Mariposa Bakery   

424 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-876-6500

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No need to trek to the South End for baked goods bearing the stamp of a celebrity pastry chef. Following in the footsteps of fellow Rialto alum Joanne Chang (owner of SoWa standby Flour), Suzanne Mermelstein has launched her own solo venture near Central Square. The airy space is a welcome oasis in the gridlocked neighborhood, ensconcing diners in an inviting cube of kiwi-colored walls, exposed brick and storefront windows. Indecisive gourmets will be tested by the homemade harvest on view in the display case, where oatmeal-nectarine scones, raspberry streusel muffins and Venezuelan brownies stake a claim for scrapping lunch in favor of dessert.Whether you're angling for a snack to accompany your organic coffee or a substantial sandwich on the city's most eclectic bread selection (choices include white, multigrain, potato and brioche pretzels), Mermelstein's menu caters to cravings you didn't even know you had. The tuna sandwich is infused with lemon vinaigrette and layered with fresh arugula and shaved fennel, while the avocado defies expectations with slivers of radish and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds. Even the granola is made in-house, posing a wholesome alternative to the siren song of stacked pastries, cookies and cupcakes.