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This is a popular coffee and donut chain located on Stuart St. It is convenient to Back Bay Station, John Hancock Tower, and Trinity Church.

Small, stuffed-to-the-gills type of gourmet gift shop. Tucked up in the Westin hotel part of Copley mall (near Gretta Cole and Starbucks). Many European chocolate lines, biscuits, coffees, teas and hot chocolates. Full line of Kinder and other gourmet children's chocolates and candies. Seasonal gifts. Corporate gifts. Also fresh savory gourmet treats like fois gras, caviar, truffles. With it's proximity to Monroe SaltWorks, it makes a kid- friendly place to duck out of the rain or kill time in Copley square.

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The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

Lasker's is a neighborhood convenience store on the smallest scale. Many items are ask-for-only since the stock up to the ceiling. An original Victorian store front; it's one of the few brownstone storefronts in the Ellis Neighborhood that were not re-zoned for condos. It has an old school feel from cool but cheery help to the unfinished wood floor to the store-cats who work/live there. A recent "backroom" was renovated to include organic/natural foods (grocery, refrigerator and freezer cases) And morning deliveries of Sel De La Terre breads and pastries. There is also fresh brewed organic coffee in the mornings, selfserve. Except for the latter, expect steeped prices for the convenience.

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