Tony Posca, former longtime owner of Andrea's Bake Shoppe in Newtown, opened the doors to Bakes N' Cakes Cafe 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.

At Bakes N' Cakes Cafe, 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.

Customers have found much to love about the lunch offerings on the menu. Lunchtime diners can choose from salads, wraps, sandwiches on housemade 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 Cafe turns out a seasonal soup offering, as well, from September through April.

Even though Mr Posca is now in Southbury, he wants people from Newtown to know he still feels a strong connection and admiration for them.

"They are actually part of this even if they don't feel they are," Ms Posca said. "I got started as a business owner in Newtown at Andrea's. If it wasn't for the people that knew me there, I wouldn't be where I am here. So, we are still family."

For more than a decade at Andrea's Bake Shoppe, Mr Posca supplied a free birthday cake to The Newtown Bee's lucky Birthday Club children who had won the weekly drawing. This year he restarted the tradition and is happy to be providing this service again to the Newtown community.

A Sample Of The Menu:

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.

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 Cafe black bean veggie burger with spicy chipotle sauce, served on a homemade roll, is a hit with nonmeat eaters and meat eaters alike; or try the TLT - turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado rolled up in a sundried tomato wrap.Sandwiches and Wraps:

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

House Specialty: There are a variety of grilled cheese options including versions that come with tomato, fried onion, bacon, and ham. The standout dish is the grilled cheese with avocado.

Bakes N' Cakes Cafe signature chocolate mousse cake is the best seller. Seven alternating layers of chocolate cake and chocolate mousse are encased in chocolate buttercream frosting.Cakes:

Shorter than the average cake, Mr Posca calls his new item "table desserts." These treats offer customer's a smaller portion, but still keeps all the delicious goodness. The cannoli raspberry table dessert is sure be a customer favorite.Table Desserts:

There are a variety of beverages available, including coffee, iced coffee, orange juice, and homemade lemonade and iced tea.Drinks:

Catering: Bakes N' Cakes Cafe specializes in catering food including pastas, meatballs, grinders, and wraps, as well as all kinds of desserts. Offered for pickup and delivery.

Bakes N' Cakes Cafe, 316-C Main Street South, Southbury, is open Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm; Monday and Tuesday from 7 am to 3 pm; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm; and 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.

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