Once Upon A Tart

135 Sullivan Street between Houston and Prince Streets (212) 387-8869. Subway: C, E to Spring Street, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm; Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm; Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm. Average tart $4.50. AmEx, DC, Disc, MC, V.

This spot has long enticed Soho strollers, and who can blame them for eating here? Tempting ingredients and great value make tarts such as chocolate-pear (or delicious berry and custard), impossible to pass up. The other baked goods are also gems, and you can't be the shortbread cookie and cappuccino combination. This place should be the only incentive needed for Americans to take up the four o'clock pastry and coffee break. We suggest you give in, sit down and amuse yourself people watching as you look out of the shops large storefront windows. Whether rain or shin Once Upon a Tart is a scrumptious smelling oasis just waiting for you.
www.onceuponatart.com



Poseidon Bakery

629 Ninth Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets (212) 757-6173. Subway A, C, E to 42nd Street - Port Authority. Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm. Small spanakopita $10.00 per dozen. Cash only.

A Hell's Kitchen landmark, this modest Greek pastry shop has been doing business in Manhattan since 1923 (at this location for 52 years). The friendly Anagnostou family brought the bakery over from Greece, and their pride is evident in every detail - from the thick, rich Greek yogurt and the hand rolled phyllo dough (which you can purchase by the pound) to the careful way they package you selection, shaking a blizzard of confectioner's sugar over the sweets just before closing the box. It may be sacrilegious to say, but the outstanding item in the decidedly un-Greek apricot cheese strudel. It is not too sweet, the dough is a flaky dream, and the fruit provides a nice tang. But don't leave without trying an authentic Greek pastry - sweet or savory. The mild, rich tiropita, a triangle shaped phyllo packet filled with feta, cream cheese, ricotta and a hint of mint, is especially tasty, as is fenikia, a small oval-shaped cake with walnuts, vanilla, lot of cinnamon, honey and rum. Photographs of the family crowd the shelves behind the counter, including several of a baby golden retriever labeled "Poseidon Puppy."



The Black Dog

170 Second Avenue between 10th and 11th Street (212) 979-9505. Subway: L to First Avenue; 6 to Astor Place. Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 7:00; Sunday noon - 6:00pm. Average 6" cake $19.50. Average pastry $6.00. AmEx, MC, V.

If your looking to impress a host go to The Black Dog (or order by mail). As soon as you do, you'll wonder how you ever went without it. Although the prices match the packaging, the goods inside are worth every cent. Known for its bitter-sweet chocolate truffles, The Black Dog does other goodies well too: charming anise doggie-bone cookies, gingery apple pies, and sherry-infused almond brittle. The Black Dog sells packaged candies, like clusters of chocolate almond bark in a shaker wood box. The sizable selection of classic layer cakes means you can grab a last minute dinner contribution that lets you pretend you had it all planned out.




Balthazar Bakery

80 Spring Street between Broadway and Crosby Streets (212) 965-1785. Subway: N, R to Prince Street; 6 to Spring Street. 7:30am - 9:00pm. Individual tart $4.50. AmEx, MC, V.

The counter shop at Balthazar is a lot friendlier than the woman in th fur hat next to you. Indeed, the Bakeries tiny to-go space (no seats), adjacent to the famed brasserie, may be a little nerve racking if it's packed and you're feeling indecisive, but it's worth the discomfort. Pop by in the morning for coffee and a loaf of cocoa-flaked Valhona chocolate bread, or let your lunch be one of the many French pastries found in the matchbook sized store. How they fit all of their wares into that little bakery is one of the great mysteries.) The patisserie doubles as a boulangerie, but specializes in desserts to take home or that special dinner party. The thick clafoutis is a standout. It's juicy, fresh raspberries are suspended in a light and creamy citrus-tinged custard. Stop in with a friend just before closing - if you happen to hit the right manager on the right night, you might luck out with a two for one offer.
www.balthazarbakery.com