Hot Plate

Lust for Loaves: The gorgeous oval bread dreamed up by chef Greg Gordon at La Vista [1936 Fountainview, (713)787-9899] is plumply stuffed with goodies -- chewy, white mozzarella cheese, soft, caramelized onions and sweet dried figs -- then festooned with pungent sprigs of rosemary and liberally sprinkled with Parmesan and candied pecan halves spiced with cinnamon and cayenne. The dense peasant-style white loaf gets its glossy browned crust when it's baked to order in a hot pizza oven, so allow 15 to 20 minutes cooking time. It's well worth the wait. The oval bread is available for dining in or carrying out in three sizes: small ($5), medium ($7) or large ($9).