at the entryway. At Bakes n' Cakes, that is not a hard order to fill.

Breakfast: The Pomperaug sandwich, made of two eggs "cooked any way you like," avocado, roasted red peppers, and cheddar cheese on a homemade roll is one of more than half a dozen breakfast sandwich choices. For the "Create Your Own" omelet, choose from a variety of meats, cheese, roasted peppers, and onions.

Salads: The big seller at Bakes n' Cakes is the avocado salad with tomatoes, chickpeas, and scallions. Housemade Italian dressing tops this salad.