Walk into a good bakery in Chatham, IL, and the first clue is the smell. Warm, buttery, a little sweet. If you can’t smell anything, that’s usually a bad sign. Next, look closely. Bread should have a golden crust, and pastries should look light, not flat or greasy. Ask what came out of the oven today, since most bakers are happy to tell you. Squeeze gently if you’re allowed. Fresh bread springs back. Buy small amounts so nothing goes stale. Day-old loaves still make great toast, though. Honestly, trust your nose, your eyes, and your appetite. They rarely steer you wrong.