By the way, if you have not heard, the cupcake is hot again. Especially when it comes in a variety of interesting and creative ways as the folks at Party Favors in Brookline provides. Voted Best of Boston for their sweet confections, grab a dozen for Johnny's birthday party or one for a treat on the way home. Party Favors is also well known for their wedding cakes and being able to replicate them for your anniversary. You can purchase a ready-made or specialty cake. Special orders must be made a minimum of 10 days in advance; cancellations or changes 4 days in advance. A ready-made 10-inch cake which serves 15 to 18 people is $28.95. In addition to cakes, you'll find a large selection of cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, and candies. ("Best Cupcakes," according to the Phantom Gourmet). If you're looking for non-edible party accompaniments, the shop also carries balloons, cards, wrapping paper, and paper party goods. You'll find a nice selection of children's birthday party invitations downstairs.

If one were to take a Lower East Side bakery and transport it to Brookline, the result would be something like Kupel's. Mouths will water at the cases of traditional favorites like giant hamentaschen (triangular cookies), about 6 varieties of rugalach (small rolled pastry), and just every way to put apples and dough together. Most pastries run $1.50, smaller ones $6.50/lb. Not surprisingly, Kupel's also has some of the best bagels ($0.75, $6/dozen) around, and their challah ($3.75), made fresh daily, is not to be missed. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.