"La Guli Bakery, situated on Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, exudes an undeniable old-world charm. This family-owned Italian establishment, now run by the granddaughter, has been in the same location for decades. If you're seeking a classic Italian pastry experience, this bakery has been my favorite since childhood. It was once the best bakery around, offering everything from homemade cakes to gelato, all exceptional. I make a point to stop by every so often, and today I visited just before they close for a week-long vacation. Upon entering, my partner and I were greeted by the familiar ambiance and aroma of the bakery, with the entire shop to ourselves, making it easier to select our treats: strawberry shortcake, chocolate eclair, fruit tart, and glazed Napoleon. Unfortunately, the freshness was lacking; the cream in the Glazed Napoleon was dry and not sweet at all. It's disappointing to see that a bakery once renowned for its quality is no longer at the same standard."