Miel Patisserie   

This Rittenhouse dessert haven takes very seriously the business of sweet-toothing. Miel is bright and airy, with a gloriously high ceiling and simple glass cases that abound with pastry-driven goodness. There you will find items ranging from full-blown chocolates including rum raison and Grand Marnier to mousse and cream confections like the aptly-named ''Temptation,'' consisting of chocolate mousse over a chocolate biscuit with vanilla syrup. The ''Gateau Bebe'' is a devil's food cake concoction with carmelized banana and, yes, more chocolate mousse. Miel also offers full cakes, everything from black forest to pumpkin cheesecake; fruit tarts; breakfast croissants and muffins, and a range of seasonal jams for spreading such as peach, apple butter or autumn harvest. They will also gladly fulfill your French bread jones with a wealth of baguettes, batards, boules and rolls. Pack light, you definitely won't be leaving empty-handed.