Gracious Visits to Brooklyn

Of the many perks of return visits to Brooklyn - delivering chutneys and conducting classes at Cobble Hill's temple of fun and knowledge Brooklyn Brainery - none are savored more than time spent with friends and helping ourselves to favored local grub. Above: the exquisitely tailored and immaculate environs of Cafe Jen and Ben and that Brooklyn/Lower East Side delicacy, the onion bialy. The classic Yiddish breakfast roll is so good at Peter Pan Bakery we brought half a dozen home to Cafe Drake HRV. Hint: they freeze well. Too well, says our waistline.