Neat-O's Bake Shoppe

Warren Zevon famously offered this advice in his final interview with David Letterman: "ENJOY EVERY SANDWICH"

For two decades, I have taken his advice to heart - and I extend that wisdom to baked goods as well. Neat-O's is a part of my life because life is too short for sub-par donuts.

I live about 20 minutes from Neat-O's Bake Shoppe and I'm at that point in my life where donuts are a "sometimes treat". I will spare myself the indignity of mediocre bakeries in closer proximity to my home, because I know I can have one of the best. A trip to Neat-O's is an honored event around my house. It's special.

Based on our familial love of Neat-O's donuts, my wife requested a cake from Neat-O's for her birthday party. I couldn't decide, so I got three. A carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, a lemon cake with buttercream and lemon filling, and a pineapple upside down cake. I was told that leftover cake freezes well - but I have to be honest and say none of it lingered long enough to make it to the freezer. (We didn't even take photos of the cakes)

The guests debated their favorite - and lemon won out by a very slim margin. But to me, the cakes were like my children, I wouldn't dream of picking one over the other.

I bought some sugar cookies too - and they reminded me of the most amazing cookies my neighbor used to make when I was a kid. So, donuts - cake - cookies... Neat-O's Bake Shoppe is legitimately my favorite bakery.