The Thousands

In stark contrast to the conceit and posturing of other beach suburbs stands the enjoyably innocuous Brighton-le-Sands. It continues to be maligned, or forgotten, due to its bayside position – right near the airport. This is fine by me. Popularity and consequent crass demonstration is what ruined some of our more famous beaches. Also, I like watching planes take off.**In keeping with this humble theme, you don’t find pasticcerias or wine bars or gourmet ice-cream bars. Instead, you get the RSL, kiosks and the practically-named Nick’s Cake Shop. Don’t let the pedestrian moniker fool you: inside is a cave of Greek (and non-Greek) deliciousness. From the hazelnut baklava to the vanilla slices to specials like the vasilopita at New Year’s, Nick’s is an homage to sweetness that can almost be exhausting. Please pass another neenish tart.