BROOKSIDE. Featuring a coffee bar for sleepy morning customers and a cheerful, rustic dining room for later in the day, Aixois is fast becoming a Brookside mainstay. Classic French dishes, simply prepared, form the backbone of the dinner menu. Start with classic hors d'oeuvres ­ mussels cooked with wine, herbs, and shallots, or snails in garlic, parsley, and butter will whet your appetite. Entrees include grilled duck breast with sauteed mushrooms and black truffle sauce, and scallops and shrimp in a port reduction with crystallized ginger. Beef, veal, and fish also make appearances in a variety of savory sauces. Don't forgo either chocolate and fruit crepes or profiteroles for dessert.

WESTPORT. The espresso shot is elevated to an art form at this Westport coffeehouse. Precise attention to the roasting, grinding, tamping, and extracting of each shot results in consistently excellent espressos. That the cafe easily holds its own against a chain coffee shop next door speaks volumes about the quality of its product. Relatively cheap java with complimentary refills attracts a pleasantly varied crowd that often spills over to lawn chairs outside. If you crave more than just a latte, pop open a Coke in a glass bottle and have a sandwich or pastry.

DOWNTOWN. Situated in the revitalized Crossroads district, this hip hang-out attracts folks with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, and homemade, fruit-filled smoothies. Comfy furnishings, a selection of board games, and local artwork cultivate a linger-over-your-latte vibe. In addition to a long list of coffee drinks, teas, juice concoctions, and smoothies, food is served: egg sandwiches and muffins in the morning, followed by sandwiches and wraps in the afternoon.

COUNTRY CLUB SQUARE. Okay, your sweet tooth is bringing you down ­ what do you do? Well, people in the know head to this cozy Italian-style cafe, where espressos, cappuccinos, and lattés are the brightest (and most aromatic) stars. Aside from terrific hot beverages, LattéLand also serves a delectable repertoire of fresh-baked pastries, muffins, bagels, and all sorts of sweets. The outdoor patio is a favorite "to be seen" spot where young professionals and students go for light reading and a caffeine fix. Another location, on Jefferson Street (816-931-7577), also serves fruit smoothies, which are great cures for the summer heat.

WESTPORT. The name lays it all out at this classic ice cream shop, where patrons line up at the counter on hot days and order everything from banana splits and hot fudge sundaes to hefty scoops of favorite flavors. Perfect your treat with crumbled candy bar sprinkles, and remember: Heath Bars and Reeses Pieces go with anything! During summer months, Murray's tends to stay busy throughout the day. Rest assured, though ­ the rewards are well worth whatever line you have to stand in.