Raising the spice bar on Smith Street.

Mexican newcomers in a neighborhood that needs them.

Authentic tacos and mind-blowing chicken chilaquiles.

A steakhouse with Nuevo Latino accents has replaced the promising but short-lived Porchetta.

Sue Perette is a welcome newcomer on Smith Street.

New York chowhounds have been obsessed of late with sfogliatelle, the delicate Italian breakfast pastries with a sweet, creamy, cheesy filling.

An uncommonly toothsome crust.

Another hound-endorsed Brooklyn restaurant comes forward with an attractive weeknight prix fixe.

It’s been a long time coming, but Carroll Gardens’ Monteleone bakery is finally back in business.

Newcomers Ignazio’s and Anselmo’s are winning fans.

which makes me wonder if I’m thinking of the right place... My favorite Takoma eatery is Mark's Kitchen on Carroll (walking distance of Sangha). Very casual atmosphere, yummy food — veg-friendly but plenty of meat...

Trois Pommes’ baked treats with seasonal fruit, Ladybird Bakery’s Brooklyn Blackout Cake, and Betty Bakery’s peanut butter sesame cookies.

Home Cheesemaking, 3rd ed. by Ricki Carroll (paperback ~ $15) Ricki Carroll, not co-incidentally, runs New England Cheesemaking Supply Company (www.cheesemaking.com) Another source is cheesenet.wgx.com Link:...

It sounds like Mark's Kitchen (on Takoma Park’s main drag: 7006 Carroll Avenue) might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a funky diner type of place with a Korean bent. There’s nowhere else quite like...

This is a great store, but it’s in Carroll Gardens. Fish Tales 191 Court Street (718) 246-1346