A Taste of Home co-owner Monica Tarantino describes the bakery as a cross between Panera Bread and Harry & David. However, A Taste of Home can offer something, rather, someone, those stores cannot - her mother, Nancy.
"She is the best advertising we have," Monica said. "She makes everyone who comes in feel like part of the family."
The vision for the family business began over a decade ago when Monica's sister, Rose Fuger first owned a bakery in Babylon, but then sold it to be a stay at home mom to her three boys. Seven years ago, she and Monica opened this bakery, but Rose had the vision for more.
"She wanted a place like what Panera Bread has done, but Rose had the vision way before they did," Monica added.
The store is a combination of a bakery, cafe and sweet shop featuring a wide array of delectable homemade baked goods, from cakes, pies, pastries and bagels to their own chocolates and gourmet popcorn. But if all that isn't enough to entice you, the cafe also serves breakfast and lunch, both of which were voted #1 by voters for two years in a row for the Long Island Press Best of LI contest.
Owned and operated by the sisters, this family enterprise is committed to quality.
"The compliment we receive the most is 'everything looks good, but tastes better,'" said Monica, who also sits on the board of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. "Everything we make is from scratch with no preservatives. We want to be best known for our quality."
Monica is also proud that the quality of their items does not mean they come with a steep price tag.
"We are not the least expensive and we are not the most expensive," she said. "But we are committed to freshness, quality, price and our commitment to the community."
Along that line, the store makes breads and pies for various farmer's markets across Long Island and offers catering for business breakfasts and lunches.
The shop also creates gift baskets, special occasion cakes, holiday pies and hosts birthday parties and tours. But even if your special occasion is a simple dinner at home, individual desserts are also on the menu. Edible favors are another specialty available, with the newest being candy and caramel apples. A full line of sugar free products is also available, as well as gluten free cakes. Gifts can be shipped gifts anywhere in the country. Gifts for St. Patrick's Day and Easter are also available. Whatever the occasion, A Taste of Home can make the cake, pie, cookie or candy to celebrate it in a homemade way.
To learn more about A Taste of Home or to place an order, visit their Web site.
