Swan Chocolates recently relocated to the former Abbott’s Market location, and the owners should be proud of their expanded facility.

Last weekend, I visited the new spot that opened in mid-August, and was pleasantly surprised. I had been to the old location (501 D.W. Highway), but was blown away by the selection of candy, pastries, coffee and wine offered at the new spot. The customer service was outstanding as well; I arrived a few minutes before 10 a.m. on Saturday (when they open), and was greeted as if I was their first customer ever…not just the first of the day. Within minutes of my arrival, hot, fresh baked muffins came from the oven, and gigantic eclairs stared me in the face from the pastry shelf. I opted for one of the fresh-from-the-oven triple chocolate muffins ($2.75), as well as a frozen iced cappucino ($4.50)…and, of course, a chocolate Pumpkin Truffle ($1.25) to cap off my well balanced breakfast. The muffin was dense, and meant for the true chocoholics who can handle a sugar coma in the morning, but nonetheless delicious. I am not usually a fan of frozen drinks, but even the coffee held it’s strong flavor, without being weighed down with syrup and sugar. The owners even preserved a piece of their historic new home: the cooler doors that were part of the meat locker from the 1920s and ’30s era now act as windows into the bakery.

Let’s just put it this way: if Swan Chocolates was on my way to work, I’d be there every morning.

Caesar’s Pizza on Lowell Street in Nashua has a new owner, who plans to make some additions to their already successful menu. After a simple phone call to the restaurant, which was formerly Olive ‘N Herb, I was informed that a new-and-improved menu will be offered to diners in the next few weeks. Entrees such as meat loaf and American chop suey will be just a few of the new items Caesar’s will be serving up, and catering services are also going to be available in the near future. Another pleasant change: Caesar’s has a full bar in their new pub/lounge, offering beer, wine and liquor.

Not in the mood for Italian? Check out some local sushi places.

Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Bedford, as well as North Andover and Billerica, Mass., offers strong margaritas and a friendly waitstaff…and, unfortunately, generic Mexican food.

I had lunch recently at the location in North Andover, and was immediately surprised that the complimentary salsa looked like it came out of a supermarket brand jar. The chips were warm and fresh, but didn’t help mask the taste of the bland, not-so-fresh salsa. Casa Blanca’s ultimate margarita was outstanding, however; and will knock you on your feet if you have more than one, like me. Just beware: one pitcher will cost you $36.

For lunch, I ordered the Chicken Flautas, as I normally do when I go out for Mexican; and, again, I was disappointed. The flautas were tapa-sized and smothered in an unnecessary amount of Feta cheese, with fast food-style guacamole, rice and beans on the side. Not worth the $11. Even the lettuce and tomato it came with did not look or taste fresh. Fortunately by this point, my margarita helped make the dish somewhat satisfying.

Huckleberry’s Bakery & Cafe in Pennichuck Square offers bakery items, a full breakfast, and a delicious-looking lunch/dinner menu, but their Saturday morning offerings for baked goods are scarce and unexciting in taste.

Huckleberry’s atmosphere is homey and clean, and the restaurant even offers outside seating. The menu is extensive, offering everything from chocolate chip pancakes in the morning to burgers, thick cut fries and Shaine’s of Maine ice cream for lunch, dinner or dessert. The family-run bakery and cafe has been open since May, but on a recent Saturday morning (before 9 a.m.) the place only had a few muffins and cookies to offer breakfast-on-the-go customers. I opted for the mixed berry muffin, which was large in size, with huge, fresh berries scattered all over the top; but, unfortunately, the berries were nowhere to be found inside. The muffin also tasted more like a cupcake, making it hard to eat the entire thing without feeling slightly nauseous. To wash it down, I tried a regular iced coffee (although they had a variety of flavors), and was disappointed again. Although the coffee was strong (which I like), it was also burnt; and for the first few sips, I felt like I was drinking a liquid cigarette.

At Villa Banca, they like to feed you, and feed you well! I dinned there for the first time last week, and found that I was full only after a few bites, and had to take my generous helping of food home! I went to Villa Banca on a Saturday evening, and found that I was plesantly surprised! Not only was the food great, but the live entertainment was as well! The music was as enthalling as the menu!

As the band played, I feasted on the Lobster cake, along with Marsala, a Scalpoppini dish sauteed with mushrooms, served with garolic mashed potatoes. It was exqusite! I was very impressed; Villa Banca is truly upscale dining at it’s finest!