Best of 2001: Best Bakery

Howard's Bakery
1097 Broadway, El Cajon
619-442-0486

Though he sold the bakery last year, original owner Howard Owens is still on the payroll. Opened in 1979, Howard's is a full-line bakery that has it all. The long, refrigerated counter displays cakes, pies, and pastries ranging from simple to elaborate. Overhead, you'll see 54 specialty sheet-cake samples with company logos, cartoon scenes, and themed decorations. These half-sheet cakes run $43.75, serve 40 people, and can be designed with any theme or logo you wish. Wedding cakes are also a specialty, with a minimum cost of $1.80 per person (100 guests=$180). Specialized decorating runs more. Besides fancy cakes and Boston cream pies, you can indulge in snacks such as petits fours, cannoli, Danish rolls, and Mexican wedding cookies. Open Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sunday, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.