A Proper Bostonian provides two examples of why she loves the North End.

Michele raves about the baguettes at B&R Artisan Bread, at 151 Cochituate Rd. (Rte. 30 near Rte. 126):

... I will admit that I am a French Bread snob. While Clear Flour in Brookline comes close to those of Paris, B and R's version is even better. The baguette has that incredible balance between a crisp crust and soft, airy and moist inside. It has just enough salt. But what sets it above the rest is its pure taste. ...

Listed as Questionable declares the bramble cookies at Sugar on Centre Street in West Roxbury superior to the bramble cookies at the old Hanley's (which Sugar replaced):

... It might have been my initial delirium, but the jam-filled sugar cookies now seem a bit bigger and appear to have even more filling. Set the treadmill at 11.

Alert the Chowhounds!

Meanwhile, Tammy reports on a bit of obnoxiousness by a Sugar employee last night - perhaps even outright racism against a couple of Asian men who just wanted to buy some cupcakes:

... Once she finally figured out what they wanted... she glanced at the young girl, rolled her eyes, made a face and walked away. These actions and her attitude had to be painfully obvious to these patient patrons who just wanted to buy two fricken cup cakes. Lighten up lady and quit being so damn rude! How about setting a good example for the young girls working the counter... watching how you behaved??? No wonder foreign visitors think we're such assholes! ...

Suzie compares the two North End bakeries:

... Mike's Pastry generally leaves me much to be desired and I always prefer Modern. I wish someone would explain to me the appeal of Mike's; is it the long lines? and obnoxious service maybe? Mike has to be the most generic American name out there; you'd think they could at least try to make the place sound semi-Italian. Well, I guess it's better than Bob's; Bob's Pastry would be bad. ...

Seth Gitell reports that Sugar, the new bakery on Centre Street, is open:

... At around 2 p.m. Wednesday, the place was packed. It can only be described as a phenomenon. The ginger muffins, topped with cream cheese, were delicious. ...

Sugar is where Hanley's Bakery used to be, and is owned by the same guy who owns the Real Deal, which, of course, is where Slyne's used to be.