Desserts by Gerard (6341 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill; 301-839-2185). Gerard Huet made pastries at the legendary Jean-Louis. So what’s he doing at a shabby strip mall in Oxon Hill? Running one of the area’s best bakeries—and keeping costs down. A massive, single-serving raspberry tart, mounded with berries and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, is $5.75; most of the tonier bakeries give you less and aren’t half as good.

It’s not all about sweets. Huet makes a terrific sandwich, such as chicken salad (perked up by cubes of green apple), turkey with cranberry sauce, or roast beef (we like it better with Brie than the standard Monterey jack)—all on fresh-baked bread and all good enough to linger over. If only there were more than a few stools. Open Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (closes at 6:30), Wednesday and Sunday for breakfast and lunch. 

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