Pastries in Houston

As with Dunkin' Donuts fans in the Northeast, there's something about Shipley's that Texans can't get enough of. Started in 1936 in Houston, Shipley's is in just about every Texas town and throughout the South. The offerings here are always fresh and, if your timing is good, the hot glazed "do-nuts" will go straight from the cooling tray at this Village location to your takeout box. There are more than 60 varieties here, but the maple-frosted and chocolate-filled are insanely good. Several types of kolaches are also available.

Counter-serve French cafe offering fresh-baked treats & light fare all day, plus coffee drinks.

Located in Rice Village, Rosinka offers wines mostly from France and Italy, but a few from the Americas, made by small producers; these are not the kinds of wines you will find in big grocery-store chains or liquor stores. It also sells high-quality teas from China with no blends or added flavors, as well as French Cafe, Jamaican-style and organic Colombian coffee. There is food as well, which Rosinka describes as a Russian, French and Italian fusion; meat and chicken pies are among the favorites. Sweets sold here include lemon cream cheesecake and apple turnovers; join the wine and tea club to receive retail discounts and attend member-exclusive events like wine tastings.