Bagel Market, on Seventh Avenue near Union Street in Park Slope, first. They really know what they’re doing over there and their instant popularity is a testament to that. The service is friendly and fast. The bagels are good—though not as good as La Bagel Delight IMHO. I’ve had the corned beef on rye, the egg whites and cheese on a roll, a biali with cream cheese and coffees and it’s all good.

I love to sit in there. I think it has a cozy atmosphere with its nice lighting and brick walls, and nice tables by the windows (windows on Seventh).

I find myself going in a lot and knowing that the service will be fast and the quality high. What more can you ask for?My only complaint: too many strollers and sometimes there’s nowhere to sit. A good problem to have—if you’re the owner.

Da Nonna Rosa on Seventh between Carroll and President: I went in on Saturday to order Baked Ziti for my daughter. We’ve tried that dish, her favorite dish, all over the neighborhood (La Villa, Pino’s, the pizza place across from Washington Park on 3rd Street) and it’s good at best, serviceable at worst. I mean it’s pasta, sauce and a ton of mozzarella cheese. Sometimes there’s a sprig of basil thrown in for good measure.

I thought the Baked Ziti at Da Nonna Rosa was delicious and very fresh tasting. The take-out service up front was extremely friendly and fast.

I checked out the back dining room. It’s got a really authentic, “we’ve been in the neighborhood forever” kind of look. Nothing fussy, not even that pretty. But it looks like a pleasant place to sit, especially in one of the booths. And I’m guessing the service is friendly. One of the waiters, an extremely nice, enthusiastic man, took me upstairs to see the bar/lounge and the party room.

I have to say: It’s such a great space up there and a PERFECT place for a party. My sister and I were going to do our birthday party there a few years ago when it was Elementi but had to cancel. One third of the floor is a very comfortable bar/lounge area, an excellent spot for drinks and appetizers before dinner, and the other two thirds is a party space that can fit 75-100 people at tables.

The upstairs bar/lounge is open to the public when there’s no party in there.