Heaven Is A Cinnamon Roll

Whenever I'm in Union Square, City Bakery sucks me in like a giant magnet. Last night, however, an equally strong pull was exerted by 'wichcraft. I stopped in for a favorite sandwich: tangy melted Fontina on crispy white toast with black mushrooms and a touch of white truffle oil. While casting a quick glance over the counter, I spied a pile of cinnamon rolls. It didn't cross my mind to order one (I usually finish my meals with something of a chocolate nature), but the handsome cashier said those magic words: "Would you like me to heat one up?"

I was quite unprepared for the sheer pleasure I was in for! As I pulled apart the layers of warm, eggy brioche, I encountered the most luscious swirl of caramelized cinnamon sugar. It was as though the entire universe of deliciousness was concentrated into one palm-sized pastry.

Lost in sweet delirium, I was fortunately able to remember a scoop imparted to me by the cashier: a new 'wichcraft is planned for the TriBeCa area!

'wichcraft: 49 East 19th Street, (212) 780-0577.

A Birthday To Remember

On Friday, I received an unexpected box from Airborne Express. I opened it to find this triple chocolate cake! (Thanks, Mom.)

Farewell, But Not Goodbye

After seven food-filled years in Brooklyn, I am moving to Queens. I salivate at the thought of all the different cuisines in the borough, and the lower housing prices will provide me with more disposable income with which to dine out! Stay tuned for reports from bustling Jackson Heights and artsy Astoria. (Of course, I will still be doing plenty of eating in Manhattan and Brooklyn.) Here is my final report as a Brooklynite.

During the inclement weather, I have enjoyed ordering delivery from Downtown Atlantic. A bag full of goodies from this local gem turns a drafty brownstone into a cozy dining nook. If you order in the morning, there's a frittata of the day. In the evening, there's an earthy roasted beet and Roquefort salad, crab cakes with remoulade, several pasta dishes (my favorite is the shrimp and truffle oil fettucini), Asian chicken salad, and terrific sandwiches (I like the fried catfish). I am also especially fond of a frequently recurring special: the octopus salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Downtown Atlantic is justifiably proud of their fresh baked goods. When you visit the restaurant, there are all kinds of wonderful aromas emanating from the downstairs ovens. I can never restrain myself from ordering several cookies and muffins, and I love the crumbly, buttery apple tart. I think I'll be haunting my old neighborhood!

Downtown Atlantic: 364 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, (718) 852-9945.

Kapadokya

It was to be a long day at the Brooklyn Supreme Court. This was the first time I'd ever been summoned for jury duty; unfortunately, I'd neglected to bring enough snacks. Right when I was sure that the entire courtroom could hear my stomach growling, I was called to a jury selection room for a civil case.

Ironically enough, the case involved a restaurant (which shall remain nameless). As the endless series of voir dires was conducted, I daydreamed about appetizers. Finally, it was one o'clock: lunch hour!

Brooklyn Heights' Montague Street is not known for fine dining. However, I was happy to spend my hour of freedom at charming Kapadokya. This homey Turkish restaurant offers a wealth of selections for carnivores and vegetarians alike, and the $7.95 two-course lunch special is a great value. I began with a bowl of lentil soup into which I dunked homemade pita, then enjoyed a hearty vegetable casserole with rice. The waitress was very friendly; we discussed how Greek and Turkish desserts are so similar (the Turkish kadayif, shredded wheat with pistachios and honey, is the equivalent of the Greek kadaifi).

I intend to return to try Kapadokya's version of my favorite Turkish appetizers: feta-stuffed filo "cigars" and cacik (garlicky cucumbers in yogurt).

For those of you who were wondering, I was dismissed from the jury pool; I'm hopelessly biased as far as restaurants are concerned.

Kapadokya: 142 Montague Street, 2nd. Floor, Brooklyn. (718) 875-2211.