It's become tradition for me to go get a pastry at the Balthazaar bakery in SoHo and then sit on one of the benches outside the store to people watch. I find no greater joy than to sit still on a very busy street, in my own little world, while I see all types of interesting looking people pass me by.

The best part about the bakery is that they also have the best baguette in town. If I'm ever anywhere near the shop I pick up a baguette and if I ever need a birthday present I can count on their packaged mini marzipan cakes to make a good impression.

Balthazar Bakery - 80 Spring Street, NYC

Photography by Ruddy Harootian