"Once written off as a pastry desert, Phoenix now boasts one of the region’s strongest baking scenes — and JL Patisserie leads the charge. Founded by James Beard Award nominee Jenna Leurquin, the French bakery now has outposts in Midtown, Scottsdale, and a recently opened third location near the airport. Each offers high-level technique across laminated classics, like croissants and pain aux raisin, and signature hybrids, including chocolate Dubai cruffins and pistachio white chocolate cookies filled with salted caramel. Whether it’s for a baguette, a box of macarons, or a quick espresso and kouign-amann, JL shows there’s no shortage of buttery brilliance in the desert. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Mondays." - McConnell Quinn