Strolling down Argyle Street in Uptown, you could easily miss Luck's Food. The modest little bakery blends in with the rest of the cramped Asian storefronts, and, inside, the neutral-colored walls and tables present no distinguishing factors. However, no trip to the "New Chinatown" area should end without a Luck’s visit.

The 14-year-old bakery's welcoming personality comes from the people behind it. Yi Hang Chen and her husband sell their delicious Vietnamese and Chinese goodies, such as sesame balls and rice cakes (as well as standard American baked goods), for basically pocket change. You can take home huge cream rolls or sweet buns for as little as 45 cents each (but most likely, all the delectable delights will be devoured on the train before you even hit the Sheridan stop).

If there's time, instead of taking treats to go, sit and enjoy the local color. While you enjoy your cup of coffee and raisin bun, you may find the regular customers amusingly arguing over trite matters in their native tongue. When finished, be sure to buy a dozen or so treats to share with friends and family throughout the week. Or keep your buys all to yourself, storing them in your office desk to nibble on during those extra long work days. At Luck's low prices, you'd be crazy not to indulge your inner glutton.

Besides cookies, cakes and confections, Luck's makes absolutely fabulous sausage and barbecue buns, appeasing the appetitive with savory meat flavors and fluffy sweet bread.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Paige Gray