Stella's Bakery is a bakery of European pastries, cakes and breads that's one of the best in the area. Some say its standards have gone down. I'm not sure that's fair - I haven't bought anything on a regular basis since they opened back in 1997 or thereabouts. But whenever I do, I'm very happy.

The fruit tarts really don't disappoint in taste or looks. Unless you're a brilliant baker, you couldn't pretend you'd made them yourself. Along with a grand selection of butter cream cakes, mousse cakes and standards like Black Forest gateau and Tiramisu are some unexpected goodies from what is an East European enterprise in origin: the Greek Kourabiethes cookies, Tsoureki bread, spanakopittas and tiropittas. They bake Rugelach, Hamantaschen, braided Challah breads and more, as well as baguettes and a soft-crust Italian loaf. They also sell Laderach chocolates from Switzerland.

Stella's Bakery, 11510-D Rockville Pike (at Nicholson Ln), Rockville, 301 231 9026.

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