Flour Bakery & Cafe   

Looking for yet another reason to wish you lived in the South End? You'll find several at this sun-splashed neighborhood bakery. The secrets of Flour's success are evident the instant one steps in the door, finding indulgences in its sleek textures, soothing soundtrack and oven-fresh smell. The specials are scrawled on a chalkboard menu, while the decor calls to mind a nursery as envisioned by Michael Graves. Though ample seating is available throughout the room, extroverts opt for the communal vibe of the large table in the middle. For its many regulars (and to eat here once is to become a devotee), Flour's menu provides the answer to urban conundrums. Looking for the city's best sandwich? It's hard to question the perfection of Chang's herbed tuna. Chocoholics are rendered speechless by the double-chocolate cookies, while partisans of Pop-Tarts swear by Flour's. There's even a doughnut that will make you blind to the processed charms of chains. Served only on Sunday, the saucer-sized confection comes in two flavors: vanilla cream and cinnamon sugar.