Bites Nearby: Tabrizi Bakery

This Middle Eastern bakery has been operating in the heart of Watertown Square, at 56 Mt. Auburn St., for 21 years (and 10 years under the current management). Typical of the area's diversity nowadays the owner is Iranian and the manager is Guatemalan. 

Tabrizi is really a bakery and grocery store, carrying not only Middle Eastern pastries, cookies and cakes, but also fruit preserves, spices (including kebab seasoning), grape leaves, lots of teas, pomegranate molasses, bulk nuts and dried fruits and more.

What to eat: Tabrizi's specialty is homemade cakes, pastries, and cookies. There are at least two dozen kinds to choose from, including baklava, almond macaroons, cookies made with ingredients like chickpea flour and rice flour, a half-dozen kinds of halvah and dangerous-looking cream-filled pastries. For those wanting something a bit less caloric, there are dried fruits and bulk nuts, including lemon pistachios and glazed almonds. 

The vibe: There's no pressure to make quick decisions. The staff are often busy in the back creating and packaging pastries. Take your time and browse among the many kinds of imported products.

Cool factor no. 1: Remember cubes of sugar? The place carries two brands of them -- fun for social gatherings or just plopping in a cup of tea.

Cool factor no. 2: A caveat: they don't take credit cards, just cash or checks.