After spending years as the bread purveyor of choice for Houston's finer restaurants and retailers, baker Heath Wendell finally has a retail bake shop. In the mornings, the glass case full of glazed, filled and iced doughnuts will soften the heart of even the most hardcore carbohydrate hater. A cup of coffee or an espresso drink, made with Amaya Roasting Company's beans, is the perfect morning companion for these sweet treats.

It was cause for rejoicing to hear that one of Houston's best-loved pizza joints was opening a second location on the border of Montrose and Midtown. Black-tiled, fire-breathing, twin monsters of pizza ovens stand guard in the kitchen. One crispy-edged Neapolitan pizza after another is rescued from these ovens on busy nights. The topping combinations are unique and high quality. Examples include the Fino, with smoky speck, mozzarella and plenty of garlic, and the Campania, with red sauce, roasted crimini mushrooms, artichokes, cotto (cooked) ham, black olives, basil and mozzarella. Pizaro's is BYOB and glassware is readily available. Pizza this fine demands good wine to go with it.

READERS' CHOICE: Star Pizza