Patisserie Amie/Chez Peres

It's almost true that the croissants, pastries and tarts here are too beautiful to eat. Almost true because appetite always overwhelms will at this eatery, which also is renowned for breakfast egg dishes ranging from fluffy omelets to eggs Benedict. The tarts alone are works of art, potpie-size masterpieces of creamy custard under heaps of blueberries, strawberries and other local fruits. Three meals daily plus Sunday brunch are served at tables opening off big windows in the new minimalist-decor dining room that is positively cavernous compared to the original downtown location. Evenings, the fare ranges from ribeyes served under a barnaise sauce to salmon with mussels and shrimp. Pastries less than $10, breakfast and lunch under $16, dinner from $22 to $35.