Babalu

Wood shutters, bamboo accents, tin ceilings and large tropical fans are all part of the Caribbean-style decor at this trendy eatery on Montana Avenue. The menu consists of spicy dishes from a mix of cultures, including everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to Oaxacan tamales. Breakfast offerings include pumpkin pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, scallions and potatoes, and eggs Havana (fried eggs with cheese on a Southwestern tortilla with salsa and black beans).

Try the Szechuan stir-fry, made with seasonal vegetables on a bed of steamed soba noodles, or the Greek-isle brochettes (Mediterranean-seasoned chicken sprinkled with feta cheese, olives and cucumber yogurt sauce). A pastry case at the front of the restaurant displays Babalu's selection of fresh baked cakes, cookies, pies and tarts. -- Carole J. Ehrler