Treat yourself to the Blueberry Yogurt Mousse Cake, a delightful cake with blueberries, Greek yogurt, eggs and almond sponge. Photo by Laura Paquette.

Indulge yourself with a tasty treat at Sweet of Life Gelato and Bakery in Bradenton. Co-owner and Pastry Chef Tai Nguyen partnered with Investor Johnson Nguyen to open this Asian and European-inspired bakery in August. Tai originally opened Sweet of Life in Warner Robins, Georgia, and re-established the business in Florida after moving here.

During his childhood in Vietnam, Tai developed a penchant for baked goods. “When I was a child, I loved cakes, but in my country they are expensive, and my mom didn’t have enough money to buy them for me,” he says. “When I grew up, I wished to open my own business and bakery.” He started teaching himself to bake at the age of 20, taking advantage of YouTube and cookbooks to learn new skills and worked in a five-star restaurant called The Imperial in Vietnam where he learned how to make authentic Italian gelato. After moving to the United States, he practiced the art of French pastries with a renowned pastry chef, adopting a passion for croissants and desserts.

At Sweet of Life, Tai draws upon his years of experience to craft exquisite tarts, cakes, pastries and other delights. He makes his croissants, like the almond and pistachio varieties, using the same ingredients as in France, with the goal of allowing Americans to sample the pastry in its most authentic form. “The desserts are a fusion between European and Asian flavors, so they are less sweet than American ones, making them more healthy” he adds. Don’t miss the Blueberry Yogurt Mousse Cake, a delightful cake with blueberries, Greek yogurt, eggs and almond sponge. Blueberries and a white chocolate daisy adorn the cake, a simple yet sophisticated decoration with a mission close to Tai’s heart. “If you decorate the desserts as they do in Paris, then they become very expensive,” he says, reflecting on the costly sweets of his youth and striving to make his products as affordable as possible. If you’re in the mood to cool off, sample the Kookie and Caramel Gelato, Lemon Sorbet or a boba tea. Guests can also place custom orders for special events, but any occasion presents a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy homemade treats at Sweet of Life.

Sweet of Life, 3102 53rd Ave. E, Bradenton, 941-739-6912, sweetoflife.com.

Treat yourself to the Blueberry Yogurt Mousse Cake, a delightful cake with blueberries, Greek yogurt, eggs and almond sponge. Photo by Laura Paquette.

Sweet of Life