may eats.

the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the students are leaving. must be may in boston. reclaim your spot on the patio, go on a roll, get a java jolt and show some love with these may eats:

make it snappy.
snappy sushi, in the former home of davis square's la contessa bakery, blends tradish options (california roll, spicy tuna roll) with creative spins. try the italian garden: a pepper, tomato, avo, cuke and pesto combo. but get cozy with your neighbors. there's only one table in the whole place. now open. 420 highland avenue. near grove. 617.625.0400.


cream of the crop.
harvard square is bringing local back with the addition of crema café. an espresso shop with a sandwich list that'll make you want to hit the gym, crema will serve only the freshest local ingreds. when summer hits, take a seat at one of their outdoor tables. opens late may. 27 brattle street. near palmer. 617.876.2700.


get baked.
don't listen to the rumors. dessert is actually good for you. well, it is with the finale boston bakes for breast cancer ($45). sip wine, nibble hors d'oeuvres and sample a dessert buffet, with proceeds benefiting the dana-farber cancer institute. may 1. 1 columbus avenue. at providence. 617.423.3184. www.bostonbakesforbreastcancer.org


that's amore.
waterfront dining takes on a literal meaning at the 15th annual taste of the north end ($95). sample italian fare ranging from classic to creative (bricco, lucca and the living room are on the list), all while frolicking alongside the fishes at the new england aquarium. and you'll raise dough for local schools and rec centers. may 2. central wharf. near atlantic. 617.367.2353. www.totne.org


townie time.
hyde park is getting upscale. gone are the corner bars and sports stops, now that townsend's is open. it's billed as a gastropub and offers good ol' contemporary fare and plenty of microbrews. looking for sticky floors and mozz sticks? not here. expect candlelike sconces and a signature lamb shank. 81 fairmount avenue. at pierce. hyde park. 617.333.0306.


my oh my.
celebrate cinco de mayo by playing bartender with the williams-sonoma agave 15 elderflower twist margarita mix ($16.95). made with agave nectar, elderflower essence, thyme and key lime, this ready-to-pour mix is an exotic reminder of spring breaks past. just add tequila and say hola to your new amigo. 100 huntington avenue. at ring. 617.262.3080.www.williams-sonoma.com